I owned an AC15 for 10 years and was always tweaking it to find the right tone, I switched it for a Blues Junior and now I just turn it up and concentrate on my playing. The way it should be.
Hi thanks for the nice comments. I do have videos on how to get good tone from different amps. I think I did the VOX AC-30, Peavey Delta Blues + Blues Jr :) Just search my channel for "getting good" or "tone" should come up with some vids :) Cheers
I auditioned both these amps years ago and ended up buying a Peavey Classic 30. Stuck NOS tubes in it. Changed the speaker to a Celestion Vintage 30. eventually gave it to a nephew. Great tone.
From this particular test , the Vox has a definite brighter tone-but there are a whole lot of variables. To me the Fender amps mostly all are not good when cranked, the natural distortion is muddy, not as pleasing to the ear as a lot of other amps-the vox included; but Fender amps have a killer clean tone and take pedals really well.
Fender blues definitely the killer blues machine….but that being said, the Vox has a completely distinct sound of it’s own and probably do more with it……both sound good. LOVE the Fender blues myself...
The reverb on the Vox blows the Blues Jr out of the water in my opinion. Glad I found this video, I was headed for a Blues Jr but now I see an AC-15 in my future.
i went to Guitar Center today to leave with a low wattage amp. It was between these two amps. I spent almost 2 hours playing both of these, both were on sale for $499. I went home with the Blues Junior tweed
Yup, totally agree.. I have an AC-15 and a De-Ville 410. Totally different, but best of both worlds.. Happy with my choices, was going to get a blues jr, glad I got the vox..
Another great demo showing the fundamental differences between the classic "American" Fender tone vs. the "British" Vox chime. I think the basic lesson to be learned is that everyone should have at least one Vox and one Fender amp. Best of both worlds!
Great review, mate. I am running a mahogany Blues Jr, and the cream edition of AC15, with both always on. I got to say that is the sweetest tone i have heard in my life! Love these amps to death.
I can't believe folks here are referencing the fender when the say sparkle. The Vox has so much more to offer. I've always felt the fenders were one trick ponies.. Very nice comparison vid..nicely done
I'm a Blues Jr. owner about to switch to an AC15. I think I'm making the right choice, although I will miss the clear Fender cleans. Nothing does clean better than a Fender.
Vox and Fender each have a recognizable sound that a lot of people like. The Fender sounds bluesier while the Vox is prettier sounding. Neither is better IMO. Get em both if you can afford it!
I've owned a blues Jr and I just bought an AC15. I didn't really dig the blues Jr at all. But I am loving the Vox! My main amp is an Albion Gulfstream 12 h. And I run it into an orange 1x12 cab. Cleanest amp I've ever heard. Takes pedals like a champ. A ton of character. I honestly never felt I would find any other amp at that wattage that would be acceptable for my own studio usage. But the AC15 is really doing it for me!
Thanks much for the demo! I've been leaning towards the VOX this past month, and your comparison sold me. I like the brighter, "chimier" ring of the VOX. The reverb is killer! Yes, the Fender has a darker or muddier (warmer if you like) tone to me. Still, I prefer the VOX. Xlnt rec amp too, from what I read. Cheers.
What your hearing is the difference of the vox being a chimey bright british amp being compared at a warm american clean amp. There's a tone cut on the ac15 to bring back the treble freq's which im unsure if shane used it in this demo. Theyre both excellent amps but with a generally different sound.
Yeah starts and teles do indeed sound good through junior. Sounds a little schrill on it's own but they sound good in a small pub along with bass and drums. They really cut through.. I like the juniors with the Jensen speakers the best. Cheers!
That is some difference, the Vox is so very much cleaner with real crisp high end, you have two very different sounding amps there, I prefer the much crisper since you can always turn the high end down a bit more. Thanks very much indeed.
Great video! Vox is brighter than blues jr, and in my opinion it's a good thing, if you think about the bright compensates some signal lost through the pedals path... of course, if many pedals are used, the loss gonna be really bigger...
The vox does it for me personally. In fact I just got a Vox ac15 because of your vids on it. I feel like I own the perfect amp for me. Thanks for making these comparison vids.
I play through the vox with a les paul in neck and bridge positions and use it with a Xotic sl drive if you want to hear the lower more usable tones this amp is capable of and its pedal handling abilities. Current Live Rig
I'm thinking Vox with tiny tone cut on the high (on the guitar) will smooth out the shrill nicely. Or with a humbucker pick ups, it may tame the shrill better too. Blues, I think it has more of a mid hump (great for lead?). Using proper pedals and guitars to accentuate or suppress a certain quality of the amp is the key, I think. Tube screamer on Blues will make it too mid heavy, so tube screamer on Vox will push up the mid nicely, in theory..
I like the Vox but I ended up switching the reverb tank on my AC15C1 because I found the stock tank a little too much. Now it's a little more subtle and I like it. One things is for sure is that Vox's like to be cranked! Nice job helping people decide!
The fender sounded fine. But there was more buzz and it really blends. It's a smooth tone. Classic and I love it. The vox had very little noise or hum, and really cut. If you had both of those amps playing in the same band, the audience would hear the vox more.
