K
kalt
Member
Hey guys- Never bought a pre owned amp before and was wondering if anyone could give me any pointers on what to look for/ask when hunting down a used VH4. 
Sigma.Xiria
Member
My VH4 was pre owned.
You have to make certain the person is trustworthy (usually they are on here). Still, it is hard to know for sure.
Other then that, it is hard to tell... I bought mine and the guy before said it was in perfectly mint condition... let's just say that he definitely had dropped it and dented the black metal "D" logo grill pretty bad... on top of that, he definitely somehow damaged some of the internals as well. This was made aware to me by our US tech support (we don't have this currently) when I sent it in to get an "update"/have maintenance done.
None of these issues were made aware to me before I purchased it and were even denied after purchase and arrival.
Does this suck? Yes. However, I can't imagine what would have happened to this VH4 if I didn't buy it and have it fixed... it would have probably been the only one to have died haha. Cause we know they are built like tanks and don't die
You have to make certain the person is trustworthy (usually they are on here). Still, it is hard to know for sure.
Other then that, it is hard to tell... I bought mine and the guy before said it was in perfectly mint condition... let's just say that he definitely had dropped it and dented the black metal "D" logo grill pretty bad... on top of that, he definitely somehow damaged some of the internals as well. This was made aware to me by our US tech support (we don't have this currently) when I sent it in to get an "update"/have maintenance done.
None of these issues were made aware to me before I purchased it and were even denied after purchase and arrival.
Does this suck? Yes. However, I can't imagine what would have happened to this VH4 if I didn't buy it and have it fixed... it would have probably been the only one to have died haha. Cause we know they are built like tanks and don't die
Sigma.Xiria
Member
Oh and to add, my VH4 runs awesome now and is even featured on the soundclip section of the Diezel website.
It is the one recorded by Jens and I think it was called something simple like, "VH4 channel 3" or along those lines. Jens was the US tech support person at the time.
It is the one recorded by Jens and I think it was called something simple like, "VH4 channel 3" or along those lines. Jens was the US tech support person at the time.
B
borninwinter
New member
I'd just make sure no one has been inside messing around with it or "modding" anything and get an accurate description of the cosmetics. Most of the time one reflects the other - if there are a lot of blemishes on the outside or looks like its been handled roughly, then probably internal problems lurk too.
Also, once you get it, I'd replace whatever preamp tubes are in there with a new set of Ruby 12AX7AC5 HG per Peter's recommendation. I used HG+ model for V1-V4 and regular HG for the rest. I tried several different preamp tubes and these definitely sounded best.
Also, once you get it, I'd replace whatever preamp tubes are in there with a new set of Ruby 12AX7AC5 HG per Peter's recommendation. I used HG+ model for V1-V4 and regular HG for the rest. I tried several different preamp tubes and these definitely sounded best.
K
kalt
Member
Thanks guys. Great advice. Just pulled the trigger on an 07! Hopefully, will be here this week!
Sigma.Xiria
Member
kalt":32kywtrj said:
Awesome man! Mine is an 07 as well
You will love it!
steve_k
New member
Is the previous owner on RT? Not being a douche, but advising you to be cautious. I've seen quite a few folks on here dive right into a high end amp like the VH4 as their first tube amp, but couldn't tell the difference in a power tube and a tube of lipstick. Knows nothing about biasing, output impedance, or general care for a tube amp, let a lone a gem like a VH4. Just be cautious. The best used ones come from someone here that is known or from a studio on eBay where they are the original owners and probably know a bit about amps. If it is from an RT member, just do a member search under Diezel and see what he's posted in the past. This will give you some insight into the amp's history. Just sayin......
Steve
Steve
K
kalt
Member
Appreciate the info Steve. The owner is on RT and is the second owner. I contacted the original owner after I did some research on his previous posts and it seems like it is in good shape. That being said, just in case, does anyone know a good amp tech to work on Deizels in San Diego, Orange County or LA (really anywhere in Southern California)? Thought I should locate one just to give the amp a once over and make sure everything is a ok.
cardinal
Well-known member
Diezel support in the US seem spotty. Jens Cruse (spelling?) in LA use to be affiliated with Diezel but now I don't think there's an official connection. Dave Friedman or someone at Tone Merchants probably could at least look it over.
I suspect that as long as it sounds nice and the circuit doesn't look screwed up (e.g., something burnt or melted or sloppy soldering) it should be fine. Mine always gave the impression that they could be stuffed with explosives, set on fire and thrown down an elevator shaft without suffering any real damage, but maybe Steve's had different experiences.
I suspect that as long as it sounds nice and the circuit doesn't look screwed up (e.g., something burnt or melted or sloppy soldering) it should be fine. Mine always gave the impression that they could be stuffed with explosives, set on fire and thrown down an elevator shaft without suffering any real damage, but maybe Steve's had different experiences.
steve_k
New member
kalt":131e0l88 said:
Cool. I am sure it will be fine. Like the previous post, they are built like a brick shithouse and can take abuse. However, I want to make sure someone hasn't run a 4 ohm cab in the 16 ohm output for a month before realizing that is wrong, or fires an amp up with no speaker at all or decides to pull a couple of tubes and not compensate with the output, or run some crap preamp tubes in the cathode follower positions. Other than that, they are built for Armeggedon.
Sigma.Xiria
Member
Damn right! Steve and cardinal are exactly correct.
As far as techs go, Jens was the one who worked on my amp, but he was with Diezel at the time.
As far as techs go, Jens was the one who worked on my amp, but he was with Diezel at the time.
G
GtarLover
Well-known member
Jens does awesome work, is an amazing tech and a great guy to boot. He did some work on my Herbert a while back and it made a BIG difference, sounds killer.
Unfortunately, he is no longer doing work for Diezel. He has his own amps I believe. His last name is Kruse. I can't say he wouldn't look at your VH4, but he's not a Diezel guy anymore.
That said, where are the authorized service centers in the US these days? Peter, a little help here?
Diezel's are built very well and don't need much if user error doesn't creep in. However, sometimes shit happens and who you gonna call?
Unfortunately, he is no longer doing work for Diezel. He has his own amps I believe. His last name is Kruse. I can't say he wouldn't look at your VH4, but he's not a Diezel guy anymore.
That said, where are the authorized service centers in the US these days? Peter, a little help here?
Diezel's are built very well and don't need much if user error doesn't creep in. However, sometimes shit happens and who you gonna call?
PaulyPanacea
Active member
If your looking for an amp tech Jens is a stand up guy & knows his stuff! did work on my Einstein & was very upfront w everything the whole time.
R
rwarner
New member
There is in my opinion no other tech in SoCal (maybe the US) who knows the Diezel tone better than Jens Kruse in L.A. . Every amp of mine he worked on sounded WAY better than before. If you need his info hit me up via PM. I'm very sure he will look at your amp.
Richard
Richard