Review of the Vox AC15 Hand-Wired: Living up to expectations of a quality Vox amp
Vox AC15 Hand-Wired Review
The Vox AC15 Hand-Wired amp offers a practical yet refined version of the classic Vox AC circuit. With its hand-wired construction and unmistakable tone, this upgraded model provides all the magic in a more compact form factor compared to its AC30 counterpart.
Vox, along with Marshall, stands out as one of the most iconic guitar amp manufacturers, having backed up legendary artists like the Beatles. The Vox sound is synonymous with jangly, chime-y, clear, and treble-focused tones, making it a staple sound in the industry. Despite its rich heritage, Vox has faced a turbulent history, changing ownership multiple times before landing under Japanese music giant Korg in 1992.
Under Korg’s stewardship, Vox has experienced a period of renewal, innovation, and expansion, introducing popular products like the Valvetronix modelling amps. However, for many players, nothing quite captures the essence of a classic AC amp like the Hand-Wired series. Constructed using original point-to-point techniques pioneered by design genius Dick Denney, these amps offer an authentic vintage sound that resonates with guitar enthusiasts.
The Hand-Wired series aims to replicate original Vox amps with precision, earning a reputation for staying true to the classic design. The recent refresh of the AC15 model showcases modern refinements while maintaining the essence of 60s-era British chime. The meticulously recreated cabinet, built from 12mm birch ply, captures the vintage feel of its 1963 counterpart. Additionally, custom-wound, vintage-style transformers and a tube-driven spring reverb tank enhance the amp’s sonic capabilities.
Featuring two channels, the AC15 Hand-Wired delivers warm, midrange-forward tones on the Normal channel and a more aggressive, edge-of-breakup sound on the iconic Top Boost channel. The addition of a new tube-driven spring reverb tank enhances the amp’s versatility, providing players with rich, three-dimensional tones that cut through any mix. Whether running clean or with overdrive, the AC15 Hand-Wired handles pedals effortlessly, serving as an ideal platform for a wide range of effects.
In summary, the Vox AC15 Hand-Wired amp offers classic Vox tones in a practical and refined package. With its authentic vintage sound, rugged build, and superb selection of tones, this amp is a versatile and reliable choice for guitarists looking to capture the iconic Vox sound.