Using a Fender strat American standard axe. I had a VOX AC30 and currently using a Blues Junior II (tube amp). Frankly both sounded great. I think VOX speaker was better, and Fender tube has wider range. Rythem or lead both adjusted clean to bite. If using pedals I only use, Fuzzface, tube screamer, Boss distortion. Both amps covered Beatles to Hendrix just fine. The thing is good pickups on your guitar or the other stuff never gets to shine in my opinion.
I play through a Blues Jr and a guitar player I play with a lot has an AC 30. I actually run the bass pretty much all the way up with mids a little below and treble at a bit noon. They both sound really good to me. I guess I'm biased but I like the Blues Jr.
They both sound good - although the non-standard speakers found in Blues Jnrs really make a difference. Another 15watt amp to consider is the Laney VC15. Same tubes, etc as these two but with a great Italian Jensen speaker. Highly recommended! Nice playing, too - like your Hendrix/SRV vibe.
I bought the AC15, mostly for harmonica, but I play blues and African style guitar, so I really liked the clean sound on the AC15. But I'm a little concerned that the "drive" channel on the Vox at lower volumes sounds a bit solid-state. But all in all, I like the Vox. I've owned two other Blues Juniors, but was never real happy with them, but yours sound good, maybe because of the speaker. I like the weight of the Blues Junior better of course.
Well I've had my 12r just a month or two done two shows outdoors and a bunch of rehearsals and so far she works fine and man the tone is awesome, Now how she holds up only time will tell.
Blues Junior has at least five versions for sale at major retailers: stock version with eminence special design; gold version with celestion greenback; wine version with eminence cannabis rex; a red and black version with eminence wizard; tweed version with Jensen speaker. it's rather bewildering. I wonder if anyone prefers the stock/generic version?
I agree. I bought a Blues Jr. III recently, and i hear like fat, like no completly fender. Is great, but is not a 100% Fender. Definitely i will buy a VOX AC15ch. Vox wins this time.
The Vox has a "steelier" sounding high end for lack of a better description. Maybe a tad more complex sounding highs though a bit thinner as well. The Fender has a warmer sound about it to my ear though overall both amps sound equally cool in their own way.
Scott Matheson I like steely and I like bright. I even use Elixirs which are as bright as direct sunlight. I was thinking about gettng a Fender but this vid makes the Vox amp a winner for me!
I own a Fender HRD limited edition and a Vox ac30. Both are fantastic amps. The Fender is warmer sounding. The Vox is more chimey and crisp without getting harsh. It's a matter of simply a different sound. I've also played a Blues Junior 3 and the new Vox AC10 (which sounds better than the new AC15 imo). And they are great sounding little amps. If I had to choose, I would choose the FBJr limited edition in lacquered tweed because of the great Jensen speaker. And at the same time I would save up for the Vox (but the 10 watt version).
doesn't make a decision any easier...they both sound really good to me with the vox a little brighter and fender a little ?darker I don't know...I'm looking to move up from a vox ac 4 which I love but has it's limitations one things for sure...everybody's got an opinion ...thanks for the video
Thank you so much! Had my eye on the Blues Junior but everywhere I went the standard was sold out. Got a small VOX instead and now I know the difference (still gonna save up for that Blues Junior sound). Thx again.
I have both a '65 DRRI & an AC15C1PL. I bought both after repeatedly watching Andy's demos. They are both great sounding amps, but totally different animals. Comparing the two ifs like comparing apples to oranges. What I find intriguing is how well the two compliment each other when I run then stereo out of my Strymon Timeline. Now that's tone heaven!
Hey, Marvin. Any advice about how best to rig up amps to be stereo? I've got a VoxAC15 & a Fender Excelsior w/ an Eminence speaker. The two would compliment each other really well. Thanks!
I have a Strymon Timeline I run stereo out of which works for my purposes. You want to keep noise to a minimum with good cables. For live purposes you want the amps a good distance apart, enough that the stereo effect is noticeable. For recording, mic both amps on seperate channels, one panned left, one panned right. You can also run the Vox at the edge of breakup and the Fender clean at the same volume simultaneously which blended gives a fantastic tone. So I guess my best advice is to just experiment and use your ears.
I owned two fender amps at the same time owning two VOX amps - I am not biased, I am simply playing both - I've used a blues jr on and off for years, I just didn't own this one in particular. There's no bias, it's an A/B video. Also If Hendrix was alive he'd probably have some custom hand wired amp made for him. Why on earth would he use a Deluxe.. Just sayin' ;)
I have a Vox AC15C1 with a Fender Am Special (Texas Special pups) and a Gibson LP. This amp is killer for clean sounds. I really had to experiment to make pedals work nicely on the amp (unlike Marshalls). But I have an old Japanes Boss Sd-1and a Boss Blues driver. They really work well with this amp.
I had Peavey Classic 30 and sold it in favour of a Blues Junior a couple of months ago. If you like the sort of highs that Fender Amps generally produce you will possibly not like the Classic 30 that much because you just don't get that sort of "sparkle" with it - even if you exchange the Peavey stock speaker for a Jensen C12N (which I did). Apart from that the Classic 30 is actually a nice "rock amp" and can get real loud!
