Fryette Pittbull Ultralead II

[TheGreatGreen]

* A 1:1 reissue would be $7k, and I agree with him that nobody would ever buy that.

I have no inside info about the cost of parts these days. However, I have a lot of trouble believing this.

Think about the most complex, feature rich amps of which you are aware.

Bogner 104 and/or Pandora - $4,400
Diezel VH4 - $4,500
Mesa Mark VII - $3,500
ENGL FE Special Edition - $4,000

Hell, take the new ULII itself with all its bells and whistles at $4k and put that into a wooden headshell with some metal grating and black jute like the old amp had. You’re telling me the headshell alone warrants another $3,000?

I think Steve is full of shit. I think he’s just saying a 1:1 recreation would cost that much to mitigate the blowback this new amp is getting.

 

[Code001]

I have no insight info about the cost of parts these days. However, I have a lot of trouble believing this.

Think about the most complex, feature rich amps of which you are aware.

Bogner 104 and/or Pandora - $4,400
Diezel VH4 - $4,500
Mesa Mark VII - $3,500
ENGL FE Special Edition - $4,000

Hell, take the new ULII itself with all its bells and whistles at $4k and put that into a wooden headshell with some metal grating and black jute like the old amp had. You’re telling me the headshell alone warrants another $3,000?

I think Steve is full of shit. I think he’s just saying a 1:1 recreation would cost that much to mitigate the blowback this new amp is getting.

Believe he was referring to using the same exact transformers as before, to the exact same spec, same physical chassis, etc. Lots of stuff has skyrocketed in price and has yet to come down. Given their low market share, I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility. What you're mentioning (UL II in the 2u format) is a totally different form factor, different transformer entirely, and different manufacturing process.

If you do feel he's exaggerating, there will probably be a livestream about this. You can also inquire on costs on the Fryette forum: https://forum.fryette.com/c/amps-cabs/ultra-lead-ii/39

 

[espquade]

I hear this kind of argument and often make it myself, but in this case, while the tech inside the amp might, might be truly great, dude that amp has the cool factor of an orthopedic shoe. It's so weirdly plain and forgettable that, knowing Steve, was very likely a conscious choice he made specifically to piss people off so after they complained he could turn around and throw their "shallowness" back in their faces.

And it's extra disappointing because unlike 90% of boutique amps which usually look like new guts put in a classic Plexi headshell format, the old Ultra Lead head was actually one of the meanest looking amps ever made.

People can talk about how only the tone matters, but looks aren't nothing. Cool looking shit can can inspire, lame looking shit can suck inspiration out of the room. IMO the new Ultra Lead does the latter.

Also let's not discount how a lot of guitar players simply don't like analog tube circuits being combined in the same unit with LED screens and digital processing.

Some solid points being made here and yes, Steve is a brilliant designer , but your comment about him possibly making a conscious choice to not care what his customer base wants and to just do what he feels like is not the first time I have heard this from other fellow guitarists and from a few conversations I have had with Steve many years ago ... I am not surprised. Great amp builder A + Customer service C- Listening to customers feedback D-

Sure it's his company so he can do whatever he wants and he probably doesn't care what we think and I get that, but he's really missing the mark on what many repeat customers would actually prefer. It is what it is. I guess I will at some point hunt down another Ultralead head .

 

[espquade]

If anything this got me more interested in maybe giving Synergy a go and getting a Pitbull module. Plus Boogies reissue prices make me thing a IICP could be cool, which Stevie made too. Is he too old to be Stevie now?

The module was very disappointing for me personally as without the Ultra lead power section it really didn't give me the same vibe and more importantly it didn't feel like an Ultra lead. If you have never played an Ultra Lead you won't have the same expectations and may possibly dig it.

 

[PurityS.L.G]

Watching the video cleared up a lot of questions. He’s looking towards the future and innovating, which I applaud him for but his claims of a head costing 2-3K more is bullshit.

With that said, I still question his decision to go this route. Why would someone spend 4k on one amp, this amp, when you can buy an Axe FX and get hundreds of spot on amps and fx for half the price? I mean I get it, touring is expensive and the past 10 years big bands have moved on to less heavy and more mobile rigs so I guess it’s a matter of looking at the future of gear, tube amps in particular.

 

[OldGtrGuy]

Watching the video cleared up a lot of questions. He’s looking towards the future and innovating, which I applaud him for but his claims of a head costing 2-3K more is bullshit.

