You have taught me a lot about playing, using and appreciating gear, how to be patient and breathe between lines, how to play Marc Ribot licks and generally how to be a better human. I hope you and your channel keep putting out great content. Thanks for the stellar Vox tones and everything.
Re: Edge. Players who don’t shred often don’t get the credit they deserve for what they do in the song. Edge is a master of melodic texture. As was Andy Summers. Mike Campbell is another such guitarist where what he does is simple, but... “you try and play it right and see how easy it is.”
“Squozed together” is absolutely the right term. That bridge was exquisite! I’ve gone 180 degrees from that sound this week. Rhythm circuit of my jazzmaster through a 65’ reverberocket through tremelo and reverb. Bang Bang!
You are a great guy, Eric. Watching your videos always makes me feel better. I think your channel is great, your content is interesting, and you, my friend, are one of the best at what you do. Keep on keepin' on, my dude.
really great genuine vox tones from this little guy. easy to believe the tones are coming from an ac15 or 30. never thought i'd want an ac4 but here i am
Great demo. I used to own one of those. And since this is RUclips and no one asked I’m still going to submit my thoughts. Pros: Compact, loud enough and sounded great with Fenders. Cons: Only one good sound, no headroom with Gibsons. And it looks great!
I have had a non hand wired vox ac4tv for almost 10 years now. It’s an amazing little amp. You don’t have to shell out for the hardwired to get an amazing vox sound. I’m pretty sure mine was made in china to boot.
I've got a Chinese made vox ac4 12...in red...its fabulous...handwired vs circuit board...I imagine its pretty hard to tell the difference..(apart from price and kudos lol)...then again I've got guitars that the volume and tone are PCB and hand soldered and I cannot tell any difference in tone or response....with the vox I just turn the gain all the way up and use the guitars controls to vary the tone...if it had any faults I'd say a reverb would be nice...but sometimes using a lot of reverb (and delays) tends to be addictive....i keep meaning to buy a reverb pedal for it but im kind of lazy lol....where the vox ac4 12 excels is that clean but slightly dirty sound...which I love and use 70% of the time and were I a famous player it probably would be my signature tone....for classic 60s 70s and jingle jangle it's pretty much ideal...I imagine for eddie van halen stuff you'd need pedals..but I've got other stuff for that...I love the way it responds to how soft or hard you pick...and how it makes you "work" to sound good....if you're a sloppy or kinda rubbish player ( which I kinda am a bit after an bicycle accident damaged my left hand that a year later still isn't quite the same...but im working on it! ) this amp will not gloss over it like say modelling amps (I have a old line 6 amp that sounds great its like a swiss army knife...i probably use this more than any amp...its very reliable...also i have a blackstar ID CORE BEAM that's got a stereo effect reberb delay trickery that give the illusion your guitar has got quadrophonic sound.. ping ponging around the room...how the hell they do it I don't know...its highly recommended as a practice amp...not as popular as those nice yamaha ones...but quite cheap to buy...i try not to use it too much as it makes me sound better than i really am if you can get whati mean by that...lol)...I like to just plug in my Gibson les Paul junior...no effects...maybe a wah wah...and blast out early The Who stuff....a great little amp....a bit loud for home use...I think I'm not driving it enough...but I've got to realise my neighbours might not want to hear me to pretend I'm pete townshend playing a overture/sparks/pinball wizard/tattoo "live at Leeds" melody lol....oh and it looks absolutely beautiful I find when I'm chilling In my music room listening to albums I often find myself staring at it...unless my ibanez George Benson GB10 is out...then that will steal the show like a well endowed woman in a skimpy white vest with no bra !! .lol...sure a proper vox ac30 in black is possibly the best looking amp ever...(although its pretty much a tie with a marshall blues breaker fender tweed or Roland's jazz chorus..imo .actually i do own a RAT modded marshall class 5 which is like a mini bluesbreaker in looks and a roland JC22..which is the sound and looks of a roland jazz chorus again in a smaller package.and if I didn't have these amps id probably love one of those fender blues junior amps...but hey its only a hobby and ive got 5 amps already lets not be greedy) but hey when I stopped playing in bands I let mine go as it became ridiculous for home use...
I discovered single-ended amps a while ago. For touch and overall richness of tone, they cannot be beat. The application of a Q-Strip or other EQ device can add harmonics to the basic tone. Gibson GA-5 Skylark, Fender Champ, Vox AC-4, and others are some of the best sounding amps ever made. If you don't need/want high volume these amps are perfect. For live performances, they can be miced through the P. A. and roar like a Marshall stack.
@@creamydistortion Well, of course, but most "local booze halls" don't hire a sound mixer, don't mic up the bands, and most bands have their own P.A. Low powered amps are a good solution to high stage volume. All of a sudden everyone can hear each other! Amazing! It's like... like playing music.
You've just reminded me that I recently acquired a 1960TV cabinet. I reckon after the working stiffs head out tomorrow (Monday) morning I will see how well it Likes my AC-4 Head.