Two very different tones.. Pretty much need one of each.. I have an Alnico Blue in my AC15.. took a little while to 'run in' the new speaker, but now that it's done, it's sweet! Still have to roll the tops off a bit, but it's great! In the studio I often run a blues jr through my Orange 2x12.. it's KILLER!
I have both the BJ and the Night Train G2 and like both for different reasons. Next gig I plan to A/B them. I will probable put my Dover Drive in front of my BJ, and my Jemini in front of the Vox. The other modulations will depend on how they sound in the vox loop or in front of the BJ.
hey there, the blues jr is a good decision all around. Tube amps perform great at any volume but the hotter the tubes (the louder it is) the better the amp will sound because you can get more break up and it just punches a lot better. but all in all, the fender is great for a practice amp or a stage amp if its mic'd properly. Hope I helped in the least. Cheers
I have both and run them in stereo...perfect! And I mean, this is really a great sound with a strat into a Zen Drive and stereo delay. I run the BJ on 8 or 9 and the Vox on about 5 or 6. I get comments on my tone all the time and this is also a very portable rig, oh an plenty loud
Mate I have changed the effects chain and now the rig is really signing...wah - Fulltone signal booster - Boss Blues driver - Line 6 dl 4 out to the amps. This set up with the Strat is superb for me.
u got a hendricks tone big time, everything u played reminded of one of his songs bad ass man keep it up. You should post a video on how you get that sound.
Really good test vid. I like both of the amps, but the diferences are really clear. Vox shimmers and blues jnr is more compressed sounding. Thanks for a comprehensive and well played demo vid.
Vox is glassier if you like that. I like Vox amps played clean with a Strat with vintage pickups. Nothing prettier! For an OD amp I would rather have a Fender Tweed
The Blues junior wins for me on clean. Doesn't bite as much. I like the warmer tone of that one. microphone position maybe? But would have preferred to hear it both with the stock speaker. Even though you say there's little difference, there's got to be some difference at least, good or bad.
On the day my ac15c was to ship, I ran by one in the local guitar shop and decided to try it. Based off of this video and many others, I was sure I could achieve the sound I was going for. Based off of what I heard when I played it myself, I found that I was wrong. Honestly, it is a great sounding amp...I just think it has a bit too "honest" of a sound for my playstyle. It also takes too many decibels to achieve a good saturation indoors, even with volume cranked and master low. It all comes down to my lack of knowledge regarding what one should expect from particular amps. Not bashing the vox, just typing an utterly useless comment. This guy is a great blues player
Oh, this is great playing and a good comparison. And lots of good comments and thoughts. It was hard to judge. I do like the Fender sound most, but the amp as a whole sounds a bit distant / muffled compared to the Vox, perhaps the cab does it. The chime of the Vox is gorgeous but can also be pretty shrill and sometimes muddles the notes. I’ve played tube setups (Hagström, Koch, Bassman and a lot of Marshalls) but still havent tried a Vox. My favourite was the Bassman head with a Greenback cabinet, but only when the tubes were due for replacement. . :)
I love the clean tones out of the Fender amps, I've had vox, line 6 and even Marshall, but when it comes down to it, the clean channels are fucking nice when it comes to Fender amps, some amps like vox and line 6 can only do dirty stuff well and after awhile it just becomes too muddy. Fender amp + a Boss Ds-1 distortion pedal will instantly provide more versatility.
Exactly. I respect you preferring Fender because it works for you. That other person who commented before was a complete jackass trying to make it seem like Fender is the perfect amp for every single person on this planet. That's just not true. I myself prefer Morgan, Orange, and Vox amps, but I won't shove it down everyone's throat.
thats a hard one. The blues jr sounds warmer but a but muffled. The Vox sounds thiner but clearer. Some more mids and treble with the JR and less treble and more bass on the vox and I would be happy with all of them.
Hendrix used many amps. He tended to favour Fender in the studio and Marshall live if what I have read in multiple places is correct. I read that Voodoo Child was recorded with a Fender amp.
I currently have a stock BJ III and did have an AC15 with a stock greenback - gigged with both for smaller gigs and I couldn't say one is better than the other, both sound pretty good for the price and it's more to do with what tone you prefer. Both get mushy when pushed hard and need to be miked up through a PA in a louder situation.
they both have their place for strat tone lovers. i prefer my vox's angelic bell like chime but my fender is never far and has an edge for neck pickup texas blues
I use a Vox AC15 with a Les Paul and it sounds amazing! I sometimes stick a 2 x 12 underneath it with Vintage 30's and run all three speakers. What a sound. Loves pedals as well by the way. Pre amp drivers/ TS9/808 etc, all fair game for this baby. Oh and one other thing - this is LO-OUD!!!! Don't be fooled by the 15 watt rating, this thing will take the enamel off your teeth if you get too close!
