Steven Fryette Talks PCB vs Hand wired, Modeling vs Tubes, Reliability, VHT, Fryette and More

This Episode of Whiskey and Wires Features Amp Designer and Audio Electronics Wiz, Steve Fryette.
Steve covers everything from his earliest repairs to his latest designs and a whole lot more in this very special episode.

[@realtruenorth]

I have a 2010 Fryette Sig X that was shipped to me, its was dropped on its side so hard, tubes fell out and glass went everywhere and the transformers were half ripped out from the chassis. The transformer ears were bent. I replaced the broken tubes and plugged it in and couldn't believed everything still worked perfect, not even hum or hissing. I am now convinced these are the most well made amps in the world. Even tougher than my Mesa 95 tremoverb. Crazy good quality. Sounds absolutely amazing on top of that. Steve really earned his reputation, and has given the guitar world treasures in the form of his amps. Thank you Steve.

[@Skoora]

Steve is a good guy. Was very patient and generous with his time when I was an eager enthusiast in the 90’s and was buying my first ever “boutique” amp which was an Ultralead. I saved for quite a while and was very stoked when I left Apple Music in Portland with the Pitbull in tow. Drove all the way from Seattle as Apple was the nearest dealer. I would talk with him a few times after that and saw him at Namm a few years later and he remembered who I was and was just as gracious as before. Hoping to check out one of the new D60’s.

[@charlesmarlin6632]

Thank you so much for letting your guests talk and transition into different subjects uninterrupted ... fascinating ... Wow ... I wish it had gone on for several more hours. Seems like interviewers are in such a hurry these days, or have a short time limit and cut people off when they are just getting on a role ... and you just let Steve Fryette talk and lead into more amazing stories and information. Thank You!! Well Done and look forward to more of your interviews.

[@braxtonjakob9834]

i know im asking the wrong place but does anybody know a trick to log back into an Instagram account?? I was dumb forgot the account password. I would love any tricks you can offer me!

[@franklinkyrie7687]

@Braxton Jakob instablaster ;)

[@braxtonjakob9834]

@Franklin Kyrie I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff now. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@braxtonjakob9834]

@Franklin Kyrie it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my ass :D

[@franklinkyrie7687]

@Braxton Jakob You are welcome xD

[@coobanez777]

Steve's comments on user bias when setting the EQ's on his amps is absolute gold. After years of tone searching, starting with a perfectly good D120h and matching cab, wasting so much time and effort on all kinds of other gear, I have come full circle and am perfectly content with straight into a D60h. I just needed to set the knobs differently than I had convinced myself how they "should" be set. Shape your tone with your ears - not your eyes.

[@thechannelforeverything2170]

I can relate to this so much, cause I used to own a Mesa Mark 5:35 and I'm used to dialing in Marshalls. So when got it, I had my tonal expectations in the wrong place, and I would dial it for where it sounded good. But I would say "ahhh it's too scooped". And the thing is I thought I had my head wrapped around it, but I really didn't.

[@cmd_f5]

True words.

[@WyattWillis88]

Huge thanks to Mr.Fryette and to Mr.Bingham for this!Really loved this could have easily watched for another 3 hours! Mr.Fryette is so cool and humble for such an innovator in his chosen field. It really suprises and pleases me to no end how genuine, down to earth, and just plain good dudes that several of these Titans of the amp/guitar industry tend to be ala Mr.Fryette and another guy just as cool and nice Mr.Soldano, Mr Friedman ,Mr. Suhr and so many more. I'm fascinated to no end hearing these guys talk tone, electronics, amps, guitar etc. I really hope one day to have 1/millionth the skills,talent,and outlook of these legends! Mr.Fryette please come on tone talk again your episode was one of my fav. Would also enjoy seeing you (Jon) guest sometime as well my friend! Keep up the great content! Cheers guys!

[@FryetteAmps]

You're very kind. Thank you!

[@JonBingham]

Thanks so much!!

[@feebypeels2883]

I used to just dime everything on my Pittbull 100CL. Best sounding amp I ever played.

