AC 30 killers/cheap boutique-y clones

Casey · 09-21-2009, 09:14 AM

finally got rid of my 5150. That kid is gonna be happy.

Looking into AC30s. before I spend the dough, was wondering if there are any lesser-known (read: cheaper, possibly american made) brands that make clones, or any lesser-known amp makers that have models that achieve the AC 30 vibe, and then blow them away perhaps?

**thesteve** · 09-21-2009, 10:24 AM

BSPE might be able to shed some light here, but I think Frenzel might have something that fits the bill.

RubberChipmunk · 09-21-2009, 10:39 AM

I'm building something that is going to blow everything away.

That's still a few months off though...

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 09-21-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

BSPE might be able to shed some light here, but I think Frenzel might have something that fits the bill.

Yeah, I would highly recommend FRENZEL Tube Amps A sweet little 15 or a hotbox wildcat might do you well. Personally, my guess is the 15 might be a good choice.

I have owned a couple and one of them is a main amp for me filling in where the soldano lacks.

Valvetech Hayseed 30 might be another option out there. (Note: I have not played one, just throwing out ideas)

Casey · 09-21-2009, 01:03 PM

thanks so much for the frenzel recommendation! they're running a special on the ac15 clone that i might just not be able to resist. haven't checked the hayseed yet, but will do...

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 09-21-2009, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casey

thanks so much for the frenzel recommendation! they're running a special on the ac15 clone that i might just not be able to resist. haven't checked the hayseed yet, but will do...

I will say on mine the balance between channels is tricky, but its a killer amp. turn off the NFB Loop and it is chime city.

metropolis4 · 09-21-2009, 01:30 PM

Don't know what you're looking at price-wise, but here are a few other more or less known AC30 type amps that are worth looking into.

Trinity TC-15

Gabriel V33

Bruno Underground 30

Dr. Z Stang Ray

DST Engineering DST-30

Divided by 13 RSA31

There's a bunch more out there too. The AC30 seems to be one of the most popular amps for boutique makers.

Casey · 09-21-2009, 03:49 PM

ah thanks met, but those are all out of my price range at the moment. I have about 750 with some fudge room either way. looking like a used ac30 from craigslist or that frenzel. Leaning more to the frenzel due to reliability issues with the chinese ac30s. Whatever I buy will be touring with me immediately. Also, depending very much on the amp I get, my pod xtl may be my main tone shaping device.

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 09-21-2009, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casey

ah thanks met, but those are all out of my price range at the moment. I have about 750 with some fudge room either way. looking like a used ac30 from craigslist or that frenzel. Leaning more to the frenzel due to reliability issues with the chinese ac30s. Whatever I buy will be touring with me immediately. Also, depending very much on the amp I get, my pod xtl may be my main tone shaping device.

The Frenzel is rock solid, he really stands behind his work, PTP stuff.

Major Tom · 09-21-2009, 04:35 PM

Wow, that looks like a great sale price on that Little 15 ! I checked out the clips on his site for that amp...why do so many boutique pedal and amp makers have such absolutely horrid clips ?! How can you expect to sell anything when it is being demo'd by a rank amateur player, on an out of tune guitar, with lousy recording technique?! It sounds like it is probably a wonderful amp, but the clips sure did not give me GAS.

One amp that you might consider, a used Vox Heritage AC15. They are getting rave reviews, and are PTP wired . I saw a combo on CL a week or 2 ago for $900. - a little over your budget, but a pretty good price for a PTP "boutique-y" amp. If they had reverb on 'em I woulda maybe snatched that one up...for whatever neurotic reason, I like my amps to have reverb.

Another one is the Vox Night Train, although AFAIK, it is available as a head only.

metropolis4 · 09-21-2009, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casey

ah thanks met, but those are all out of my price range at the moment. I have about 750 with some fudge room either way. looking like a used ac30 from craigslist or that frenzel. Leaning more to the frenzel due to reliability issues with the chinese ac30s. Whatever I buy will be touring with me immediately. Also, depending very much on the amp I get, my pod xtl may be my main tone shaping device.

FWIW I discovered the problem to my Chinese AC30 was a simple bad speaker cable. I didn't catch it before because my spare was also bad

Other than that issue, that amp has been fairly reliable...

The Frenzel's appear to be very good quality builds and you can't beat PTP wiring for any repairs that might need to be done

Casey · 09-22-2009, 08:18 AM

Talked to frenzel to see if there was any way I could expedite my order. I need this amp at least the day before we leave for tour, and preferably before then. If i buy from frenzel I'm cutting it pretty darn close.

gah don't know what to do. Thanks for the heads up Maj. Tom. I'll be on the lookout. The AC30 is not out of the question yet. I have also considered the night train. Need to spend a little more time with it in the store before I take the plunge though.

Casey · 09-22-2009, 04:15 PM

plunge taken! getting the 5e3 dp3! FRENZEL FM 5E3

Casey · 10-26-2009, 09:08 AM

SHIPPED TODAY! SO EXCITED =]

Casey · 11-03-2009, 12:02 PM

Got it yesterday. I am in love. Seriously could not be happier. hopefully NAD thread with pics and clips coming sometime next week.