Video Review – Vox AGA70 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier

This post was written by Scott
Posted Under: Bass Lessons Videos
www.premierguitar.com PG’s Acoustic Editor Gayla Drake Paul walks us through her latest review of the Vox AGA70 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier. The AGA70 is ideal for the acoustic performer because it’s designed to perfectly project the subtle resonances and sweet, mellow tones of the acoustic guitar. Each of the two channels (Normal and Tube Pre) is equipped with a standard guitar input, as well as a microphone input with selectable phantom power. An electro-acoustic guitar or mic can be connected to each channel, making this the perfect amp for a singer-instrumentalist. An additional Lo-Z Hi-Z switch on each input accommodates a variety of signal levels. The Tube Pre channel preamp features a 12AU7 (ECC82) dual-triode vacuum tube. In addition to Bass, Middle, and Treble tone controls, each channel provides an effective COLOR control. Working in harmony with the traditional EQ, the COLOR knob allows you to quickly shift the tonal response to match your performance. This additional control accommodates a broad variety of sounds ranging from thick and robust to sparkling and clean. Also, it features onboard Reverb (both channels) and an on/off switch for a Chorus effect. For more Video Reviews or to view Premier Guitar’s completely FREE digital magazine, be sure to visit www.premierguitar.com
www.creativeguitarstudio.comAndrew Wasson of Creative Guitar Studio answers a viewers question… Q: I would like to ask you how to set up amplifiers for different purposes. I use a Fender Stratocaster and an Epiphone hollow body electric guitar I use a Fender Deluxe 50 Watts all tube amp. I also have a Line 6 POD which I use for effects. Can you explain to me how to approach setting my amp bass, treble, middle, presence, master levels. 1). In order to get a clean bright jazzy sound like George Benson, or Wes Montgomery with my Epiphone? 2). To get a clean country style rhythm sound with my Stratocaster? 3). To get a distorted or overdrive sound for a guitar solo similar to; for example Foreigner, or David Gilmore? 4). Also would be interested in other sounds such as metal. – Thanks, David, Queens NY. A: Pursuing sounds between; amps, guitars and effects units can be a long and often frustrating journey. And, just when you think you’ve got that perfect sound at home… You’ll get to the gig and your amp could mysteriously sound terrible. In this video I will discuss various common settings for; Country, Jazz, Rock and Metal. The complete lesson article for this video will be available on the Creative Guitar Studio website shortly. Follow me on Twitter for lesson posting announcements: twitter.com ____________________________________ Andrew’s Official Q & A Guitar Blog Website: www.andrewwasson.com Andrew’s “Video GuitarBlog” YouTube Channel www.youtube.com The Creative

Reader Comments

Vox Means great in latin.

#1 
Written By Bongo Bobz on March 1st, 2013 @ 8:01 am

I like what the amp is, but I don’t like the lack of quality in the construction. I own one, and I don’t want to give it back because it is exactly what I need and want. I just want someone to fix the darn thing. In the solid state channel, the balanced mic jack cuts in & out. In the tube side, there is constant crackling, and/or some ridiculous overdrive commensurate for the application. Regardless of pricepoint, the thing should at least work as advertized. :(

#2 
Written By GuitarGare on March 1st, 2013 @ 8:10 am

she’s hot…

#3 
Written By Richard Cranium on March 1st, 2013 @ 8:44 am

I loved this amp, a little weak on the vocals. I had to return mine because the mic pre’s failed on both channels.

#4 
Written By Rob Staple on March 1st, 2013 @ 9:08 am

way to much

#5 
Written By groeneveldp on March 1st, 2013 @ 9:19 am

good review Just embedded your vid on my site BuyAmps.co.uk

#6 
Written By Rob Smart on March 1st, 2013 @ 9:43 am

Is it better then Fishman loudbox mini?

#7 
Written By 001mladen on March 1st, 2013 @ 10:19 am

too much words….

#8 
Written By Mario Maneri on March 1st, 2013 @ 11:06 am

I have this amp but I can’t work it without feedback, and have tried every position and setting possible on the guitar and on the amp?

#9 
Written By Sally Hooper on March 1st, 2013 @ 11:56 am

not sure I like the idea of the Direct Out bypassing the effects. I dial in the effects the way me and my band want it to sound, not they way my sound man wants it

#10 
Written By CaptainRon1913 on March 1st, 2013 @ 12:46 pm

This lady does very good reviews. My wish would be that she would do reviews of other comparible acoustic amp products(side by side) because I am not particularly fond of this amp. Well done review indeed.