Interesting.. Had mine for about a year as a home/bedroom amp..fairly happy with it. I guess I don't think it's a great all rounder as much as I think it's good for what it is (a small vox). I've been tossing up buying a vibro champ to use stereo or perhaps go with something like a '65 Princeton. Very hard to know...swapping out the speakers might be worth it, which I'd not previously considered. Cheers. 🎸🎸🎸
Love my Vox ac30. I went amp shopping a few years back, didn't really plan on making a purchase. I plugged into an ac30, played one riff with the topend and reverb cranked and i knew I was taking it home.
I'm lucky to have found a used Vox AC15 HandWired 1. It brings the tones of all those 60s and 70s Rock and Blues Rock hits. My Strat 62 reissue really shines with that HW1. A larger and stronger cabinet than the standard AC15, and may be better electrical components, give that improved tones. On the 15HW1, we can bypass the master volume then it gets very loud . I use the normal channel that breaks up when gain is just after 12 O'clock. Gets pedals very well.
My first Vox amp was a Vox VBM1 (Brian May Special), a beautiful, tiny, white amplifier with a built in treble booster. I don't use it as much these days due to severe gear inflation, but whenever I plug it in I get stuck in jangle for hours. Nice video as usual!
Fantastic video and some great examples. I have an AC4 (not handwired) on order and cannot wait, as my AC15 is too loud for practice (no shit). Particularly love your Tele with the Bigsby... Looks amazing and sounds phenomenal.
I see these amps come up on Markerolace all the time for $300-400 but I’ve never heard a demo/playing sample where they sounded good. You actually mic’ed it properly and it sounds amazing! Well done.
Just be sure it is a hand wired (HW1) version in this video. They were very limited in production compared to the other AC4 models, no longer available, tough to find. Only one has actually sold on Ebay this year and it sold for $875. I don't think you could find one for $500...much less $400 but if you do, grab it! You can easily sell it for near double that if you don't like. Most AC4's seen used are the lower line models, decent amps but not even in the ballpark of the bigger hand wired models. The AC4HW1 is a totally different animal, top to bottom, than Vox's standard AC4, AC4C1, or AC4TV models. Used, the AC4HW1 easily sell for $700-$850 depending on condition. Every now and then you may find one under $700... when you do, it won't last long. If anyone is interested in Vox amps, it's worth a trip to voxshowroom.com which is great education, photos, build details, and specific explanations of all differences between all the various AC-4 models as well as the rest of their line. Use the search engine and you won't believe how much Vox history you will find. (try "speaker cabinet") also, Vox is coming out with an all new HW series for 2024. looks like they are taking these a big step further towards the 60's originals... but look for the prices and the sounds of the new models to reflect the excellence of what they are now advertising. Good luck!
Alright Im ordering this amp... Its the most affordable 1x12 hardwired green back tube amp on the market. Cant argue with the facts. Thx for the video.
I agree with the You regarding the speaker but what a great sound. I have a number of Budda amps including a Budda Dual Stage 30 R. It has 2 6L6’s and 4 EL84’s.very cool and lots of Fender’s. Love your video’s
I have bought and sold AC4's twice. I now have an AC10 in a back room, and I'm trying to give it back to the friend I bought it from. I love the Vox sound, actually. But I keep buying then getting rid of these amps. I do not know why. While you're doing 5-watt amp reviews, the amp I spend the most time playing right now is a Fender Tweed Princeton clone. 5 watts, volume, tone, on/off switch. Somebody built it from a kit. But it sounds amazing, and (i think) it's a sound I'll never get sick of. With a Weber alnico 10" speaker and a vintage RCA 12ay7 preamp tube that I had just hanging around. Oh, and I agree with the TDPRI callout. Great resource.
The 15 -20 minutes i get to spend in your company is a real highlight of my week. Good vibes, killer tones, playing style and an attitude that resonates so well with me. You have created a significant resource here on this channel and that's no mean feat. It's refreshing that you can be so honest (and yet hard to hear) that you're struggling with coming up with content, because it doesn't show. I get it though, so much work goes into making stuff seem effortless. I'd love to hear more about your history in bands and I bet you have some splendid stories to tell. It would be great to get a little more insight into the new album and how thats going too! That Vox sounds really sweet, I cant even see them listed on the Vox site. Very possibly the ideal home practice valve amp? Easily my favourite channel on you tube. Sending you love, peace and positive vibes.
Thanks Peter! I have no shortage of guitar thoughts to share - it's really just lighting/noise issues that ruin vid shoots! I'm asking around my photography friends if they know of any silent and well-lit spaces I can rent :-)
For a second there, when you were playing barre chords on the Tele, I was sure you were going to break into "Parklife." (Ohhhh, if Adrian doesn't do a Graham Coxon vid, you should!) I love my Vox AC4HW, too. And it ~loves~ my big box DMM. Another fantastic gear vid, Eric; thanks!! I can't wait to go mess around with mine now. And hang in there, my friend. You've been and are going through a lot, and remember to space some time for self care and self compassion. There are a bunch of folks who love you, man.
