VHT D-Fifty

#vhtamps
Welcome to this demo and review of the VHT Amps D50 Tube Amp Head! What do you think? Playing a Fender Telecaster, Gibson SG and Fender Stratocaster.
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This review was sponsored by VHT, however, the opinions expressed were entirely of my own volition. I received the amplifier in exchange for the video.
Playing into a 2x10 speaker cabinet with Jensens.
Disclaimer: I do basic audio editing on my videos to account for the microphones, preamp and room. This editing, mostly light EQ and compression, is intended to give you the most accurate representation of how the featured gear actually sounds. NO editing is done to misrepresent how the featured gear sounds in any way.

[@Steadman711]

I saw this amp in one of your recent Instagram posts and was silently hoping you’d make this video- great and informative demo as always!

[@djsangre]

I had a VHT Pitbull 50CL/EQ about 20 years ago. It was one of the best tube head I’ve ever played, from super jazzy cleans to modern metal territory, without sounding too artificial like a Boogie or Blackstar. This D-50 is impressive!

[@derek_d]

Not the same company. Those amps became Fryette. Steven Fryette sold the name to what is now the new VHT company 👍

[@mtmcb]

I have a Special 6 Ultra, and just got a used Special 44. I really appreciate your critique of the D-50. VHT's are their own animal, and your description was spot on: set up much like Fenders(I've had Super Reverb, Blues Deville and a Bantam Bass 30w). In every case, as you said, that lower mid/upper bass is predominant in Fenders, and it is very difficult to get the mid controls to control the other desirable areas, resulting in a distinctive mid-scoop. My VHT amps share the same quality of your demo: the mid actually shapes the mids, and the neutral settings are not so mid-scooped...very pleasant. AND, when overdriving, gives my VHTs a 'grunt' quality no other amps I have can reproduce.(Marshall JVM, Mesa). It is a sound all to itself, and I like it. I, too, find the treble very strong, but not unpleasant. I have paired mine with several different speakers and find those that are more along the lines of a G12M greenback to be best(pulsonic cone versions are PERFECT for my amps, but they kinda are for all my amps, anyway) point is, these speakers roll off the icepicky sounds, and have great mid and low-mid detail, resulting in better tones when playing clean or overdriven. I have also played around with the tubes. Many have good qualities, but I always end up gravitating to old Raytheon 12ax7 blackplates, and usually RCA 6l6gc blackplates(there ARE many good modern tubes, but they all tend to let ice-picky tones through. Mesa tubes are great, all around tubes, but still kinda ice-picky. Anywho, I have never seen a review that so closely matched my take on these amps, and your descriptions were perfect. It is interesting that, although this is a "D" style amp, it still shares so many characteristics of the ones I have. I am thinking very hard on getting one of these. Thanks!

[@JackFossett]

Nice! Yeah I actually don't have a ton of experience with Dumble inspired circuits, but this one definitely seems to have a touch of English glassiness to it. Almost Dumble meets Hiwatt. Its a cool, unique tone.

[@groovemonkey2498]

I bought one of these about 3 weeks ago, it has changed my life. If you can get your hands on one, don't let go!

[@eldonhongo6095]

Thank you for categorically articulating the most important attributes of this under the radar amp manufacturer. I have several amps but needed a new one I think.(hahahahaha) so I ordered one today based on all your presentation. You possess a deep analytical mind which shows in your sophisticated guitar playing. You are definitely the best you tube channel I subscribe to. I was on the fence on buying a fender hot rod deluxe 4, a Marshall dsl40cr, or a blackstar black and blue with the 6L6GC and vintage 30 speaker. I already have a HRD 1 that I heavily modified so it sounds and feels better with pedal enhancement. Keep up the great work! You sir are an artist. Aloha, Big E

[@JackFossett]

Hey, thank you kindly! Appreciate the thoughtful comment. This is definitely a great amp, VHT went through an ownership change and I think they're trying to make the brand a bit more mainstream now.

[@johnlockewalks]

So appreciate you just casually dropping "strident." Literally, the perfect word to describe that nasty guitar bite. Thanks for the review! Really tempted to pick one of these up!

[@JackFossett]

Thats a Bonamassa term! He describes Firebird bridge pickups that way, I thought it was a suiting term.

[@underfluked3832]

Had my d fifty a few months now, amazing piece of kit. Love it. Great demo, thanks for uploading 👍

[@JackFossett]

Great to hear!

