Rare Blue VHT 2150 [PSA:Reverb]

[Piero the Guitarero]

For another grand I would buy a new one off Steve Fryette's bench.

There is no "new" VHT Classic for four grand from Steves bench.

There used to be a kickstarter crowdfunding project for 25 VHT Classic,
but had only one supporter

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/91 ... power-ampl

In 1991 Fryette introduced the VHT Classic Limited Edition stereo tube power amplifier
(later called Twenty-One Hundred) – an EL34 powered 100 watt stereo masterpiece
finished in stunning polished, chrome plated, aircraft grade aluminum. The Classic LTD
became standard equipment for many notable guitarists - among them;

Steve Lukather
Dean DeLeo (Stone Temple Pilots)
Steve Vai
Michael Landau
Mick Mars (Motley Crue)

Only 100 pieces were produced under the Classic name. This model was discontinued in 1995.
Soon after, the precision machine company that produced the exacting metalwork for this amplifier
closed its doors – taking Fryette's specialized jigs and tooling in the process.

Over the years, repeated requests for the re-issue of this highly regarded amplifier have been
politely declined due to the difficulty and expense in retooling. Now, improvements in CNC
technology – along with the desire to recognize a milestone in the history of Fryette designs -
have led to renewed enthusiasm for such an undertaking. As a bonus, we will contract the
precision tooling and metal work to a dedicated Fryette customer who now operates his own
precision machining company.

Fryette will re-engineer the original tooling and produce a 25 piece Anniversary Edition down
to the very last detail – including all of the tubes used in the original model. The Twenty-First
Anniversary model will now feature the engraved Fryette logo.

We will regularly post updates, photos, videos and comments on our facebook page as the
project progresses.

This amplifier will be hand-built, tested and assembled in the USA to all of the original specifications.
Additional testing for overseas power requirements will be available at no additional cost to international
backers.

Each amplifier will come with a limited lifetime warranty, a certificate of authenticity,
and a custom built shipping case to insure safe transport.

Fryette is a respected amplifier builder with a history of well received and award winning designs.
This Twenty-First Anniversary amplifier is a product that has been built, tested and proven under
the most demanding of conditions imaginable for over two decades. It is being manufactured under
the most stringent specifications with every step and operation being overseen or performed personally
by Steven Fryette.

The custom transformers are being produced locally in Southern California by the original suppliers
and to the original specifications. The vacuum tubes have already been sourced, screened and
pretested for this project. Finally, the initial tooling and re-engineering challenges have already been
evaluated for feasibility and cost. In short, all of the usual manufacturing variables and potential
challenges of a project of this scope have been anticipated, addressed and backed up to insure a smooth,
successful completion.

The only risk we anticipate is that backer participation may exceed the offer. The only challenge we see
is to politely explain to those who miss out that we have committed to producing 25 of this beautiful piece
and we must keep our word to our valued backers that only 25 amplifiers will be produced.

 

[jlbaxe]

Wasn’t Fryette involved with synergy amps designing the Syn 50/50?

 

[bhuard75]

For another grand I would buy a new one off Steve Fryette's bench.

There is no "new" VHT Classic for four grand from Steves bench.

There used to be a kickstarter crowdfunding project for 25 VHT Classic,
but had only one supporter

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/91 ... power-ampl

In 1991 Fryette introduced the VHT Classic Limited Edition stereo tube power amplifier
(later called Twenty-One Hundred) – an EL34 powered 100 watt stereo masterpiece
finished in stunning polished, chrome plated, aircraft grade aluminum. The Classic LTD
became standard equipment for many notable guitarists - among them;

Steve Lukather
Dean DeLeo (Stone Temple Pilots)
Steve Vai
Michael Landau
Mick Mars (Motley Crue)

Only 100 pieces were produced under the Classic name. This model was discontinued in 1995.
Soon after, the precision machine company that produced the exacting metalwork for this amplifier
closed its doors – taking Fryette's specialized jigs and tooling in the process.

Over the years, repeated requests for the re-issue of this highly regarded amplifier have been
politely declined due to the difficulty and expense in retooling. Now, improvements in CNC
technology – along with the desire to recognize a milestone in the history of Fryette designs -
have led to renewed enthusiasm for such an undertaking. As a bonus, we will contract the
precision tooling and metal work to a dedicated Fryette customer who now operates his own
precision machining company.

Fryette will re-engineer the original tooling and produce a 25 piece Anniversary Edition down
to the very last detail – including all of the tubes used in the original model. The Twenty-First
Anniversary model will now feature the engraved Fryette logo.

We will regularly post updates, photos, videos and comments on our facebook page as the
project progresses.

This amplifier will be hand-built, tested and assembled in the USA to all of the original specifications.
Additional testing for overseas power requirements will be available at no additional cost to international
backers.

