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New: Tech 21 VT-500 Bass Amp

#261
So, I boxed mine up and returned it. I think that the learning curve on this thing is just too intense for me. I couldn't get a good tone out of mine on active J or a passive P no matter how many tutorials I watched or how much knob spinning I did. I the end the problem was me. If you're a traditionalist looking for classic tones, like flip top or SVT, this does that in spades, but I live for modern punch and sizzle. I couldn't make it happen. It's well built and the DI is of course killer, but altogether the wrong choice for me.
 
#263
BassByBaldSteve said:
So, I boxed mine up and returned it. I think that the learning curve on this thing is just too intense for me. I couldn't get a good tone out of mine on active J or a passive P no matter how many tutorials I watched or how much knob spinning I did. I the end the problem was me. If you're a traditionalist looking for classic tones, like flip top or SVT, this does that in spades, but I live for modern punch and sizzle. I couldn't make it happen. It's well built and the DI is of course killer, but altogether the wrong choice for me.
Click to expand...

I view this amp as pretty much "set it and forget it" - I agree that there is A LOT of knob twisting that can be done, somit can feel overwhelming. There are also multiple ways to get close the the same sound.

Once you get the relationship between Character/Blend and how EQ colors that it is a lot of fun.

Wish you would have posted here for suggestions before returning it.

I liked it so much I added a VT Rack to my rig as a pre-amp!
 
#266
@crguti I use the VTRM with my Warwick LWA 1000... the LWA has 2 channels, so I can get a clean channel and an effected channel (clean/dirty or whatever).

Today I am going to try to connect the Zoom B3 to the VT-500. I want to try the following things:
  • using the volume pedal to add more dirt/clean
  • using a boost pedal to add more dirt
It seems to respond to pick attack/digging in, so this should be interesting...
 
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#267
Acoustic356 said:
I view this amp as pretty much "set it and forget it" - I agree that there is A LOT of knob twisting that can be done, somit can feel overwhelming. There are also multiple ways to get close the the same sound.

Once you get the relationship between Character/Blend and how EQ colors that it is a lot of fun.

Wish you would have posted here for suggestions before returning it.

I liked it so much I added a VT Rack to my rig as a pre-amp!
Click to expand...
I played around with all the combinations for a long time. But when I found MY tone, I am going to leave it right there. Was even thinking of superglue (kidding).
The posts about cabs is also spot on. Can make a world of difference in expression of any amp.
 
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#268
Tech 21 VT-500 guts :woot:

IMG_2944.jpg
 
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#273
If anyone does not want to wait for December for the VT500 case Gator as one that is perfect.. Model G-MultiFX-1110.
There is a vendor on Ebay selling these cheaper then then MF and GC and looks like they get shipped directly from the factory.
Also I attached images of my Ampeg PF500, VT500, and Eden 264 amp so you can get a size comparison of each. The build quality is very good and I think it going to replace my PF500 for my classic rock gigs. It is also significantly lighter the the PF500.
IMG_0049.JPGIMG_0051.JPGIMG_0052.JPGIMG_0053.JPGIMG_0054.JPG
 
#277
sreldas said:
If anyone does not want to wait for December for the VT500 case Gator as one that is perfect.. Model G-MultiFX-1110.
There is a vendor on Ebay selling these cheaper then then MF and GC and looks like they get shipped directly from the factory.
Also I attached images of my Ampeg PF500, VT500, and Eden 264 amp so you can get a size comparison of each. The build quality is very good and I think it going to replace my PF500 for my classic rock gigs. It is also significantly lighter the the PF500.
View attachment 721819View attachment 721820View attachment 721821View attachment 721822View attachment 721823
Click to expand...

Our case is scheduled for release in December. The way our case is designed is that the amp is on it's side when the case is put down. This is to protect the front and rear of the amp. If you go with an aftermarket case and have to load the amp in so the front or rear of amp is on the bottom of the case, be sure to add some foam to protect the amp.
 
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#279
tech21nyc said:
Our case is scheduled for release in December. The way our case is designed is that the amp is on it's side when the case is put down. This is to protect the front and rear of the amp. If you go with an aftermarket case and have to load the amp in so the front or rear of amp is on the bottom of the case, be sure to add some foam to protect the amp.
Click to expand...
Hope I didn't come across saying that the Gator was a better option. If your not in need of immediate protection for your head then I would wait for the Tech21 case as I'm sure it will be a better option. Ill probably pick one up when its available.

Took the the VT500 to practice last night and was able to get a perfect grinding tone for playing some STP and then tame it down to a cleaner tone with just a counter on the character and drive.

So far so good..
 

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