DukeBerryman
233 posts
Mar 13, 2014
9:28 PM
|
VHT Special 6 head ($210) vs. Ampeg GVT5H head ($350)
Both are 12AX7 and 6V6 amps. Both are super cool - can anyone tell me why the Ampeg is more expensive? Oherwise I'm going for the tried and true VHT. Thanks!
|
Kingley
3509 posts
Mar 13, 2014
11:06 PM
|
You're most likely paying a premium for the Ampeg name. In my opinion the VHT is an astonishing amp for the money. It sounds great right out of the box and it's really easy to modify if you so wish. Mine is the combo version and now has a 6L6 fitted instead of the stock 6V6. It's a little louder and has even better tone now.
If I were you I'd get the VHT. Unless of course you have more money to spend and then I would buy a HarpGear HG2 or the Memphis Mini from Rick Davis.
|
DukeBerryman
234 posts
Mar 14, 2014
12:56 AM
|
Damn, you're right, because what I really want is the Memphis. The VHT is what I will get if I can't get the MM.
|
HawkeyeKane
2380 posts
Mar 14, 2014
7:36 AM
|
The Ampeg is a bitchin' little amp though. I've played through a combo. Yes, there's probably a little more dough thrown in for the Ampeg badge. But the Ampeg does have an advantage over the VHT. The Baxandall EQ allows you to dial in your tone with more precision since the two parameters are isolated from each other. Right now, MF has a used GVT5H for $307.
----------
Hawkeye Kane - Hipbone Sam
|
Rick Davis
3073 posts
Mar 14, 2014
8:06 AM
|
I've heard the Ampeg played and I thought it was thin and reedy like most new guitar amps when used for harp.
I agree with Kingley. The VHT is just an awesome little amp for harp if you modify it a bit. I think I was the first to do that. Here is a video of Nic Clark playing my modded VHT Special 6 a few years ago:
And since Kingley brought it up, here is a video of me and Nic Clark playing the Memphis Mini amp recently.
----------
-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Last Edited by Rick Davis on Mar 14, 2014 8:42 AM
|
Slimharp
243 posts
Mar 14, 2014
8:29 AM
|
Keep in mind the clip with Nic Clark is not necessarily what sound you will get out of the VHT. The mic he is using, his cupping technique, and tone has a lot to do with how the amp sounds. If it were me, instead of screwing around and modding the VHT I would save a bit and get the Memphis Mini.
|
Kingley
3511 posts
Mar 14, 2014
8:39 AM
|
"Keep in mind the clip with Nic Clark is not necessarily what sound you will get out of the VHT."
That is the same with any amplifier. It's always the player that makes the biggest difference.
With regard to modding the VHT, I have to say it's very, very easy to do. All I did was change about five resistors and the valves (tubes). It took about thirty minutes to do from start to finish and I'm a complete idiot when it comes to electronics. If you can use a soldering iron then you can mod the VHT very easily.
Last Edited by Kingley on Mar 14, 2014 8:40 AM
|
DukeBerryman
235 posts
Mar 14, 2014
8:53 AM
|
I think what I'm hearing in those two clips is the difference between a 10" and 8" speaker. I have a 10" Eminence that I'm looking forward to playing thru with the head. But, wow, do I love the extra squawk of the 8" Weber. I checked, and the Memphis has a speaker out, so I could get the best of both with the Mini. And it's a great value with that Weber. I think I have to admit to myself that I have delay my gratification a little, save up just a little more.
|
Rick Davis
3075 posts
Mar 14, 2014
8:56 AM
|
The modded VHT is darker and cleaner. The MM amp is a little brighter and has more crunch.
The VHT costs less and you can get it right away. Those are big advantages.
The MM costs more and takes a bit longer to get. But it is already set up for good harp tone and it includes a line out.
It's a tough choice!
I can tell you that Nic Clark loves the MM amp, and he is very particular about his tone.
----------
-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Last Edited by Rick Davis on Mar 14, 2014 8:59 AM
|
DukeBerryman
236 posts
Mar 14, 2014
9:08 AM
|
I know a lot of folks work to get a good bottom, but I'm all about preserving the crunch which includes some brightness. I guess, for me, it's all about creating those higher harmonics. So, yeah, that's my sound - the sound of the Mini. Thanks, Rick!
|