#11 
Written By 1956chip on March 1st, 2013 @ 1:34 pm

@dangreenwoodmusic i was in the same boat.if i was to get the AGA150 i would like to be able to send the sound of the tube preamp effect through the DI Out to the house pa along with the H,M,andL, levels but unfortunately you can not do this with the AGA the way its wired.I gig a lot and have a vendetta against sound guys so this feature alone has led me to want the Fman LB artist,I have also heard the AGAs clip a bit at highvolumes.Maybe your needs are different, hope this helps in ur decision

#12 
Written By pitfallcombat on March 1st, 2013 @ 2:27 pm

i second that! i don’t know which to get over their big brothers, the artist and the vox aga150!

#13 
Written By DanGreenwoodMusic on March 1st, 2013 @ 3:07 pm

Got one on order now, partially thanks to this review. Excellent! Can’t wait to get it.

#14 
Written By Tjita1 on March 1st, 2013 @ 3:28 pm

Great review, thanks Gayla :)

#15 
Written By MarkSmithMusic on March 1st, 2013 @ 3:55 pm

This lady rocks. Great videos, great explanation. Excellent review on this amp.

#16 
Written By angelodelsenno on March 1st, 2013 @ 4:51 pm

i tested my soon to be taylor 210 ce over one of these really liked it a lot

#17 
Written By thatssirforyou on March 1st, 2013 @ 5:20 pm

I don’t think it’s necessary to have a headphone jack on an acoustic amp. Also, I’m curious if anyone has compared this to the small Fender Acoustasonic amps.

#18 
Written By Salbaji on March 1st, 2013 @ 6:11 pm

Gayla, Do you think the Vox or Fishman Loudbox mini is a better amp?

#19 
Written By smthornhill on March 1st, 2013 @ 6:17 pm

is this for mic or guitar? I had the same prob in spades when using a large diaphragm mic with the phantom power. I don’t care really, because it still does what I need at the right volume.

#20 
Written By GuitarGare on March 1st, 2013 @ 7:08 pm

Excellent review, probably the best review I’ve seen on this amp, and such a terrific player she is…

#21 
Written By freeblade99 on March 1st, 2013 @ 7:58 pm

Thanks!

#22 
Written By JoKoTheMapler on March 1st, 2013 @ 8:33 pm

I wonder how this one goes against the Fender Acoustasonic 30 DSP and the Fishman LoudBox Mini. Unlike these two the Vox is not available in my local music store but I am interested in it.

Great review!

#23 
Written By DuskY1991 on March 1st, 2013 @ 8:52 pm

I just got one of these, and it does sound good. However, and I am new to acoustic amps, but I get some hiss, or maybe better, some “white noise”, in it. It seems it is just the master volume that affects it. If I have the master low, and the channel volume full on, it’s not much, but as I turn the master volume to half and higher, I get quite a bit of white noise. Is this normal? There is this noise….effected by the master volume, even when nothing is plugged in. Please advise.

#24 
Written By Brock Mishler on March 1st, 2013 @ 9:31 pm

I just got one of these, and it does sound good. However, and I am new to acoustic amps, but I get some hiss, or maybe better, some “white noise”, in it.  It seems it is just the master volume that affects it. If I have the master low, and the channel volume full on, it’s not much, but as I turn the master volume to half and higher, I get quite a bit of white noise. Is this normal?

#25 
Written By Brock Mishler on March 1st, 2013 @ 10:27 pm

when he mentioned kirk , i kissed the screen thrice

#26 
Written By sambasex9 on March 1st, 2013 @ 11:10 pm

Wow… Awesome video Andrew! I really understood your video! and youre a reallyy great guitarist. I have a question… how do you set up your amp for a pop punk and pop punk sound? Bands like All Tim Low and Paramore

#27 
Written By Sean Tristan Francisco on March 1st, 2013 @ 11:26 pm

remove the reverb, for more bottom end punch.

#28 
Written By DALE97DSM on March 1st, 2013 @ 11:36 pm

This helped me a lot!! Thanks for all your awesome videos man!!

#29 
Written By Marcelo de León Cosentino on March 1st, 2013 @ 11:42 pm

Magic fingers on a guitar neck….. I use my guitar as therapy for old age. Helps keep my fingers and hands from the pain of arthritis. Keep them moving or stiffen up.Thanks for all the great vids. I watch and learn at least a little I can do. Wish I had them when I was 20 years younger…..

