[Drew]

Originally Posted by zimbloth

Somehow this thread has turned into a Recto discussion, not sure why.

I suspect it was right about post #9, where the original poster mentioned he was also after the sort of low gain stuff a Recto couldn't do.

[zimbloth]

Originally Posted by ibznorange

i think it sort of went the recto because someone mentioned "Mark IV" and "versatility", and we all sorta just went lol and took the recto as the mesa versatile option. Id agree with you in that the Sig:X is even more versatile, but the rectos do NOT lack versatility at all, despite common conception. Just if the Sig:x is anything like the Ultralead, its versatility is fucking ridiculous is all.

Mark IV's on the other hand...

Originally Posted by Drew

I suspect it was right about post #9, where the original poster mentioned he was also after the sort of low gain stuff a Recto couldn't do.

Yea I know that smartass I meant I'm not sure why it's permanently changed into the usual "Rectos sound good for low gain" discussion like seemingly every other thread haha. Wanted to get back to the original topic.

The bottom line is, Rectos sound good and are more versatile than people think, we all agree. However, those who are familiar with the Sig:X or others from the Pittbull line can attest that there's no comparison in terms of versatility and tone shaping flexibility.

Tone of course is subjective. Obviously I think the VHT's smoke Mesas in both low and high-gain applications, but only real-world experience for the original poster can determine whether he'll agree with that.

[noodles]

Originally Posted by zimbloth

Somehow this thread has turned into a Recto discussion, not sure why. We all know Rectos are good amps, but if the topic of versatility is coming up, there is no contest folks. The Sig:X is one of the most innovative and feature-rich amps you can find. You can shape your tone in so many ways that Mesas just can't.

Does the VHT have power tube switching? Just curious.

[Drew]

Points to Dave.

Nick, the original poster made a few comments that suggested a Rectifier wasn't capable of the stuff he was into. Budda disagreed, and I posted a clip to bacvk him up a bit. I think if the original poster brings up Rectifiers, then that's perfectly fine and you don't have to pretend to not understand why we're suddenly talking about Rectifiers.

Humor me - you're a VHT dealer now, what's list on a Sig:X?

[noodles]

Hell, I think my Roadster is at least as versatile as a Sig:X, if not more. Rectos add gain stages as you change modes, instead of having less/more gain switches. I supposed that makes the VHT slightly more versatile, but I've never felt like I've suffered for it. Having played the Deliverance, I can say that I do not like the idea of the boost being tied to another gain knob, as opposed to a simple power amp volume boost. Scoop/Wood? That sounds a lot like an ass/not ass switch. The Roadster also has one more channel, reverb, and choice of diode or tube rectification.

It is a bit pretentious to say that the VHT is more versatile, because versatility is also open to opinion. If those extra features don't do it for you, then is is really a more versatile amp? A Line6 Vetta II is more versatile than both of these amps put together, but I would still never play one, because I don't find any of the sounds usable.

[zimbloth]

Originally Posted by noodles

Does the VHT have power tube switching? Just curious.

Dave, lose the shitty condescending attitude. I was not talking about the Road King and you know it. I was talking about the Sig:X's versatility compared to the Mesa amps in discussion here: the Mark IV and the Recto line. I'm aware technically the Roadster/Road King are attached to the Recto line but I think it's obvious I wasn't talking about that. You know I know full well the specs of your amp, so stop looking for reasons to disagree with everything I say.

Originally Posted by Drew

Points to Dave.

Um, no. No "points" to Dave. The Road King has nothing to do with what I was talking about. I'm glad you're having fun ganging up on me for no reason though.

You guys seem to keep forgetting that I am and always have been a big Mesa fan too. There's no need for you guys to form a Mesa militia that starts going overboard with sarcasm/attitude every time someone suggests another amp may have an advantage over a given Mesa product in their opinion. My point that the Sig:X is more versatile than a Mark IV/Rectifier was informed and reasonable. Tone? Whole other story.

Originally Posted by Drew

Humor me - you're a VHT dealer now, what's list on a Sig:X?

List is $2650. Some dealers have been selling them for that too due to high demand (). The real (MAP) price however is supposed to be around $2099.

Originally Posted by noodles;1034061.

It is a bit pretentious to say that the VHT is more versatile, because versatility is also open to opinion. If those extra features don't do it for you, then is is really a more versatile amp? A Line6 Vetta II is more versatile than both of these amps put together, but I would still never play one, because I don't find any of the sounds usable.

I was talking about in comparison to the Mark/Recto line. Not the Road King or whatever. I agree with your general point about versatility not equating to tone, but I already made it crystal clear that tone wasn't what I was talking about. If you're going to argue with me that it's subjective that the Sig:X is more versatile and feature-rich than a Dual Rectifier or Mark IV, I guess we'll have to agree to disagree since we're living in different dimensions.

