VHT Gas, need some advice from VHT/Fryette peeps

[errrrrl]

For some reason VHT/Fryette amps were never on my radar before.. probably cause I was such a broke ass and couldn't afford much when I was young lol... Anyway I saw Reza's VHT Pitbull Ultra Lead playthru and got to say I'm intrigued.

I remember seeing some VHT amps at the local shop here and went to check them out today. They have a VHT Sig X and a Deliverance 60, didn't have time to plug them in (yet) but wanted to check with any of you VHT/Fryette guys here first if they would be similar to the Pitbull Ultralead in terms of real thrashy metal tones or better off looking for an ultralead or cl. I was impressed with what I heard in that ultralead video.

And if I were better off to go with a CL is there any real tonal differences between the 100 vs the fifty? Thanks!

 

[Loudness250]

I had a SigX before. I dug it, so many different tone options too. I also messed with the Power tube swapping. I liked the Shuguang kt88's the best in mine. Killer amp, just sold it to buy something else. The Deliverence, I tried the 120 before and that killed! so awesome , brutal, but of course way way less features, Never tried the 60.

 

[gtrwun]

I cant speak to the UL or CL, but i'll second the statement above regarding the Deliverance 120. I had one and it was a KILLER amp! Loved it. I sold it of course, but not because it wasn't a great amp. The great thing about the D120 is it's very sensitive to volume knob tweaks and cleans up great. Better than almost any amp ive ever owned.

 

[rottingcorpse]

I have had the sig-x, pittbull classic and st/50. I still have a d120 and UL.

If you are turned on to the UL,don't get anything else. Nothing else compares. They are all great amps,but the UL is a metal monster. Great used prices too.

 

[fusedbrain]

I just scored a Pittbull 100CL in a trade recently. I've never played any Fryette / VHT amps before either, and I wasn't sure what to expect, but I gotta say I'm really impressed. The amp seems well thought out, well built, and it sounds really, really good.
It doesn't get very saturated or compressed when you wind up the gain and it stays pretty tight. It feels to me like it's about halfway between a BE100 and a Wizard MCII in that regard, and it's right there in sound quality too. Kinda in the modded Marshall vein tone-wise, but different enough to have it's own unique voice. I'm kicking myself for not trying any of these amps sooner.

Only other thing I could add is if you go for a 100CL, try to get one with the EQ, and get the footswitch so you can have quick access to the boost and EQ fuctions (not sure if these amps come with the foot controller when new) The EQ is crazy powerful. I've got mine set up for a solo boost with a slight frown curve, and it kills for that.

Now I've got big time gas for an ultra-lead.

 

[Racerxrated]

I've had a lot of great amps, most of the sought after unobtanium high gainers. I will always say the VHT Deliverance is right up there with any of them for clear articulate high gain awesomeness. The 60 is more pissed Marshall and the 120 is a more modern and thicker version of the 60. Some say they are dry or unforgiving, but the truth is any of the gold standard high gainers(Wizard, SLO, 2C+ and many more) all have that quality, and the VHT/Fryette amps are no different.

 

[errrrrl]

I had a SigX before. I dug it, so many different tone options too. I also messed with the Power tube swapping. I liked the Shuguang kt88's the best in mine. Killer amp, just sold it to buy something else. The Deliverence, I tried the 120 before and that killed! so awesome , brutal, but of course way way less features, Never tried the 60.

I wonder if that's your old SigX at Dans? Looks like there is a VHT cab under it too.

I cant speak to the UL or CL, but i'll second the statement above regarding the Deliverance 120. I had one and it was a KILLER amp! Loved it. I sold it of course, but not because it wasn't a great amp. The great thing about the D120 is it's very sensitive to volume knob tweaks and cleans up great. Better than almost any amp ive ever owned.

I'm gonna have to try out the D60 now, I'm curious as hell.

Thanks

I have had the sig-x, pittbull classic and st/50. I still have a d120 and UL.

If you are turned on to the UL,don't get anything else. Nothing else compares. They are all great amps,but the UL is a metal monster. Great used prices too.

Wow so there is a noticeable difference between the UL and CL? I want a metal monster I've seen some CL's for sale online, not so much with the UL. Also how is the master volume on the UL's? Can you get good tones at low volumes? Thanks man!

 

[errrrrl]

I just scored a Pittbull 100CL in a trade recently. I've never played any Fryette / VHT amps before either, and I wasn't sure what to expect, but I gotta say I'm really impressed. The amp seems well thought out, well built, and it sounds really, really good.
It doesn't get very saturated or compressed when you wind up the gain and it stays pretty tight. It feels to me like it's about halfway between a BE100 and a Wizard MCII in that regard, and it's right there in sound quality too. Kinda in the modded Marshall vein tone-wise, but different enough to have it's own unique voice. I'm kicking myself for not trying any of these amps sooner.