#30 
Written By eddiecarlcalhoun on March 1st, 2013 @ 11:44 pm

Thanks a million for the kind words. And, thanks for watching. – Andrew

#31 
Written By creativeguitarstudio on March 2nd, 2013 @ 12:07 am

Andrew, you are the best, enouf said,you take a LOADED ?, and really explain the ansewer with such PROFESSINALISM, i hope you read some of my comments

#32 
Written By horsepowerslave1 on March 2nd, 2013 @ 12:44 am

I need help on this one…why when I set my amp at home when I get on a gig I have to reset it…..help plz…thanks

#33 
Written By dustin howell on March 2nd, 2013 @ 1:39 am

let me ask a question.

#34 
Written By dustin howell on March 2nd, 2013 @ 2:26 am

I always appreciate comments like this. Thanks a MILLION and so glad the Creative Guitar Studio online project is helping you out! All the best. – Andrew

#35 
Written By creativeguitarstudio on March 2nd, 2013 @ 3:06 am

Hey Andrew! Just wanted to say great lessons and letting you know they’ve really helped me take my playing to the next level and helping me perfect my sound. So thank you and I hope you know the general viewers who don’t usually comment appreciate everything you do =)

#36 
Written By rellekc1986 on March 2nd, 2013 @ 3:49 am

Excellent lesson !!!

#37 
Written By jcayer2 on March 2nd, 2013 @ 4:11 am

Thanks Andrew. Yea I’m 22 so you graduated when I was almost 2 years old haha. I’m sure its changed a bit but I can’t wait.

#38 
Written By James Collins on March 2nd, 2013 @ 4:20 am

I Graduated from there in 1992… Twenty-one years ago… So, I’d imagine that it is a heck of a lot different nowadays. It was awesome back then though, so I can’t think why it would be any different today! Anyway, have a wonderful experience there, study, practice and learn, learn, learn! - Andrew

#39 
Written By creativeguitarstudio on March 2nd, 2013 @ 5:15 am

Hey great lessons andrew. I have a question. What is Musicians Institute GIT like? I’m starting there in April. Was wondering what to expect. Thanks.

#40 
Written By James Collins on March 2nd, 2013 @ 5:42 am

Thank you for the tips!

#41 
Written By jessikewl on March 2nd, 2013 @ 6:21 am

Thanks man for helping me, I have now switched gear completely and bought an Axe -FX II and I’ve never been happier with my sound. That is a real game changer if you ask me :) It’s worth saving money for and it’s the best piece of hardware I’ve ever bought. have a good one //Ken

#42 
Written By stringmanipulator on March 2nd, 2013 @ 6:36 am

Was in the same sutiation, man. The only real solution is to buy a digital processor, such as Axe-Fx (Standard versions are about $1000-1200 used now, but still are great things) or Kemper Profiling Amp. These are very good, but expensive. If your not gonna spend that much, look at Yamaha THR5 or THR10 ($200 and $300 respectively), a little thing that as I heard sound pretty good. Haven’t had chance to use ‘em myself tho. Don’t waste money on attenuators, they all eat sound. Hope that helps.

#43 
Written By saitaro on March 2nd, 2013 @ 6:44 am

.How to Adjust Settings on a Guitar Amplifier.

AND ALL THE TIME I JUST THOUGHT YOU TURNED THEM – WOW.

#44 
Written By jehovahuponyou on March 2nd, 2013 @ 7:43 am

Hi Andrew, Thanks for the great tutorial! I am using a Fender Blues Jr and although I can get the country style and jazzy sounds I am unable to get the distorted/overdrive or metal sounds through the amp. I am considering looking for a new amp now. Can you tell me what features an amp must have in order to get these sounds?

#45 
Written By boboeufs on March 2nd, 2013 @ 7:54 am

great work sir, just one question. Are these Seymours on your Strat taped during the country example?

#46 
Written By Mike Richter on March 2nd, 2013 @ 8:03 am

THANKS!

#47 
Written By creativeguitarstudio on March 2nd, 2013 @ 8:51 am

P.S. U sir are like a GOD of guitar to me :)

#48 
Written By HSD112 on March 2nd, 2013 @ 9:30 am

Hii , im new . :/ , I also have a guitar just like yours but does this time have a name or is it just like a “basic” guitar ? Thank you – Steve.

#49 
Written By HSD112 on March 2nd, 2013 @ 10:02 am

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