[@ivanarsenyev591]

Do you still currently own the amp? If so, how has it served you? I’m sold on the tonal aspects of the amp, but have heard less than great things about the company’s customer support, so I’d need the amp to be very reliable. Otherwise I’ll go a different route

[@underfluked3832]

@@ivanarsenyev591 it’s brilliant, no issues at all. If I was being really critical I’d only mention the beading around the front panel could be tidier.

[@ivanarsenyev591]

@@underfluked3832 thanks for getting back to me, it helps a ton! That’s great man, glad it’s served you well. Sounds like quite an intriguing amp...

[@modestoney1577]

Great demo! Maybe the best on KZbin to show the clean (edit: and breakup/light overdrive) sound capabilities of this amp. Well done.

[@JackFossett]

Glad you liked it!

[@jupitermoongauge4055]

Did my first gig last weekend with my new D-50. Wow, best tone I've ever had and I've been using everything from silverface fenders to handwired plexis to good quality modern multichannel amps. I never realised what a phenomenal design Mr D had designed, like a super versatile and refined blackface fender clean that can get incredibly dynamic heavy blues, classic rock tones too. Having built amps I was a little dubious about the ability of the seemingly small transformers to cope with the volume the loud drummers a play with produce. The D-50 never broke a sweat. I dialed all knobs to roughly 12 o'clock and got a fat, clear sound that blended beautifully with the bass and drums. Even those guys said they thought the amp sounded awesome.

[@gregleroy5481]

Hello , could you tell me what kind of cab are you use with the head please ?

[@jupitermoongauge4055]

@@gregleroy5481 i was using a marshall 1936 2x12 cab with celestion redbacks that i converted to open back. it sounds great with an open back EVM15L cab too, and a 4x12 cab with celestion greenbacks.

[@Terrordanger]

Hey are you still playing it? Have you upgraded the transformer or anything else? Thanks

[@jupitermoongauge4055]

@@Terrordanger yes I'm still playing it. I since bought a 100watt Ceriatone Overtone Special OTS. The D50 is great. The clean channel breaks up an bit at average loud drummer gig volume, so if I'm playing with a hard hitting drummer I use the 100watt OTS. Maybe if the trannies were more heavy duty on the d50 it would be louder. But its great as it is in its own way. I may actually prefer the voicing of the OD channel on the D50 to the Ceriatone. Both great amps

[@deanallen927]

Really nice job, you got into subtleties other guys usually don't. I'm looking for a great gigging head and now I just may go with one of these instead of the ones I've been looking at.

[@graemero5532]

Never heard of VHT amps, but I am very impressed with the variety of good tones. The Tele sounded great with it, as did you Jack. Great video.

[@JackFossett]

Thanks! Yeah it really suits the tele very well. VHT amps have been around, I believe they're under new ownership now.

[@svenzia]

@@JackFossett Yes indeed. Used to be Steven Fryettes company. Edit: he only sold the name. Some kind of settlement. He now continue building his designs under the name FRYETTE - he is a genius. I have the VHT Special 6 Ultra Head. Should be based on a Fender Champ design. Handwired and Single ended. Great amp!

[@jeday76]

Finally! Been waiting for someone to do a proper review/demo of this amp.

[@JackFossett]

Hope I didn’t disappoint!

[@jeday76]

@@JackFossett not at all Jack. Well done as usual.

[@integrativepsychonautics]

Agreed! And no, Jack not disappointing in the least. This is easily the best video I've seen on this amp. Thanks for taking the time to make it

[@JackFossett]

@@integrativepsychonautics thank you kindly!

[@richardlynch5632]

That Tele and amp is what is called a great pairing 👍😎 Very adaptable amp! Great tones man👍😎 👍😎❤🖖 Love brother

[@JackFossett]

Thank you! Yeah it totally suits the Tele.

[@fistchips]

YES!!!! Finally!!!! A great demo....I’ve been wanting to hear a good demo of this amp and this one is great!! I’ve been interested in a “D” style amp for a while..I already own the VHT Special 44 head and now I want a D 50!! Thanks for a great demo!! But may I ask, what’s the best speakers to use with this head?

[@JackFossett]

Hey, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! I haven’t really experimented with various speakers too much. In the video I was plugged into a 2x10 cab with Jensens, which sounded good although a little bright. I think this amp would especially shine with a slightly darker, more midrangey speaker setup.

