Vox Custom Classic AC30CC1 30w 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp  

I didn't know what to expect with a chinese-built amp, but I have been more than happy with the quality of this amp.  It sounds fantastic and is very versatile for all types of playing---from clean and chimey to "edgy" to overdriven. The wide range of smoothing filters, power output choices and especially a master volume that seems to be in the right place in the circuit add up to lots of tonal variation. The effects loop doesn't sound good to me---there is a noticeable drop in upper midrange and presence when using, so I just use two effects peadals with hardwire bypass straight into the amp inputs. The reverb is fine, not as punchy as fender, but very usable and the tremolo sounds good and kind of understated. I play single coils, a 62 reissue strat and an esquire reissue and this is the first amp I have ever had to turn down the treble and crank the bass on! (I like treble!) With the blendable channels, this amp can get much thicker than the AC 30 combos I have heard without ear-shattering volume. The NeoDog speaker sounds great to my ears.  I changed my preamp tubes to Mullard reissues, and I think it did improve the sound, but pulling this chassis apart to install them is not for the faint of heart. Overall, this is a great amp and a real value and I have had absolutely no trouble with it.

I have two guitars, an American Telecaster Deluxe circa about 2000-02 and a 2004 Paul Reed Smith Classic 22. Both of these guitars are great, but I can only really find great sounds with the Tele through this amp. It depends on what type of guitar you are using. The telecaster sounds AMAZING through this amp, but it is harder to find a good sound with the PRS. It doesn't sound bad, just not as good. This is NOT an extremely versatile amp. It sounds great for soft and crunchy stuff, but not good for higain stuff. If you have two amps, run your cleans through this and dirty through something like a Marshall or Mesa. I love it with the Tele though, sounds sooo great.