FenderPrinceton Reverb-VOX AC10C1 – Amplifier Comparisons

[GnLguy]

This isn’t really a “shoot out” as many call them but just a good apples to apples comparison of the 2 great amps

The Fender Princeton & the Deluxe Reverb are my favorite Fender amps; there have probably been more songs that have been recorded using the Princeton than any other amp – Duane Allman used a non-reverb Princeton from the late 50s/early 60s to record his parts on the Layla album, EC used an older Champ.
Rock, country, jazz, popular music has all been recorded using this very basic and simple amp

Having said that, the Vox AC10 is an exceptional sounding amp as well. Having a Volume & Gain control, it allows a great tone at a lower volume.
The Fender is based on a 6v6 output tube and the Vox uses a pair of EL84/6BQ5 tubes – my experience, the EL84 tubes are the choice for lower volume amps and even in older stereo & hi-fi applications

New prices: Fender $1400 and the Vox is $600

As much as I love the Princeton, I would be hard pressed to pony up the additional $800 for it over the Vox. To me, the Vox hangs pretty tough at the lower to moderate volumes.

[John H]

I have the AC10. I had the AC5 which may sound better than the AC10 but doesn’t have reverb. My son told me years ago that the Vox AC10 was the best sounding amp he ever heard me play out of. I used Marshalls, Mesa Boogie and Fender Super Reverb, Bassman, Deluxe Reverb, Champ, Blues Jr. and Blues Deluxe. There is nothing like the shimmer of a clean Fender Reverb Amp. On the other hand, the Vox comes very close. It’s dirty British crunch is unparalleled. For the money, I think you are correct in your assessment.

John

[San Luis Rey]

Hey Keith,
I have demoed the three amps you mentioned and wound up with the Deluxe tone master
edition ($950). Fender amps have that sweet sound I’ve loved for years. The Vox AC10 sounds great also. I know lots of folks use studio monitors and play thru the computer with a Kemper or Boss etc.and that’s cool. But for me the air being pushed out of a real amp just sounds and feels right.

Mike

[GnLguy]

John H wrote:

I have the AC10. I had the AC5 which may sound better than the AC10 but doesn’t have reverb. My son told me years ago that the Vox AC10 was the best sounding amp he ever heard me play out of. I used Marshalls, Mesa Boogie and Fender Super Reverb, Bassman, Deluxe Reverb, Champ, Blues Jr. and Blues Deluxe. There is nothing like the shimmer of a clean Fender Reverb Amp. On the other hand, the Vox comes very close. It’s dirty British crunch is unparalleled. For the money, I think you are correct in your assessment.

John

My nephew has a Vox AC15 that he really likes and the clean channel is what really sold him on it. He got it in a trade and doesn’t have much money in it at all
It of course has more features than the AC10 – 2 channels, the amazing Vox tremolo, top boost but if you’re moving it around alot, the 27lb AC10 is much easier to deal with than the 48lb AC15

This is an interesting video about the “Vox Sound”

[Richard W]

I just got a new ‘65 Princeton Reverb Reissue and I’m really loving it. With both the reverb and the tremolo, I can happily play with no pedals at all. I also like that it has a very usable volume sweep for home use. I mostly play it when no one else is home and I’m able to crank it a bit, but it also sounds great at lower volumes too.

I was able to trade-in an old guitar I wasn’t playing anymore, so I didn’t feel the full sting of the retail price.

[Bill H]

Hi everyone …..

I just bought a Fender Princeton Reverb Tone Master from Thomann in Germany

£640-00 $828-00 ……..it is one that has been returned inside there 30

day policy ……I have 3 years warranty and it looks like new but someone

has had it for less than 30 days but I am good with that it sounds great..

In Edinburgh Scotland one hour from my house, they are for sale £800-00 $1035….

the Princeton Reverb is £1400. $1812. The AC10C1 is £450. $583.

I have a Supro Delta King 1O valve amp and a Helix stomp xl both great I am

sure, but I just found myself in the rabbit hole to many options and not

playing guitar enough……Hence the Fender tone master reverb I also

Bought A compressor Keeley plus four… an analog delay MXR M169 carbon copy

and a Warm Audio Warm Drive a Dumble style overdrive hehe well that’s what

It says ……its a lot less tone tweaking… and I am happy with them…

hope to showcase them in the next few weeks Take care all ……

and any news on Joe hope he is improving must be hard on him and his family

Cheers Billy H

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