VHT Pitbull boost?

[base341]

I picked up an older vht pitbull recently and was wondering what you pitbull users are using to boost it.
I'm using a vht deliverance cab with p50e's in it. I feel like the tone is a little fizzy if I turn the gain past about 2:00 or so.
I have a xotic bb preamp that I'm liking with it but was wondering if there's something out there that really gels with the vht better..
Any suggestions for dialing tone with this amp would be appreciated..
I play mostly metal.

 

[VESmedic]

what model pittbull? How old are the tubes? Fizzy about the last word I would use to to describe a VHT's tone, so if you are getting some fuzz, take a look at things like tubes etc. Also, run the master up around 2 or 3 oclock, use the channel volume to taste, really opens up the amp in an insane way. Graphic EQ or no graphic EQ?

I use a maxon OD808, works wonders. The amp is great without it, this is just something I recently started doing it, and I really enjoy it. the BB is probably a great boost from what I understand, you should be just fine with that.

 

[Mudder]

I use a Bloody Murder (ts style) to boost my pittbull 45. Mine is el84 powered, so it may react a little different. I've also used a clean boost (rangemaster style) that gives it a little different flavor.

 

[maddnotez]

I use a g100cl with maxon 808....

I would test out some different cabs or what i did was put v30 and 75's in my dcab and it destroys.

 

[maddnotez]

I use a g100cl with maxon 808....

I would test out some different cabs or what i did was put v30 and 75's in my dcab and it destroys.

 

[Ventura]

P50e are speakers that get better with loud age. Don't give up on 'em, Steve Fryette knew exactly what he was doing when he sorted this design out.

Just sayin',
Mo

 

[base341]

what model pittbull? How old are the tubes? Fizzy about the last word I would use to to describe a VHT's tone, so if you are getting some fuzz, take a look at things like tubes etc. Also, run the master up around 2 or 3 oclock, use the channel volume to taste, really opens up the amp in an insane way. Graphic EQ or no graphic EQ?

I use a maxon OD808, works wonders. The amp is great without it, this is just something I recently started doing it, and I really enjoy it. the BB is probably a great boost from what I understand, you should be just fine with that.

It's a 50cl..probably mid nineties manufacture..
I just popped new ruby el34's in it and a new set of 12ax7's in all the pre amp spots.
I haven't changed out the rectifier tube. It has the graphic eq also. I've been setting in a banana pattern
I have been setting the channel volume at about 12:00-2:00..
I'll try rolling them way back and cranking the master to get the power section cooking a little more.
When you use the maxon are you also using the onboard boost of the amp?

Thanks for the replies guys..

 

[VESmedic]

what model pittbull? How old are the tubes? Fizzy about the last word I would use to to describe a VHT's tone, so if you are getting some fuzz, take a look at things like tubes etc. Also, run the master up around 2 or 3 oclock, use the channel volume to taste, really opens up the amp in an insane way. Graphic EQ or no graphic EQ?

I use a maxon OD808, works wonders. The amp is great without it, this is just something I recently started doing it, and I really enjoy it. the BB is probably a great boost from what I understand, you should be just fine with that.

It's a 50cl..probably mid nineties manufacture..
I just popped new ruby el34's in it and a new set of 12ax7's in all the pre amp spots.
I haven't changed out the rectifier tube. It has the graphic eq also. I've been setting in a banana pattern
I have been setting the channel volume at about 12:00-2:00..
I'll try rolling them way back and cranking the master to get the power section cooking a little more.
When you use the maxon are you also using the onboard boost of the amp?

Thanks for the replies guys..

Yea definitely flip around those volumes. Master up around 2 or 3 oclock is where the money is, trust me The ultralead is alittle bit different than the CL50 in regards to the on board boosts, so I would say go with what you like best, there is no special way to do anything, it IS YOUR rig you know? Also, Try keeping the graphic flat, adjusting the onboard EQ First, then use the graphic to fine tune. I have noticed, that VHT's are extremely sensitive to guitars as well. I mean I literally have to re EQ my entire amp when using different guitars, never had to do that with any other amp before.

 

[jack butler]

What preamp tubes? VHT used 12ax7wa and 12ax7wb's both are lower gain tubes. Try putting Ruby 12ax7AC5+ HG in V1,2, and 3. If you don't like them in your VHT, you can put them in your Herbert(They're what Peter recommends).

 

[Ventura]

And secondly, albeit limited in my experience with VHT/Fryette heads, they have always sounded incredible, and in fact, I'm really warming up to the D60 as a head to pick up some time down the road. Tone's a personal thing, but I am very stoked on what this amp can do - again - personally.

2 cents and henceforth I'll shut my trap

 

[maddnotez]

Master up, boost off, edge on mids and bass 12:00 or more. Depth n presence to taste.

I disagree with the p50. I did lots of side by side comparison and they lost every time to my ears.

They are the first run toboot. I dont think they could be any more broken in.

They sound great to add on and run a full stack with on top of my 75x30 cab tho

 

[guitarman967]

Maxon OD808
For the CL use the RED channel, amp BOOST in, EDGE in, Gain control pointing at the red LED.