Additionally, the Deliverance has nothing to do with this bro. That amp was designed to be a one trick pony of epic and somewhat comic preportions (sort of poking fun at the people who complained for years wanting a stripped-down VHT). That's why they didn't even include an fx loop on the Deliverance. The Deliverance is not one of my favorite amps either, but it can sound great for certain styles.

That said man, unlike most feature-heavy amps, just about every feature on a VHT amps are extremely useful and usable. They're versatile in the true sense of the word. Not many people who have spent enough time with these would argue that dude point man.

I can't speak for your Roadster/Roadking as I've never spent ample time with those, but it seems like they certainly could be as versatile as the VHT. I have no idea, so I wouldn't judge them. I was talking about vs. a Mark IV or a Recto (Single/Dual/Triple/Rectoverb/etc).

[newfinator]

Gesh, it would seem I’ve opened a somewhat aggressive can o’ worms.... though, thanks for the input on all fronts, much appreciated. Let me rephrase my original question a different way.

Let’s say, hypothetically, there’s a guy who’s not brand loyal and wants the ability to produce sounds from his gear that can cover the likes of Alan Holdsworth, George Lynch, Steve Vai, Eddie Van Halen, Koko Loureiro and more modern rhythm tones. He knows it’s unrealistic to find all that in a single amp but wants to try. Which direction do you send him?

[ibznorange]

Probably either to a recto or a vht pitbull/sigx
both are superbly versatile. The vht is a bit more versatile imo, but thats because it does just about everything particularly well. but it also has a different midrange voicing that alot of mesa guys dont like. I like it personally, but both are versatile enough that really it comes down to which voicing you prefer

[zimbloth]

Originally Posted by newfinator

Gesh, it would seem I’ve opened a somewhat aggressive can o’ worms.... though, thanks for the input on all fronts, much appreciated. Let me rephrase my original question a different way.

Let’s say, hypothetically, there’s a guy who’s not brand loyal and wants the ability to produce sounds from his gear that can cover the likes of Alan Holdsworth, George Lynch, Steve Vai, Eddie Van Halen, Koko Loureiro and more modern rhythm tones. He knows it’s unrealistic to find all that in a single amp but wants to try. Which direction do you send him?

To answer your question, I'd point you in the direction of a very versatile amp that does not have one overriding signature sound which is omnipresent no matter how you set it (which some of the best amps in the world do, that can be cool too).

I agree with you that it's unrealistic though, nothing is going to be versatile enough to nail ALL those tones, but if your technique is down for those different styles you could come close.

Some versatile amps that come to mind would be the Brunetti 059/Pirata 141 (you mentioned Kiko Loureiro), VHT Sig:X/Pittbull, Mesa Stiletto Trident Series II/TriAxis/RK, Diezel VH4, H&K Triamp MKII, Bogner Uberschall, ENGL Invader, etc.

Certainly Orange, Framus, Marshall, Peavey, etc make great amps too, but I think they fall into the 'omnipresent signature sound' camp).

[noodles]

Originally Posted by zimbloth

Dave, lose the shitty condescending attitude. I was not talking about the Road King and you know it. I was talking about the Sig:X's versatility compared to the Mesa amps in discussion here: the Mark IV and the Recto line. I'm aware technically the Roadster/Road King are attached to the Recto line but I think it's obvious I wasn't talking about that. You know I know full well the specs of your amp, so stop looking for reasons to disagree with everything I say.

Actually, Nick, you don't tell me what to lose. You pimp VHT around here like you work for them, so if you can't take a little good-natured ribbing, then grow some skin.

You guys seem to keep forgetting that I am and always have been a big Mesa fan too. There's no need for you guys to form a Mesa militia that starts going overboard with sarcasm/attitude every time someone suggests another amp may have an advantage over a given Mesa product in their opinion. My point that the Sig:X is more versatile than a Mark IV/Rectifier was informed and reasonable. Tone? Whole other story.

Buy VHT SIG:X Series 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head online at Musician's Friend

That price puts it between the Roadster and the Road King. So, we really ought to be comparing the Sig:X to the Roadster, which has an extra channel and about the same number of features, for a couple hundred less. If you want to restrict the discussion to three channel Rectos, then VHT is going to have to come in at a more competitive price point.

That said man, unlike most feature-heavy amps, just about every feature on a VHT amps are extremely useful and usable. They're versatile in the true sense of the word. Not many people who have spent enough time with these would argue that dude point man.

Yes, and that is your opinion. Personally, I have yet to play a VHT that I could see myself buying. They tend to be too bass heavy, and the character of the midrange on the gain channels doesn't do it for me at all. I don't care about depth buttons and gain switches if they don't provide me with usable tones. I only compare useful features. I understand that you don't like the opinion of the Mesa Militia, but I guess that is part of being in the VHT Army, so learn to tolerate someone else not agreeing with you.