[@alans1313]

a fantastic demo and some very tasty playing bro.best review of this amp by far ,,,glad you got to keep the amp ,, im certainly going to have a really close look at this amp now,,, from what others are saying a few little mods can make this great sounding amp even better,,,, thanks for taking the time and effort to make this demo, it was well thought out and articulated in a thoughtful and informative way,,,not like some others who just say it sound good lol cheers from Australia

[@ryangodfrey3644]

How’s the feel on it? Is the response as great as the sound and does it do that borderline unforgiving dumble thing(if that makes sense)?

[@JackFossett]

It has a nice responsiveness but it depends on how you dial it in. It can get a touch of English glassiness to it sometimes which might be in that "unforgiving" realm. Still sounds great, but doesn't sink in or sag as much. I prefer it on the Jazz switch setting for that reason.

[@LateBoomerGR]

Loved your review. Really appreciate you going through it and speaking about your experience with the settings of the amp. Thank you

[@wlewisiii]

I have a VHT Special 6 Ultra. It's glorious. The only change that I find necessary is tossing a 5751 into V1 because that little bit of lowered gain gives so much more wiggle room to adjust thing to suit the player. If I had the money, I'd be tempted by this one but I don't have any reason for a serious stage amp.

[@chunkydude51]

Best demo of the variations of sound on this amp, thanks.

[@MyMotherTheCar]

Clean tones are excellent but the OD sounds buzzy and harsh to me. I'd love to test one to see what the trim and tone controls can do to smooth things out.

[@gabesandholm]

I may have missed it, but what cab is being used? Is the matching VHT 1x12? Sounds great!

[@JackFossett]

2x10 with Jensens 👍

[@greythoundsounds9445]

@jackfossett how do you think the VHT D-50 compares to the Henry ODLX?

[@pepeivanez1632]

Hi Jack, nice vídeo and playing as always, sound incredible! But how it works with pedals??

[@didiertassin6486]

Hi Jack, what speaker was connected to the VHT D50 for this test pls ? ...and is it realy usable at low "domestic" volume ? Thanks !

[@brianhaselden9186]

I wasn't too sure, until I got one of my own. Through Eminence 12" Governors? Yikes! The Carlos tone? Yep. Rock? Blues? Pick one. Great amp for the money!

[@laneonguitar64]

My issue is FIXability. Is this an amp that needs (Factory) attention, or are there tons of techs around?

[@hoo_jii]

Same here

[@deanallen927]

Okay, I ordered one. Wanted to know about the effects loop. It' said the Dumble fx loop isn't very good. What about this one? I really like an "always on" tiny splash of verb and I'd like to use the loop.

[@MichaelLewisMusic]

Thanks for demoing this. I thought the clean tones were fantastic and I liked you're country rock tone in the beginning with the Tele. However, I didn't hear any other distorted tones that I thought really sounded good or sounded like a true D-Style overdrive tone. I thought the clean tones were worth the price of admission but I'd be looking to add a great D-style pedal to get a decent overdrive tone from it. The price tag seems on point for what it is.

[@garfmaul3327]

I found a good deal on a used one , I think I’m gonna try it

[@Schlomovision]

Awesome review. Buying one :)

[@konnog6693]

Yea same 😂

[@ThemHillsWillGetYa]

Great video! I’m currently shopping for a tube head and I’m between this one and a fender super sonic 60. Was curious about your opinion between the vht and the super sonic. I play grunge and I’m looking for something that cleans up nicely but also has the ability for a bit of chug, so I’m wondering which would be the most versatile but still avoid some of the harsh overtones that would have to be dialed out. I saw your video on the super sonic 60 combo, and it seems like it has a tendency to get into more harsh highs than the vht. Also concerned about which is constructed better, dependability is a big deal, but not sure if you would have any insight on that. Anyways, thanks, and I’m loving the videos! Keep em coming!

[@JackFossett]

Thank you! Out of the two, I'd definitely go with the VHT. I've owned a number of Super Sonics and honestly never connected with any of them. The VHT is way more versatile and usable. As far as dependability, its hard for me to say as this is my first VHT and I've only had it for a month or so, but it does feel solidly built at least.

[@ThemHillsWillGetYa]

Jack Fossett Awesome. Thanks for the insight! Cheers!

[@TheOldFlyguy]

Mr Fossett. I find your demo's and takes to be honest and closest to my taste. Made a few purchases due to you. I had a change to play the VHT D Fifty. I loved the gain but it didn't seem to give as much clean headroom as I expected for a 50W. I'm also looking at a Laney GH30 Combo. Have you tried the Laney as well? What do you think if so.

[@JackFossett]

Glad you like them! Appreciate that. So I haven't played the Laney GH30 but I have played the VC30 and its an excellent, underrated amp. Great quality too. So I'd be inclined to think the GH is good too.

