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I've lately wanted a nice British style combo amp that does your usual Vox-y thing. It kind of strikes me as odd that I've had several amps and setups and I always just go back to having a Pathfinder. Honestly, I'm not ashamed to say I was into Pathfinders because of the looks, and then after a while, I also liked the tones they made. At this point, I like Orange overdrive, Vox cleans, and Marshall dirt, so basically, anything with a somewhat British flavor sits well with me.

Anyway, Laney has really leaped out as a solid contender at the $500-700 range due to the following factors:

1. Attractive form factor.
2. Light weight (relatively speaking).
3. Made in UK vs. China.
4. Reverb + FX Loop.
5. Affordable for what you get.

So what's the catch on these?

Also, do you have any idea how the four models I'm considering compare: LC15, LC30, VC15, VC30? Are numbered models within the lineups pretty much louder and quieter versions of the sound or is it like AC15/30 where they don't sound similar at all?

I think I'd really like the VC30-210 if it does what it says it does. I like 210s a lot.

I used to have an LC15. It was OK, but nothing special. I definitely wouldn't pay US prices for one. Save and get a Vox.

I have a VC15 OEW limited edition which is cracking, its the AC15 equivalant. I think this is the only one that is fully made in the UK. It certainly gets loud and the 2 channels offer a lot of different tones. I love cranking the clean channel and controlling it with the volume as its lovely and chimmey. I really like it. It takes pedals well on both channels. I haven't used the fx loop and the more recent models fixed the issues they were having with the reverb by changing the unit. Its an AB amp so different to the VOXs but the VC30 is a A amp is is basically a AC30 clone. Lots of people say the VC15 is a lot better than the AC15 and my own personal experience says save the £500 if you want to get a 15W. One other thing about the VC15 is that its got a cab extension so you can use it with a 2x12 if necessary.

If you need volume then consider the AC30, I don't think the VC30 comes close to it for sounds and quality.

Not a fan of the LC range.

Also to consider are the Laney Lionheart range, they are amazing for the price.

For classic tonez the vc series is the way to go, they do not only look nicer but they also are. I'd say they have a more versatile i.e. modern concept than the Vox amps I know (which may be older though). VC15 is not totally different from VC30, but it's a lot smaller which of course makes a difference. Newer VC amps (last 2 yrs or so) have better speakers (which was a weak point on the older ones).

Played alongside a band who used a LC50 II last year, I thought it sounded great; took pedals very nicely, ample volume.

It's on my shortlist for portable tube combos if I end up just getting one, rather than this monster setup I've been boring everyone with..

I've had my vc 15 for a few years they're cracking amps classic valve tones and as said above the two channels have plenty of variety

Read up a lot on these some years ago, they apparently had problems overheating. A common mod was to fit a computer fan in them to circulate air.

Well, AC15C1 is in that price range, the AC30 isn't really something I'm interested in, but I just keep hearing that AC15C1 isn't necessarily even better than a Pathfinder.

Fran wrote:Read up a lot on these some years ago, they apparently had problems overheating. A common mod was to fit a computer fan in them to circulate air.

i think that was just with the first few batches, I've had mine for 4 or 5 years have gigged it with no issues

honeyiscool wrote:Well, AC15C1 is in that price range, the AC30 isn't really something I'm interested in, but I just keep hearing that AC15C1 isn't necessarily even better than a Pathfinder.

I would agree with this, I spent about an hr with a newer AC15 last week and was not impressed at all...it is better than a pathfinder...but not enough to justify the $ diff....

I know it may not be what ur looking for but I really like the Egnater Tweaker 15 combo.....

Yeah, it's sort of embarrassing how many mass produced valve amps begin with tuning issues, but they generally get sorted out after the first run or so. See also: Ashdown, Peavey Valvekings, or the first batch of Chinese-made Vox amps.

All of these are basically problem-free now, unless you end up with a particularly shit example.

honeyiscool wrote:Well, AC15C1 is in that price range, the AC30 isn't really something I'm interested in, but I just keep hearing that AC15C1 isn't necessarily even better than a Pathfinder.

I've heard nothing but good things about the AC15C1, it's the CC1 that was meant to be shite.

The LC15 issue was to do with the valves being mounted straight to the PCB and the heat causing glue to drip onto the board: a problem long rectified by Laney, and any old ones likely to do it will have done it by now.

I have the 2x10 VC30. Haven't had a chance to gig it, but from what I can tell from limited use, the clean and drive channels are great. Bought an ex display model from GAK.

Gonna bump this one up... I was offered an LC15 with its circuit modded to sound more like a JCM800 (apparently the circuits are very similar) and a 10" Celestion for $200.

Yes or no?

No. Based on what you can buy great amps for over there: no. And I wouldn't pay that for anything someone (especially and unknown quantity) had tinkered with.