I played AC15 (2x12) couple days ago on a band practice and I have to say I much prefer it to the BJr which I have, though the speaker in the junior must be making it sound a lot worse than it could be, I have a C12N which I bought for it but haven't installed it yet. Good demo though.
15 watts wont have much bottom end. That bright vox sound is more pleasing to my ears. Great for a smaller dryer crunch would compliment another fuller guitar sound for a sweet dynamic mix
You do excellent vids Shane, thanks. Nice to see a fellow lefty playing. Love to be able to play half as well. I have a Vox Pathfinder, and like Vox in general, but the Fender sounds much better here.
I own both amps and this is a good representation of what they sound like.The Vox is shimmering and kind of glassy sounding but in a good way.I would rather play blues on the Blues Jr.The Vox is great for 12 string or a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers type sound,etc.
why these comparisons are not really telling , is because they have two different circuit designs , setting both with the knobs at 12 o clock may not tell much for comparisons sake. in other words , because they are different circuits, components, etc , it's very possible you may simply need to 'dial back a bit of lo/mid/hi eq or other settings , if one sounds less than to your liking.
The 'fender clean' is really only synonymous with the Deluxe versions and nothing in the Hot Rod line, where the BJr lies. I had a Hot Rod Deville 410, and it wasn't as sweet sounding clean as my AC15 is.
Through some twist of fate i got these two amps too. The fender wins for me as it is smaller and lighter (Fits in my car's foot well and is just under the offensive size to take on a train). Vox has the twin channel and the tremolo, but i never use either. Vox comes with a greenback speaker as stranded though - And is nicer too look at.
I feel the comparison test should of put a O.D., Fuzz Or Distortion pedal in front of the them. This way we could heard the Amps as well as how they take pedals. Very Few just run straight in, and if they do usually it's a Marshall
i like both, the VOX has a lot of more mid range. I like the blues jr. because it has a little bit of that scooped sound. Baaaaah, what the hell.... i'll buy both!
I like a couple of things about both amps On the Vox AC-15 I like the appearance of it better it looks subtle. I also like the reverb it does seem to be more pronounced and hang around a little longer. What I don't like is the weight. On the Blues Junior I prefer the way it sounds clean the tone sounds a lot more bluesier than the Vox and it weighs less. the buzz from both was annoying so its a tie as far as that goes. Maybe I will try a Blues lll, but then again there is still my budget, come to think of it price was never mentioned. I would like to stay in the 200 dollar range.
Ive owned a Blues Jr, and damn I loved that amp. It holds its own certainly, but we are talkin 'bout a Vox AC15 here.... I say AC15 for recording and Blues Jr for gigs.. OWN BOTH!
I am a gibson (Humbuckers) + vox combo fan. They seem to meet in the middle with the highs from the vox and the mids from the gibson. I am also a bigger fan of the Celestion Blue Alnico speaker for the vox. However, the blues Juniors do sound nice in their own realm though. Thanks for the review man.
I owned an AC15 for 10 years and was always tweaking it to find the right tone, I switched it for a Blues Junior and now I just turn it up and concentrate on my playing. The way it should be.
Hi thanks for the nice comments. I do have videos on how to get good tone from different amps. I think I did the VOX AC-30, Peavey Delta Blues + Blues Jr :) Just search my channel for "getting good" or "tone" should come up with some vids :) Cheers
I auditioned both these amps years ago and ended up buying a Peavey Classic 30.
Stuck NOS tubes in it. Changed the speaker to a Celestion Vintage 30.
eventually gave it to a nephew. Great tone.
From this particular test , the Vox has a definite brighter tone-but there are a whole lot of variables. To me the Fender amps mostly all are not good when cranked, the natural distortion is muddy, not as pleasing to the ear as a lot of other amps-the vox included; but Fender amps have a killer clean tone and take pedals really well.
Fender blues definitely the killer blues machine….but that being said, the Vox has a completely distinct sound of it’s own and probably do more with it……both sound good.
LOVE the Fender blues myself...
The reverb on the Vox blows the Blues Jr out of the water in my opinion. Glad I found this video, I was headed for a Blues Jr but now I see an AC-15 in my future.
i went to Guitar Center today to leave with a low wattage amp. It was between these two amps. I spent almost 2 hours playing both of these, both were on sale for $499. I went home with the Blues Junior tweed
Yup, totally agree.. I have an AC-15 and a De-Ville 410. Totally different, but best of both worlds.. Happy with my choices, was going to get a blues jr, glad I got the vox..
Just throwing my opinion in; I prefer the Fender, Vox sounds a little too clacky for me, the Fender is lovely and warm
Another great demo showing the fundamental differences between the classic "American" Fender tone vs. the "British" Vox chime.
I think the basic lesson to be learned is that everyone should have at least one Vox and one Fender amp. Best of both worlds!
I think both are great in there own rights. Great vid!
Great review, mate.
I am running a mahogany Blues Jr, and the cream edition of AC15, with both always on. I got to say that is the sweetest tone i have heard in my life!
Love these amps to death.
AC 15 pronounces single coil's wayyyy better in my opinion. And that reverb is beautiful too!