[@mikeflanders1292]

If anyone wants the purest, absolute BEST tone that can come from an amp, get a FRYETTE deliverance. The best pure, crushing tone that you will ever achieve. And unbelievable power. This guy is a genius

[@jambo383]

I’ve had a 60 and 120. Still have the 120. Also had 2 Pittbull 100CLs. Regret selling those. I need another!

[@feebypeels2883]

@@jambo383 100CL is the best amp I ever owned and sold as well. Also twice. I feel your pain.

[@jambo383]

@@feebypeels2883 yep. Sold both of those and a Soldano SLO. Need them all back!! Lol

[@curtisprice9806]

Yes, thank you Steve so much for all of this very valuable knowledge and wisdom. I listened spellbound to the entire interview. Excellent interview!!!

[@The_Absurdistt]

What a sharing of the soul... thank you Steven. You are a true inspiration. As soon as I can afford it again, I plan on buying a powerstation and Fryette amp.

[@MrKenward777]

I need a VHT one day!I've always been fascinated buy this brand! Great episode!!!

[@JonBingham]

Current ownership of the VHT brand is threw an overseas manufacturer based in Hayward CA. Buy a Fryette product to get the new, real thing. Steve is a GREAT designer and a great guy.

[@MrKenward777]

Jon Bingham yes ! That’s right it’s freyette now!

[@joeyvanostrand3655]

A Pitbull is a CRAZY awesome amp! Amazingly versatile. You won't regret it.

[@feebypeels2883]

@@joeyvanostrand3655 This is such a pet peeve of mine, but it's Pittbull.

[@adamstaysick]

This guy has become my favorite builder/designer now. He’s awesome!

[@patricksheppard585]

Bruce Egnater is a fantastic builder designer as well....great respect for Steve as well.....

[@jambo383]

Steve and Mike Soldano are my faves!

[@krissmith2396]

Excellent interview. I love the tube discussion. My ENGL powerball has the same tubes in it from when I got it 14 years ago. still brutal. A working musician guy I know has a Plexi he bought in 76 he got for highschool graduation. Same tubes in it from the day he got it and sounds amazing.

[@joeyvanostrand3655]

My 5150 combo has had one preamp tube replaced since 1996. Sounds perfect. If it ain't broke.

[@208414]

This was a great interview. I learned a ton.

[@patricksheppard585]

Steve is such a class guy....very approachable and down to earth....and yet so brilliant....I have a Pittbull and totally love it....three channel no Graphic Eq....did one slight mod on it for me....I love it bought it from Makin' Music early mid Nineties...from Joey Brazler....

[@Bishlad939]

Fascinating.... What a great interview . Getting a pitbull 212 .so looking forward to plugging in and getting stuck in ..

[@Bishlad939]

@@george_richman it is bloody heavy ..straight back ,bent legs ,back out ..

[@Bishlad939]

@@george_richman Hi George . It's got EL34 s .. although as far as I can tell , I can put 6L6 s in without a biasing ..not sure tho . I ll check that 45 head out ... Without looking , I m guessing yours has the eq as well . Any good PB forums about . I can t find one !! Cheers .

[@Bishlad939]

Apparently only 165 PB 45 heads were made ... So that head of yours is mega rare ...

[@Bishlad939]

@@george_richman thanks George.. You too ...

[@JuddLofthouse]

That was a very interesting cool show .thank you gentlemen 👍👍👍

[@mrscott99]

This was a great episode. Tons of great information. I own a CLX and Super 30. Next purchase is a Fryette power amp for my home rack setup for my Fractal and Syn 2. Currently just going into the return of the CLX. Not sure which one yet, part of me wants to find an older classic beast but the prices are crazy on those

[@kushmannyc1495]

great interview good show .

[@shorerocks]

I love it to (finally) get to know the man behind the amp. Being it Steven Fryette, David Friedman or whoever is here or on Tone Talk. Very cool indeed.

[@gearoidwalsh8606]

Really enjoyed this, thanks. Good presentation.

