Which VHT/Fryette Pittbull model?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dillllon
  • Start date Start date
D

Dillllon

New member
I'm looking at the VHT/Pittbull heads, and there are too many options! I'm eyeing the 100 watt CL, then a 50 watt with a graphic eq, then a 50 watt without a graphic eq. I definitely don't need 100 watts, but it seems like the 100 watt has more tone-shaping options, and a half-power mode, but I'm worried it won't sound as good as the normal 50 watt. Which one is best? How much does the graphic eq matter? Anyone fluent in Pittbull-speak?

Thanks!
 
I've got an ultralead and it's still my favourite amp; I don't think I'll ever sell it. I'm a big fan of the EQ even though it's really sensitive and I barely touch it..it just feels better somehow when it's engaged.

I don't have any CL experience I'm afraid, so my 2 cents aren't worth as much as some one else's 2 cents.
 
After many years of flipping amps, and tone hunting, I found my tonal salvation in a VHT CL100 w/ EQ. Its just about everything I want in an amp. It has soaring high gain, that's soooo articulate. It also feels like no other amp. The CL has 2 channels. I use the green channel as my gain channel. I always use it with the EQ and the sliders typically are in a V shape. The red channel is set up as my clean. I run it with the gain very low and the master very high. I switch the EQ on and off depending on what tone I'm going for. I've been using 2 EHX pdeals with the clean, a Soul Food and Lumberjack to provide just a hint of grainy overdrive/ fuzz for a classic rock kind of vibe. I also play around with the poweramp feel. I can make it tighter feeling, or go more for a marshall-type feel.

Ive hads many amps in my time, but my VHT really is the best amp I've ever played. I'd like to eventually get a Deliverance 60 and Memphis.

Yes, the EQ does matter, so get a VHT/ Fryette with the EQ, or throw one in the loop. The FX loops are also the best in the business.

As for what model you should get... well, all of Steve's designs are based around the Pitbull architecture-

If you're a set it and forget it, one channel guy, who plays around with your volume knob, who wants "bowl you over power" I'd go deliverance.
If you're into classic rock/ jazz/surf/ 70's hard rock, I'd go memphis. There's also the option of the old VHT Pitbull 45 combo
If you want 2 insanely versatile channels, that can do clean through metal on either channel, I'd do a CL100.
If you want 2 and 1/2 channels, a dedicated Clean, gain 1 and higher gain 2 (shared EQ), I'd get a CLX. Or if modern metal/ prog is more your cup of tea, I'd check out an UL.
If you want lots of tonal options and a very dry amp, your ticket is a SIG:X

hope this helps. Peace~
 
YOu want the 100 CL. It is the regular version, not the 50w version. The 100w version sounds better, a little more bottom end and cleaner power. You want the preamp to do the work, not overdriving the poweramp.

You will likely be very happy with a 100CL w/EQ.
 
Not much volume difference between 50 and 100 watters.

UL/CL/CLX/SigX/Deliverance are all killer amps

Get the EQ.

I've have had a 50CL with EQ+Reverb for over 10 years and pair it with a VHT FB 4x12 w/P50E's and love the thing.
 
I haven't played any of the CL's. Have owned a 1993 Classic (now the CLX), and a 2011 UL from the Pittbull line--both with EQ.

For what I like to play, the Classic/CLX is the ticket. I do use just about all of the options, so a CL would be a major compromise for me. The cleans on the CLX are really good IMHO. Very Hiwatt-like if dialed in right.
 
Holy ton of sweet feedback. I used to be a one channel, "set it and forget it" kind of guy, until I recorded a record, listened back and realized that i'm not. Aha So go for the eq, check. What exactly is the difference between 100 watts and 50? I'm not exactly selling out stadiums or playing in the Grand Canyon, so 100 watts seems wild. Itd be used in a band practice room, and average local venues and Houses of Blues on tour and things like that, where it seems best to get a wicked tone at a low-ish volume. Any thoughts? Does the 100 sound fantastic while not exploding your eardrums, the way the 50 would?
 
Dillllon":3i7zpkee said:
Holy ton of sweet feedback. I used to be a one channel, "set it and forget it" kind of guy, until I recorded a record, listened back and realized that i'm not. Aha So go for the eq, check. What exactly is the difference between 100 watts and 50? I'm not exactly selling out stadiums or playing in the Grand Canyon, so 100 watts seems wild. Itd be used in a band practice room, and average local venues and Houses of Blues on tour and things like that, where it seems best to get a wicked tone at a low-ish volume. Any thoughts? Does the 100 sound fantastic while not exploding your eardrums, the way the 50 would?
Click to expand...

