Diezel Herbert v VH4S v Fryette Pittbull Ultra Lead (help)

[rlaracue]

It is down to these three amps. BNTW - I am looking at gently used 07-10 models so pricing ranges from 2300-3200.

Anyway the Diezels are running 500-700 more than the Fryettes - are they worth it? Should I add the Einstein to the list?

What I play:

PRS Custom 24
Fender Strat
Fryette Fatbottom 2x12 cab

Music I play:

Eric Johnson
Andy Timmons
Dream Theater
Opeth
Joe Santriani
Steve Vai

Which do you think has the musical/tonal range to do right by most of these styles of music?

PS - If you are selling Diezel please PM me as I am ready to buy this week.

Thanks!!

 

[RJF]

In my opinion, the Herbert can do everything the VH4 can, in a nutshell. So as far as Herbert vs. UL, that is a hard call because they are two different sounds. The Herbert is percussive and extremely clear, where the UL is very dry and more in your face type sound. Both amps are incredibly tight.

If I had to choose I'd say Herbert, because it is the Cadillac of all amps.

 

[Sixtonoize]

I've never played a Herbert, bu I used to own a VH4 and still own my UL.
In my experience, the VH4 is just too compressed - which is an opinion shared by a LOT of people.
So far, I've go a pretty good running average with the UL...9/10 people who hear it say that it's the best amp they've ever heard.

Whether or not an amp is "better" is entirely up to personal preference.
And after all, a Herbert may be a Cadillac, but an UltraLead is a Ferarri.

 

[Nico]

I think you should add the Einstein to the list. It has all the sounds you want, with maybe the exception of the more modern brutal stuff...

Has the best clean channel, and is incredibly versatile.

Never tried a VHT.

 

[RJF]

I've never played a Herbert, bu I used to own a VH4 and still own my UL.
In my experience, the VH4 is just too compressed - which is an opinion shared by a LOT of people.
So far, I've go a pretty good running average with the UL...9/10 people who hear it say that it's the best amp they've ever heard.

Whether or not an amp is "better" is entirely up to personal preference.
And after all, a Herbert may be a Cadillac, but an UltraLead is a Ferarri.

It's not even a close comparison, the Herbert is full MIDI controllable, is actualy a 3.5 channel amp, 180watts for the ultimate in headroom. Series, parallel, AND a switchable loop and you can use all three simultaneously, mute function, external bias points, the ability to run three different PAIRS of power tubes at the same time to mix sounds. Tube fault LED's, and a second master volume.

Soo.... if you meant the UL is like a Ferrari as in, basically just a street legal stripped race car, then you were pretty much right on.

Don't get me wrong though, I'm GASing hard for a UL with a fatbottom cab, BAD! They are just two totally different amps in my book, and obviously the features are not even comparable.

 

[SuperFlyinMonke]

With the musical stylings you've listed, I would hazard to say that neither is going to be exactly what you're looking for. Of those, I would say a Herbert would get you the closest.

 

[FourT6and2]

Based on the style of music you listed, I would not get a Herbert nor a VH4. I'm not sure what to recommend in their place, though. All I can say is a Herbert and VH4 are probably not right unless you're looking for your own "sound" and "tone" an not trying to emulate the sounds of the bands you listed.

Personally, I prefer the VH4 over the Herbert because of its mid-voicing and it's a tighter feeling amplifier. The Herbert doesn't have enough mid-emphasis for my taste and it's a little more saggy in its response, compared to the VH4. I've never played an Ultralead so I can't comment on that one.

 

[Devilinside]

I've never played a Herbert, bu I used to own a VH4 and still own my UL.
In my experience, the VH4 is just too compressed - which is an opinion shared by a LOT of people.
So far, I've go a pretty good running average with the UL...9/10 people who hear it say that it's the best amp they've ever heard.

Whether or not an amp is "better" is entirely up to personal preference.
And after all, a Herbert may be a Cadillac, but an UltraLead is a Ferarri.

+1

 

[stephen sawall]

Diezel's are good amps ....but I would rather use a Fryette.
Better dynamics and cuts in the mix are just a few of the reasons why.
You may also want to check out what it takes to have any repair / work done on both these amps ?

