Diezel VH4S - Still Disappointed

[Racerxrated]

He has two. The 1996 blue face and the latest one I think. He also has a hot rodded Marshall Super Bass 1976. He uses 3 amps.

Yep, saw them live back in 2012. He had the Blueface and the SB. The SB though, is mostly stock apart from making it a Superlead spec with a couple value changes here and there. Again from what I’ve read anyway.

 

[BatmansRigTalk]

Yep, saw them live back in 2012. He had the Blueface and the SB. The SB though, is mostly stock apart from making it a Superlead spec with a couple value changes here and there. Again from what I’ve read anyway.

Wouldn't surprise me if his amp tech are the Diezel makers themselves. They are on the record saying they owe a lot to him. I use Diezel patches on my profiling rigs and to be honest if I want his tone, then it's Diezel. People have tried to blend and fuse other amps but it's channels 3 and 4 of that VH4 amp that does it. I also have a VH4-2 pedal. I would never pay those prices for a pedal except on rare occasions like this when it sounds that great. It is pure Diezel tones. If anyone said they had a high gain amp and wanted a Diezel I would tell them to get that pedal and you will be very happy because it sounds great. First rate-distortion pedal. Up there with a Friedman BE-OD pedal. Next step up is either profiling gear or the real deal. Anyway, if people want Tool then it's Diezel or the highway IMO.

 

[MetalHeadMike]

I used the EQ and a delay in the loop. But that’s on all my amps. Just takes the core tone. And makes it HUGE.

Not an amp I've owned out of 30 or so that I like more without my MXR 10 band in the loop. Just opens an amp up and adds girth, removes that blanket over the speakers, boxy sound. It's not the core tone of an amp plugged straight in that I don't like, just that they all sound more 2 dimensional without an eq in the loop.

As Maleman stated...to each is own.

 

[Meeotch]

Not an amp I've owned out of 30 or so that I like more without my MXR 10 band in the loop. Just opens an amp up and adds girth, removes that blanket over the speakers, boxy sound. It's not the core tone of an amp plugged straight in that I don't like, just that they all sound more 2 dimensional without an eq in the loop.

As Maleman stated...to each is own.

I bought a Boss EQ-200 thinking I would use it in front and in the loop, intending to sell the MXR 10-band. After a few months I concluded that the MXR has a nice warmth to it that the (digital) Boss was lacking. Sold the Boss, the MXR goes nowhere! I would like to try a modded GE-7 at some point though.

 

[Ventura]

Ran through this LEGENDARY high gain monster today!! Did it end all other amps for me? Nope.
Is it a killer amp with a myriad of features that deserves it's status for the time it was introduced and tones others were able to pull from it?
I think so.

See for yourself, let me know your thoughts!

I preferred the mono version over the stereo, to each their own. I've got a swack of Diezels in the stable - V, Hagen, D-Moll - love 'em all. The VH4 is an acquired taste, and if it's your taste, then it'll knock yer fkn socks off - but just cuz it knocks the socks of some cats don't mean it'll knock the socks off of everyone who plays one. Another thing I see a lot of is "AdamJonesing" where fans of Tool and so forth gravitate to the Diezel line up. Hey, that's cool - and yes, it's part of his core tone, but getting one won't make ya sound like Tool - or AJ for that matter. Besides, why even bother trying to sound like someone else - ANYWAY.

Simple - the amp may not be for you. For me?? I love Diezels. Whoever said their bottom ends are flubby or whatnot, um...no. And if you're not into "weird mids" - than it's likely best to stay away from weird-mids amps like Diezel and even some Bogners.

I love weird mids.
Anyway - beautiful amp - and if you're not inspired to play non-stop and love what you hear, sell it.
Peace
Unkle Mo

 

[Faded Abyss]

People say the VH4 is overrated or whatever, but I see wayyyyyy more people trash on them and Diezel in general, than I see people defending them

 

[Beyond Black]

A few years ago I had my buddy’s VH4 for awhile, and it’s definitely not for me. Killer amp in the right hands though. One thing I do know for certain, it does not like hot pickups. They compress way to much for that amp. The guitar of mine that sounded best through it was a Les Paul with a Godwood. That was a killer combo.

 

[saxxamafone]

VH4 might not be everyone's preference or taste, but can't deny it's a monster of an amp:

 

[Ventura]

People say the VH4 is overrated or whatever, but I see wayyyyyy more people trash on them and Diezel in general, than I see people defending them

they likely get flack as they're one of the more expensive amps out there - and they're an acquired taste - those who have them are busy playing them - not defending their position on the amp on forums. Pretty simple - Diezel players tend to play - and if people start ragging on 'em it's kinda like "ya for sure man, whatevs" - cuz it doesn't matter a damn to the cat playing the Diezel rocking TF out.

 

[Ventura]

A few years ago I had my buddy’s VH4 for awhile, and it’s definitely not for me. Killer amp in the right hands though. One thing I do know for certain, it does not like hot pickups. They compress way to much for that amp. The guitar of mine that sounded best through it was a Les Paul with a Godwood. That was a killer combo.

Take a look at any of my posts from AGES ago about Diezels - they tend to like lower/moderate output pups. It's just their thing - not to say you can't use hot pups, but they're just not as well suited to the Diezels in general. I can't stand actives, never have never will, and the hottest pups I've got that I play "all the time" are HolyDivers and RebelYells. They're pushing it on the Diezels, but still sound killer. The MiracleMans, however, did not.

 

[bhuard75]

Ventura, you have lousy taste in amps anyway. Let me guess, your still on the slopes?? How are things up north friend?

 

[Ventura]

Ventura, you have lousy taste in amps anyway. Let me guess, your still on the slopes?? How are things up north friend?

JUST ME AND MY CRATE BABY!!!!! You KNOW it

Actually - not on the slopes this year - before covid hit - decided on going oceanside for the long haul...so here is where I is - just waiting for the travel-bans to lift and then doing some more surf-seeking ventures. Do I miss the slopes?? Not this year, not with all the nonsense tourism and shiz.

Thanks for the shoutout, I'm getting back to my Crate in STEREO with my Traynor TS15 - bitches.

 

[ChuggNorris]

The VH4 to me has always had the dry flub and lack of clarity of a Recto, but with none of the redeeming thump and hugeness of a Recto.

They're marketed as these ultra modern, hi-tech high gain amps but they sound and feel more like a poor man's weak Recto that is somehow much more expensive. Go figure.