New Tech21 Character Series Models Introduced at NAMM

**kenstee** · #1 01-15-2010, 06:57 PM

"Tech 21 had a number of new stomps to show off at the NAMM show this week – including three additions to their popular Character Series pedals. The Oxford favors the classic Orange amp sound, while Leeds is a new take on the Hiwatt tones of Pete Townshend. The US Steel pedal give vintage American tones a turn. The company also had its new bass distortion pedal, the Red Ripper, on display.

MAJOR DIFFERENCE VS. OLDER CHARACTER SERIES INCLUDING THE VT BASS: The new batch of Character pedals also have a push/push button to allow users to turn off the cab emulation – a highly requested feature from users."

http://www.whatsthatdudeplay.com/201...dds-character/

There was no mention if they were going to upgrade the current VT Bass (or any of the other original models) to include the push/push feature. Also, this report said nothing about the VT Bass Deluxe.

JimmyM · #2 01-16-2010, 12:21 AM

what's the us steel? a mesa triple rectifier emulator?

SoonerMatt · #3 01-16-2010, 12:26 AM

I really want to hear how the Oxford handles a bass

rr5025 · #4 01-16-2010, 12:40 AM

I'm kinda tempted by the Leeds just cause of the name but the Oxford sure is interesting.

TortillaChip520 · #5 01-16-2010, 12:54 AM

too bad they don't have new asthetics

MIJ-VI · #6 01-16-2010, 01:10 AM

+1 on the option of switching off the spkr. sim.

It would seem though that Mr. Putnam's CS pedal mods will only increase in their popularity...

SoonerMatt · #7 01-16-2010, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TortillaChip520

too bad they don't have new asthetics

Form follows function, IMHO.

TortillaChip520 · #8 01-16-2010, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoonerMatt

Form follows function, IMHO.

They just look like some of the old pedals, which is kinda confusing at a glance. To me, at least lol

René_Julien · #9 01-16-2010, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenstee

while Leeds is a new take on the Hiwatt tones

Seems interesting.
Would that also be good for bass?

As in the Hiwatts of the 70s used to be multi-purpose.

Steve Harris sound emulation anyone?

I'm getting one either way. (All those character series pedals are awesome, my guitarist and I are collecting them... although I shy away from a VT Bass

)

I was considering the Sansamp RBI.
But now... the Leeds + RPM seems like a nice preamp system to me.

Or is there anything new in rack gear at Tech 21?

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenstee

a push/push button to allow users to turn off the cab emulation – a highly requested feature from users."

Damn straight!

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

what's the us steel? a mesa triple rectifier emulator?

I thought the California was for that.
But you might be right.
The threadplate design on the US Steel makes me think it is a triple rectifier emulator also.

gibsualdo · #10 01-16-2010, 01:53 AM

Okay, my gas for a British is now officially on hold until I've tried the Oxford. **** this is even better than I expected!

René_Julien · #11 01-16-2010, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gibsualdo

Okay, my gas for a British is now officially on hold until I've tried the Oxford. **** this is even better than I expected!

I have not tried the British on bass yet, but my guitarist is using the British, Liverpool and California. (Liverpool is his favourite.)

I'm getting the British for my meager guitar setup. Simply amazing for guitar. Got to try it on bass though.

These pedals are so awesome, there is no shame in "collect them all".

gibsualdo · #12 01-16-2010, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by René_Julien

I have not tried the British on bass yet, but my guitarist is using the British, Liverpool and California. (Liverpool is his favourite.)

I'm getting the British for my meager guitar setup. Simply amazing for guitar. Got to try it on bass though.

These pedals are so awesome, there is no shame in "collect them all".

That's what I was mainly getting it for as well, RJ. Though, I'm sure I would've messed around on bass with it too. Even if the Oxford does turn out to be as awesome as I hope, I'll probably still get a British later on anyway, then a Liverpool, then a Cali, then a Blonde, then a Leeds......

Too much GAS, **** you, Tech21!

dannybuoy · #13 01-16-2010, 02:19 AM

I want a switchable cab sim for my VT - anyone know if it's possible to mod it?

b33r · #14 01-16-2010, 02:25 AM

the on/off feature for cab emulation has effectively got me sold on the VT Bass. any idea when the new batch will be shipped out, and if it'll remain the same price?

gibsualdo · #15 01-16-2010, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by René_Julien

I thought the California was for that.
But you might be right.
The threadplate design on the US Steel makes me think it is a triple rectifier emulator also.

I was just looking at the Peavey Triple XXX, could fit the bill I guess. Not too sure Peavey is really popular enough though, to warrant an emulator, maybe I'm wrong?

René_Julien · #16 01-16-2010, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gibsualdo

I was just looking at the Peavey Triple XXX, could fit the bill I guess. Not too sure Peavey is really popular enough though, to warrant an emulator, maybe I'm wrong?

The Peavey 5150 (or the new number) sure is popular enough I guess.

I'm not familiar with the Triple X.

Jazz Ad · #17 01-16-2010, 04:49 AM

Mr Barta I love you.

gibsualdo · #18 01-16-2010, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by René_Julien

The Peavey 5150 (or the new number) sure is popular enough I guess.

I'm not familiar with the Triple X.

Ah yes, now that might make sense!

In a way I hate these announcements, because I know it'll take months for any of these to make it over here. Maybe I will get a British first, thinking about it.

René_Julien · #19 01-16-2010, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gibsualdo

Ah yes, now that might make sense!

In a way I hate these announcements, because I know it'll take months for any of these to make it over here. Maybe I will get a British first, thinking about it.

Well... I'm on the fence...

Either I buy the Sansamp British pedal... or the real Marshall JCM 800 (2204) halfstack (used) at my local music store.

I seriously need to win the lottery.

**kenstee** · #20 01-16-2010, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b33r

the on/off feature for cab emulation has effectively got me sold on the VT Bass. any idea when the new batch will be shipped out, and if it'll remain the same price?

The point here is we're not sure this will be available on the VT Bass OR VT Bass Deluxe. As it stands right now neither will have them.