Only other thing I could add is if you go for a 100CL, try to get one with the EQ, and get the footswitch so you can have quick access to the boost and EQ fuctions (not sure if these amps come with the foot controller when new) The EQ is crazy powerful. I've got mine set up for a solo boost with a slight frown curve, and it kills for that.

Now I've got big time gas for an ultra-lead.

Yeah Ultra-lead is sounding good to me right now too Also what attracts me to this amp is the tightness you mentioned, I love that shit

I've had a lot of great amps, most of the sought after unobtanium high gainers. I will always say the VHT Deliverance is right up there with any of them for clear articulate high gain awesomeness. The 60 is more pissed Marshall and the 120 is a more modern and thicker version of the 60. Some say they are dry or unforgiving, but the truth is any of the gold standard high gainers(Wizard, SLO, 2C+ and many more) all have that quality, and the VHT/Fryette amps are no different.

I think it's that dry sound + tightness I'm liking. Thanks man... Major gas now...

 

[Loudness250]

That could be my amp at Dan's, it's serial number 00000008. So you can check, I put the stock tubes back in it. lol. But the tubes don't make a difference unless you got it really cranked. That's why I like the Shuguangs, they handle better when it was cranked up, for palm muting and stuff.

 

[skoora]

The Sig X is good but if you play a deliverance next to one you run into the scenario of Jack of all trades. Master of none vs. One glorious but flexible tone. It's like a JVM410h vs a jcm800 or any decent 6 knobber. I couldn't get one sound out of the Sig X that matched what the Deliverance did. But I don't need channel switching etc. So if you need the features enjoy a Sig X but don't play a Deliverence

FWIW I would rather have a Sig X than a UL but I'm more classic rock, classic metal minded than modern styles which fits more in the UL camp.

 

[stephen sawall]

If your looking for metal I would try a UL. I like the Sig X and Deliverance better.

 

[errrrrl]

That could be my amp at Dan's, it's serial number 00000008. So you can check, I put the stock tubes back in it. lol. But the tubes don't make a difference unless you got it really cranked. That's why I like the Shuguangs, they handle better when it was cranked up, for palm muting and stuff.

I'll check the serial, maybe this Friday. I want to hear that thing now. Also do you remember if it sounded good at low volumes at all? Or got to be cranked up?

The Sig X is good but if you play a deliverance next to one you run into the scenario of Jack of all trades. Master of none vs. One glorious but flexible tone. It's like a JVM410h vs a jcm800 or any decent 6 knobber. I couldn't get one sound out of the Sig X that matched what the Deliverance did. But I don't need channel switching etc. So if you need the features enjoy a Sig X but don't play a Deliverence

FWIW I would rather have a Sig X than a UL but I'm more classic rock, classic metal minded than modern styles which fits more in the UL camp.

Haha well now I have to play them both, I was just curious before but now i'm just dying to power them up.

If your looking for metal I would try a UL. I like the Sig X and Deliverance better.

Well I'm gonna try the Sig X and the Deliverance cause I can... otherwise finding a UL where I live is slim pickings. I am curious what makes you like the Sig & Deliverance more? I'm guessing they are more well rounded amps overall from what I've read so far?

And big thanks for all the feedback guys, much appreciated... Gas is now absolutely insane, thanks RT! LOL

 

[maddnotez]

I had the 100CL and it was probably one of the most brutal amps I've played. Was just crushing and I got a lot of Tone compliments after gigs.

I had a first run UL and it was bigger and wider sounding but not as aggressive. However it's a different amp now and if you get one then be sure to get the latest revision (2007 and up I think?)

Never played others but Fryettet told me the SIG is like the D but with all the bells and whistles and less aggressive but can definitely still do metal. I've heard tons of clips and for me...I'd like to get another 100CL

 

[apophis]

Try the D60 in "Less" mode, with a boost, both gains at about 3 o clock ... a bit less on gain1 if you want more oldschool marshall

 

[RedB4Black]

I've owned about 3-4 D60s, a D120, a SigX, and 3 ULs. I've also played a friends CLX a few times. IMO, the UL is hands down the best of the bunch. I've owned the Deliverance and SigX at the same time as owning the UL and played them side-by-side. The UL with the EQ can cover the Deliverance tones close enough for my tastes - just maybe a little less forgiving. I'd still like to get another Sig X, more just to have. lol

My current UL was made in December 2011 and is the best one I've owned. It's definitely in the top 5 amps I've ever played/owned. While I like my Wizards more, the UL definitely has some of the characteristics of what I love about them. So does a cranked up SLO for that matter. The UL's EQ gives it more range in the voicing though.

