Re: [Harp-L] vox vt-30 review

[Zack <zack.pomerleau@xxxxxxxxx>]

Glad you like it! I recommended one to Brandon Bailey after I myself used it
for so long.

On Mon, Oct 4, 2010 at 11:01 PM, Garry <harp@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> i recently joined my favorite band, and decided i needed
> a better amp than my old workhorse peavey bandit.  based
> on some comments here, and the nice review on youtube,
> i decided to check out the vox vt-30.  it's a hybrid tube/digital
> modeling amp, using a 12ax7 in its power amp stage.  which
> means nothing to me, really.  i just love the way it sounds.
> after a few hours auditioning it and its brethen (vt-15 and vt-30)
> in the showroom, i settled on the 30w version, and have been
> very happy with it.
>
> all of these have 22 amp models, about half of which are usable for
> harp (the others are high gain metal amps).  they also have a
> variety of effects, delay, chorus, etc., as well as an independent
> reverb.  they differ in power (15w, 30w, 50w), speaker size
> (8", 10" and 12"), and cost ($169, $239, $379).  vox has since
> announced an updated line of these, due out some unspecified
> time next year, with 20w, 40w, and 80w.  but i needed this now,
> and chose not to wait.
>
> there are also a bunch of presets, combinations
> of models/effects that are either common settings for the
> given amps or simulate that amp as used in various well
> known recordings.  these appear to be useless for
> harp, unless you like screeching howling feedback at
> any volume.  stick to manual mode and you'll be good.
> you can also save 8 presets of your own, which might be
> handy, though i've not used this feature.
>
> i was originally looking at the 50w version, since i need
> something loud enough to keep up in whatever situation
> i play in.  i can't count on mic'ing to a PA, and play in a
> variety of band, jam, and sit-in situations. but the cost
> ( $239 vs. $379 ) and weight ( 27 lb vs. 45 lb ) advantages
> of the 30 gave it the edge.  but i just wasn't sure if it'd be
> loud enough.
>
> given that i have 30 days to try it out, i took it to the local
> jam the next day.  played 2 sets with mic'ed drums, bass,
> keyboards and two guitars (very loud).  the amp held its own,
> and sounded great.  though i did have it turned up to about
> 75% (there're no numbers on the dials, which i find delightfully
> elegant).  a few days later i sat in with a friend's blues band.
> they play ridiculously loud, and i had to turn it way up, but
> it held its own against drums/bass/keys/2 guitars.  it's plenty
> loud enough for the rehearsal studio, and we mic the amps
> when my band plays, so no problems there.
>
> overall, i love this amp.  it sounds great to my ears, gets
> very loud when you want it to, and is responsive to a degree
> i've not experienced before.  i play through an sm 57, usually
> wireless, and this combination is remarkably feedback
> resistant.  i usually play the ac30 model, with a little delay,
> and i've stood in front of it with volume and master at 10,
> gain around 3, without feedback.  maybe it's the closed
> back cabinet, but the sound seems to start maybe 6 feet
> in front of you.  it feels very solid and well built, and
> i like the way it looks.  the controls are nicely designed,
> invoking a vintage feel, and easy to use. i can carry it
> with one hand, and put it in my (little) car without hurting
> my back.
>
> anyway, i'd highly recommend this amp.  it sounds great,
> feels great, gets louder than it has any right to.  and all
> for a measly $250 with tax.  if you really need LOUD,
> consider the vt50, or the vt15 if you don't, and want
> to save some bucks.  of course, you'd be a fool to take my
> word for it, especially when i'm espousing harp amp heresy.
> but you ought to at least go find a music store and take
> it for a spin; you might like what you hear.
>
> vox page: http://www.voxamps.com/valvetronix/vt-series/
> youtube review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRYKpDJC014
>
> --
> We make a living from what we get,
> but we make a life from what we give.
> - Kathy Moser
>
>
>


-- 
www.zackpomerleau.com

Drummer, guitarist, pianist, vocalist, and harmonica player. Currently using
a HarpGear 50 with LoneWolf harmonica pedals along with other various
brands, a Warmoth Stratocaster with Lindy Fralin pickups, a Gibson Les Paul
Standard, and Gretsch and Peace drumsets with Sabian and Dream cymbals.
Located in the Auburn/Lewiston area of Maine.