Many people seem to love the greenbacks. I prefer the Celestion Blue or the Celestion Ruby for anything not metal. Expensive fcks though. Little Vox sounds very nice. Would be interesting to listen to it through a different speaker. Love the drums and the tune at the end.
I actually did have a Vox AC4 Handwired, and the speaker was switched out to the Celestion Blue and it wasn't bad, but I sold it since, and the amp the filled the void was the 65 Amps Lil Elvis, which I prefer way more.
I was watching this video and initially thought, "Oh, the HW must have a different speaker than my AC15." I've been playing my AC15 through a Reeves 2x12 loaded with purple back Fane clones lately and liking how it eliminates a lot of the spikiness. Then you address the speaker at 5:30. After being a little disappointed with my Vox using the basic speaker, it is such a different beast with the right speaker pairing. The circuit plays so much into the high end (which you mention) that the right speaker becomes so essential, not only for breakup and spikiness but also for how it represents that high-end clarity.
Yeah! I'm talking to my buddy CJ at weber to see what he recommends - I'm thinkin' I'm gonna go for their ceramic blue dog with a hemp cone - should be an interesting complement to this circuit!
Hi. Nice vid, thanks. I have the same amp. I was looking for a tube amp for home, and saw the regular 12 inch equipped AC4 on Amazon Japan for sale at about half price. But, I wanted to be sure, so I did the cheeky thing and went to a music store to try one out. It was okay, but nothing great. The sales bloke said I should try the hand wired one. I said no, I can't afford it. He came back and tried again, and again I said no. The third time, I gave in and tried, it. And that was that. No way I could buy the regular one after that. Also no way I could afford the hand wired one. So, I went to a cafe across the road and sulked. Then I sulked on the train home. Then I got my act together and started looking for one second hand. Japan doesn't have the ease of second hand access some place enjoy, nor the generally reasonable second hand prices. But persistence paid off, and I eventually got a mint one for the same price as the regular one goes for new. Happy. It's great wth a vintage style germanium fuzz face, incidentally. Thanks. Peace & all that, Dean
Thanks for the review Eric. Love your playing as well as your awesome teaching vibe. I borrowed one of these amps with the option to buy. I really like the sound of this amp. I did compare to my 45 year old Deluxe Reverb and a nice Little Walter 50W amp that I am lucky enough to own. At the same volumes, it held up well but just lacked a bit of character that the other amps had. Can't explain it - just more of an inspirational sound. However, after messing around with the tone / volume / gain knobs for quite a while, I realized that this amp really does have a lot of tonal range and I dialled in a sound that I totally fell in love with. A nice contrast to my Fender style amps. I'm really digging this amp now. I'm glad I gave it a chance. Perfect for lower volume practices and gigs. I also play harmonica, and it is a 'killer' amp for pulling out those old Chicago blues harp tones. This amp is a keeper for sure. Thanks again for the review.
@@EricHaugenGuitar That amp actually got me away from the heavier genre stigmatic dogma of dual channel amps and FX loops. Sometimes it's better to go at it old school.
I have the cheaper version AC4 with 12'' speaker . I changed the speaker and now it sounds great . Not as good as that one but when i have a good treble boost i'm very close to it .
Great demo. Might be getting this amp... Right on with The Edge. (All the critiquing of him is hilarious - the guy is part guitar player, part composer. Chops-lovers may not dig him. Decades of selling out stadiums indicates those who love music dig him) :).
I’m a huge music fan, over 2000 LPs, 260 gbs of Grateful Dead and dead related project live shows, over 500 live shows attended, and I hate U2. Their music just isn’t for me, i find it boring and I can’t stand Bono, South Park got it right about that giant turd.
That sounds absolutely lovely doesn't it? Really digging the chords at 2.30, kind of remind me of a GBV song that hasn't been written yet. Although, let's be honest, it probably has
Eric: Look forward to next weeks piece!!! 100% confident you'll be inspired to create something between now and then. Hmmmm, how bout a lesson/piece on greasiest - yes greasy - not greatest- classic rock riffs (rhythm w/ some fills) that you just can't stop playing cuz they are soooo fun to play and sound awesome!
Riffs! Yes - it's really all about the riffs! I have no shortage of ideas to share - it's just the environmental instructions that make it difficult to stay on schedule :-P
@@EricHaugenGuitar Eric, how about an episode of Eric escapes the neighborhood and goes exploring? In all seriousness, thank you for what you share. You've presented lessons on guitarist and songs I adore that I thought no one would ever address, Fairport, Richard Thompson, Marc Ribot, Tom Waits, etc. Sincere thanks!
Lonesome Dave? I thought you took a slow ride to heaven, but good to hear from you.😁 Sorry about the tinnitus; mine sounds like Eric's. White noise, TV in the other room, unnecessary desktop fan, and always of course...music. No sounds of silence anymore.