If you want an amp that is super tight, percussive, articulate, open and a clean/no fizz gain, then the UL is your amp. If you have a little more $ to spend, then step up to a Wizard. If you like a dark, compressed, fizzy gain distortion, the UL is not your amp.

 

[braintheory]

I've owned about 3-4 D60s, a D120, a SigX, and 3 ULs. I've also played a friends CLX a few times. IMO, the UL is hands down the best of the bunch. I've owned the Deliverance and SigX at the same time as owning the UL and played them side-by-side. The UL with the EQ can cover the Deliverance tones close enough for my tastes - just maybe a little less forgiving. I'd still like to get another Sig X, more just to have. lol

My current UL was made in December 2011 and is the best one I've owned. It's definitely in the top 5 amps I've ever played/owned. While I like my Wizards more, the UL definitely has some of the characteristics of what I love about them. So does a cranked up SLO for that matter. The UL's EQ gives it more range in the voicing though.

If you want an amp that is super tight, percussive, articulate, open and a clean/no fizz gain, then the UL is your amp. If you have a little more $ to spend, then step up to a Wizard. If you like a dark, compressed, fizzy gain distortion, the UL is not your amp.

I owned a UL for a while too that I think was from 2011 and I agree. I tried an older UL once (from when it was still called VHT) and I remember it being tighter and more compressed than the Fryette one I had. I also definitely prefer my Wizard MTL to the UL. I didn't keep the UL because some of my other amps were both tighter and bigger sounding on chugs, the UL also was never the most growly or aggressive amp for powerchords, so I had amp that were better there too. The powerchords on it had good punch, but it was more on the smooth side (not growly), which I didn't like, and I always was preferring other amps of mine for single note type riffage and leads, so I really saw no reason to keep it in my aresenal.

I liked the openness of the UL. A lot of guys exaggerate though the tightness and dryness of the amp. I think since the amp is pretty open/uncompressed compared to most modern high gainers and is a little on the unforgiving side, some guys perceive as being tighter than it is, but there are lots of amps that are much tighter out there. Nick at the Axe Palace will tell you the same

 

[maddnotez]

the UL also was never the most growly or aggressive amp for powerchords

100CL

 

[dirtyfunkg]

I have owned...

Pittbull Classic (since rebranded as the CLX)
D60
2011 Ultra Lead
D120
Sig:X
GP/DI

I still have the Sig:X and GP/DI (which I use for recording). The Sig:X green channel is one of the best amps I've ever heard. I call it an amp because it functions like a NMV amp. It's capable of incredibly expressive cleans up to classic rock distortion in a Hiwatt type of vein.

The lead channels are a little bit more saturated than the Deliverance amps but I still find them to be incredibly useful, with or without a boost.

The Deliverance amps are GREAT, but I don't consider the Sig:X to be a jack of all, master of none by any stretch, even if it is incredibly versatile. My Sig:X gets way more usage than my D-Moll because it sounds better in just about every way except for a high headroom clean tone. I do agree that the D120 was probably the best amp I've played for using your guitar volume knob (or I used an EH Signal Pad) for a pseudo clean tone. I've considered picking a Deliverance up but really cannot justify it right now when I could just plug the GP/DI into an effects return and get a very close tone.

Go try them both and see what you prefer, but I strongly urge you to keep an open mind to the Sig:X, and take a good amount of time to see what all it is capable of. The D60/120 are easy to just set up and go, and it will sound great. The Sig is just a different flavor but, IMHO, equally formidable.

 

[stephen sawall]

That could be my amp at Dan's, it's serial number 00000008. So you can check, I put the stock tubes back in it. lol. But the tubes don't make a difference unless you got it really cranked. That's why I like the Shuguangs, they handle better when it was cranked up, for palm muting and stuff.

I'll check the serial, maybe this Friday. I want to hear that thing now. Also do you remember if it sounded good at low volumes at all? Or got to be cranked up?

The Sig X is good but if you play a deliverance next to one you run into the scenario of Jack of all trades. Master of none vs. One glorious but flexible tone. It's like a JVM410h vs a jcm800 or any decent 6 knobber. I couldn't get one sound out of the Sig X that matched what the Deliverance did. But I don't need channel switching etc. So if you need the features enjoy a Sig X but don't play a Deliverence

FWIW I would rather have a Sig X than a UL but I'm more classic rock, classic metal minded than modern styles which fits more in the UL camp.

