VHT/Fryette Pitbull Models ... HELP !!!

[Big Rich]

Sup dudes, I was considering the pitbull and was thinking about trying to hunt down either the classic 100 or 50, CLX or preferably the ultralead.

What are the main tonal differences in all versions, and how do the lower range models compare to the ultralead? I was kind of losing my patience waiting for an ultralead so was considering one of the EL34 versions which are easier to find and cheaper. Are there huge differences in all versions ?

I recently picked up a fat bottom cab with the p50e's and would really like to pair the cab up with one of these heads.

 

[dirtyfunkg]

I'll do my best to rattle off all of the models and a brief description to the best of my ability. Some will be blank because I haven't played them.

CLX - 3 channels (shared EQ on rhythm and lead channel) plus assignable EQ as an option (usually present). The power amp is 4x EL34's and there is a slight difference in circuit compared to the UL that changes the dynamic response a little bit to be a bit more compressed. Great lead guitar amp, IMO. Rarely available with reverb (reverb control instead of depth control).

Ultra Lead - same preamp as the CLX, same deal with the EQ. 4x KT88 power section. Very dynamically sensitive, and has low end for days. Great, great, great, heavy music rhythm guitar amp. Can also sing but not quite as sweet sounding as the CLX. Much more of a punch.

Classic - 3 channels... pretty much exactly the same as the CLX, except that the Lead channel does not have the gain stage (more/less) switch that the CLX has. The Classic was rebranded as the CLX after a claim filed by Peavey on the Classic name for amplifiers. 4x EL34. Was also available with reverb (reverb instead of depth for controls).

Pittbull 50/CL and 100/CL - 2 channel Pittbulls with graphic EQ. The channels are generally similar but an extra gain stage on channel 2 if I understand correctly. They run on 2x or 4x EL34's respectively. Some older versions allowed to switch between 6L6's and EL34 style tubes. Channel 1 is capable of cleans but I don't think these amps are really meant to excel at that.

Pittbull 45

Pittbull 50/ST

Pittbull Super 30

Not really sure on these last 3.

I've owned the Ultra Lead and still own a Classic. I prefer the Classic's character over the UL, but both are fantastic amps. I lust for a CLX head just because I have a FB412 and it's a PITA to deal with a combo. The combo sounds great though. One of my favorite amps of all time, clean or dirty.

Paging @stephen_sawall and @bob_savage

 

[Big Rich]

You sir are a savant.

So can the CL And CLX get into that ultralead low end rhythm chunk area with certain settings ? Or is that an ultralead only specialty ?

I'm more into the Rythm tones and don't play lead at all.

 

[the rossness]

I'll do my best to rattle off all of the models and a brief description to the best of my ability. Some will be blank because I haven't played them.

CLX - 3 channels (shared EQ on rhythm and lead channel) plus assignable EQ as an option (usually present). The power amp is 4x EL34's and there is a slight difference in circuit compared to the UL that changes the dynamic response a little bit to be a bit more compressed. Great lead guitar amp, IMO. Rarely available with reverb (reverb control instead of depth control).

Ultra Lead - same preamp as the CLX, same deal with the EQ. 4x KT88 power section. Very dynamically sensitive, and has low end for days. Great, great, great, heavy music rhythm guitar amp. Can also sing but not quite as sweet sounding as the CLX. Much more of a punch.

Classic - 3 channels... pretty much exactly the same as the CLX, except that the Lead channel does not have the gain stage (more/less) switch that the CLX has. The Classic was rebranded as the CLX after a claim filed by Peavey on the Classic name for amplifiers. 4x EL34. Was also available with reverb (reverb instead of depth for controls).

Pittbull 50/CL and 100/CL - 2 channel Pittbulls with graphic EQ. The channels are generally similar but an extra gain stage on channel 2 if I understand correctly. They run on 2x or 4x EL34's respectively. Some older versions allowed to switch between 6L6's and EL34 style tubes. Channel 1 is capable of cleans but I don't think these amps are really meant to excel at that.

Pittbull 45

Pittbull 50/ST

Pittbull Super 30

Not really sure on these last 3.

I've owned the Ultra Lead and still own a Classic. I prefer the Classic's character over the UL, but both are fantastic amps. I lust for a CLX head just because I have a FB412 and it's a PITA to deal with a combo. The combo sounds great though. One of my favorite amps of all time, clean or dirty.

Paging @stephen_sawall and @bob_savage

The CL100 is my main amp and has been for a few years now, maybe I can help. The Red channel is what I use for cleans. I have mine set for low gain and its similar to a hi watt. Generally, I turn the EQ off, gain at 12 o'clock, boost on. It gives it a nice punch without crunching up. As a general rule of thumb, my amps sound good at around the house volume, but when the master volume is at 1 O'clock or so it really opens up the amp and the cleans sound very good. The green channel is the OD side of the amp. I run this channel with the mids and treble around midnight and the bass turned up. I use a V-EQ similar to how you get a Mesa Mark series to sound mean. I set the poweramp switch on the back of the amp for more sag. Sometimes I'll boost the front of the amp.- These amps have a crap ton of gain, but they don't seem like they do. They're weird- a good weird They're not an amp for everyone, but I love mine.

