software

What overdrive/distortion box can best capture the sound of a cranked AC30?
To be even more specific, the distortion sound of The Jam. I've learned one part of the equation is in lower output pickups. Having trouble finding the tone and I've tried alot of pedals over the years. Most overdrives sound tweed-like and most distortion boxes sound like either Marshall or Mesa. Anyone have any ideas? I know I should save for a new AC30 but I am totally happy with my current amps clean sound.

What amp are you using at the mo?

I have never heard any pedal that could come even close to the tone of an AC-30


Originally Posted by the guy who invented fireI have never heard any pedal that could come even close to the tone of an AC-30

I own a Vox Valvetone 810 pedal and it does cop that vibe pretty well....It's basically a Tube Screamer but the tone stack is voiced differently..It does have that smooth AC30 vibe though..These pedals are pretty pricey,but they're still out there on E Bay....I bought mine like brand new years ago for $45 and I've hung onto it....It's a great pedal and has really good tone...It's pretty and looks like a Vox wah with the black and chrome..

Check one out right here!

from : localhost/cgi.ebay.com/Vox-V810-Valve-T...QQcmdZViewItem

And another one.

from : localhost/cgi.ebay.com/VOX-V810-Valve-T...QQcmdZViewItemReviews Here.
from : localhost/www.harmony-central.com/Effec...ve_Tone-1.html

I'm using a Carvin MTS head with EL-34's into a Dual Showman 2-15 cab. I only use the clean channel as the distortion channel sounds worse then a late model JCM800, yuck! The Carvin (even with EL-34's) sounds closer to a Fender Showman/Twin then anything I've used and is a lot quieter and reliable. Like I said I am quite happy with that tone but I'm very picky about my distortion tones. I want to try one of the new Vox Cooltron Brit Boost pedals but haven't seen them yet in the stores. It has a treble boost feature which may be the sound I'm after.

I completely forgot that Menatone has a box called TBIAC (Top Boost In A Can), I have not tried it yet, but I was pretty impressed with other Menatone units!


Originally Posted by saladinI'm using a Carvin MTS head with EL-34's into a Dual Showman 2-15 cab. I only use the clean channel as the distortion channel sounds worse then a late model JCM800, yuck! The Carvin (even with EL-34's) sounds closer to a Fender Showman/Twin then anything I've used and is a lot quieter and reliable. Like I said I am quite happy with that tone but I'm very picky about my distortion tones. I want to try one of the new Vox Cooltron Brit Boost pedals but haven't seen them yet in the stores. It has a treble boost feature which may be the sound I'm after.

Not sure on the new Vox line,but they are some pricey suckers!


Originally Posted by the guy who invented fireI completely forgot that Menatone has a box called TBIAC (Top Boost In A Can), I have not tried it yet, but I was pretty impressed with other Menatone units!

Yep, that's the one I was going to suggest. There's also a few others.
Go to Ebay's accessories section and do a search for Vox top boost or treble boost in items and descriptions.

don't forget that AC30's cranked tone is one of those quot;CRANKED TONESquot; as in it will be hard to get out of a box