Vox AC15 Handwired Heritage Amp

Full Description

Rather than just a typical reissue where a vintage amp is dusted off and copied, this amplifier, like the others in the Heritage Collection, transports you through the golden age of VOX tone, combining the prized EF86 preamp channel of 1958 with the 1963 Top Boost channel all in one amplifier. Add in some modern tone shaping control enhancements and the result is perhaps the finest VOX amplifier in the company s 50 year history.

The EF86 The magical VOX tone

What is it that makes EF86 based VOX amplifiers some of the most collectible in the world? Maybe it s the way the amp naturally overdrives, almost breathing with a life unto its own. Dynamic changes in pick attack almost seem to be anticipated before you make them. Or maybe it s the raw power of the creamy distortion as you crank the amp all the way up and slam down on a power chord. Whatever it is, there is an undeniable magic about this period of VOX amplification. An age when the most simple of circuits produced some of the most complex of tones. Now in short supply, the EF86 Pentode tube is at the heart of this elusive tone. Fifty years later, the magic returns.

The AC15H1TV - A detailed look

The 15-watt AC15 Handwired features two channels of VOX tone through a single 12" Celestion Alnico Blue speaker. The tube complement is made up of 1 x EF86, 3 x ECC83/12AX7, 2 x EL84, and 1 x EZ81 (rectifier).

Channel 1 is the EF86 Preamp channel, and features two inputs wired in the traditional way that gives them a 6dB gain difference between them. A two-position BASS SHIFT switch is included, with position 1 voiced to the original vintage-correct bass response and position 2 voiced to tighten the bass response and reduce any muddiness during high volume use. The three-position BRILLIANCE SWITCH provides flat response when in the OFF position. Position 1 is a new position voiced like the early AC30 Treble amps, while position 2 is the original brilliance circuit, which acts as a dramatic bass cut. The EF86 Mode switch re-configures the EF86 valve from Pentode mode to Triode mode. Triode mode will give a lower gain tone with higher headroom. Pentode mode is the famed original mode and has a very sweet high gain tone with not very much headroom.

Channel 2 is the Top Boost Preamp channel. Like Channel 1, this channel includes two inputs wired with a 6 dB gain difference between them. The Treble and Bass controls are from the 1963 Top Boost circuit and are extremely interactive. Very minor adjustments of these controls can yield dramatic changes in tone color.

And true to VOX form is the Top Cut control, which cuts high from either channel end as it is turned up.

Flexible power

The O/P Switch adds even more flexibility to the AC15. This switch changes the power output valves from Pentode Mode, which is the normal operating mode of the power amplifier, to Triode Mode which halves the power output to 7.5 watts and will alter the tone to be somewhat smoother.

The finishing touches

Great care and research went into the cosmetics for this special amplifier to meld vintage correct attributes with some modern revisions. These touches include a vintage TV Front cabinet, pre-1960 logo placement, and a vintage inspired cream vinyl covering. An extremely limited edition run of 400 amplifiers will be produced with oiled mahogany cabinets.

AC15H1TV SPECIFICATIONS

• Power Output 15 Watts RMS into 8 or 16 ohm loudspeaker load selectable via rear panel switch.
• Valve Complement 1 x EF86, 3 x ECC83/12AX7, 2 x EL84, 1 x EZ81 (rectifier).
• Loudspeaker VOX/Celestion Alnico Blue 12" loudspeaker - 8 ohm.
• Dimensions (W x H x D) 527 x 527 x 263.5 mm / 20.75 x 20.75 x 10.375 inches
• Weight 22.5 kg / 49.6 lbs

Boss TU-1000 Pro-Calibre Stage Floor Tuner

The new BOSS TU-1000 is a tuner fit for a rockstar. The new flagship of the famous BOSS TU-series is built tough and made for the stage floor. Its large, high-intensity LED meter provides perfect visibility on dark stages or outdoors, while the ultra-smooth and accurate motion of the tuning meter makes tuning fast, easy, and accurate.

• Ultra-smooth, accurate motion and superior visibility with the meter's large LED
• Accu-Pitch uses the motion of the meter's lights to show when tuning is complete
• Two display modes: Cent (LED functions like a needle-type meter) and Stream (fluid light motion indicates when notes are out of tune)
• Powering up the tuner automatically mutes the output signal, allowing you to tune without outputting sound
• Handles open tunings, DADGAD, and other alternate tunings, as well as dropped tunings up to six semitones below standard

Floor Control

The high-visibility design makes the TU-1000 a perfect choice for the performing guitarist. Positioned on the stage floor near your pedals or in your pedalboard, the TU-1000 can be easily seen and operated in the darkest stage environment. And from the audience's point of view, the glowing blue BOSS logo on the TU-1000's rear panel is an eye-catcher as well.

Tuning Modes

The TU-1000 offers a variety of tuning modes. In Cent mode, the LED meter functions as a needle-type meter, with BOSS pinpoint accuracy. In Stream mode, the stream-like motion indicates when notes are out of tune. The Pitch indicator illuminates when the target pitch is met.

Drop-Tuning Support

For guitarists who drop-tune, the TU-1000 offers a special Flat Tuning mode, which lowers the pitch one or more semitones below the note shown in the display. The display changes according to your choice, from lowered one semitone down to lowered six semitones.

Connectivity

There's plenty of I/O on the TU-1000's rear panel. The INPUT jack also doubles as a power switch. Connecting your guitar turns on the tuner's power; disconnecting from the plug turns the power off. The OUTPUT jack is for connecting to an effects processor, guitar amp, or other such device. Typically the output is muted while the tuner is on, however, you can specify whether the signal is output regardless of whether the tuner is on or off. The PARALLEL OUT jack lets you split the signal from the input jack and send it to a connected effects processor or guitar amp. The TUNER ON/OFF lets you connect an external footswitch (FS-5U; sold separately) for powering the tuner on and off remotely.

• Tuning Range: C0 (16.35 Hz) - C8 (4186 Hz)
• Reference Pitch: A4=436 - 445 Hz (1 Hz step)
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 414mm x 160mm x 61mm
• Weight: 2.2kg