Vox AC30 Handwired Celestion Greenback Combo Valve Amp

The AC30HWR2 Hand-Wired Greenback version delivers the classic Vox AC30 experience with a warmer, more mid-focused voice. Built using hand-wired construction, vintage-accurate circuitry, and period-correct materials, it faithfully recreates the feel and response of early ’60s originals. Paired with dual Celestion G12M Greenback speakers, this version offers earlier speaker breakup, smoother highs, and a darker midrange character, making it ideal for players seeking classic British tone with a more controlled, saturated response for stage and studio use.

Classic British power with a warmer edge

Few amplifiers have shaped music history like the Vox AC30. With the AC30 Hand-Wired Greenback version, that legacy takes on a new voice, delivering the same hand-wired construction and vintage-accurate design as the original, now paired with a pair of Celestion Greenback speakers for a warmer, more focused take on the classic Vox tone.

This isn’t just a nod to the past. It’s a faithful reconstruction of a British legend, built for players who crave touch sensitivity, harmonic complexity, and that unmistakable Vox feel, now with a speaker choice that breaks up earlier and speaks with a different kind of authority.

Built for those who want a slightly darker midrange character and earlier breakup, the Greenback version offers a compelling alternative for stage and studio alike.

A warmer take on a timeless voice

The heart of the AC30’s sound lies in its EL84 power section and the subtle distortion introduced by the phase inverter stage when the amp is pushed. This creates harmonics and a blooming dynamic response that’s unmistakably Vox. The Greenback-equipped model captures all of this, but shifts the tonal focus slightly: less top-end brilliance, more midrange punch, and a smoother transition into overdrive.

The amp’s power supply has been engineered to reproduce the voltage “sag” of the 1963 original, creating that natural compression and feel under your fingers. Ghost notes and noise have been eliminated, but the dynamic character is preserved. Transformative sound with custom output transformers.

At the heart of recreating the classic vintage Vox sound lies the pivotal role of the output transformer. It's not just about matching specifications; the true essence of vintage amplifiers is often found in the subtle nuances of saturation distortion within the transformer. This type of distortion enriches the sound with harmonious components that define the much-sought-after vintage character. However, capturing this essence goes beyond mere technical specs. It's an elusive quality that isn't readily captured by standard measurements.

We set out to craft custom transformers that embody the quintessential characteristics of vintage Vox sound. This process involved a series of meticulous prototyping, where each iteration brought us closer to that perfect blend of warmth and clarity. The result is a set of transformers that not only meet but exceed the expectations of vintage sound enthusiasts. They are the beating heart of our amplifiers, meticulously engineered to bring the rich, harmonious essence of the past into the present.

Custom transformers, vintage cabinet resonance

A key part of the AC30 Hand-Wired’s voice comes from its custom-wound output transformer, developed to recreate the harmonic signature of original ’60s units. The cabinet uses 12mm birch ply, just like the vintage models, for optimal resonance and openness. With two 12" Celestion G12M Greenbacks inside, the result is unmistakably Vox, but with an edge. The Greenbacks lend a rounder top end, softer attack, and quicker speaker breakup. If the Alnico Blue is glass and sparkle, the Greenback is all warmth and grit.

Two channels. classic versatility.

• Normal channel - Thick and warm, with a Bright switch for extra clarity.
• Top Boost Channel - The signature Vox chime, slightly tamed by the Greenbacks, delivering British crunch with better
  control at lower volumes.

Each channel retains the touch sensitivity and tonal nuance Vox is known for, and the Greenbacks’ earlier breakup makes them ideal for players who want saturation at more manageable volumes.

Refined Spring Reverb

A dedicated tube-driven spring reverb circuit delivers lush ambience without washing out your tone. With its own output transformer for proper impedance, the reverb sits clearly in the mix. Level and Tone controls let you dial in just the right amount of space.

FX Loop that doesn’t colour your sound

The FET-buffered effects loop preserves your signal integrity when adding modulation and delay pedals. Designed for transparency, it works whether the amp is clean or overdriven, and can be fully bypassed for purists.

Built for the stage

With 30 watts of tube power and dual Greenbacks, the AC30 Hand-Wired Greenback version has more than enough headroom for live use, but its earlier breakup makes it easier to get saturated tones at gig-friendly levels. Rear-panel outputs offer flexible routing to external cabs or attenuators.

A new flavour of a classic icon

The Greenback version of the AC30 Hand-Wired is for players who want the full Vox experience, but with a different tonal balance. It’s less bell-like than the Alnico Blue model, but it’s punchier, more focused, and a little dirtier when pushed. Think British rock with bite, and rich overdrive you can feel in your hands.