Thanks for the demo, Shane. The Vox screams high tones. I think I prefer the Fender
I can't believe folks here are referencing the fender when the say sparkle. The Vox has so much more to offer. I've always felt the fenders were one trick ponies..
Very nice comparison vid..nicely done
Vox = Cut through sound.
Fender = Full sound.
Both great in their ways.
I found this insightful since since have Fat 50's, so thanks for the vid!
I agree! I like the vox amps with humbuckers a lot
I'm a Blues Jr. owner about to switch to an AC15. I think I'm making the right choice, although I will miss the clear Fender cleans. Nothing does clean better than a Fender.
Vox and Fender each have a recognizable sound that a lot of people like. The Fender sounds bluesier while the Vox is prettier sounding. Neither is better IMO. Get em both if you can afford it!
Jimi also played Fender Bandmasters with 15" speakers. Alot.
Silverface Bassmans were also used by him.
Even amps made for basses were used.
I've owned a blues Jr and I just bought an AC15. I didn't really dig the blues Jr at all. But I am loving the Vox! My main amp is an Albion Gulfstream 12 h. And I run it into an orange 1x12 cab. Cleanest amp I've ever heard. Takes pedals like a champ. A ton of character. I honestly never felt I would find any other amp at that wattage that would be acceptable for my own studio usage. But the AC15 is really doing it for me!
The vox is more chimey and the runoff from the reverb is warmer. imo. I just ordered an ac15c1 this week. I'm stoked.
Thanks much for the demo! I've been leaning towards the VOX this past month, and your comparison sold me. I like the brighter, "chimier" ring of the VOX. The reverb is killer! Yes, the Fender has a darker or muddier (warmer if you like) tone to me. Still, I prefer the VOX. Xlnt rec amp too, from what I read. Cheers.
What your hearing is the difference of the vox being a chimey bright british amp being compared at a warm american clean amp. There's a tone cut on the ac15 to bring back the treble freq's which im unsure if shane used it in this demo.
Theyre both excellent amps but with a generally different sound.
Yeah starts and teles do indeed sound good through junior. Sounds a little schrill on it's own but they sound good in a small pub along with bass and drums. They really cut through.. I like the juniors with the Jensen speakers the best. Cheers!
That is some difference, the Vox is so very much cleaner with real crisp high end, you have two very different sounding amps there, I prefer the much crisper since you can always turn the high end down a bit more. Thanks very much indeed.
Great video! Vox is brighter than blues jr, and in my opinion it's a good thing, if you think about the bright compensates some signal lost through the pedals path... of course, if many pedals are used, the loss gonna be really bigger...
The vox does it for me personally.
In fact I just got a Vox ac15 because of your vids on it. I feel like I own the perfect amp for me.
Thanks for making these comparison vids.
I play through the vox with a les paul in neck and bridge positions and use it with a Xotic sl drive if you want to hear the lower more usable tones this amp is capable of and its pedal handling abilities. Current Live Rig
Thank you for this. These vids are the only comparison ones I can find. Keep it up! subbed
Blues Jr tight and focused, Vox has a natural sag, chime and punchy lower mid. Both good in different ways, nice test.
I'm thinking Vox with tiny tone cut on the high (on the guitar) will smooth out the shrill nicely. Or with a humbucker pick ups, it may tame the shrill better too. Blues, I think it has more of a mid hump (great for lead?). Using proper pedals and guitars to accentuate or suppress a certain quality of the amp is the key, I think. Tube screamer on Blues will make it too mid heavy, so tube screamer on Vox will push up the mid nicely, in theory..
I like the Vox but I ended up switching the reverb tank on my AC15C1 because I found the stock tank a little too much. Now it's a little more subtle and I like it. One things is for sure is that Vox's like to be cranked! Nice job helping people decide!
The Vox is definitely brighter in tone. The fact that single coils are being used also factors. I'd love to hear both amps with a humbucker guitar.
The fender sounded fine. But there was more buzz and it really blends. It's a smooth tone. Classic and I love it.
The vox had very little noise or hum, and really cut. If you had both of those amps playing in the same band, the audience would hear the vox more.
Using a Fender strat American standard axe. I had a VOX AC30 and currently using a Blues Junior II (tube amp). Frankly both sounded great. I think VOX speaker was better, and Fender tube has wider range. Rythem or lead both adjusted clean to bite. If using pedals I only use, Fuzzface, tube screamer, Boss distortion. Both amps covered Beatles to Hendrix just fine. The thing is good pickups on your guitar or the other stuff never gets to shine in my opinion.
Completely different! both great, Vox a bit edgy for my personal taste, love that speaker for the blues jr!
I play through a Blues Jr and a guitar player I play with a lot has an AC 30.
I actually run the bass pretty much all the way up with mids a little below and treble at a bit noon.
They both sound really good to me. I guess I'm biased but I like the Blues Jr.
They both sound good - although the non-standard speakers found in Blues Jnrs really make a difference. Another 15watt amp to consider is the Laney VC15. Same tubes, etc as these two but with a great Italian Jensen speaker. Highly recommended! Nice playing, too - like your Hendrix/SRV vibe.
