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VOX Hand-Wired AC15HW1 - Demoplay button

VOX Hand-Wired AC15HW1 - Demo

VOX

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In VOX's history, there may never have been a series of amps boasting such a lofty and pure sound as the new Hand-Wired Series amps, which includes the AC15HW1 15W combo. The VOX Hand-Wired Series relies on the painstaking technique of turret board hand-wiring, a method requiring a high level of skill and craftsmanship. The result is wiring that's beautiful in its artistry and ensures an efficient signal path with minimal loss and no restriction in amplitude. In the AC15HW1 combo, tubes, transformers, speakers, chassis, and custom parts all join together in an ideal state to deliver the richest and most powerful sonic experience - the ultimate VOX amp. Not bound by tradition, the VOX Hand-Wired Series also provides a variety of new functions that keep pace with the needs of today's artists. Offering a rich variety of tonal shadings, the enormous potential of the VOX Hand-Wired AC15HW1 combo will reveal itself in any musical scenario.

Constructed for ideal sound and power
Turret board hand-wired amps are every amp designer's ideal and every guitarist's dream, representing the ultimate in amplifier construction. Hand-wired amps are assembled entirely by hand, requiring staggering levels of technical expertise and care, and as such are often exclusive to today's limited productions or high-end models. The VOX Hand-Wired AC15HW1 combo pairs these demanding methods with rigorously-selected custom parts. These premium components are wired with a truly artistic degree of perfection. The result is that the subtle nuances of the guitarist's touch, the guitar's audio signature, and the natural character of the vacuum tubes are passed with perfect transparency to its 12" Celestion G12M speaker, noted for their broad midrange attack and restrained top-end, providing a punchy attitude when chording, and a searing lead tone when driven hard.

True all-tube design - preamp, power amp, and rectifier
The VOX Hand-Wired AC15HW1 is a true all-tube amplifier, employing vacuum tubes in the preamp, power amp, and rectifier. The preamp uses three classic ECC83/12AX7 tubes, while the power stage uses a duet of EL84s, along with a EZ81 rectifier tube. Combined, these three elements provide the vibrant, organic, and unmistakable tone that is the heart of the classic VOX sound.

Two-channel design: Top Boost and Normal
The VOX Hand-Wired AC15HW1 amp preserves the traditional VOX two-channel design, providing a Top Boost channel and a Normal channel. True to form, the Top Boost channel delivers the legendary AC30 sound with a fully interactive tone stack. VOX has also added a new and unique Hot/Cool switch. The Cool setting produces the orthodox Top Boost sound, while the Hot setting bypasses the tone circuitry altogether to create a more pure sound to achieve richer gain. A VFS1 footswitch is included with this VOX Hand-Wired Series amp, so you can quickly change between Cool and Hot, right at those moments when you need an extra dose of drive. The controls for the Normal channel consist simply of a volume knob, giving you a cleaner and more natural tube sound. In addition, this channel offers a Bright switch that adds emphasis to the upper harmonics of the tone when engaged.

Meets the challenge of today's broader tonal palette
The traditional, inimitable sound of the legendary AC30 continues to fascinate the guitarists of today. Many modern players have viewed this timeless design and desired more up-to-date options. While continuing to preserve the classic AC30's sonic character, the VOX Hand-Wired Series AC15HW1 combo offers the flexibility to meet the sound-creating requirements of a broad range of scenes and styles. The addition of a Master Volume and an Output Power (OP) mode switch lets you change the power amp's output level, delivering more detailed control over the gain/volume relationship, in turn providing more control over your sound. Despite being decked out in the retro-style fawn-colored vinyl suggestive of a 1960s-era AC30, this amp is not a mere nostalgia product. It's definitely designed for today's music scene.

"Old School" Master Volume bypass
The old AC30 had no master volume, nor indeed do most hand-wired amps. With such amps, high-gain sound meant that you needed to play at high volumes. High volume is unavoidable if tone is the primary consideration, but it can be inconvenient in many situations. The VOX Hand-Wired Series provides a master volume control, but also provides an MV/Bypass switch that completely bypasses the master volume section. This means that the legendary sound that has fascinated guitarists for more than 50 years can be faithfully reproduced, giving you a direct and pure high-gain tone.
Open Box VOX Hand-Wired AC15HW1 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Level 2 Fawn 197881294144
Open Box VOX Hand-Wired AC15HW1 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Level 2 Fawn 197881294144
Open Box VOX Hand-Wired AC15HW1 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Level 2 Fawn 197881294144

