Hi,
I have a chance to buy a vox ac15cc1 for a decent price.. It's probably by far the best I can afford right now and I really like the sound of it..
It's only like 9 months old or something so I guess that it should pretty much be like new.. But still I'd like to check it before buying.. but what do I check?
Or is it smarter to just buy new?
Thanks
I've never bought a new amp, and likely never will. Well, the G5222 was new, so I'm lying. But I sold it before it arrived, so it doesn't really count.
With used amps, you generally want to ask and make sure that all the tubes are working and ask about the caps. I'm talking about old amps here. But those caps wear out over time and don't hold their charge, so you need to replace them.
Sorry, my boss came in as I was typing.
With a newer amp, those caps will be fine. All there really is to worry about - at all - is the tubes. As long as they're fine, the amp should be fine. I mean you'll likely be buying from a reputable seller, so you really have nothing to worry about.
Packing the tubes properly is the most important part of shipping an amp.
If there is anything wrong with it at 9 months old, it would probably be obvious.
I have been playing 45 years and I have never bought a new amp and only one new guitar in all of that time.
Shipping will be no issue, it's close so I can pick it up.. (Well, I'll have to get one of my parents crazy enough to drive but that shouldn't be the issue)
And it's not from a reputable seller by the way, just from a guy who offers his combo on Marktplaats (dutch ebay, sort of).. He has a receipt and all and there is still a couple of months warranty left.. He says so at least.
Ok well then you're fine dude! Just check the tubes, and make sure it starts up/makes noise. You'll be fine.
Good luck!
The general consensus AFAIK: China Voxes (cc) are supposed to sound good but won't handle physical abuse. If you're going to use it at home you'll probably be fine. Going on the road with it is a disaster waiting to happen. F r a g i l e.
I'll be using it at home most of the time and rarely get it out.. I'm going to check it out tomorrow and well, maybe buy it 
Good thing is there's half a flightcase included :P (ok, some crap thing on wheels)
If you can plug in and play before you pay, you're better off then most.
Plug in, turn it on, then stand around and talk to the guy for a while. Wait and let it get warm. Play it for a while. If it sounds good, then great. :)
Matthew
If you are buying from an individual tell him you want to turn it up all the way and play it like that for 20 minutes. If the owner consents, keep looking.
missing back pannal scews usually means some kinda amp"Modding" witch is allways bad news more or less.....
good luck
I bought it!
It sounded great, I cranked it up and still sounds good.. Although I like it way more at lower volume.. I actually like the reverb which I read allot of bad things about..
I'm so happy, I played way to much unplugged (and through a shit solid state amp) so this is like a complete new world to me..
Also my gretsch sounds way more beautiful then my little brother's strat.. That was never really obvious resulting in why did you spend so much on a guitar that sounds the same like a 400 euro guitar questions.. Well this is why..
Arrgh so happy (and so very broke) :D
I'll post a pic later :)
Sorry for crap quality, cell phone :p
And that's a Paul Setzer pickguard decal yes
Glad it put a smile on your face. That is what guitar playing is all about.
Otterbean
Why do you have brass knuckles as an avatar
Just curious.
I'm not a tough guy or anything. Just saw a jpg file on the web that said Louisiana with brass knuckles and thought it looked neat. Just decided to use it as an avatar.
Actually, if you go to the wrong places in the state, the avatar fits quite nicely.
Thomas Looks geat! That setup should sound great as well. You made a great choice---Gretsch and Vox work well together---a guy named George proved that 40 some years ago. For a 17 year old young man, you've shown some great wisdom in your decisions. Your parents should be proud of you(and probably are). Enjoy it! That amp's practically new, so you shouldn't have any troubles with it for quite awhile. It'll suit you well. It's powerful enough to gig with (mic it if you need more sound) and almost too much for a practice amp. It's a rig that could last you the rest of your life. I'm impressed that you have a classical guitar. Acoustics are too frequently overlooked. You also said you play at a lower volume---that's great. The hardest thing in the world to do sometimes is to get a guitarist to turn it down. Sheet music usually works. Have fun!
Thanks for the flattering words cielski.. My parents are kind of proud (I think), but still think I'm crazy.. (Which is pretty true.)
I'm very proud of the guitar and amp, and the fact I payed it all for myself.. Really makes playing it way way more better..
The classical guitar is the guitar my parents gave me, it was my first guitar and the thing that started the whole madness.. I must admit in the beginning I didn't like it allot (I wanted an electric) but ever since I got my gretsch I really started to appreciate it's character.. Not that's it a special super-expensive guitar.. I just like the acoustic tone.
Anyhow, I'm done for buying anything guitar related for quite a while.. As you mentioned I have like a complete gig-set now! :D
Thomas I meant them, buddy! The nice thing about acoustics, especially while learning to play, is that they're quiet. There's something comforting about sitting outside under your favorite tree playing just for yourself. If the mood hits you at 2AM, you can deal with it without waking Mom & Dad, or, the wife and kids. Willie Nelson has played one his entire life. Works for him. Earning it yourself says a lot as well. You really appreciate it far more. Gifts are nice---a case or accesories like pedals are something to hint at---but you've earned it. Feels good, doesn't it? Of course your folks think you're crazy. I've got a teenage daughter that's smart as a whip---and I know she's crazy---she's my daughter. I know my Dad thought that I was nuts, but, he's the one who bought a $25 piano for me when I was 5, so, it's partially his fault. I bought my first keyboard and guitar, but, he got me my first amp---a Gretsch. They put up with garage band practices (with 30 kids dancing in the driveway, and visits from the county sherrif about the noise) and driving me around. Yours will do the same, happily; and, yes, they'll still think you're crazy. It's the good kind of crazy.
Don't skip the other things. Get your education, have a life, and have fun.
Now, you'll discover those three little words that Mom's have been saying for over 50 years-----
"TURN IT DOWN!!
Enjoy