To me, the Vox sounded sweet!
I bought the AC15, mostly for harmonica, but I play blues and African style guitar, so I really liked the clean sound on the AC15. But I'm a little concerned that the "drive" channel on the Vox at lower volumes sounds a bit solid-state. But all in all, I like the Vox. I've owned two other Blues Juniors, but was never real happy with them, but yours sound good, maybe because of the speaker. I like the weight of the Blues Junior better of course.
Well I've had my 12r just a month or two done two shows outdoors and a bunch of rehearsals and so far she works fine and man the tone is awesome, Now how she holds up only time will tell.
and btw Rusty didn't you die in 3rd grade?
Hey Tony I'm thinking of getting the Laney Cub 15 head. Would you say it's more of a Marshall sound? I've already got the AC15.
circlecloud11
I never played Vox but yes I think the Laney has a Marshal tone.
I think the head out of a good cab would be killer crunch.
OK Thanks. I'm looking for a good classic rock tone in a smallish head and I think this is a contender
Blues Junior has at least five versions for sale at major retailers: stock version with eminence special design; gold version with celestion greenback; wine version with eminence cannabis rex; a red and black version with eminence wizard; tweed version with Jensen speaker. it's rather bewildering. I wonder if anyone prefers the stock/generic version?
I have an AC15 and use an American standard strat SSS and also a PRS custom 22 with humbuckers. I love the bass at 12:30 and treble at 11:30.
I'm surprised by comments that most seem to feel the fender won. To my ears, the fender sounds really rubbery whereas the vox sounds more well-defined
Interesting i heard the exact same thing but picked the opposite as my favourite. Everyones ears like different things. Love both amps though
I agree. I bought a Blues Jr. III recently, and i hear like fat, like no completly fender. Is great, but is not a 100% Fender.
Definitely i will buy a VOX AC15ch. Vox wins this time.
José Carlos Béjar check into the AC10 - better than the AC15 in my opinion.
just preference. for me, i like the rubber! vox has too much lack of bottom end for my taste
The Vox has a "steelier" sounding high end for lack of a better description. Maybe a tad more complex sounding highs though a bit thinner as well. The Fender has a warmer sound about it to my ear though overall both amps sound equally cool in their own way.
Scott Matheson I like steely and I like bright. I even use Elixirs which are as bright as direct sunlight. I was thinking about gettng a Fender but this vid makes the Vox amp a winner for me!
José Aquino
the vox is a great little amp no doubt about it.
More bite and chime to an AC15 but I never use the reverb as its far too muddy.
Fender amps are mint too and have a wonderful clean tone.
I own a Fender HRD limited edition and a Vox ac30. Both are fantastic amps. The Fender is warmer sounding. The Vox is more chimey and crisp without getting harsh. It's a matter of simply a different sound. I've also played a Blues Junior 3 and the new Vox AC10 (which sounds better than the new AC15 imo). And they are great sounding little amps. If I had to choose, I would choose the FBJr limited edition in lacquered tweed because of the great Jensen speaker. And at the same time I would save up for the Vox (but the 10 watt version).
doesn't make a decision any easier...they both sound really good to me with the vox a little brighter and fender a little ?darker I don't know...I'm looking to move up from a vox ac 4 which I love but has it's limitations
one things for sure...everybody's got an opinion ...thanks for the video
Thank you so much! Had my eye on the Blues Junior but everywhere I went the standard was sold out. Got a small VOX instead and now I know the difference (still gonna save up for that Blues Junior sound). Thx again.
I have both a '65 DRRI & an AC15C1PL. I bought both after repeatedly watching Andy's demos. They are both great sounding amps, but totally different animals. Comparing the two ifs like comparing apples to oranges.
What I find intriguing is how well the two compliment each other when I run then stereo out of my Strymon Timeline. Now that's tone heaven!
Hey, Marvin. Any advice about how best to rig up amps to be stereo? I've got a VoxAC15 & a Fender Excelsior w/ an Eminence speaker. The two would compliment each other really well. Thanks!
I have a Strymon Timeline I run stereo out of which works for my purposes. You want to keep noise to a minimum with good cables. For live purposes you want the amps a good distance apart, enough that the stereo effect is noticeable. For recording, mic both amps on seperate channels, one panned left, one panned right.
You can also run the Vox at the edge of breakup and the Fender clean at the same volume simultaneously which blended gives a fantastic tone.
So I guess my best advice is to just experiment and use your ears.
Marvin Mealer
Much appreciated!
I owned two fender amps at the same time owning two VOX amps - I am not biased, I am simply playing both - I've used a blues jr on and off for years, I just didn't own this one in particular. There's no bias, it's an A/B video. Also If Hendrix was alive he'd probably have some custom hand wired amp made for him. Why on earth would he use a Deluxe.. Just sayin' ;)
I have a Vox AC15C1 with a Fender Am Special (Texas Special pups) and a Gibson LP. This amp is killer for clean sounds.
I really had to experiment to make pedals work nicely on the amp (unlike Marshalls). But I have an old Japanes Boss Sd-1and a Boss Blues driver. They really work well with this amp.