Haha well now I have to play them both, I was just curious before but now i'm just dying to power them up.

If your looking for metal I would try a UL. I like the Sig X and Deliverance better.

Well I'm gonna try the Sig X and the Deliverance cause I can... otherwise finding a UL where I live is slim pickings. I am curious what makes you like the Sig & Deliverance more? I'm guessing they are more well rounded amps overall from what I've read so far?

And big thanks for all the feedback guys, much appreciated... Gas is now absolutely insane, thanks RT! LOL

The voicing and feel fit my needs and taste better.

I play a lot of different styles of music all the time and the Sig X can pretty much cover anything. I own and played on a lot of NMV single channel amps. The Sig X can keep up with and often better than any of them. It can get in the ball park of most highgain amps and out do most of them at their own game. All the Fryette amps can cover any style....But some are voiced better for certain styles. When I say different styles I am talking about more than different kinds of rock. I play a lot of country, R&B, funk, classical, hip hop, metal, jazz, blues, etc...I play a lot of funk and hard rock.

I can see very easy why people would like one model or a other better. I've played on all of them many times.
... I had a CLX, CL, UL, D60, D120, Sig X all in the same room for three days with my favourite guitars and several cabs. After about thirty hours of A/B direct comparison it was obvious the Sig X and Deliverance 120 fit my needs and taste best.

I've owned the Sig X since 2008. I bought the D120 about a year later. I use the Sig X more .... But do not feel one is better than the other. They both can do things the other can not. If I had to pick one it would be the Sig X. Out of all the Pittbulls the UL was my favorite.

If you ask me I would say Fryette is kind of a hybrid of Hiwatt and Mesa Mark. They Fryette amps have a strong Hiwatt vibe.

Out of all my amps I use my Fryette's and THD's by far the most.

 

[stephen sawall]

Here is how I set up these amps. It does not matter what type of sound I am going after.

The Deliverance and two high gain channels on the Sig X are similar. All references are O'Clock.... Not 1-10.

1)Set all tone controls at noon.
Turn Gain II off.
2)Adjust Gain I for the tonal balance you want. (This control has a very strong effect on the voice)
3)Adjust Gain II for the amount of gain and saturtion.
4)Adjust Presence and Depth before the other tone controls.
5)Fine tune the voice with the Treble, Midrange, Bass.
6)Fine tune everything from there.

The band I am in right now does a lot of hard rock / metal type stuff.... I am using the Sig X usually.

Always adjust the Presence and Depth first to adjust for different guitars and cabs.

Kind of a Fender Blackface / Hiwatt clean ...

Clean Channel:
Bloom or Brite
Norm
100W
Open
Volume - 10:00
Treb - 2:00
Mid - 10:00
Bass - 2:00
Pres - 2:00
Depth - 2:00

I basicly turn up the Volume till I get distortion and back it off a bit to keep it clean. I then can turn on the Boost to get some overdrive. The guitar volume is very usefull to get different amounts of distortion.
Often I back off the Treble and Presence a bit depending on the cab and guitar.

Next up Hiwatt crunch....
(Notice how similar it is to the setting above)

Clean Channel:
Brite
Boost
40W
Fat
Volume - 11:00 ~ 2:00
Treb - 2:00
Mid - 10:00
Bass - 2:00
Pres - 2:00
Depth - 2:00

Metal Rhythm...

Rhythm Channel:
Burn
Gain I - 3:00
Gain II - 5:00 / full
Boost On
More Mode
100W
Master - 9:00 ~ 10:00
Scoop
Treb - 3:00~4:00
Mid - 9:00 (or higher)
Bass - 3:00
Pres - 2:00 ~ 4:00
Depth - 2:00~4:00

1)From here I change both at the same time to *Live* and *Wood* for a different midrange voice.

2)Adjusting Gain I and the Midrange (8-11 or higher) on these setting or Lead Metal setting .... Ton of control right here.

3)The Midrange is set low... But the Fryette amps are midrange heavy.... Take my word for it - it's going to cut in the mix with the band. The other guy in my band is using a Marshall half stack very midrange heavy.

Lead Metal...

Lead Channel:
Blow
Gain I - 3:00
Gain II - 5:00 / full
Boost On
More Mode
40W ~ 100W
Master - 9:00 ~10:00
Wood
Treb - 3:00~4:00
Mid - 8:00 ~ 9:00 (or higher)
Bass - 2:00
Pres - 2:00 ~ 4:00
Depth - 3:00

These amps are very reactive to different guitars and cabs.... But these setting seem to work for me with most of them.