Lovely tones. Thanks for your enthusiasm and some great sounds. Subscribed! By the way, love the Firebird. I owned the Tokai FB and loved it, but a practical pain, including using a stand! You have given me GAS for the Epi! Thanks again...
I have a used ac4tv coming in this friday. Im very excited for my first tube amp, I can't wait to crank it. Update: A bit of tube rattle but its awesome.
hahahahahaha been cloudy here too. I only can shoot on full-sun days between 10:00am-12:00pm, when the crews aren't moving tons of dirt around behind me - it's a creator prison I've made for myself :-P
You have taught me a lot about playing, using and appreciating gear, how to be patient and breathe between lines, how to play Marc Ribot licks and generally how to be a better human. I hope you and your channel keep putting out great content. Thanks for the stellar Vox tones and everything.
Thank you so much Scott!
I really try to put out solid information and good vibes 🧡
@@EricHaugenGuitar would you say the Ac 4 model sounds more 'voxy' than the AC10 ?
Re: Edge. Players who don’t shred often don’t get the credit they deserve for what they do in the song. Edge is a master of melodic texture. As was Andy Summers. Mike Campbell is another such guitarist where what he does is simple, but... “you try and play it right and see how easy it is.”
I agree with all these references 1000%!
All my heroes!
Correct! The beginning of that is pure Lennon.
I'm with you on Mike Campbell. One of my favourite 'under the radar' guitar players. Thanks.
As is Jerry Garcia
@@TheGoldtopdude he is really not under the radar
“Squozed together” is absolutely the right term. That bridge was exquisite! I’ve gone 180 degrees from that sound this week. Rhythm circuit of my jazzmaster through a 65’ reverberocket through tremelo and reverb. Bang Bang!
Damn, nice. I used to have a '65 Reverberocket and an early Gretsch Corvette. Pretty amazing combination.
Def need a full roundup review/shootout on the small amps!
You are a great guy, Eric. Watching your videos always makes me feel better. I think your channel is great, your content is interesting, and you, my friend, are one of the best at what you do. Keep on keepin' on, my dude.
Thanks Will!
You know I try :-)
100% agree on The Edge. Also, Tele+Vox=Truth
really great genuine vox tones from this little guy. easy to believe the tones are coming from an ac15 or 30. never thought i'd want an ac4 but here i am
For real!
This little amp is so easy to dial in the classic Vox sound!
Great demo.
I used to own one of those.
And since this is RUclips and no one asked I’m still going to submit my thoughts.
Pros: Compact, loud enough and sounded great with Fenders.
Cons: Only one good sound, no headroom with Gibsons.
And it looks great!
no clean headroom..humbuckers push it into distortion
Holy cow that Tele sounds great through that amp. Nice playing too.
Everything you play through this sounds like a whole Tom Petty album. Fabulous sound. Great video, thank you.
You can't go wrong with a tele into a vox!
Not only a great amp assessment, but a Guided By Voices reference too! Doug Gillard is an indie workhorse.
Exactly why I love my ac15, I have it paired with a peavey classic 20. Sounds amazing
I have had a non hand wired vox ac4tv for almost 10 years now. It’s an amazing little amp. You don’t have to shell out for the hardwired to get an amazing vox sound. I’m pretty sure mine was made in china to boot.
I've got a Chinese made vox ac4 12...in red...its fabulous...handwired vs circuit board...I imagine its pretty hard to tell the difference..(apart from price and kudos lol)...then again I've got guitars that the volume and tone are PCB and hand soldered and I cannot tell any difference in tone or response....with the vox I just turn the gain all the way up and use the guitars controls to vary the tone...if it had any faults I'd say a reverb would be nice...but sometimes using a lot of reverb (and delays) tends to be addictive....i keep meaning to buy a reverb pedal for it but im kind of lazy lol....where the vox ac4 12 excels is that clean but slightly dirty sound...which I love and use 70% of the time and were I a famous player it probably would be my signature tone....for classic 60s 70s and jingle jangle it's pretty much ideal...I imagine for eddie van halen stuff you'd need pedals..but I've got other stuff for that...I love the way it responds to how soft or hard you pick...and how it makes you "work" to sound good....if you're a sloppy or kinda rubbish player ( which I kinda am a bit after an bicycle accident damaged my left hand that a year later still isn't quite the same...but im working on it! ) this amp will not gloss over it like say modelling amps (I have a old line 6 amp that sounds great its like a swiss army knife...i probably use this more than any amp...its very reliable...also i have a blackstar ID CORE BEAM that's got a stereo effect reberb delay trickery that give the illusion your guitar has got quadrophonic sound.. ping ponging around the room...how the hell they do it I don't know...its highly recommended as a practice amp...not as popular as those nice yamaha ones...but quite cheap to buy...i try not to use it too much as it makes me sound better than i really am if you can get whati mean by that...lol)...I like to just plug in my Gibson les Paul junior...no effects...maybe a wah wah...and blast out early The Who stuff....a great little amp....a bit loud for home use...I think I'm not driving it enough...but I've got to realise my neighbours might not want to hear me to pretend I'm pete townshend playing a overture/sparks/pinball wizard/tattoo "live at Leeds" melody lol....oh and it looks absolutely beautiful I find when I'm chilling In my music room listening to albums I often find myself staring at it...unless my ibanez George Benson GB10 is out...then that will steal the show like a well endowed woman in a skimpy white vest with no bra !! .lol...sure a proper vox ac30 in black is possibly the best looking amp ever...(although its pretty much a tie with a marshall blues breaker fender tweed or Roland's jazz chorus..imo .actually i do own a RAT modded marshall class 5 which is like a mini bluesbreaker in looks and a roland JC22..which is the sound and looks of a roland jazz chorus again in a smaller package.and if I didn't have these amps id probably love one of those fender blues junior amps...but hey its only a hobby and ive got 5 amps already lets not be greedy) but hey when I stopped playing in bands I let mine go as it became ridiculous for home use...