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • 15W
  • 12" Celestion G12M Greenback speaker
  • Hand-wired turret board construction
  • Birch-ply cabinet featuring solid bracing and a natural high frequency diffuser
  • All-tube design
  • 3 ECC83/12AX7 preamp tubes
  • Dual EL84 power tubes
  • EZ81 rectifier
  • Fitted with matched Ruby Tubes that provide extended dynamic range
  • Traditional VOX two-channel design: Top Boost and Normal
  • High and Low inputs for each channel
  • The Normal channel provides an additional BRIGHT switch
  • The top boost channel provides a Hot/Cool switch to achieve even more gain
  • Master Volume/Bypass switch completely bypasses the Master Volume section
  • OP mode switch cut the amp's output power level in half
  • Vintage fawn-colored vinyl, reminiscent of the 1960 classic AC30
  • Choose either Celestion Alnico Blue or Celestion G12M Greenback
  • Included VFS1 footswitch controls the Top Boost channel's Hot/Cool switch
  • Includes premium, custom-fit dust cover

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  • This with my 1960 reissue LP... Is just a chorus of angels!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 years ago

    byDwellborn

    fromAtlanta, GA

    I'm more of a practicing/writing musician but do have occasional jam with friends an this amp has it all covered.

  • solo player

    5

    submitted11 years ago

    byMark Gilford

    frombradenton fl

    I play a gibson 339 and play a rythum lead style.This amp has a full rich sound.Have had the amp a month with no problems. I practice 4 hours per day and seems the amp just keeps getting richer in sound.I did alot of research and tested the c15 vox. My opinion you have to play thur the hw15 the sound is amazing.Save your money and get the hw15 The amp has alot of tone options so if your into wailing loud leads this amp acts like a expensive sports car punch the hot button and hold on. I checked it over and all screws are tight no defects that i could find.Great amp with alot of character.

  • TUBEpower at its finest!

    5

    submitted12 years ago

    bychris wolfe

    fromNew Kent VA

    This is a great example of what a tube amp should be! It is extremely rich in tube tone and very touch responsive. The greenback sounds great,very gritty and raw.I also have an Egnater rebel 20 with a Tourmaster 2/12 cab that I use with my band,which I love,but this amp sounds much better even with no pedals. The first time I used it with my band I was just planning on doing a few songs with it, but it sounded so good I used it all night(no effects/pedals).Jumping channels is great too, a sound I've been looking for for a long time.PRS 57/08's make it even better...ha ha!

  • The Perfect Mix

    5

    submitted13 years ago

    byAndrew Pealock

    fromCleveland, TN

    This amp has a wonderful tone, rich warm bass with an exceptionally clear top end. There is plenty of headroom - I can drive the volume almost halfway before it really starts to break up. It takes pedals very well, I just had to do a tone cut with my overdrives (a bit too synthetic at first). All in all, this amp blows my old AC15C1 out of the water, and the bright switch on the normal channel is like night and day. I am superbly satisfied and highly recommend this amp to anyone who is serious about playing but still wants to maintain somewhat of a budget.

  • Old School Done Right

    5

    submitted14 years ago

    byGary Farer

    fromSeattle, WA

    There are a small handful of guitar amp designs that define a great deal of the music we hear. The VOX AC15 HW1 is one of those amps. While it is easy to get caught up in its classic looks and the nostalgic charm at the end of the day it is the sound that makes the biggest impression on you. Once broke in this amp is sweet, articulate and so touch sensitive to your playing style. You can go from sharp and crunchy to clean and articulate by your pick and volume control usage. Not only does it do great old school sounds but is outstanding by current standards as well. The VOX HW is all about signal path and how you get your sound �ۡ���� this is where point to point wiring shines, by using the dual channels, Master Volume or not, Bright Switch, Cool or Hot Switch, the Top Boost circuitry, full or half power usage �ۡ���� they all have their place and time to use the unique sound they impart. The amp is great with pedals �ۡ���� this is a very quiet amp and the heat seems to be handled very well also. In my opinion I hear little difference between the Greenback and Blue speaker �ۡ���� GB has a bit more mid to it with a bit better bass control, the Blue has a little looser bottom end, not quite as pronounced mid. Both are very good, very musical. For those that may think 15 watts isn�ۡ���t enough power you would be amazed. Let your ears decide not a spec sheet. This is a boutique amp at near mass merchandised pricing.

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