It just comes down to headroom. I personally run my Pittbull on the 100W setting because I seem to get more defined low end out of it. On the cleans, it's especially useful for more "bloom," for lack of a better term (though this is the term used on the Sig X).

Quick Q though: have you considered the Sig X? It comes in at a way better price point and, IMHO, is every bit the amp (if not more!) than the Pittbulls. I personally prefer it to the UL by a good margin, and it is on par with the Classic/CLX. YMMV, but with the independent EQ on each channel (nothing shared), the function the PB graphic EQ fulfills becomes moot.

I strongly suggest you go out and try a Sig X. It's not uber tight like a UL but it is plenty tight, and each channel is incredibly versatile and usable--some awesome classic rock overdrive sounds are in the "Clean" channel when it gets cranked, much like a non master volume amp. The other two channels can also excel in anything from clean to mean, to punishing.
 
I.ve had them all and my favorite is the CLX and there will be another in the heard. my 2nd was the cl 100 .
 
Can anyone explain the difference between 100 and 50 watts? I know a lot of it is about headroom. But what else is different? I've been hearing how you can get better tones at lower volumes with a 100 watt, but the 50s you have to really crank to get it going.

I considered getting a Sig-X, theyre just a little pricey.
 
Generally speaking, there's less headroom and its a little quieter, but not much. A 50 watt amp is still very loud. If you're looking for amp to play around the house, a VHT is ok, but it's really meant for being played loudly.

Depending on condition, used prices seem to be (correct me if I'm wrong)...

SIG:X: $1K-$1250
CL100, D120- $950-$1350
UL and CLX: $1400-$1900
D60, CL50: $850-$1200
Pitbull 45 combo: $700
Memphis: $1350 (I've only seen one used and that was the price).

I think a SIG:X is one of the cheapest used VHT/Fryette amps. If its expensive for you, you might be hunting for a while before you find a cheap one. One of my favorite cheaper amps is a Laney Ironheart. It has great tones and feels similar to a pitbull at a lower pricepoint. Maybe its not what you're looking for, but listen to some samples and take a look at one. It might surprise you.
 
Dillllon":33u4d812 said:
Holy ton of sweet feedback. I used to be a one channel, "set it and forget it" kind of guy, until I recorded a record, listened back and realized that i'm not. Aha So go for the eq, check. What exactly is the difference between 100 watts and 50? I'm not exactly selling out stadiums or playing in the Grand Canyon, so 100 watts seems wild. Itd be used in a band practice room, and average local venues and Houses of Blues on tour and things like that, where it seems best to get a wicked tone at a low-ish volume. Any thoughts? Does the 100 sound fantastic while not exploding your eardrums, the way the 50 would?
Click to expand...

Then get the 50w version. The only real benefit to the 50w is it's cheaper to buy and cheaper to service.

Not having the extra headroom kind of sucks though. No real volume difference between the two versions.
 
I have had a 50/st with graphic I got from jaided faith. Made me giggle and laugh. In a room full of great heads (Engl Marshall diamond mesa Randall etc...) all I played from that point forward for almost 3 years was pittbulls. I got a 100watt classic from dwisted 5 months later. Two weeks after that I got an ultra lead.

If you can find a 50/st with graphic, jump on it. Even tho I have an ultra lead now, I'd love to have that 50watt back.

Personally, I'd always get the graphic.

Had a sig-x, didn't like it. I'd love a deliverance with a graphic and a loop...but I'm an idiot.
 
Sorry for asking dumb questions, but what are the differences between UL and CLX? :confused:
 
+1 for the 100CL

I had one and I miss it. I had the EQ but used it never. IMO it doesnt need any eq because it already sounds killer with the right tubes. I used a Maxon 808 in front.

I now have an early run Ultra-Lead with NO eq and it is a bit different. I am still playing with it, getting tubes and overdrives (actually have an MXR eq on the way) It definitely seems bigger but I might actually like the CL100 better. It is a tough call and I can not answer now but if I were you I would either get them all or get the CL100.
 
Petrucci":144oayz1 said:
Sorry for asking dumb questions, but what are the differences between UL and CLX? :confused:
Click to expand...
UL has KT88s and 2 tubes in the PI. CLX has EL34s and 1 tube PI. Preamps are the same.
 
CLX also had an option for reverb, the UL never came with that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top