I had Peavey Classic 30 and sold it in favour of a Blues Junior a couple of months ago. If you like the sort of highs that Fender Amps generally produce you will possibly not like the Classic 30 that much because you just don't get that sort of "sparkle" with it - even if you exchange the Peavey stock speaker for a Jensen C12N (which I did). Apart from that the Classic 30 is actually a nice "rock amp" and can get real loud!
Two very different tones.. Pretty much need one of each..
I have an Alnico Blue in my AC15.. took a little while to 'run in' the new speaker, but now that it's done, it's sweet! Still have to roll the tops off a bit, but it's great!
In the studio I often run a blues jr through my Orange 2x12.. it's KILLER!
I have both the BJ and the Night Train G2 and like both for different reasons. Next gig I plan to A/B them. I will probable put my Dover Drive in front of my BJ, and my Jemini in front of the Vox. The other modulations will depend on how they sound in the vox loop or in front of the BJ.
The Vox has extra twang that pairs so well with single coil Fender guitars. Sounds good to my ear.
Running stereo using both of these amps would sound KILLER
hey there, the blues jr is a good decision all around. Tube amps perform great at any volume but the hotter the tubes (the louder it is) the better the amp will sound because you can get more break up and it just punches a lot better. but all in all, the fender is great for a practice amp or a stage amp if its mic'd properly. Hope I helped in the least. Cheers
I have both and run them in stereo...perfect! And I mean, this is really a great sound with a strat into a Zen Drive and stereo delay. I run the BJ on 8 or 9 and the Vox on about 5 or 6. I get comments on my tone all the time and this is also a very portable rig, oh an plenty loud
Yeeeeeah! That's EXACTLY what I was thinking about doing!
Mate I have changed the effects chain and now the rig is really signing...wah -
Fulltone signal booster - Boss Blues driver - Line 6 dl 4 out to the amps. This set up with the Strat is superb for me.
This video only made it harder for me to choose between the two. Both are beautiful sounding amps.
u got a hendricks tone big time, everything u played reminded of one of his songs bad ass man keep it up. You should post a video on how you get that sound.
Really good test vid. I like both of the amps, but the diferences are really clear. Vox shimmers and blues jnr is more compressed sounding. Thanks for a comprehensive and well played demo vid.
I was gonna say that! Love my AC15TBX (not Chinese) but considering getting a Blues Junior for gigs, due to size and weight.
Vox is glassier if you like that. I like Vox amps played clean with a Strat with vintage pickups.
Nothing prettier!
For an OD amp I would rather have a Fender Tweed
I tried both with a Telecaster Standard MIM, but in my opinion Fender with Fender sounds much better.
The Blues junior wins for me on clean. Doesn't bite as much. I like the warmer tone of that one. microphone position maybe? But would have preferred to hear it both with the stock speaker. Even though you say there's little difference, there's got to be some difference at least, good or bad.
On the day my ac15c was to ship, I ran by one in the local guitar shop and decided to try it. Based off of this video and many others, I was sure I could achieve the sound I was going for. Based off of what I heard when I played it myself, I found that I was wrong.
Honestly, it is a great sounding amp...I just think it has a bit too "honest" of a sound for my playstyle.
It also takes too many decibels to achieve a good saturation indoors, even with volume cranked and master low.
It all comes down to my lack of knowledge regarding what one should expect from particular amps.
Not bashing the vox, just typing an utterly useless comment.
This guy is a great blues player
Hearing more of that great Fender jangle and chime in the Vox. But I guess Vox's were also known for their chimey sound.
Oh, this is great playing and a good comparison. And lots of good comments and thoughts. It was hard to judge. I do like the Fender sound most, but the amp as a whole sounds a bit distant / muffled compared to the Vox, perhaps the cab does it. The chime of the Vox is gorgeous but can also be pretty shrill and sometimes muddles the notes. I’ve played tube setups (Hagström, Koch, Bassman and a lot of Marshalls) but still havent tried a Vox. My favourite was the Bassman head with a Greenback cabinet, but only when the tubes were due for replacement. . :)
Oh, BTW you and the Fender makes me think of SRV, just a little different. To my ears, that is the amp for you! 😀
I have the Vox now (had the Jr a while back too). My 335 sounds amazing on the Vox. My Strat not so much.
I love the clean tones out of the Fender amps, I've had vox, line 6 and even Marshall, but when it comes down to it, the clean channels are fucking nice when it comes to Fender amps, some amps like vox and line 6 can only do dirty stuff well and after awhile it just becomes too muddy. Fender amp + a Boss Ds-1 distortion pedal will instantly provide more versatility.
Exactly. I respect you preferring Fender because it works for you. That other person who commented before was a complete jackass trying to make it seem like Fender is the perfect amp for every single person on this planet. That's just not true. I myself prefer Morgan, Orange, and Vox amps, but I won't shove it down everyone's throat.
thats a hard one.
The blues jr sounds warmer but a but muffled. The Vox sounds thiner but clearer.
Some more mids and treble with the JR and less treble and more bass on the vox and I would be happy with all of them.
