And I do like JC-120s, I might pick the Roland for stage use if I could get overdrive some other way. I would still get the Vox in a straight fight between those two models for what you want it for though. (I'm assuming the master volume is not that important, if you're considering the Roland - its onboard distortion is somewhat "different":-).) But it doesn't have either a master volume or reverb, so if either of those things is important it may not be such a good choice. My choice would be for a slightly older UK-built AC30, because it has a really nice vibrato effect which the CC2 doesn't (and even the tremolo is better), and in my opinion does sound better overall too. The AC30 is a true classic, and actually does sound good for low-volume playing too - it's not true that you 'don't need that much power' or that it will be too loud - or that the smaller Vox amps sound the same. not a problem at stage volume, but maybe so in a quiet environment. To be honest I would not pick a JC-120 for a home studio - it's a great-sounding amp, but not very flexible (basically does only one thing, but really well) and also they seem to have quite a lot of background noise.
Thanks in advance for your very fine help.
Limited Edition Vox Ac-30 C2 in beautiful Cream tolex.Speakers have been upgraded to Budhha fat 12 drivers. VOX AC-30 LIMITED EDITION WITH UPGRADED BUDDHA SPEAKERS E.C. This valve amp is very clean and loud Pick up from Bentleigh East Vic 3165. Excellent condition and well looked after. Other guitars which MAY be played are a Yamaha Weddington Special electric solid-body 6-string, and a Guild JF-30 acoustic 12-string, but I'm really buying it for the Ric. VOX AC30CC2 Guitar 2 x 12 Combo Valve Amp. I've tried both but what can you really hear with 40 kids playing distortion riffs in the guitar store? This amp will not be gigged just a home studio, so volume is not an issue (unless it's too much!). Our lead guitarist back then played his Ric through TWO Dual Showmans. But I definitely do not need it for a home studio. I have not purchased an amp (for myself) since the 60s. I used to work in a music store and it was amazing how many instruments and amps were "DOA." Of course that was many years ago, but I hear it's not much different today. I also like the "burn-in" process that North Coast Music performs on the Vox. I like the stereo and chorus on the Roland, but the Vox has blendable channels and a master volume which is a nice feature when using the Ric-O-Sound.
I would really appreciate your opinions on which amp to buy for my 381/12 V69.