Diezel VH4S - New amp not working correctly -solved-

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sdhnc123

sdhnc123

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My new VH4S arrived last week. I am concerned that something is not working correctly.

My VH4S sounds like the "vintage" mode of one of Mesa's Rectifier amps except that the VH4S still has the bass frequencies.
My friend commented that the amp sounds like there is a pillow over the speakers. I agree with his statement.

I've tried JJ KT77s and Ruby EL34s in the power amp. There are minor differences in the tone but it doesn't sound right either way. I will be trying 6L6s sometime later this week.

I've tried running the amp without the effects loop (G System was in the effects loop) and the tone is still not right.

I played a different VH4 last summer at the local Guitar Center in Baltimore using a guitar that had the same pickups as my current guitar. That VH4 rocked and sounded much better. My new VH4S sounds dull and lifeless. I think something is wrong with my amp.

Ideas? :confused:
 
Sounds like you have a bad preamp tube somewhere.

VH4S:
V1 Used by all channels
V2 Used by channel 4
V3 Used by channel 2/3/4
V4 Used by all channels
V5 Mixer and Send buffer
V6 Return driver 1
V7 Return driver 2
V8 Phase Inverter 1
V9 Phase Inverter 2
 
I replaced V1, V2, V3, and V4 with two Tung Sol and two JJ. Clarity was improved, but not drastically. I suspect that my VH4S is working correctly. If it is working correctly, I am not a big fan of the VH4S. I should have ordered a Herbert or something else :doh: :doh: :doh: . The VH4S is not metal enough for me. I can hear how it would be good for hard rock or a variety band though.

I tried out a VH4 last summer. Guitar Center in Baltimore has a small room where they keep the expensive stuff. I guess certain frequencies resonated in that small room in a way that I liked. Now when I stand in front of two 412 cabs loaded with Vintage 30s speakers at my house, it just doesn't have any crush and power.

I had a better metal sound with a Triple Rectifier and an active EQ cutting lower mids, extreme highs (fizz), and extreme lows (so the power amp doesn't fart at loud volumes) in the effects loop. That was brutal. The VH4 is not brutal and aggressive.

Based on what I'm saying above, does anyone think that something is wrong with my VH4? Or should I sell my VH4S and move on?
 
You may have one bad tube between V5 and V9. For instance, If the V8 or V9 are bad only half of your power amp will be getting a good
signal. Put the original tubes back in V1-V4 and try the new ones in V5-V9. 99% of the time it's something simple, like a $ 10.00 preamp tube.
Just relax and give it a try. If everything works out the amp will be brutal enough.
 
sdhnc123":3sr99f7k said:
I replaced V1, V2, V3, and V4 with two Tung Sol and two JJ. Clarity was improved, but not drastically. I suspect that my VH4S is working correctly. If it is working correctly, I am not a big fan of the VH4S. I should have ordered a Herbert or something else :doh: :doh: :doh: . The VH4S is not metal enough for me. I can hear how it would be good for hard rock or a variety band though.

I tried out a VH4 last summer. Guitar Center in Baltimore has a small room where they keep the expensive stuff. I guess certain frequencies resonated in that small room in a way that I liked. Now when I stand in front of two 412 cabs loaded with Vintage 30s speakers at my house, it just doesn't have any crush and power.

I had a better metal sound with a Triple Rectifier and an active EQ cutting lower mids, extreme highs (fizz), and extreme lows (so the power amp doesn't fart at loud volumes) in the effects loop. That was brutal. The VH4 is not brutal and aggressive.

Based on what I'm saying above, does anyone think that something is wrong with my VH4? Or should I sell my VH4S and move on?
Click to expand...
turn the channel volume at noon :D
 
Also, if you can post a pic of your settings, that would be helpful.

One of the things I've found with my VH4 is that I'm not necessarily happiest with it running through Vintage 30's. I get my best sounds with my VH4 running through other speakers that have a different frequency range and focus.

Hope it works out for you, because the VH4 is a truly awesome amp.

Cheers,
 
I am not sure what speakers were in the cab at Guitar Center when I initially tried out the VH4. The cab was not a Diezel. It is possible that the speakers were something other than Vintage 30.
 
The amp is a VH4S and the serial number is either:
707264
or
101264
I could not determine if it was a "7" or a "1".
 
My friend is an amp tech. He was helping me try out some 6L6s. This didn't end well for the VH4S. He posted details here --https://www.rig-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=77816

I cannot try switching out V5, V6, V7, and V8 right now. But as soon as the amp is up and running again, I will put some other 12ax7 in there.
 
sdhnc123":39aclp5m said:
My friend is an amp tech. He was helping me try out some 6L6s. This didn't end well for the VH4S. He posted details here --https://www.rig-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=77816

I cannot try switching out V5, V6, V7, and V8 right now. But as soon as the amp is up and running again, I will put some other 12ax7 in there.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry - but if your friend is an amp tech, the preamps should have been replaced first and foremost - not the power tubes. Was the 6L6 switch engaged from the previous EL34 position? I know it sounds ridiculous, but sometimes the most obvious of things is what's wrong...

Let us know - I read the post from above, sounds very weird.

V.
 
I was unaware of the switch. It was hidden between a cap and a power tube. I could not see it because I already had the chassis flipped upside down.
The potentiometer went up in smoke because the switch was on EL34 when 6L6s were in the amp.
 
My friend (amp tech) fixed the fried potentiometer and switched out the stock EL34s for 5881s (6L6s). I am EXTREMELY pleased with the sound of the VH4 with 5881s (6L6s). I spend most of my time playing heavy metal. When compared to the EL34s, the 5881s have a more spongy feel, more highs, and a nice mid cut. I was considering selling the VH4 but now I will definitely not.

Thanks to everyone that responded to my post. I appreciate it.

:rock: :rock: :rock: :)
 
Congrats!!!

Now, when you really wanna hear that amp sizzle, get some =C= 6550's in there.

That'll drop yer linen :D

V.
 
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