[@ronglass5968]

Heard a demo of this amp at the Melbourne Guitar Show last weekend. Got to tweak at the controls while it was being demoed - bright, mid, rock/jazz switches and EQ. REALLY impressive, especially for the money!... and I've heard a lot of amps!

[@blave549]

Great vid. I was interested to see the DRIVE knob. At least on my Ceriatone OTS 20 and other D clones, it's labeled RATIO. It took me a while to understand what it does, which is to allow you to match (or not) your OD volume with the non-OD one. So IMO "DRIVE" is not really named well on this amp.

[@soylentkris]

I have this amp, and do really like the tone... my only gripe is when I set the clean where I want it and set the dirt where I want it, the dirt channel has a significant volume drop... not too cool when soloing.

[@horrorview]

FINALLY!!! There have been maybe a handful of really skimpy demos of this thing either played by the wrong people (guys trying to make it "djent") or so brief you barely got a taste of what it can do. You really broke it down wonderfully, here, and, as you did with the EXCELLENT DCW pedals (seriously, guys, check them out), you've sold me on this.

[@jbert7289]

Hi Jack. The amp sounds so good...but can you give us the details of your tele. Your tele...what a beautiful guitar and the tone is on point. 😎

[@JackFossett]

Sure thing! Its a Fender American Original 60's Telecaster that has a set of Andrew Robertson Super 60 Telecaster Pickups in it with a Tone Man Guitar Tele wiring harness.

[@jbert7289]

@@JackFossett: thank you for the response. I’m. Looking for another tele. I’m not sure what I want yet. Blessings bro

[@jonesposito4395]

You convinced me to pull the trigger on buying this. Ty! I may be biased, but its THE perfect amp. I never use clean,but,the cleans are so tone filled that it's hard not too. And finally, a gain channel where I don't have to dime the gain knob to only get an "ACDC" type drive. Not that there's anything wrong with that, BUT,my main goal was to get an amp that I DO NOT have to add an OD/Distortion pedal to achieve creamy saturation(tee hee)! Actually had to tone DOWN the drive! Overall, everything does what it has to do. Minimal work, maximum amp.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Ty Jack!!

[@JackFossett]

Awesome! Glad you like it, I agree, its an awesome amp. Super versatile.

[@guyfromnj]

Great playing. Amp sounds killer.

[@JackFossett]

Thank you kindly!

[@infinitedurr]

Hey Jack, awesome video! Have you tried any pedals with it? In particular, I’m wondering how it handles boosts & fuzz pedals. Any chance you’ve tried these types of pedals with it?

[@JackFossett]

Yes sir! In fact I have a handful of pedal demos that I’ve used this with. If you watch my demos of the Vick Audio Mt Pleasant, EHX Big Muff Nano and Keeley Red Dirt Germanium, those all feature the VHT.

[@infinitedurr]

Jack Fossett fantastic! I’ll check them out. Thanks for making such a great channel 👍

[@craigpons7153]

Great video mate, found your video on the Facebook page and ordered one today , can you suggest any tweaks to the pre amp and power tubes and different speakers ,I think a pair of neo creambacks would be great in the 212 open back cab ,

[@JackFossett]

I think Neo Creambacks would be an awesome choice for this amp as they would help control the brightness

[@craigpons7153]

@@JackFossett exactly my thoughts jack and there rated at 16 ohms and 60 watts , as I said have you heard of any pre amp and power tube mods , I think swapping out two of the pre amp tubes for tungsol nos tubes and a pair of tad 6v6 str's would be a treat for that rig or would you go a different choice

[@JackFossett]

I've never tried any tube mods with this amp but I imagine they'd help

[@craigpons7153]

@@JackFossett thanks Jack ,I'm going to give the neo creambacks a try in the cab to start with as I have a pair of them ,then see if I can make any further tweaks , I don't have the chops you have as a guitarist but I will see about showing my results and thanks again for the feedback and your advice

[@craigpons7153]

One question I didn't ask jack is what speakers and cabinet are you using in this video

[@joserra79]

This over Victory v40 Duchess? What's the best overall amp?

[@martinmartin9211]

Would it fit well with 2x Celestion Blue? I know its only 15w each but Im not gonna crack it all the way.. Nice review btw!

