Tech 21 VT500

[vinorange]

I just thought I may as well add a little thread about the much talked about Tech 21 VT 500.

I had been tinkering with valve amps, longing for the warmth and grind that only tubes can give you - or can they? I tried an Ashdown Little Bastard but didn't like it as the tone is very limited. Next was a little stubby which was better but still oddly lacking. Next in was an Eden E300T which was much more like it but then I got tempted by a Laney Nexus 400w tube (all the while the internal walls were starting to deteriorate with the increase in grown up watts). The Eden had to go as the tonal options from the Laney are amazing - as it is itself. However I do find that I need to tinker with the controls for different basses; my 1980 Rick, my Shuker jazz and my bitsa P bass.

Needing instant tonal gratification I decided to try the Tech21 VT500 and at £250 for a 500w 3kg head why not?

 

It is fantastic and to such an extent that the other amps are going on the market (including my Eden Metro combo). All 3 of the basses sound brilliant through it without being processed or sounding the same and without having to alter any settings. They each retain their own character which is always a worry with a vintage Rick going through modern amps. The controls are really nifty too. The character dials from flip top to typical SVT to the left and to a fiery driven modern sound to the right (not for me thanks....) The 3 band eq is powerful too, being active you get boost and cut. The drive control is nicely controllable but it's the bite that adds that little extra that cuts through the mix. there's also a blend control to mix dry signal with processed signal. I'm pairing it with a highly efficient Barefaced cab so the 500w at 4 ohms is plenty.

 

All in all it has all the zing I like, it doesn't need much to get a wonderful tone, it weighs 6 pounds and is astonishingly good value for money.

 

 

[casapete]

On 26/01/2022 at 18:46, vinorange said:

I just thought I may as well add a little thread about the much talked about Tech 21 VT 500.

I had been tinkering with valve amps, longing for the warmth and grind that only tubes can give you - or can they? I tried an Ashdown Little Bastard but didn't like it as the tone is very limited. Next was a little stubby which was better but still oddly lacking. Next in was an Eden E300T which was much more like it but then I got tempted by a Laney Nexus 400w tube (all the while the internal walls were starting to deteriorate with the increase in grown up watts). The Eden had to go as the tonal options from the Laney are amazing - as it is itself. However I do find that I need to tinker with the controls for different basses; my 1980 Rick, my Shuker jazz and my bitsa P bass.

Needing instant tonal gratification I decided to try the Tech21 VT500 and at £250 for a 500w 3kg head why not?

 

It is fantastic and to such an extent that the other amps are going on the market (including my Eden Metro combo). All 3 of the basses sound brilliant through it without being processed or sounding the same and without having to alter any settings. They each retain their own character which is always a worry with a vintage Rick going through modern amps. The controls are really nifty too. The character dials from flip top to typical SVT to the left and to a fiery driven modern sound to the right (not for me thanks....) The 3 band eq is powerful too, being active you get boost and cut. The drive control is nicely controllable but it's the bite that adds that little extra that cuts through the mix. there's also a blend control to mix dry signal with processed signal. I'm pairing it with a highly efficient Barefaced cab so the 500w at 4 ohms is plenty.

 

All in all it has all the zing I like, it doesn't need much to get a wonderful tone, it weighs 6 pounds and is astonishingly good value for money.

 

 

I’ve read good things about these for a while, although I believe they’re now discontinued? Did you get yours new for £250 in some sort of close out deal? 

[vinorange]

7 minutes ago, casapete said:

I’ve read good things about these for a while, although I believe they’re now discontinued? Did you get yours new for £250 in some sort of close out deal? 

Good old eBay 2nd hand but in perfect condition. I’ve watched 2 recently and they both sold for under £300.

[fretmeister]

I've got one too.

 

It's a very good amp.

 

My Ashdown is more "me" so the VT500 isn't getting a lot of use at the moment, but I'm in 2 minds about moving it on. It is very good!

[Clarky]

I would certainly grab one if available for £250 in vgc

[MacDaddy]

[cetera]

I have one as well. Awesome amp and sounds great with all of my basses, passive or active. A lovely clean tone that dirties up nicely to whatever level I want it!

 

They should never have discontinued it....

[fretmeister]

I wonder if they are planning an update, or maybe it just didn't sell in the numbers they needed to keep it going?

 

I don't think I've seen that many out on the pub gig circuit.

 

[vinorange]

On 03/02/2022 at 10:08, MacDaddy said:

A little harsh but as you wish....

Edited February 10, 2022 by vinorange

[MacDaddy]

1 hour ago, vinorange said:

A little harsh 

 

 

 

Not harsh, note the smiley faces 😁

[Clarky]

1 hour ago, vinorange said:

A little harsh but as you wish....

My OCD has a major problem with the siting of your amp not being equidistant from each side of the cab

 

[Muzz]

Just now, Clarky said:

My OCD has a major problem with the siting of your amp not being equidistant from each side of the cab

 

 

I'm with Clarky...put it in the middle, you maniac! 😕🙂

[fretmeister]

I’m going to put mine up for trades this weekend. (I have paid my subs!)

 

See what interesting things I get offered!

[vinorange]

1 hour ago, Clarky said:

My OCD has a major problem with the siting of your amp not being equidistant from each side of the cab

 

School boy error on my part!