I went through many ac4s and settled on the TV... It gets alot of flak but if sorta works for my ears... And the built in attenuator is a God sent
My AC4TVH says Vietnam.
Always a must watch when there's a new Eric Haugen video! Big Petty vibes from this setup. Love it
I discovered single-ended amps a while ago. For touch and overall richness of tone, they cannot be beat. The application of a Q-Strip or other EQ device can add harmonics to the basic tone. Gibson GA-5 Skylark, Fender Champ, Vox AC-4, and others are some of the best sounding amps ever made. If you don't need/want high volume these amps are perfect. For live performances, they can be miced through the P. A. and roar like a Marshall stack.
yes - I love my Gibson GA-5...
Depends on how bad your local booze hole's PA is...
@@creamydistortion Well, of course, but most "local booze halls" don't hire a sound mixer, don't mic up the bands, and most bands have their own P.A.
Low powered amps are a good solution to high stage volume. All of a sudden everyone can hear each other! Amazing! It's like... like playing music.
You've just reminded me that I recently acquired a 1960TV cabinet. I reckon after the working stiffs head out tomorrow (Monday) morning I will see how well it Likes my AC-4 Head.
Have a Weber Blue Dog in my AC4 HW, and it’s an absolute winner. That “chime” just seems ever so slightly fuller in every way!
Interesting.. Had mine for about a year as a home/bedroom amp..fairly happy with it.
I guess I don't think it's a great all rounder as much as I think it's good for what it is (a small vox).
I've been tossing up buying a vibro champ to use stereo or perhaps go with something like a '65 Princeton.
Very hard to know...swapping out the speakers might be worth it, which I'd not previously considered.
Cheers. 🎸🎸🎸
I've a Weber classic alnico in my Princeton Love it
Is it brighter than the greenback?
I have a gold in my HW1. Is it better than the green? It’s a different sound. Prefer the gold for the cleans but green overdrives nice.
Love my Vox ac30. I went amp shopping a few years back, didn't really plan on making a purchase. I plugged into an ac30, played one riff with the topend and reverb cranked and i knew I was taking it home.
A tele, fuzzface, and a vox is one of the best tones achievable imo.
I completely agree with your comments about The Edge! Have a great weekend!
Team Edge ✊
Your setup is amazing. I own an ac4 and never knew what crazy sounds you can get out of it with the right pedals. Very helpfull!
Thanks for your lessons. Ive been playing for almost 40 years(im 54) and enjoy the gear and playing info you share. Thanks my brother!
What amazing sounds - I love the rambling style that covers all the points
I'm lucky to have found a used Vox AC15 HandWired 1. It brings the tones of all those 60s and 70s Rock and Blues Rock hits. My Strat 62 reissue really shines with that HW1. A larger and stronger cabinet than the standard AC15, and may be better electrical components, give that improved tones. On the 15HW1, we can bypass the master volume then it gets very loud . I use the normal channel that breaks up when gain is just after 12 O'clock. Gets pedals very well.
Were those first chords adapted from the piano chords on John Lennon's "Isolation?" That's absolutely gorgeous played on your Telly. . .
He said it's The Who - Substitute
@@Guitarisforgrins pretty sure it's Isolation before he starts talking, then Substitute.
Yeah! I love all the solo Beatles stuff - they all went in such weird directions!
@@zbthunderwood Right you are. My bad
It’s also the progression from “Laughing” by The Guess Who.
My first Vox amp was a Vox VBM1 (Brian May Special), a beautiful, tiny, white amplifier with a built in treble booster. I don't use it as much these days due to severe gear inflation, but whenever I plug it in I get stuck in jangle for hours. Nice video as usual!