With that said, I still question his decision to go this route. Why would someone spend 4k on one amp, this amp, when you can buy an Axe FX and get hundreds of spot on amps and fx for half the price? I mean I get it, touring is expensive and the past 10 years big bands have moved on to less heavy and more mobile rigs so I guess it’s a matter of looking at the future of gear, tube amps in particular.

The UL-ii is kind of the best of both worlds there and he touched on touring (amp cost mostly) a little in the video.

Every band is different most big bands are probably using a lot of stuff and the scenes from the Axe will be superior for them but for the "tube amp" guys who only care about one glorious tone. I guess this could be in in a tidy, lightweight form factor.

Either way I can't imagine people getting this without also getting a rack case, power conditioning, tuner, etc. So much for the lightweight part.

 

[SgtThump]

I'm curious if these are available for purchase now or if this will take years to come to fruition.

I don't think I've ever used fruition in a sentence before. Neat.

 

[VHTStark]

Believe he was referring to using the same exact transformers as before, to the exact same spec, same physical chassis, etc. Lots of stuff has skyrocketed in price and has yet to come down. Given their low market share, I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility. What you're mentioning (UL II in the 2u format) is a totally different form factor, different transformer entirely, and different manufacturing process.

If you do feel he's exaggerating, there will probably be a livestream about this. You can also inquire on costs on the Fryette forum: https://forum.fryette.com/c/amps-cabs/ultra-lead-ii/39

He is exaggerating .

7k to make an OG spec UL? Pretty much a thousand dollars MORE than a Wizard MTL that uses custom transformers, turret board construction and built by one guy?

On another note, I am a bit hesitant with the proprietary digital mixed with analog circuit. I did the VHX thing, my overall experience was kinda like @hellzington
My tech also mentioned that alot of the digital stuff is proprietary: if it breaks or is discontinued, have fun repairing.

 

[ZEN Amps]

People can talk about how only the tone matters, but looks aren't nothing. Cool looking shit can can inspire, lame looking shit can suck inspiration out of the room. IMO the new Ultra Lead does the latter.

True. We at least partly hear with our eyes, and no one wants a goofy looking guitar or amp. This unit doesn't look bad to me, but is a plain jane.

Enjoyed that PG interview. 27 minute mark of that video was a funny and good example of how the flow and fun stops once you jump into digital manipulation and software.

Yeah I noticed that, not a good look. I'm all for embracing non-tone related aspects of digital, but it has to tactile, and operate flawlessly - not sure either of those things have been nailed. The display reminds me of 90's pro audio gear, or the Kemper. Really surprising they didn't go with something more modern.

 

[Eazy-ESP]

NAMM 2027...Fryette releases the "OG" headshell styled rack for the Ultralead II. Or maybe NAMM 2037.

I have a feeling they may be setting the play for a limited edition overpriced run of OGs. Like when he released those power amps.

 

[Eazy-ESP]

I hear this kind of argument and often make it myself, but in this case, while the tech inside the amp might, might be truly great, dude that amp has the cool factor of an orthopedic shoe. It's so weirdly plain and forgettable that, knowing Steve, was very likely a conscious choice he made specifically to piss people off so after they complained he could turn around and throw their "shallowness" back in their faces.

And it's extra disappointing because unlike 90% of boutique amps which usually look like new guts put in a classic Plexi headshell format, the old Ultra Lead head was actually one of the meanest looking amps ever made.

People can talk about how only the tone matters, but looks aren't nothing. Cool looking shit can can inspire, lame looking shit can suck inspiration out of the room. IMO the new Ultra Lead does the latter.

Also let's not discount how a lot of guitar players simply don't like analog tube circuits being combined in the same unit with LED screens and digital processing.

Pittbull was an amp I saw before hearing and wanted. It looked so much tougher and more menacing.

 

[Eazy-ESP]

Believe he was referring to using the same exact transformers as before, to the exact same spec, same physical chassis, etc. Lots of stuff has skyrocketed in price and has yet to come down. Given their low market share, I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility. What you're mentioning (UL II in the 2u format) is a totally different form factor, different transformer entirely, and different manufacturing process.

If you do feel he's exaggerating, there will probably be a livestream about this. You can also inquire on costs on the Fryette forum: https://forum.fryette.com/c/amps-cabs/ultra-lead-ii/39

What does that even mean? Are the transformers being used in his current Deliverance inferior then?

 

[Greazygeo]

He is exaggerating .

