I have said this before, but the Diezel line is pretty polarizing overall, as players seem to either obsessively love or mortally despise their signature tone and compression. This seems to be true to the greatest degree with the VH4 perhaps more so than other Diezel models. The VH4 can be a tough amp to get along with for certain players and it also can be bit confusing as (mentioned previously in this thread) players raised on Marshalls, 5150s or Mesas typically find the "feel" of the amp unfamiliar and in certain cases, off-putting. I love my VH4, but have found myself having difficulties describing it to others and even contradicting myself when doing so. Like: "it's a pretty tight amp...But really thick in the low-mids and bass" Or: "it's has a certain grainy character....But can sound smooth at times" Or Maybe: "it's huge sounding and really fills the room at home....But slices right through the mix with the band" Or even: "it's a very modern sounding amp...That can do great classic rock or traditional hard rock" And Finally: "It's got a metric ton of available gain...But isn't really a metal amp". I feel a little nuts even typing these statements, but in each context I feel that these opinions (while subjective) are strangely accurate. It's also a hard amp to describe when referencing other amps. So many times I have heard about other amps "well it reminds me of a Mesa rectifier, but tighter" or It's a like a Marshall with more low end"...You get the idea. I have never heard anyone say about another amp "well it sounds very similar to a VH4, but...." So one thing I CAN say without hesitation, or any contradiction is that the VH4 tone is totally unique to the VH4. Only a VH4 sounds like a VH4 (and that includes other Diezel models in my experience). If you like that unique "thing" that it does, than only a VH4 will do: if you don't...you will probably strongly dislike it because you can't dial that "thing" out, boost it out or really change it all that much with an EQ. My advice it is try one before you buy if at all possible. There are usually only a couple results: A. "I hate it, frustrates the hell out of me"....Or B. "I can't get the sound and feel of that thing out of my mind". If you can't spend some time with one before buying, wait until you find a good deal where you can flip it it without too much arbitrage loss. Because in my experience around 60% - 70% of players (particularly those who favor metal) will fall into category A. Just my thoughts.