What pleasure to watch this video….thanks
Fantastic video and some great examples. I have an AC4 (not handwired) on order and cannot wait, as my AC15 is too loud for practice (no shit). Particularly love your Tele with the Bigsby... Looks amazing and sounds phenomenal.
I see these amps come up on Markerolace all the time for $300-400 but I’ve never heard a demo/playing sample where they sounded good. You actually mic’ed it properly and it sounds amazing! Well done.
Just be sure it is a hand wired (HW1) version in this video. They were very limited in production compared to the other AC4 models, no longer available, tough to find. Only one has actually sold on Ebay this year and it sold for $875. I don't think you could find one for $500...much less $400 but if you do, grab it! You can easily sell it for near double that if you don't like. Most AC4's seen used are the lower line models, decent amps but not even in the ballpark of the bigger hand wired models. The AC4HW1 is a totally different animal, top to bottom, than Vox's standard AC4, AC4C1, or AC4TV models. Used, the AC4HW1 easily sell for $700-$850 depending on condition. Every now and then you may find one under $700... when you do, it won't last long. If anyone is interested in Vox amps, it's worth a trip to voxshowroom.com which is great education, photos, build details, and specific explanations of all differences between all the various AC-4 models as well as the rest of their line. Use the search engine and you won't believe how much Vox history you will find. (try "speaker cabinet")
also, Vox is coming out with an all new HW series for 2024. looks like they are taking these a big step further towards the 60's originals... but look for the prices and the sounds of the new models to reflect the excellence of what they are now advertising. Good luck!
Smokes, that amp sounds lovely.
Alright Im ordering this amp... Its the most affordable 1x12 hardwired green back tube amp on the market. Cant argue with the facts. Thx for the video.
I agree with the You regarding the speaker but what a great sound. I have a number of Budda amps including a Budda Dual Stage 30 R. It has 2 6L6’s and 4 EL84’s.very cool and lots of Fender’s. Love your video’s
I have bought and sold AC4's twice. I now have an AC10 in a back room, and I'm trying to give it back to the friend I bought it from. I love the Vox sound, actually. But I keep buying then getting rid of these amps. I do not know why.
While you're doing 5-watt amp reviews, the amp I spend the most time playing right now is a Fender Tweed Princeton clone. 5 watts, volume, tone, on/off switch. Somebody built it from a kit. But it sounds amazing, and (i think) it's a sound I'll never get sick of. With a Weber alnico 10" speaker and a vintage RCA 12ay7 preamp tube that I had just hanging around.
Oh, and I agree with the TDPRI callout. Great resource.
This is a handwired AC4 which is another league than the standard one.. I have one and can tell
11:07 Oh shit! That's the magic right there! Guess who needs a new octave fuzz?
I highly endorse that pedal. Every time I switch it on I smile :-)
Dang! That’s awesome!
The 15 -20 minutes i get to spend in your company is a real highlight of my week. Good vibes, killer tones, playing style and an attitude that resonates so well with me. You have created a significant resource here on this channel and that's no mean feat.
It's refreshing that you can be so honest (and yet hard to hear) that you're struggling with coming up with content, because it doesn't show. I get it though, so much work goes into making stuff seem effortless.
I'd love to hear more about your history in bands and I bet you have some splendid stories to tell. It would be great to get a little more insight into the new album and how thats going too!
That Vox sounds really sweet, I cant even see them listed on the Vox site. Very possibly the ideal home practice valve amp?
Easily my favourite channel on you tube. Sending you love, peace and positive vibes.
Thanks Peter!
I have no shortage of guitar thoughts to share - it's really just lighting/noise issues that ruin vid shoots!
I'm asking around my photography friends if they know of any silent and well-lit spaces I can rent :-)
For a second there, when you were playing barre chords on the Tele, I was sure you were going to break into "Parklife." (Ohhhh, if Adrian doesn't do a Graham Coxon vid, you should!) I love my Vox AC4HW, too. And it ~loves~ my big box DMM. Another fantastic gear vid, Eric; thanks!! I can't wait to go mess around with mine now.
And hang in there, my friend. You've been and are going through a lot, and remember to space some time for self care and self compassion. There are a bunch of folks who love you, man.
Thanks Maggie!
Don't worry, I've got a great therapist :-)
Love your personality man, you’re hilarious and a great player!
Thanks Aaron! I keep it real - the dude you see on YT is the same guy my buddies know :-)
Looks and sounds like a great amp, that won't break my back.
Many people seem to love the greenbacks. I prefer the Celestion Blue or the Celestion Ruby for anything not metal. Expensive fcks though. Little Vox sounds very nice. Would be interesting to listen to it through a different speaker.
Love the drums and the tune at the end.
Thanks buddy!
That track at the end is another unreleased Haugen jam. I re recorded it for the new album - should drop in Oct.
I actually did have a Vox AC4 Handwired, and the speaker was switched out to the Celestion Blue and it wasn't bad, but I sold it since, and the amp the filled the void was the 65 Amps Lil Elvis, which I prefer way more.
