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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! > Alnicomagnet Mod Kit on my VHT 6
Alnicomagnet Mod Kit on my VHT 6
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bluzharper
11 posts
Dec 02, 2012
9:35 AM
Over the years I have owned numerous amps, like most harp,
guitar, players. The usual fender tubers, Bassman RI,
Blues Deluxe, Blues Deville, Blues Junior, ect... and the
old tube Silvertone, one of my low power favorites. That
said, the modded VHT 6 was a real suprise, this amp with
the ebay mod really delivers. I love the tone, volume, and
price of this amp. For harmonica, and at the price it
can't be beat. I took it to a friend's studio and we test
drove it and did some side by sides with his Harp Gear 2.
We thought this would be a good comparison as it is the
same watt and size speaker. We were amazed at the results.
For far less than half the price H.G.2 $840 US, you can
have an amp that is every bit as good, if not better.
So far total price of the modded VHT 6 is about $280.00
this includes the line out, and a swapped out tube, 12Ax
to a 5751. This amp has plenty of power for most Blues
Jams or Small Club Gigs. We went through numerous mics
including the Astatic RH, old school crystal Astatic JT's.
I liked the Unisphere 585. With the line out, or setting
a 57 in front it, you should be able to play any gig. I
really liked the sound with a Danecho and a little delay.
I know opinions vary, and this is just mine, but like
my amp tech said, "this is one sweet amp" and for the cash
can't be beat.

bluzharper aka Darol

Last Edited by on Dec 02, 2012 9:37 AM
Libertad
194 posts
Dec 02, 2012
12:41 PM
I have the same setup. For the price it is a sweet deal. I made one other change. At Rick Davis' suggestion I changed the speaker to an Eminence LIl Buddy. At first I was totally under whelmed... But after a bit of playing (couple of weeks), it has really made a difference. It's always difficult to describe sounds, but it just sounds a bit more organic.

I tried it with a Harp Break pedal, trying to get a bit more break up at lower volumes but keep going back to the raw amp with just with a bit of reverb (carbon Copy).

Martin
bluzharper
12 posts
Dec 02, 2012
3:44 PM
So why would Mission Amps, or anyone else, sell a mod, at a fair price for this amp and kill the golden goose? Too busy? I don't think so..... I'm just sayin .... ;>)

bluz...

Last Edited by on Dec 02, 2012 3:50 PM
robbert
165 posts
Dec 02, 2012
4:44 PM
Not having owned or played through tube amps, but only cheap ss amps and p.a.systems in 12 yrs of playing mostly non-blues styles, and with few effects other than delay or reverb, I finally decided to save my gig money and purchase a tuber...

But which one? Inexpensive would be good, low wattage- (small venues, mostly)a must. After much research(yay to this forum!)with the VHT high on my list, I finally decided on the rebuilt Kalamazoo that Greg Huemann offers.

I'd already upgraded my Shure 57 mic to an Ultimatized, Bulletized mic and loved the quality, so reasoned that I would love the amp equally.

It took a while to get the amp, after getting on Greg's waiting list, but worth the wait. I absolutely love this little vintage amp. It produces a warm, full amplified tone, that can sound nicely overdriven or, alternately, full and clean depending on my cup. It has great volume for the small venue, and the line-out option Greg installed will help with stage volume, if needed.

The original condition of the amp was good, and refurbished and line-out added ran about $430.00, considerably more than the modded VHT, but I'm so happy with the 'Zoo, I'm considering changing my handle to "Kid Kalamazoo".

But, by all accounts, it sounds like the VHT is also a terrific little amp.
bluzharper
13 posts
Dec 02, 2012
6:23 PM
And that is what it's all about.... Good for you...
Might get one myself....
robbert
166 posts
Dec 02, 2012
8:02 PM
It would be interesting, as it is always interesting to fanatics, to compare these amps. I'm sure they each have their own individual characteristics, and probably compare favorably.

I have to say that whatever the outer condition of these 50yr old Zoos that Greg offers, the guts are all reconditioned by him, and he does very good work. Even though I don't need one, and actually need other musical devices much more, I'm now looking at his custom mics! Ahhhh...quality is so addictive...
SuperBee
679 posts
Dec 03, 2012
5:19 AM
Bluz, I'm not quite sure what you mean in your second post.
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bluzharper
14 posts
Dec 03, 2012
7:20 AM
SuperBee
With all respect, I have been following most posts about the VHT 6. When I read about the Mission Amp project VHT 6, and the Clark video, I
thought you will never see any Harmonica Amp maker
that's getting $800 to $1000 a pop for an amp selling
do it yourself mods. That would hurt business.
5F6H
1436 posts
Dec 03, 2012
7:54 AM
@ Bluzharper - That's a slightly misguided & cynical train of thought.

Mission amps have been specialising in amp kits & mods for many years, Bruce Collins is a very well respected 5E3/amp builder & amp designer, he will build you an entire amp, or sell you certain kits with detailed instructions for you to build your own (and offer support when you fail to follow those instructions), or sell a number of upgrade kits to allow home builders to tweak/upgrade their own builds/amps. If you go to him with an amp in your hand for servicing, or modification, he will do what you ask/what the job requires.

However, selling amp kits & mod kits takes some commitment, development and support, Bruce IS a busy man, if he chooses not to offer mod kits for certain amps & applications that is his decision and there is no doubt a good reason for it. I very much doubt that there are any underlying machiavellian forces at work, driving those decisions.

There are companies that sell amps (guitar, or harmonica) for up to $8K a pop & still sell mod kits.


www.myspace.com/markburness

http://www.facebook.com/markburness
bluzharper
15 posts
Dec 03, 2012
9:47 AM
"Mission amps have been specialising in amp kits & mods for many years, Bruce Collins is a very well respected 5E3/amp builder & amp designer"
I never said he wasn't....
machiavellian .... : using clever lies and tricks in order to get or achieve something : clever and dishonest .... Your words not mine ..... sorry ...
My post was an observation, little more.
Wish you the best....
" misguided & cynical " now that's food for thought ..

bluzharper
5F6H
1437 posts
Dec 03, 2012
10:35 AM
@ Bluzharper, it wasn't an observation, it was a perception...it came entirely from you and you were clearly implying some conspiratorial concept, it is not representative of the situation.

I don't seek to spar with you, nor to get engaged in a tit for tat exchange, I merely sought to shed some light on the wider picture and offer a realistic perspective. That's all.

Regards, Mark.


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www.myspace.com/markburness

http://www.facebook.com/markburness
arnenym
91 posts
Dec 03, 2012
10:47 AM
Bluz..
If Bruce don't sell mod kits it's up to him! Isn't it?
If you're pleased with your alnico mod, why insinuate he is fooling you?

Edit
Mark: You was faster than me to answer and you did it well.

Last Edited by on Dec 03, 2012 10:49 AM
bluzharper
16 posts
Dec 03, 2012
11:23 AM
"If you're pleased with your alnico mod, why insinuate he is fooling you?"

Not fooling me. And yes, I'm very very happy with
this amp...

I understand everyone has the right to do as he or
she pleases. I based my response on the interest in
the mod, the final price of the amp and the awesome
sound, especially with Nick Clark hitting it.

So don't read too much into it ....

Best to everyone... bluz

Last Edited by on Dec 03, 2012 12:20 PM
SuperBee
680 posts
Dec 03, 2012
12:03 PM
Oh, I think I see. I wasn't aware of those other threads/videos
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