 

[droptrd]

They are all awseome amps. But the cheapskate in me sees the UL as the winner. As said before, 2 different sounds between the diezel and Fryette. Both are very cool. So which one is better is up for debate. The price however is not debatable. Generally the ULs are around $700 cheaper than the Herbert.

Id go Freyette UL

 

[thiswaythatway]

If you're playing in a band get an UL. In a loud band setting you will stand out better with the UL over a Diezel. If you're playing at home get a Diezel, really good at low volumes and an easy to play feel.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

Einstein fits the bill very well.

 

[FourT6and2]

If you're playing in a band get an UL. In a loud band setting you will stand out better with the UL over a Diezel. If you're playing at home get a Diezel, really good at low volumes and an easy to play feel.

+8487, Diezel is best for home use!

 

[Sixtonoize]

Soo.... if you meant the UL is like a Ferrari as in, basically just a street legal stripped race car, then you were pretty much right on.

Absolutely, man. I'd never knock the Herb - it's a badass amp and nothing else really can do what it does.
That's why I prefaced my comment by saying that "better is personal preference"

I think you're totally right - the Herbert has all the options and it's big and a bit forgiving, just like a top-of-the line Caddy.
The UL is more stripped down, responsive, unforgiving, and gives you just enough rope to hang yourself if you don't know what you're doing.

Whichever one of those options will work better for the OP is totally dependent on what he's using it for.
I've never owned a Herb, but I'd like to. Out of the VH4 and UL, it's UL no contest, but I'm not everybody.

 

[FourT6and2]

Soo.... if you meant the UL is like a Ferrari as in, basically just a street legal stripped race car, then you were pretty much right on.

Absolutely, man. I'd never knock the Herb - it's a badass amp and nothing else really can do what it does.
That's why I prefaced my comment by saying that "better is personal preference"

I think you're totally right - the Herbert has all the options and it's big and a bit forgiving, just like a top-of-the line Caddy.
The UL is more stripped down, responsive, unforgiving, and gives you just enough rope to hang yourself if you don't know what you're doing.

Whichever one of those options will work better for the OP is totally dependent on what he's using it for.
I've never owned a Herb, but I'd like to. Out of the VH4 and UL, it's UL no contest, but I'm not everybody.

I'd say you're full of shit. But I've never played an UL. And if it's that much better than a VH4, I'd like to try one. Sadly, no dealers in my area. Anybody near ATL have one?

 

[richierich]

Like another poster said, the Herbert would be my last choice outside the bedroom. Sounds great until the rest of the band kicks in. The VH4 cuts better, but I prefer the Freyette's. Also, Don't sleep on the CLX. I think it might suit your needs better than the UL.

 

[stefvorcide]

Like another poster said, the Herbert would be my last choice outside the bedroom. Sounds great until the rest of the band kicks in.

User Error.

 

[Sixtonoize]

I'd say you're full of shit. But I've never played an UL. And if it's that much better than a VH4, I'd like to try one. Sadly, no dealers in my area. Anybody near ATL have one?

Dude...you're totally missing a big part of my point: The UL is by far the best amp for me.
The VH4 was not. I'm not saying that that is true for everyone...in fact, I pretty much said the opposite.

What I do know for a fact is that I brought my VH4 and the UL to the last Chicago amp fest and out of the two every single person preferred the UL. If you're ever up in Michigan let me know and you can stop by and try my UL out. But, based on how much you like the VH4, you just might hate it. Like I said..."Better" is entirely a matter of preference.

 

[Ancient Alien]

I's say a UL or CLX.
Owned a Herbert and VH4S.
Still have 2 UL's, 2 CLX's, D120 and a few more
Main amp is a UL running W/D to a Fryette Power amp and G Force/Eventide

 

[thiswaythatway]

If you're playing in a band get an UL. In a loud band setting you will stand out better with the UL over a Diezel. If you're playing at home get a Diezel, really good at low volumes and an easy to play feel.

+8487, Diezel is best for home use!

Wow, people use Diezel's live. Wow, when did this happen?