[@aydeechapa2552]

I did 6 years in research and development for a huge american company and let me tell you that all of the stuff that he is saying about China happened to us, China produces way better materials at the moment than the USA, we were very surprise about this, and people still belive that an american made thing is better than a Chinese product, is just that 90% china made products are directed for low buck consumers, but the high end stuff is getting awesomely high quality.

[@KidNato]

This needs to be emphasized people.

[@Crescent_Audio]

Great interview Jon, you’re a natural host!

[@Skoora]

He’s so right about the graphic EQ on the heads. I never used the one on my Ultralead. I was playing D standard, drop C metal and the amp EQ was plenty. If I experimented with it it was actually as mid boost for leads or to dump the bass and treble for an affected intro tone that would sound huge once you turned it off.

[@SluggerStark]

Hmm....I have a chance to grab a Fryette brand Ultralead at a good price. Only thing, it doesn't have an eq. My old VHT brand one (which I miss SO much) did have one. You don't think I will be missing anything if I snap up an eq-less one?

[@michaelglass3993]

I wouldn't turn down any Pittbull without the EQ. I've owned two non EQ versions and they are every bit as good in my opinion.

[@1974zah]

This is awesome! I love learning how all this stuff went down during the golden age of guitar gear. So much of it was guys chasing tones or figuring out how to make things more reliable and it took off.

[@GonzaCordovez]

nice stuff man!!!....cheers!...stay safe!

[@raypokorny466]

Outstanding!

[@gq_79]

Nice video!

[@idiotburns]

I was exactly the same way, always taking apart and putting together my toys, leading to correct disassembly

[@mrcali68]

Best amp / biggest purchase regret: My VHT Pitbull Classic! This man IS a genius!

[@johnmeeks9308]

I owend a VHT 2/90 loved that amp

[@cmd_f5]

One of my amp dreams is a Pitbull with matching cabs. Someday... I love that sound. It's just so clear and tight. EQ bands: I think there's great weight to the saying "use your ears not your eyes." Just turn stuff and play until it sounds good. If you're into metal and the mids are above 0 fear not. Lol. Amazing talk lads. Ps: Buzzwords suck. All the hand to hand bs is over rated. Just a cash grab. PCB's are effective

[@shotgunrebels]

This was great.

[@gilmacevers253]

I just thought...hmmm Mudvayne, MUST get a VHT Pitbull/Ultra 100...and a new SOUND CITY...and that whole Synergy thing...gotta get that...maybe a Soldano mod and a Morgan...i know there is more...Fryette is someone i can understand...he operates on a higher freq than most people and they will never understand!

[@adamtimbrell]

LEGEND!!!!!

[@BrandonBames]

A lot of Peavey amps (XXX, Transtube series, etc) have an active preamp circuit.

[@TheDogPa]

If only they made enough. Go ahead and try to buy the stuff...lol!

[@aksap5544]

75/2=$ 37,5...decent rent

[@diezelvh4133]

Diezel uses super thick, super fat traces in pcb. Enough said.

[@MB-rv9dx]

Timestamps would be kool

[@MB-rv9dx]

Jon is a great listener, Fox news should hire him

[@georgn71]

did he say what VHT stands for?

[@FryetteAmps]

No, he didn't but it never had an official meaning. He once said he was inspired by an interview with David Byrne talking about writing words on slips of paper, throwing them up in the air and recombining them randomly. He also said he was looking for letters that had a certain rhythmic quality when used together and implied power, like SVT.

[@1LouderSound]

Fryette Amps I toured with a VHT GP3 Valvulator preamp and 2/50/2 power for several years. I always got compliments on my tone at shows. People would ask what “VHT” stood for, and I would say “VERY HEAVY TONE.” 🤣

[@ericcasabar3447]

VHT = V.an H.alen T.one ;)

[@brendanlucero8585]

I thought it stood for Van Handling Tubes

[@Eliphas_Elric]

Very High Transients maybe.

[@internetmoney221]

Not enough drinking on this episode

[@FryetteAmps]

We agree. Jon brought up great topics making it difficult to shut up long enough to self-lubricate :)

[@JonBingham]

Internet Money agreed! More next time.

[@TheDogPa]

Maybe it was meant for adults?