You are the Marc Maron of the guitar world and I love it. Thanks for the lead on that octafuzz.
Hahahahaha I LOVE Marc Maron!
I hope he’s seen one of my vids :-)
I like the Vox sound it’s very velvet Underground-esque
Yeah! I love VU
Love your videos. One of the most versatile guitarists out there.
the first 60sec has more content to learn than 99% of all tubevideos about playing guitarplaying :D
I was watching this video and initially thought, "Oh, the HW must have a different speaker than my AC15." I've been playing my AC15 through a Reeves 2x12 loaded with purple back Fane clones lately and liking how it eliminates a lot of the spikiness. Then you address the speaker at 5:30. After being a little disappointed with my Vox using the basic speaker, it is such a different beast with the right speaker pairing. The circuit plays so much into the high end (which you mention) that the right speaker becomes so essential, not only for breakup and spikiness but also for how it represents that high-end clarity.
Yeah! I'm talking to my buddy CJ at weber to see what he recommends - I'm thinkin' I'm gonna go for their ceramic blue dog with a hemp cone - should be an interesting complement to this circuit!
After all blue alnicos were what was originally in vox amps not greenbacks
Now THAT is a sweet tone.
We here in the UK are proud of what you are doing to our little amp, there.
SUBSCRIBED!!!
Hmmmm...I'd suggest Indonesia is a long way from the UK.
@@nostro1001 yawn
@@nostro1001 (check my linkedin)
Hi. Nice vid, thanks. I have the same amp. I was looking for a tube amp for home, and saw the regular 12 inch equipped AC4 on Amazon Japan for sale at about half price. But, I wanted to be sure, so I did the cheeky thing and went to a music store to try one out. It was okay, but nothing great. The sales bloke said I should try the hand wired one. I said no, I can't afford it. He came back and tried again, and again I said no. The third time, I gave in and tried, it. And that was that. No way I could buy the regular one after that. Also no way I could afford the hand wired one. So, I went to a cafe across the road and sulked. Then I sulked on the train home. Then I got my act together and started looking for one second hand. Japan doesn't have the ease of second hand access some place enjoy, nor the generally reasonable second hand prices. But persistence paid off, and I eventually got a mint one for the same price as the regular one goes for new. Happy. It's great wth a vintage style germanium fuzz face, incidentally.
Thanks.
Peace & all that,
Dean
The blues on the neck pup of that Firebird were lusty!
And I’d love a run though of Lennon’s Isolation!
I dig the change in color with the cream tolex instead of the trademark navy.
they call it 'Fawn'. It's a cool mixture of White and Grey.
You my friend are a great teacher with a great mind making great sounds.
Dude you make everything sound good. Even the english language 👍
I’ve never cared for VOX- UNTIL NOW!!!!!!! Killer tones!!! Great now I need more money for another amp- thanks Eric...... you rock- a lot of clarity.
The tone of the indie rock gods here
Ed we must have come up around the same time in the late 70s forward. We play a lot of the same tunes off the top of my head.
Thanks for the review Eric. Love your playing as well as your awesome teaching vibe. I borrowed one of these amps with the option to buy. I really like the sound of this amp. I did compare to my 45 year old Deluxe Reverb and a nice Little Walter 50W amp that I am lucky enough to own. At the same volumes, it held up well but just lacked a bit of character that the other amps had. Can't explain it - just more of an inspirational sound. However, after messing around with the tone / volume / gain knobs for quite a while, I realized that this amp really does have a lot of tonal range and I dialled in a sound that I totally fell in love with. A nice contrast to my Fender style amps. I'm really digging this amp now. I'm glad I gave it a chance. Perfect for lower volume practices and gigs. I also play harmonica, and it is a 'killer' amp for pulling out those old Chicago blues harp tones. This amp is a keeper for sure. Thanks again for the review.
Doesn't hurt that it's a good-sounding Bigsby Tele.
Props for the GBV inclusion. I thank you.
Very Voxy! I always thought my 1964 AC30 was the Voxiest? The Vox is so chimey and barks at you!
ooooh you win the voxiest award!
Has a Brad Paisley thang when the fret buzz is accentuated with the stock celestions. Sounds cool for me. Does sound really Voxy
This amp sounds great!! Love this tone
Anyone who mentions, "lawyers, guns and money," has a new fan!
Zevon 4 LYFE yo!
I had a non HW AC4 1x12. Had to sell it after covid. Honestly? The best recording amp I've ever owned!
Yeah! I used to have the AC4TV 1X10 and recorded with it TONS!
@@EricHaugenGuitar That amp actually got me away from the heavier genre stigmatic dogma of dual channel amps and FX loops. Sometimes it's better to go at it old school.
Incredible tone, Eric! Love your videos.
Thanks Don!
Emajor pentatonic for chill vibes- hehehe. I do like that as well for just practicing self-accompaniment.
Immediately subbed. Unpretentious, enthusiastic, great sounds. Think I need a new little amp in my life (and that fuzz).