Hendrix used many amps. He tended to favour Fender in the studio and Marshall live if what I have read in multiple places is correct. I read that Voodoo Child was recorded with a Fender amp.
I currently have a stock BJ III and did have an AC15 with a stock greenback - gigged with both for smaller gigs and I couldn't say one is better than the other, both sound pretty good for the price and it's more to do with what tone you prefer. Both get mushy when pushed hard and need to be miked up through a PA in a louder situation.
I love this Vox! But i love too Fender Mustang III - there is a preset sounds alike VOX
they both have their place for strat tone lovers. i prefer my vox's angelic bell like chime but my fender is never far and has an edge for neck pickup texas blues
both great in their own way. For blues playing I'd prob go with the fender-for shoegaze,pop, or alt/indie rock I'd go with the vox.
I use a Vox AC15 with a Les Paul and it sounds amazing! I sometimes stick a 2 x 12 underneath it with Vintage 30's and run all three speakers. What a sound. Loves pedals as well by the way. Pre amp drivers/ TS9/808 etc, all fair game for this baby. Oh and one other thing - this is LO-OUD!!!! Don't be fooled by the 15 watt rating, this thing will take the enamel off your teeth if you get too close!
I played AC15 (2x12) couple days ago on a band practice and I have to say I much prefer it to the BJr which I have, though the speaker in the junior must be making it sound a lot worse than it could be, I have a C12N which I bought for it but haven't installed it yet. Good demo though.
15 watts wont have much bottom end. That bright vox sound is more pleasing to my ears. Great for a smaller dryer crunch would compliment another fuller guitar sound for a sweet dynamic mix
You do excellent vids Shane, thanks. Nice to see a fellow lefty playing. Love to be able to play half as well. I have a Vox Pathfinder, and like Vox in general, but the Fender sounds much better here.
I own both amps and this is a good representation of what they sound like.The Vox is shimmering and kind of glassy sounding but in a good way.I would rather play blues on the Blues Jr.The Vox is great for 12 string or a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers type sound,etc.
why these comparisons are not really telling , is because they have two different circuit designs , setting both with the knobs at 12 o clock may not tell much for comparisons sake. in other words , because they are different circuits, components, etc , it's very possible you may simply need to 'dial back a bit of lo/mid/hi eq or other settings , if one sounds less than to your liking.
would have loved to see your settings on both amps.
Bill Hayes Yeah sorry about that the video is pretty old man.
The 'fender clean' is really only synonymous with the Deluxe versions and nothing in the Hot Rod line, where the BJr lies. I had a Hot Rod Deville 410, and it wasn't as sweet sounding clean as my AC15 is.
Both sound good, but the Vox rocks wilder, I think. Those Fat 50s pickups help. too.
Nice sounds. I think the fender/fender combo sounds better with these settings. I wonder how a Les Paul special with p90s would compare :)
for some reason watching a left-handed player makes me dizzy
hahahaha
that is nuts.. I felt weird vibes and you nailed it. (plus blues music never helps)
I want the vox ! great sound.. not as muddy as the fender
Through some twist of fate i got these two amps too. The fender wins for me as it is smaller and lighter (Fits in my car's foot well and is just under the offensive size to take on a train). Vox has the twin channel and the tremolo, but i never use either. Vox comes with a greenback speaker as stranded though - And is nicer too look at.
That vox is too heavy. I have it but always end up bringing (and Mic-ing up) my AC4.
I feel the comparison test should of put a O.D., Fuzz Or Distortion pedal in front of the them. This way we could heard the Amps as well as how they take pedals. Very Few just run straight in, and if they do usually it's a Marshall
Vox is definitely brighter to my ears!
I agree completely, but, I have a JTM 45 set up to give the real clean highs or get muddy like the Jr. Can't quite afford much else.
i like both, the VOX has a lot of more mid range. I like the blues jr. because it has a little bit of that scooped sound. Baaaaah, what the hell.... i'll buy both!
I like a couple of things about both amps On the Vox AC-15 I like the appearance of it better it looks subtle. I also like the reverb it does seem to be more pronounced and hang around a little longer. What I don't like is the weight. On the Blues Junior I prefer the way it sounds clean the tone sounds a lot more bluesier than the Vox and it weighs less. the buzz from both was annoying so its a tie as far as that goes. Maybe I will try a Blues lll, but then again there is still my budget, come to think of it price was never mentioned. I would like to stay in the 200 dollar range.
These amps are around the $500-$600 price range.
Ive owned a Blues Jr, and damn I loved that amp. It holds its own certainly, but we are talkin 'bout a Vox AC15 here.... I say AC15 for recording and Blues Jr for gigs.. OWN BOTH!
Awesome video, gringo! It helped me choosing which new amp to buy. I'm now happy con el blues jr que es una bomba
I am a gibson (Humbuckers) + vox combo fan. They seem to meet in the middle with the highs from the vox and the mids from the gibson. I am also a bigger fan of the Celestion Blue Alnico speaker for the vox. However, the blues Juniors do sound nice in their own realm though. Thanks for the review man.