Each amplifier will come with a limited lifetime warranty, a certificate of authenticity,
and a custom built shipping case to insure safe transport.

Fryette is a respected amplifier builder with a history of well received and award winning designs.
This Twenty-First Anniversary amplifier is a product that has been built, tested and proven under
the most demanding of conditions imaginable for over two decades. It is being manufactured under
the most stringent specifications with every step and operation being overseen or performed personally
by Steven Fryette.

The custom transformers are being produced locally in Southern California by the original suppliers
and to the original specifications. The vacuum tubes have already been sourced, screened and
pretested for this project. Finally, the initial tooling and re-engineering challenges have already been
evaluated for feasibility and cost. In short, all of the usual manufacturing variables and potential
challenges of a project of this scope have been anticipated, addressed and backed up to insure a smooth,
successful completion.

The only risk we anticipate is that backer participation may exceed the offer. The only challenge we see
is to politely explain to those who miss out that we have committed to producing 25 of this beautiful piece
and we must keep our word to our valued backers that only 25 amplifiers will be produced.

Fryette still and will build a new 4U 2100 poweramp as of today. When I initially inquired, they estimated a price of $4200. Sorry if my statement implied "VHT Classic", I should have been more descriptive. So, a new 4U 2100 with 8 EL34s can still be purchased off the bench.

 

[abrackas]

From a few different emails from 2012 inquiring about a new 2150 or 2100.

We can certainly build you a 2100 and we can do it in purple. The original Classic was polished purple. That panel was very expensive to produce, and it can still be done essentially the same way – a complex multi-step machining and polishing process.
I would recommend the 2100 over the 2150 for a few reasons, but mainly based on your comments below. The 2100 has presence controls and voicing switches which enable the channels to be voiced more old-school or more up-front in the event that your program source (preamp voicing) is darkish sounding. Even with the controls set flat, the power amp has a very balanced response, so it would easily pair with just about any preamp. That’s primarily what made it so popular in the first place. The 2150 is not so much “modern” sounding compared to the 2100 as it has simply more headroom and stays cleaner and higher volumes. This was important in the days of dynamic sucking refrigerator racks. Assuming you aren’t going to be driving 4-4X12s and competing with double 26” kick drums and 2 SVTs, I’d say the 2100 is probably better suited to your application.
The 2100 is, as you are no doubt aware, a 4 space power amp. It puts out in excess of 100 watts per channel with 8 premium EL34s. We have been using the excellent Mullard reissues, which are very similar in style and performance to the Siemens (RFT) tubes we used in the original Classic. The amp weighs roughly 53 pounds and is 12 inches deep. In addition to the presence and voicing functions, it also features Depth, Half-Power and Triode/Pentode operating modes.
The price is $3995 and carries a 5 year limited warranty. Being a custom build, payment is in advance and build time is roughly 8-12 weeks depending on the time to complete the panel and the time for the custom made transformers to arrive.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Dave

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the email detailing the 2100! ...Would I be able to get it to say “Fryette” with the “Classic” underneath instead of the “Twenty One Hundred”? It looks (for lack of better words) classier.

Yes, it will say Fryette and we are currently looking into the Classic legend. Thing is, “Classic” as a model name is a Peavey trademark, which is why we stopped using it, but we’ll see. Also originally 2100 was spelled out Twenty-One Hundred in script. Don’t worry, it will be very much in the spirit of the original Classic.
Cheers,
Dave

I never did go any further with the order but figured I would share considering the topic.

 

[EXPcustom]

From a few different emails from 2012 inquiring about a new 2150 or 2100.

We can certainly build you a 2100 and we can do it in purple. The original Classic was polished purple. That panel was very expensive to produce, and it can still be done essentially the same way – a complex multi-step machining and polishing process.
I would recommend the 2100 over the 2150 for a few reasons, but mainly based on your comments below. The 2100 has presence controls and voicing switches which enable the channels to be voiced more old-school or more up-front in the event that your program source (preamp voicing) is darkish sounding. Even with the controls set flat, the power amp has a very balanced response, so it would easily pair with just about any preamp. That’s primarily what made it so popular in the first place. The 2150 is not so much “modern” sounding compared to the 2100 as it has simply more headroom and stays cleaner and higher volumes. This was important in the days of dynamic sucking refrigerator racks. Assuming you aren’t going to be driving 4-4X12s and competing with double 26” kick drums and 2 SVTs, I’d say the 2100 is probably better suited to your application.
The 2100 is, as you are no doubt aware, a 4 space power amp. It puts out in excess of 100 watts per channel with 8 premium EL34s. We have been using the excellent Mullard reissues, which are very similar in style and performance to the Siemens (RFT) tubes we used in the original Classic. The amp weighs roughly 53 pounds and is 12 inches deep. In addition to the presence and voicing functions, it also features Depth, Half-Power and Triode/Pentode operating modes.
The price is $3995 and carries a 5 year limited warranty. Being a custom build, payment is in advance and build time is roughly 8-12 weeks depending on the time to complete the panel and the time for the custom made transformers to arrive.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Dave

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the email detailing the 2100! ...Would I be able to get it to say “Fryette” with the “Classic” underneath instead of the “Twenty One Hundred”? It looks (for lack of better words) classier.