Yay! Welcome to my Riffkitchen™ :-)
Great video, Eric. I appreciated the bonus 'Best of Jill Hives' GBV lesson.
Yes! GBV forever!
great as always sir! from experience my vox ac4 works great with keys as well. organ, rhodes, etc.
I had one of these on loan for a while - really great amp!
I put an Alnico Blue in mine. Makes it even Voxier.
Wow, I can't believe I just found this channel. You rock dude!
Oh man that Lennon intro! what a great way to set up the tone. :)
Thanks Gina!
I have the cheaper version AC4 with 12'' speaker . I changed the speaker and now it sounds great . Not as good as that one but when i have a good treble boost i'm very close to it .
Beautiful sounds!!! And like a lot the M160 in your videos (I listen from a pair of Genelec monitors)
Great demo. Might be getting this amp...
Right on with The Edge. (All the critiquing of him is hilarious - the guy is part guitar player, part composer. Chops-lovers may not dig him. Decades of selling out stadiums indicates those who love music dig him) :).
I’m a huge music fan, over 2000 LPs, 260 gbs of Grateful Dead and dead related project live shows, over 500 live shows attended, and I hate U2. Their music just isn’t for me, i find it boring and I can’t stand Bono, South Park got it right about that giant turd.
Excellent work on this one.
Certainly what he meant to call this would have been: Voxy Lady
Own and play a Vox AC15HW1....
Best versatile amp out there...
Tone for Days...
‘Squozed together’. Yeah, that’s the ticket!
TDPRI is a guitarist's hammock. Love a comfy safety net
I heard B-52's Pump! Right on!
“Happy Friday, eat pizza..” Subbed! That Dusky Augustus sounds insane, must have...
It makes me smile every time I switch it on!
That sounds absolutely lovely doesn't it? Really digging the chords at 2.30, kind of remind me of a GBV song that hasn't been written yet. Although, let's be honest, it probably has
It has!
That's "The Best of Jill Hives" :-)
Eric: Look forward to next weeks piece!!! 100% confident you'll be inspired to create something between now and then. Hmmmm, how bout a lesson/piece on greasiest - yes greasy - not greatest- classic rock riffs (rhythm w/ some fills) that you just can't stop playing cuz they are soooo fun to play and sound awesome!
Riffs! Yes - it's really all about the riffs!
I have no shortage of ideas to share - it's just the environmental instructions that make it difficult to stay on schedule :-P
@@EricHaugenGuitar Eric, how about an episode of Eric escapes the neighborhood and goes exploring? In all seriousness, thank you for what you share. You've presented lessons on guitarist and songs I adore that I thought no one would ever address, Fairport, Richard Thompson, Marc Ribot, Tom Waits, etc. Sincere thanks!
Not a bad idea!
really lean into the vlog side of my presentations :-)
Nice demo!!
Standing to front of Marshall double stacks for 40 years surprise surprise I have tiniest too.
Lonesome Dave? I thought you took a slow ride to heaven, but good to hear from you.😁 Sorry about the tinnitus; mine sounds like Eric's. White noise, TV in the other room, unnecessary desktop fan, and always of course...music.
No sounds of silence anymore.
Sounds fun! But yeah, now we pay the price ._.
@@EricHaugenGuitar it was and still is. Wouldn’t change a thing even if i could. 👍👍👀🎸
@@SoWhat.BigDeal. RIP Lonesome Dave Peverett.
That sounds amazing!
Lovely tones. Thanks for your enthusiasm and some great sounds. Subscribed! By the way, love the Firebird. I owned the Tokai FB and loved it, but a practical pain, including using a stand! You have given me GAS for the Epi! Thanks again...
Oh yeah! Firebirds hate stands!
I have a used ac4tv coming in this friday. Im very excited for my first tube amp, I can't wait to crank it.
Update: A bit of tube rattle but its awesome.
Those are great!
I've tracked entire records with a lil' ac4tv - congrats on your first (and not last) tube amp!
Nice kinks album "Village green predervation society". Terrific amp.
I love The Kinks!
Glad you gave the Edge his due!
You had me at the best of Jill hives
GBV 4EVA!
Man , I remember seeing one brand new for €500 just after Christmas one year, didn’t bite. Got a ‘57 champ in any case
Love the Best Of Jill Hives. Great playing, man.
I have the ac4 in blue. Wouldn't mind the HW one. Sounds great.
If you take out a Firebird you ought to play some Johnny Winter. I like your apartment dude. Lots of sunlight.
Awesome sunlight……been cloudy here. Thanks Aloha
hahahahahaha been cloudy here too.
I only can shoot on full-sun days between 10:00am-12:00pm, when the crews aren't moving tons of dirt around behind me - it's a creator prison I've made for myself :-P
'Sqoused together'. Love you Eric.
Thanks my brother!
Great playing and tone! 👏👏
6:11 I totally agree... well I may disagree but it's only most of the time.