Budget cab for vh4

[jtp337]

Found a good deal for a used 2007 vh4, 3200 Canada$, or so, and am really thinking about grabbing it. Never heard of Diezel prior to two weeks ago. I don't have any cab, but if it did purchase the vh4, I wouldn't have much money left over, so what would be a good choice? Only bedroom playing for now. I only use an Eric Johnson strat guitar. I play many styles except metal. I play clean mainly, and a little distorted. The owner of the vh4 made the following comment on his listing: "Loaded with EL34 but also have a set of Winged C 6L6 tubes included." He also messaged me saying that he added fresh tubes. What does that mean? Do tubes not work as well with prolonged use? Why would he need to replace them?

Next, I want to know how long something like this would last. I'm not like the average person who likes going from guitar to guitar, amp to amp, constantly improving gear slightly and having fun trying new things. No way, I want a one life time purchase, but will this last me anywhere near a lifetime? And if not, how would repairs work in Canada?

I'm asking a lot of questions, but this is the most expensive thing I've ever purchased, besides university tuition. I'm a kid, 20.

 

[Sigma.Xiria]

Found a good deal for a used 2007 vh4, 3200 Canada$, or so, and am really thinking about grabbing it. Never heard of Diezel prior to two weeks ago. I don't have any cab, but if it did purchase the vh4, I wouldn't have much money left over, so what would be a good choice? Only bedroom playing for now. I only use an Eric Johnson strat guitar. I play many styles except metal. I play clean mainly, and a little distorted. The owner of the vh4 made the following comment on his listing: "Loaded with EL34 but also have a set of Winged C 6L6 tubes included." He also messaged me saying that he added fresh tubes. What does that mean? Do tubes not work as well with prolonged use? Why would he need to replace them?

Next, I want to know how long something like this would last. I'm not like the average person who likes going from guitar to guitar, amp to amp, constantly improving gear slightly and having fun trying new things. No way, I want a one life time purchase, but will this last me anywhere near a lifetime? And if not, how would repairs work in Canada?

I'm asking a lot of questions, but this is the most expensive thing I've ever purchased, besides university tuition. I'm a kid, 20.

Hello, my friend

I am a young one (got my vh4 when I was 19-20 and am now 23) as well and I am willing to give you some help.

My best advice is to research a little about tube amps before purchasing one. The Vh4 has 4 power tubes and 7 preamp tubes (unless you get the stereo version or one of the older ones). This amp will last longer than you will live, but the tubes most likely won't; that is just the nature of them. If you neglect to maintenance any amplifier or piece of equipment, you may end up destroying said equipment and the same goes for if you maintain equipment improperly. So, it is best to learn what is necessary in order to do so

One of the biggest mistakes that I see with individuals, who are new to amp heads and cabs, is that they don't match the impedance (ohms) of the head and cab correctly. This mistake will be the end of your amp. I see it way too often.

I guess to better help you, we would need to know what you know already about tube amps, if anything? (Don't worry, we all have to start somewhere; we aren't born with this knowledge )

 

[jtp337]

Thanks for the reply.
I've read that having the wrong resistance (ohms) is deadly, but still learning the details. The vh4 has 4, 8, and 16 ohm options (btw is this in ohms, or in kilo-ohms?), so if I used 8 ohms, I guess the cab would have to be 8 ohms or less? and if I had two cabs, then they would both have to be at 4 ohms?
I would never turn it on without being sure.
I don't have much tube amp knowledge, besides some safety things, like leaving it in standby for 2 minutes before playing.

 

[Sigma.Xiria]

Thanks for the reply.
I've read that having the wrong resistance (ohms) is deadly, but still learning the details. The vh4 has 4, 8, and 16 ohm options (btw is this in ohms, or in kilo-ohms?), so if I used 8 ohms, I guess the cab would have to be 8 ohms or less? and if I had two cabs, then they would both have to be at 4 ohms?
I would never turn it on without being sure.
I don't have much tube amp knowledge, besides some safety things, like leaving it in standby for 2 minutes before playing.

The VH4 (and I think all Diezels) has 16, 2x16, 8, 2x8 and 4. This measurement is ohms.

Actually cab would have to be 8 ohms or more. It is more or less ok to go 8 ohms from amp to 16 ohm cab, but NOT ok to go 8 ohms from amp to 4 ohm cab (or less). Mismatching ohms will easily destroy an amp. Best is to go 16 to 16 or 8 to 8 etc... can't fuck it up that way

Oh and for two cabs, if I recall correctly, it depends on how you run them, but two 8 ohm cabs would be 2x8ohms from VH4 (I think that translates to the VH4 being at 4ohms). Peter Diezel made the speaker outputs on the back of the VH4 very easy to understand when you are hooking up cabs.

Another HUGE thing is that you cannot use a normal instrument cable from amp to cab. You will need to use a speaker cable. I was jamming with this douche bag (won't get into this) "know it all" who thought a speaker cable was just a "glorified waste of money" instrument cable and, during the try out, his amp popped, smoked and the cable between the amp and cab was melting. His amp was toast.

As far as the impedance miss match being deadly, I am not sure about that? For the amp's tubes and output transformer (and some other components), yeah, definitely. Maybe what you are now reading into is adjusting the bias? This is something I do not at all recommend to someone new to a tube amp until you are shown how to properly do so (by either a willing tech or someone who knows tube amps). That said, adjusting bias is part of the proper tube amp maintenance I was talking about, but doing it wrong can ruin your amp, but most importantly be LETHAL. Any time you change power tubes (even if they are the same type, brand, matching, etc..) you must rebias the amplifier. Preamp tubes do not need biasing.