I would definitely second, or third, the opinion of the global master up at 2:00 and channel masters set for actual volume levels.
Not only is the tone better, you ensure that there is not any fizz to the gain as the poweramp is well represented with this approach.

For tubes, Stick with the chinese flavored tubes. I don't go for the Sovtek WB's in V1.
Not a fan of that tone but the C9 works wonders there and gives VHT's that great feel that I've come to love more than anything else. Just incredibly accurate definition. I cant describe it any other way.
A EH 12AX7 for the phase inverter with keep the attack quick and efficient. That's the only place I might experiment.

I've had 6 VHT heads over the years and have a few still and they're definitely the best Ive ever used.
The 100CL W/ Graphic is my favorite high gain head. Never had a head that was better for ME and I've had just about every single high gain head there is.

To the Cabs:The Fatbottom P50 cabs really do need to take a beating before they sound right. I never liked that about them, they should treat the suspension or cone in a way that speeds that process up. Out of the box they sound absolutely horrid. I run a looper on the clean channel, mids full up and the amp loud and I leave to ride around for a while so I dont have to hear the racket! After a couple hours, they sound much better. The fizz disappears.

I actually think that a V30 loaded cab sounds pretty damn good with these heads even though I've heard the VHT crew say no.
I love Fatbottom cabs but for the CL I've found my V30 loaded MESA traditional sounds a bit better for what I want to hear with that head and the EL-34 poweramp.
The Ultralead is a little different story.

 

[guitarman967]

what model pittbull? How old are the tubes? Fizzy about the last word I would use to to describe a VHT's tone, so if you are getting some fuzz, take a look at things like tubes etc. Also, run the master up around 2 or 3 oclock, use the channel volume to taste, really opens up the amp in an insane way. Graphic EQ or no graphic EQ?

I use a maxon OD808, works wonders. The amp is great without it, this is just something I recently started doing it, and I really enjoy it. the BB is probably a great boost from what I understand, you should be just fine with that.

It's a 50cl..probably mid nineties manufacture..
I just popped new ruby el34's in it and a new set of 12ax7's in all the pre amp spots.
I haven't changed out the rectifier tube. It has the graphic eq also. I've been setting in a banana pattern
I have been setting the channel volume at about 12:00-2:00..
I'll try rolling them way back and cranking the master to get the power section cooking a little more.
When you use the maxon are you also using the onboard boost of the amp?

Thanks for the replies guys..

BTW, I re-read this post. What do you mean by popped in some new powertubes?
Did you check the bias? If the tubes are not running under normal operating conditions then you will definitely have a fizzy type tone no matter how you EQ it.

 

[RJF]

As mentioned, master up, channel volume down. Boost engaged, easy on the gain knob, and boost it from a pedal.

I am now liking the P50's a lot more than I used to. To have that "VHT" tone, you've got to have P50's.

 

[apophis]

I use a Bloody Murder with my ultra lead, also a green rhino works well.....with this specific amp the ideal speaker will always be a P50e, sorry if you have not figured this out also....however i believe the cl and ultra lead have a somewhat different sound, so maybe that why the fatbottom cab is perfect for my amp

 

[base341]

Maxon OD808
For the CL use the RED channel, amp BOOST in, EDGE in, Gain control pointing at the red LED.

I would definitely second, or third, the opinion of the global master up at 2:00 and channel masters set for actual volume levels.
Not only is the tone better, you ensure that there is not any fizz to the gain as the poweramp is well represented with this approach.

For tubes, Stick with the chinese flavored tubes. I don't go for the Sovtek WB's in V1.
Not a fan of that tone but the C9 works wonders there and gives VHT's that great feel that I've come to love more than anything else. Just incredibly accurate definition. I cant describe it any other way.
A EH 12AX7 for the phase inverter with keep the attack quick and efficient. That's the only place I might experiment.

I've had 6 VHT heads over the years and have a few still and they're definitely the best Ive ever used.
The 100CL W/ Graphic is my favorite high gain head. Never had a head that was better for ME and I've had just about every single high gain head there is.

To the Cabs:The Fatbottom P50 cabs really do need to take a beating before they sound right. I never liked that about them, they should treat the suspension or cone in a way that speeds that process up. Out of the box they sound absolutely horrid. I run a looper on the clean channel, mids full up and the amp loud and I leave to ride around for a while so I dont have to hear the racket! After a couple hours, they sound much better. The fizz disappears.

I actually think that a V30 loaded cab sounds pretty damn good with these heads even though I've heard the VHT crew say no.
I love Fatbottom cabs but for the CL I've found my V30 loaded MESA traditional sounds a bit better for what I want to hear with that head and the EL-34 poweramp.
The Ultralead is a little different story.

Thanks for the feedback.
I dialed back the channel volume and cranked the master. What a difference!!
This is the tone I'm looking for.. I'm boosting only a tiny bit with the bb preamp and it sound great..
I have the graphic pretty much flat also.
This fizz is gone.
Thanks everyone for the help.
I'll probably pick up an maxon od 808.

 

[Hard&Heavy]

These amps live with the master turned up, but even at low volume they are really tight. I would do what some of the other guys have said. I've had two of these amp and never needed a boost at all.