[robinsoncr]

Marlin,

I believe they were Celestion 70/80' s. I'll snap a photo of the speakers and serial number. Thanks for the advice!

Chris

[robinsoncr]

I just ordered a VHT Special 6 Ultra from www.proaudioland.com for $280.49 and free shipping. Enter code taxman15 for 15% off. Musiciansfriend wouldn't price match it even though they pulled up the price online.

They have a large selection of Fender amps too.

Chris

[Analogsynthman]

I have the Laney VC30, it's my favourite amp. Mine has a pair of jenson 10" drivers.
The cleans i get from this amp and my Gretsch's are amazing.

[robinsoncr]

NAD! The VHT Special 6 Ultra showed up a few minutes ago! Now I have to wait until lunch...

chris

[Gretsch5135]

Keep us posted.

[GADify]

If you're OK with modeling (some listed are modelers), check out the Vox. Killer amps for not a lot of money. I did a writeup on mine when I got it. I sold it since I don't need it with my Champ, but it was a fantastic little amp that got surprisingly loud, and sounded surprisingly good. In fact, that little vox convinced me to try an Axe-FX. Here's my review:

http://www.gad.net/Blog/2010/07/20/v...ix-amp-review/

Personally, though, I'd spend the money and build or buy a tube Champ.

[j.s.c]

Sorry but i will be back to basic with the used silverface champ solution you can find dozen on ebay for $200. What's else?

[polishbroadcast]

Today HelloMusic has the Traynor YGL1 for $498. I haven't used it personally but have heard it in videos and seen reviews of it comparing it to a DR / PR. I would link to it but you need to have an account to see the details and price.

It is 15w with a boost and built in reverb. All tube. 12" speaker. Handmade in Canada. Solid ply cabinet. It also has Brit/US modes so if you can't decide this would be perfect!

[MatchlessMan]

Originally Posted by The Marlin

yep, that's me

I just had my VC30 retubed and rebiased. It's lovely having it back, it's a fab amp. I practice with mine in the house, and even with the extension cab plugged in, I can get it to preform quite nicely at low volumes.
Mine is the 2x10. I have a 1x12 extension cab. I replaced the original HH Speakers with a pair of G10 Vintage 80th Anniversary Celestions in the amp combo, and a Celestion Q12 1517 in the sealed back Extension cab. I originally had a G12-65 (1987) in there, but it didn't like the sealed cab.

It sounded good before, but with these replacment speakers, it's really ballsy.

Pitfalls of this amp. The handle is prone to pulling. I replaced the handle on mine, and reinforeced with better screws, and large washers to spread the weight. Much better. Also, the 'hi' and 'lo' inputs are pretty cheap, and mounted directly to the PCB. So, with lots of use, the connection to the PCB can break. My 'lo' input stopped working, so (while being retubed) had the inputs replaced with top quality components, and wired with good cable to the PCB, so the connection won't break again.

other than these niggley things, it's a cracking amp, and pretty much nails the AC30 tone. They're great value for money.

Good luck with your amp quest.

Marlin

I had the 1x12 (Celestion) with a 2x10 (Jensen) extension cab! I agree with Marlin's comments (tho' I never had a problem with the handle). I had to replace one of the input sockets too. Tone is very AC30, but much lighter in weight (unless you go for the 2x12!). I only sold it when I got my Matchless (itself a Vox derivative).

Couple of things to be aware of:
- Early 1x12 models had an HH speaker that was so close to one of the EL84 o/p valves, the magnetic field interfered with it and made it inefficient!
- The fx loop is parallel, so any fx that you run in it need to run wet-only (and by no means all pedals can do this).

Otherwise, an amp that will suit both home use and gigging.

[cybermgk]

Might also look at one of these my Bugera V5 review

I was fairly surprised by this little amp.

[robinsoncr]

So far, I like the sound I'm getting. I have found that the wattage potentiometer isn't working. You can turn it from 0 to 100% and I don't hear a decrease in volume or tone. Does nothing. I've sent an email in to VHT, we'll see what they say.

Even my wife was impressed with how it made my Stump sing.

I'll keep you all posted.

Chris

[Colonel Blues]

For me, the best challenger in this range is the Vox Lil' Night Train, I'm just waiting to receive it and will tell you about soon !

[Poppatwang]

Originally Posted by Analogsynthman

I have the Laney VC30, it's my favourite amp. Mine has a pair of jenson 10" drivers.
The cleans i get from this amp and my Gretsch's are amazing.

I think the secret is anything but the stock HH Invaders. They're OK but a
pair of vintage CTS 10s put mine into another category.

[robinsoncr]

Well, wattage potentiometer was working tonight. I'm wondering if it's not a bad output tube?

Chris