 

[RJF]

If you don't play any metal at all, and mostly just play clean than I hate to say it here, but Diezel might not be what you are looking for. You would be spending a huge amount of money on a head that is mainly known for it's use in heavier music. Not that that a VH4 can't do jazz, country, etc, but it would be like buying a Lamborghini for a grocery getter.

I'd look into a Fender Twin, Vox AC30, Roland JC120, amps along those lines.

Yes, tubes wear out. Tubes need to be replaced in a tube amp every couple of years in an amp that is played regularly.

 

[JimmyBlind]

Found a good deal for a used 2007 vh4, 3200 Canada$, or so, and am really thinking about grabbing it. Never heard of Diezel prior to two weeks ago. I don't have any cab, but if it did purchase the vh4, I wouldn't have much money left over, so what would be a good choice? Only bedroom playing for now. I only use an Eric Johnson strat guitar. I play many styles except metal. I play clean mainly, and a little distorted. The owner of the vh4 made the following comment on his listing: "Loaded with EL34 but also have a set of Winged C 6L6 tubes included." He also messaged me saying that he added fresh tubes. What does that mean? Do tubes not work as well with prolonged use? Why would he need to replace them?

Next, I want to know how long something like this would last. I'm not like the average person who likes going from guitar to guitar, amp to amp, constantly improving gear slightly and having fun trying new things. No way, I want a one life time purchase, but will this last me anywhere near a lifetime? And if not, how would repairs work in Canada?

I'm asking a lot of questions, but this is the most expensive thing I've ever purchased, besides university tuition. I'm a kid, 20.

Like the guy above said, if you only play cleans with a little overdrive every now & then, the VH4 probably isn't for you. It has a superb clean, but it's a high-gain, 4-channel powerhouse.

You would do better to buy a quality all-tube clean amplifier & get into overdrives & stomp FX.
Maybe look at a Vox AC30. They're a quality all-tube combo amplifier. You wouldn't need a cab, depending which model you purchased.

With care, tube amplifiers generally only blow fuses & tubes. These can be semi-expensive. Tubes can last anywhere from a week to several years.
There's no reason why any quality amplifier can't last a lifetime.

 

[Sigma.Xiria]

I will agree with RJF and JimmyBlind, the VH4 is more suited for heavier music, but it can do other styles very well.

No one is telling you what amp you want and you should go with your heart, but if you only use one or two channels of this amp, then you may be better off looking for a Schmidt or Einstein (both Diezels).

Don't end up disappointed because of us, get the VH4 if that is what will make you smile I am sure in the end, you will find a use for all 4 channels

 

[RJF]

Not trying to tell anyone what to do, but for a college kid that doesn't play rock/metal, a $3K VH4 is probably not the wisest financial move.

 

[Sigma.Xiria]

Not trying to tell anyone what to do, but for a college kid that doesn't play rock/metal, a $3K VH4 is probably not the wisest financial move.

Sorry, I wasn't trying to seem like I was saying that :/

I was trying to say that we are not trying to steer him away from it just because, but that we don't think it is financially a good ideal; however, if he absolutely wants a VH4, then he should listen to his heart.

Though I think a Schmidt would do him better if he wants Diezel tone.

 

[jtp337]

I kind of lied, I don't play clean that often, I actually mainly play rock, some blues, and not heavy metal. But who knows, maybe in a few years I would like metal. I need that versatility. It's the main thing. I was looking into a Peters amp as well, but I couldn't wait 10 weeks. Not sure how people can wait months for a new amp/guitar. Other amps in that price range are probably also about as good, but I like the price for this used one.

Might as well go for it. Not much to lose, since can always resell for same price.
Thanks so much for the comments and private messages!

 

[Sigma.Xiria]

I kind of lied, I don't play clean that often, I actually mainly play rock, some blues, and not heavy metal. But who knows, maybe in a few years I would like metal. I need that versatility. It's the main thing. I was looking into a Peters amp as well, but I couldn't wait 10 weeks. Not sure how people can wait months for a new amp/guitar. Other amps in that price range are probably also about as good, but I like the price for this used one.

Might as well go for it. Not much to lose, since can always resell for same price.
Thanks so much for the comments and private messages!

Peters are awesome amps as well!!

You will not be disappointed with the VH4 ever The versatility is key.

If you need anything done to the amp, take it to a good qualified tech until you know how to do some of these things yourself.

 

[JimmyBlind]

It sounds as though you're pretty new to valve guitar amplifiers. Not that I would generally deter someone from buying a VH4, but you really should do some research before parting with that amount of cash for an amplifier of that power & quality. It's kinda like buying a Ferrari when you only passed your test yesterday. Not that the VH4 is for the elite, mind.

Best of luck anyway. The VH4 is an astonishing amplifier.

 

[slyvren]

You guys are crazy. OP, if you want to spend the cash get it. My personal opinion is the vh4 is the best guitar amplifier ever invented. Get a decent 2x12 and upgrade it later. You can learn how to properly use a tube amp in 15 minutes. You need to replace the power tubes approximately once a year (heavy usage) or when they go out so fresh is good. Also backup tubes are good to have.

I would recommend going to a tech for tube changes unless you become 100% confident with doing it yourself at some point.