7k to make an OG spec UL? Pretty much a thousand dollars MORE than a Wizard MTL that uses custom transformers, turret board construction and built by one guy?

On another note, I am a bit hesitant with the proprietary digital mixed with analog circuit. I did the VHX thing, my overall experience was kinda like @hellzington
My tech also mentioned that alot of the digital stuff is proprietary: if it breaks or is discontinued, have fun repairing.

You have to remember Rick sells his direct. How much more would that amp be if it was sold thru retailers like Fryette.

 

[7704A]

One thing that was mentioned in the video is that the II uses a switch-mode power supply, so it doesn't need a huge power transformer, reducing weight and cost. So remaking the I's power supply is presumably some extra cost, what exactly I can't say.

 

[Eazy-ESP]

You have to remember Rick sells his direct. How much more would that amp be if it was sold thru retailers like Fryette.

There is no reason the Pittbull should be more than an Uber Ultra or Herbert or any other amp in that category. In fact the Deliverance is one of the more reasonably priced amps here in Australia. I admired that Fryette make them to a more fair price point. Compared to these other PCB amps being sold as though they are hardwired by Larry himself.

 

[ZEN Amps]

What does that even mean? Are the transformers being used in his current Deliverance inferior then?

Switch-mode power supplies are (generally) smaller, lighter, easier to manufacture and cheaper. None of this necessarily equates to inferiority, but it can. Steve is probably on top off it.

As an aside, the lack of real punch in both the Synergy 5050 and Fryette LX II compact power amps have turned me off these sorts of designs to some extent. Maybe he's cracked the code this time round, time will tell.

 

[stephen sawall]

I'm curious if these are available for purchase now or if this will take years to come to fruition.

I don't think I've ever used fruition in a sentence before. Neat.

End of March

 

[Greazygeo]

There is no reason the Pittbull should be more than an Uber Ultra or Herbert or any other amp in that category. In fact the Deliverance is one of the more reasonably priced amps here in Australia. I admired that Fryette make them to a more fair price point. Compared to these other PCB amps being sold as though they are hardwired by Larry himself.

The Deliverence is $3k and a single channel amp. Nice amp and I like them, but it is no Ultra Lead. I got my UL brand new in 1998 and retail was $3695.00. That would make it $7200 in todays money. No comment on Diezel and Bogner, don’t like either one of them.
The UL II being 25 lbs is pretty awesome. If I had to venture a guess if this amp was called something else, there would be no issues with it. Well other than the guys who wouldn’t buy one anyway, cause you know it has to look cool sitting on the shelf in the basement, mancave etc.
Of you are dead set on a UL 1, buy one. I see them for sale often, not sure if they are in your country though.

 

[Eazy-ESP]

Switch-mode power supplies are (generally) smaller, lighter, easier to manufacture and cheaper. None of this necessarily equates to inferiority, but it can. Steve is probably on top off it.

As an aside, the lack of real punch in both the Synergy 5050 and Fryette LX II compact power amps have turned me off these sorts of designs to some extent. Maybe he's cracked the code this time round, time will tell.

What I mean is he said that if they were to make an OG Pittbull the transformers would be too expensive. Why would they be more than the transformers in the Deliverance?

Yeah I tried a LXII and wasn’t amazed. Is cool for its purpose though.

Steve seems to have been bitten by the “Apple” bug of making everything smaller and thinner. Problem is, I’m getting older. Haven’t got glasses yet, but I’m feeling the pull! lol. I don’t want little LCD screens. The PC interface would want to be great if there is one.

 

[Eazy-ESP]

The Deliverence is $3k and a single channel amp. Nice amp and I like them, but it is no Ultra Lead. I got my UL brand new in 1998 and retail was $3695.00. That would make it $7200 in todays money. No comment on Diezel and Bogner, don’t like either one of them.
The UL II being 25 lbs is pretty awesome. If I had to venture a guess if this amp was called something else, there would be no issues with it. Well other than the guys who wouldn’t buy one anyway, cause you know it has to look cool sitting on the shelf in the basement, mancave etc.
Of you are dead set on a UL 1, buy one. I see them for sale often, not sure if they are in your country though.

Yes this is exactly my wish. That it was a whole new line and we were still getting a Pittbull.

I know the Deliverance is different and more simple. But the new one actually is not that simple anymore. My point is the OG Pittbull doesn’t have so much complexity that it would be more than the UU/Herbert type amps. I don’t buy his justifications.