Hand-Wiring AC15?

[The New Steve H]

I see Ceriatone has the populated boards for $95. Assuming they're still selling them, that is hard to pass up.

[Weathered]

I'm with the group that says "sell the AC15 and scratch build". Buy high quality iron, you can source parts from multiple places (I've had good luck buying from turretboards.com, but that's up to you), and you'll end up with a quality amp that is purpose built.

Sounds like this friend hasn't told you about what he likes/doesn't like with the Vox? I'm suspicious that this friend may be in love with the concept of a Matchless rather than the true tone of one, as they are very Vox inspired; I've also found that most of them are volume beasts. They need to be wound up to sound great. Not that they sound bad at lower volumes, but the Matchless magic happens at 7 on the volume knob.

Another killer option (if you were wanting to nail that Voxy vibe, but have a bit more complexity), is the Trinity TC-15. Apparently, it's basically a DC-30 circuit with a 15 watt power section. The kit with transformers but without a head cab comes in at just under $600, and it comes with a very thorough builder's guide.

http://www.trinityamps.com/Product_Trin15.htm

[The New Steve H]

I'll tell you the truth. It never occurred to me to take any responsibility for picking the amp to build. I figured that was his problem, not mine. I don't have the slightest idea what kind of sound he wants.

Obviously, I'll tell him anything I learn, so thanks for all the input.

[amplifiednation]

I'll tell you the truth. It never occurred to me to take any responsibility for picking the amp to build. I figured that was his problem, not mine.

it will end up being your problem, or ours.

[Weathered]

I'll tell you the truth. It never occurred to me to take any responsibility for picking the amp to build. I figured that was his problem, not mine. I don't have the slightest idea what kind of sound he wants.

Obviously, I'll tell him anything I learn, so thanks for all the input.

Well, at times some requirements gathering/expectations management can go a long way toward keeping a customer happy. Finding out what the Vox does/does not do for said customer can help you to steer him toward something that he will ultimately be happy with. It may well be a Lightning - maybe he's played one and loved it. Maybe he's just heard clips and loved those, but one thing to always keep in mind when deciding on an amp based on clips - the player in the clip may have very different fretting, pick attack, etc, that impacts their tone.

Maybe in having a discussion with your friend, it turns out that they really are looking for something more in the Tweed spectrum - in pushing for that, they may end up much more pleased with the end result, which is a win for both of you.

[The New Steve H]

"Customer"...if he was paying me, I'd definitely take more of an interest in making sure he was happy.

[Weathered]

"Customer"...if he was paying me, I'd definitely take more of an interest in making sure he was happy.

Why would it take being paid to make sure your customer is happy? I would think that there is a degree of pride that comes with someone being pleased with what you have built....

[The New Steve H]

Hey, I take pride in building it. Choosing it...not so much.

[M Fowler]

Well the Lightning would fit in the AC15 chassis/cab so that should be straight forward install.

Mark