Yes, it will say Fryette and we are currently looking into the Classic legend. Thing is, “Classic” as a model name is a Peavey trademark, which is why we stopped using it, but we’ll see. Also originally 2100 was spelled out Twenty-One Hundred in script. Don’t worry, it will be very much in the spirit of the original Classic.
Cheers,
Dave

I never did go any further with the order but figured I would share considering the topic.

Hold on a second the first 100 VHT 2150s with GE 6550 tubes were totally different than the post 100 serial 2150s with KT88s. I got this info from Mark Cameron who worked at VHT around this time frame. So all I recommend to anyone buying a VHT power amp is to buy one of the original 6550 pre-100 as they changed drastically when they went to KT-88 power tubes.

 

[bhuard75]

@ abrackas

As far as the 2100 goes, i emailed fryette the other day to check availability. They will make them to order still. I originally inquired about one in 2015. Im in the market for a new poweramp and now on the fence between a 292 or 2100.

Great info. Those fryette guys always send back detailed email replies.

 

[wIsEbLooD]

Hold on a second the first 100 VHT 2150s with GE 6550 tubes were totally different than the post 100 serial 2150s with KT88s. I got this info from Mark Cameron who worked at VHT around this time frame. So all I recommend to anyone buying a VHT power amp is to buy one of the original 6550 pre-100 as they changed drastically when they went to KT-88 power tubes.

what is the number or date on this amp? serial is in the pictures I posted above.

 

[bhuard75]

Hold on a second the first 100 VHT 2150s with GE 6550 tubes were totally different than the post 100 serial 2150s with KT88s. I got this info from Mark Cameron who worked at VHT around this time frame. So all I recommend to anyone buying a VHT power amp is to buy one of the original 6550 pre-100 as they changed drastically when they went to KT-88 power tubes.

what is the number or date on this amp? serial is in the pictures I posted above.

The bluefaces were some of the first. I think only made first 1-2 years, someone correct me if Im wrong about the time frame.

 

[kurtsstuff2003]

Hold on a second the first 100 VHT 2150s with GE 6550 tubes were totally different than the post 100 serial 2150s with KT88s. I got this info from Mark Cameron who worked at VHT around this time frame. So all I recommend to anyone buying a VHT power amp is to buy one of the original 6550 pre-100 as they changed drastically when they went to KT-88 power tubes.

what is the number or date on this amp? serial is in the pictures I posted above.

The bluefaces were some of the first. I think only made first 1-2 years, someone correct me if Im wrong about the time frame.

The blue one here if my memory is correct on deciphering serial numbers .is #39 out of the first 100 and the first blue one

 

[wIsEbLooD]

great,
the amp is in kentucky this morning, should be here Tuesday.

 

[Exo-metal]

This isn't too old to ask for clips of the superlead preamp into the 2150 if you have some.

 

[Little B]

.........3 of my favorites..always will be. kudos to Steve Fryette for keeping them alive w/ the new ones in 2019!

 

[Racerxrated]

.........3 of my favorites..always will be. kudos to Steve Fryette for keeping them alive w/ the new ones in 2019!

Now THAT'S some power....never seen any of those in the wild. Had a Strategy 400, that was a BEAST.

 

[lockingtuner]

.........3 of my favorites..always will be. kudos to Steve Fryette for keeping them alive w/ the new ones in 2019!

 

[Exo-metal]

This was a great thread and look at it now
I don't even think that's the whole rack either.

 

[lockingtuner]

This was a great thread and look at it now
I don't even think that's the whole rack either.

Good point. Now I want to see what his cooling system looks like

 

[Exo-metal]

I only need clips from the WiSe and the blue voodoo killer.

 

[jammin1]

Here's Steve talking about the new classic. Starts at 7:20 with demo.

 

[stephen sawall]

.........3 of my favorites..always will be. kudos to Steve Fryette for keeping them alive w/ the new ones in 2019!

What one of the three do you like best ???

 

[lockingtuner]

.........3 of my favorites..always will be. kudos to Steve Fryette for keeping them alive w/ the new ones in 2019!

What one of the three do you like best ???

Good question.

Also, what kind of preamps are you running?