[@hoo_jii]

Probably not if it’s a bright amp already

[@danielgalanti2166]

I want to like this so much but I'm not sure i do. It sounds better with the strat. You had me drooling through your description but then the SG sounded a bit harsh to me. Certainly bright as mentioned. With that said the controls are so flexible so maybe I just need to dial to my taste?! Price is thousands less than other amps I'm looking at. I wish I could try one in person here in AK. Good video though. So many things can affect tone, swapping tubes, speaker choice.......cab pine or plywood.....pickups.

[@smartacus88]

May be a stupid and/or oversimplified question, but does it sound good at low volumes? I like the layout and sound, but i could never crank 50 tube watts.

[@JackFossett]

Very good. Doesnt need to be cranked to sound good.

[@pcruth]

Can you tell us what kind of speakers and pedals you are using?

[@JackFossett]

2x10 Jensens. Pedals are a One Control Prussian Blue Reverb in the FX loop and a Keeley Eccos for part

[@patshep68]

is that a combo? i didn't know they made a combo

[@pastorkev777]

This amp sounds great. For me I have a hard time choosing what I prefer. I love Vox style amps, 5e3, JTM and 1973x, and punchy blackface Fender tones. I have been eyeing this for a while but the Supro Saturn Reverb has my attention.

[@georgefromgreece4119]

Excellent demonstration and playing as always, by one of the most tasteful musicians/ streamers around!

[@JackFossett]

Thank you kindly! What do you think of this one, more what you're looking for?

[@frankpaparo1097]

Jack how would you compare this against huges and kettner?

[@JackFossett]

I only have a little experience with H&K so its hard for me to say. I think they make good products but they tend to lean to a heavier crowd than what I play. Quality wise I think they're very much on par with each other.

[@jeremywiseman3001]

Does this amp have decent touch sensitivity Jack?

[@JackFossett]

Yes definitely, very responsive, but also bright and with a nice present attack.

[@Evens1]

Jack Fossett I watched your review, but it was tough. KZbin places 3 minutes of commercials before your video started, then they placed commercials every minute or two into your video! KZbin Sucks!

[@alexnuzzi4780]

How do you think this would pair with a v30 2x12?

[@JackFossett]

A v30 might be a little bright for it

[@NELZ007]

Great review. I appreciate your talking points. I'm not interested in people just wanking on the reviews. There are too many reviews with awful guitar players that are more interested in people listening to their subpar playing then reviewing a product. Again, great review and thanks for it!

[@civic831000]

Its made in USA?

[@mannymejia7972]

What speakers are you playing through?

[@JackFossett]

2x10 Jensens 👍

[@roosterross2802]

Well, this is interesting. And not because of the OD tones you are hearing here. The player is cool, love his playing, so it's not his playing that ruins the real 'D Sound'. Plainly the OD tones are edgy and strident. But then again, this is a production amp. And I have no doubts that the circuit is correct, but only that the various coupling caps and resistors (ALL METAL FILM) are causing this. Too, VHT has done what they can do and they deserve some credit here if for no other reason that to bring a D clone like this to market. Amazing effort! Thank you, VHT! The good news is that the eyelet epoxy circuit board is easily modded - this circuit board is NOT some cheap thin funky piece of goods. So modders take note, the Poor Man's D amp has arrived.

[@spkay6317]

The treble is strong - but if it’s a dumble clone most people use a dumbleator/kleinulator to tame them.

[@Mesa3077Boogie]

After a few months I'm noticing the tone suck when using the effects loop. Bummer. It's also a bit fat for my alnico blues and less Paul style. I'm going to maybe reduce the coupling or cathode bypass caps we'll see.

[@callumgilesme]

If all else fails a Ceriatone C-Lator ought to solve any FX loops headaches

[@svenzia]

Effin awesome demo.

[@pb5313]

Brilliant explanation , thank you

[@matthaggard3591]

This amp sounds very bright to me. Good but bright.

[@sammyrothrock6981]

Doesn't sound anything like a Dumble

[@modestoney1577]

Dumbles all sound different

[@morganthus6323]

Good lord, were you doing a dissertation or an amp demo?

[@JackFossett]

Neither and both! 🤯

[@morganthus6323]

@@JackFossett when I tried getting to actual amp sounds, all I kept hitting was you talking. I have a suggestion: if you like hearing yourself talk about amps, write some nice poems about them. Call it: Deep Thoughts with Jack Fosset

[@JackFossett]

Thanks for the tip!

[@bcm1621]

@@morganthus6323 save it!

[@stanesposito2664]

The first clean tone was ok but everything else was poor. Not good tone at all!!! Blah!

[@rodwelles5110]

You need to answer people’s questions... just sayin....thanks