A memphis has been on my bucket list to check out too. I just need to find one to try first.

 

[dirtyfunkg]

You sir are a savant.

So can the CL And CLX get into that ultralead low end rhythm chunk area with certain settings ? Or is that an ultralead only specialty ?

I'm more into the Rythm tones and don't play lead at all.

I can't speak as well on the CL, but the Classic and CLX can get some awesome low end rhythm chunk out of them, especially with the GEQ engaged, but the character is still slightly different than the UL, I think on account of the power amp circuit and tubes.

Also, the UL and CLX are on the same level. It looks like the CLX has been discontinued, but when it was still available, it was selling for a few hundred dollars more than the UL. The UL gained a lot more notoriety, I think as a result of some higher profile players like Page Hamilton, Rob Caggiano (Anthrax), KSE, etc. The CLX is every bit the amp the UL is. Don't sleep on it.

As I said earlier, the Classic (and thus, also the CLX since they're effectively the same amp) is my favorite of the Pittbulls, but I'd encourage you to check out a Sig X also. It's got the best clean of all of them, and the distortion channels are SUPER versatile. It runs on KT88's but the power amp circuit is much different than the UL. Still, there's some inspiration from the three channel PB's. I've read that the Sig X power amp is based on one side of the 2/90/2 power amp.

I think the Sig X is my favorite VHT/Fryette amp, period. Its gain channels are somewhere between the Deliverance and Pittbull UL/CLX gain channels. No graphic EQ, but honestly the graphic EQ is not as necessary (to me) on it because all three channels have independent 3 band EQ's.

If all you want is a massive distortion sound, I think the best bet is the D120. It's got the best raw sounds of any Fryette, however you set it up, but no channel switching is often a dealbreaker. I used to use an EH Signal Pad as a "channel switch" to toggle a clean sound with great success.

If it's possible (it's hard these days), I'd try all of them. I'd be in the market for a new D120 right now if I didn't have a GP/DI getting ready to show up which should satiate that desire. I miss my old Deliverance amps.

 

[rottingcorpse]

So can the CL And CLX get into that ultralead low end rhythm chunk area with certain settings ? Or is that an ultralead only specialty ?

I'm more into the Rythm tones and don't play lead at all.

Then get the ultralead. If you don't,you will always wonder if you should have. I have had a 50/ST,then a CL,a Sig-X,then the UL. As a modern thrash rhythm player looking for a tight bottom end and an aggressive tone,the UL was the keeper of the bunch for me. They were all badass,but the UL was the king of the pittbulls for brutal and tightness IMO. Note,the UL is more unforgiving than the slightly more compressed feel of the CL.

I also have a D-120 with factory loop,and it's a great amp too. But I will play the UL first every time.

 

[hopkinWFG]

just getta UL you be amazed !! its modern fast look, simple and mean

the old classic has gotta pentode switch thou pentode switch is reducing the output lower but it changes the tone abit....never hit the switch after doing it for few times... but the new CLX has a dual class switch which runs outer two class A and inner two AB... or vice versa.... cant recall but any Fryette amp is a killer amp

 

[MrSticky]

Looks like some of the tech questions are covered in earlier posts so I'll offer my experience. Owned the 100CL, Deliverance, Sig X and the Ultra Lead. I love them all although the Ultra Lead has a special place in my heart. It's not an easy choice when the whole amp line sounds great. On top of that, Steve Fryette was an amazing example of what customer service ought to be when I had a 100 CL issue.

 

[the rossness]

Looks like some of the tech questions are covered in earlier posts so I'll offer my experience. Owned the 100CL, Deliverance, Sig X and the Ultra Lead. I love them all although the Ultra Lead has a special place in my heart. It's not an easy choice when the whole amp line sounds great. On top of that, Steve Fryette was an amazing example of what customer service ought to be when I had a 100 CL issue.

The SigX has the best cleans, forgot to mention that one.

 

[stephen sawall]

Paging @stephen_sawall and @bob_savage

I think you nailed it. I feel the CLX with the GEQ has more than enough bass for pretty much anything. I have nothing else really to add. I messed with all the Fryette amps and my personal preferences and I use a D120 and Sig X.
Bob would tell you he prefers the D60.

 

[Shawn Lutz]

I have a VHT 50CL with EQ and Reverb and pair it with a FB with P50E's. Its a great amp and does 80-90's hard rock and metal well. If you want more modern metal tones a UL may better suited.

What I like about 50CL is the clarity even with hi gain. If you have sloppy technique it will be exposed

 

[sleewell2]

would love to try some of the pittbulls but man do I sure love my sig x!!!!

 

[stephen sawall]

What Shawn mentioned about sloppy playing not being able to hide is true of all the Fryette amps. I find this true of all amps that are very responsive to your hands.