it was VHT; it's now FRYETTE Amplification!

[splatt]

it's been officially announced on HC, & elsewhere:

VHT Changes Name to Fryette Amplification

December 19, 2008
Effective January 1, 2009 VHT Amplification, Inc., will be known as Fryette Amplification, a division of Steven Fryette Design, Inc. Fryette Amplification will continue to manufacture all of the VHT models currently in production including the award winning Sig:X amplifier, Deliverance amplifiers and speaker cabinets, Pittbull Ultra-Lead amplifier, FatBottom speaker cabinets, Two/Fifty/Two and Two/Ninety/Two power amps and Valvulator I Buffer + Power Supply.

In making the name change, founder and CEO Steven Fryette states: "Much like a musician who finds his own voice, my more recent designs have really captured what I've been searching for ever since starting VHT 20 years ago. These designs represent my personal vision of how an amplifier can interact with a player in a truly musical way. We'll be introducing the Memphis Series amplifiers at Winter NAMM and these new products exemplify the use of our patented technology, years of experience and commitment to quality all in an affordable format. For years I have thought about putting my name on a product and finally I feel comfortable enough to do just that."

[Boogie Boy]

Fry-it

Well thats what I did with a screen resistor in my ST 50 last month :D

[stephen sawall]

Does that make my VHT Sig X a classic ? Maybe someone well tell us what "VHT" stands for ?

[guitarplayaman]

I don't think "branding" wise this is a good move...but not my choice go for it...

[vinney57]

All power to Steve, but its a strange move on AXL's part (who have bought the VHT brand, but not rights to the products). Why buy a brand that's irrelevant to your sector? Odd.

[LaXu]

When will amp builders learn that their last name often does not make a good brand name?

[Jarrett]

Wow I just got my first VHT and it looks like its one the last VHTs :)

I do prefer the cool factor of the "VHT" name to "Fryette Amplification", but in this day and age where every builder's name is proudly displayed on the front of boutique amps, I can see why he might want to do it.

And I do agree with the statement about recent designs interacting with a player in a musical way. This SigX is a blast to play. I woke up this morning wanting to go play it, which is something that hasn't happened to me in a looong time.

Thanks for the heads up Splatt

[wrightdude]

So will AXL market some kind of amp with VHT on it???

[Scott Peterson]

Does that make my VHT Sig X a classic ? Maybe someone well tell us what "VHT" stands for ?

Reputed that 'VHT' stands for "Van Halen Tone". Rumor and hearsay, but that's the accepted 'truth' if there is such a thing.

---------------------------------------------------------

Interesting move by Steve.

He's cashing out of VHT by selling the rights to the name, but retaining the patents and intellectual rights to all his amp designs. My guess is that he is raising capital to survive the current economic playing field. Just a guess.

Best of luck Steve and keep on making great amps.

[guitarded_1]

Reputed that 'VHT' stands for "Van Halen Tone". Rumor and hearsay, but that's the accepted 'truth' if there is such a thing.

---------------------------------------------------------

Interesting move by Steve.

He's cashing out of VHT by selling the rights to the name, but retaining the patents and intellectual rights to all his amp designs. My guess is that he is raising capital to survive the current economic playing field. Just a guess.

Best of luck Steve and keep on making great amps.

I don't buy that, seeing as the VHT tone sounds nothing like the EVH tone...not to mention that Stevie is very vocal about how lame he thinks it is to pursue the brown sound.

[Melodyman]

Reputed that 'VHT' stands for "Van Halen Tone". Rumor and hearsay, but that's the accepted 'truth' if there is such a thing.

---------------------------------------------------------

Interesting move by Steve.

He's cashing out of VHT by selling the rights to the name, but retaining the patents and intellectual rights to all his amp designs. My guess is that he is raising capital to survive the current economic playing field. Just a guess.

Best of luck Steve and keep on making great amps.

Along time ago I read that it was "Valve Harmonic Technology", someone posted a pic of one of his earlier poweramps that it was printed on.

[matte]

valve harmonic technology

[DonW]

Surely a good financial move for SF, he deserves it and the tone world would be much lesser place without his amps. Good Luck to Fryette Amplification!

[Jarrett]

After going to HC and reading that whole thread (which is akin to taking a rubber mallot to your forehead) I found this piece of interesting info:

http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-candce/case_no-3:2008cv03947/case_id-206398/

There might be more to it than just a friendly name buy out.

[splatt]

this is gonna be a great time
for steve et al & his concepts, designs & builds:
it's a very, very positive move forward,
imo!
exciting, to me.
dt / spltrcl

[splatt]

So will AXL market some kind of amp with VHT on it???
it seems to me that they'll do whatever
they deem fit for the VHT-brand;
except, of course,
for building with any elements
of mr. fryette's designs,
nor with his hands/head/heart, experience & perspective.

personally,
i'd kinda expect for them to continue
with their kind of lower-budget-conscious
rebranding;
i can't say anything
about the playing-reality of the actual amps
they've produced, so far,
but..... i really don't care, either.

dt / spltrcl

[fetishfrog]

Someone jumped on this last night:

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=480111

I hope it's a good move for Stevie, that cat sure knows how to build 'em. Keep 'em coming I say.

I always assumed VHT stood for 'Very High Temperature', which is a common spec for various hot rod accessories...and very apropo given the VHT design philosophy of 'whip some ass amps'.

Good luck to Stevie and the crew!!!

[7StringJazz]

I have had great admiration for VHT's power amps and own or have owned all of them except the big classic 100. I hope he continues pushing the power amp angle and not just heads/combos. Interestingly I have never tried any of the heads or combos. Best of luck there Steve!:dude

[Jerrod]

Tough branding move, IMO. But there's always more to the situation than a single factor. Good luck to him.

[tacorivers]

Sounds like a great business move. Sell you name, still sell your great amps.

[stratzrus]

Does that make my VHT Sig X a classic ? It does seem to mean that the Sig:X will be the last VHT amp designed by Steve.

It sounds like a great move. He gets to keep making his classic designs and has a new line coming out as well. I'm looking forward to checking out the Memphis Series.

[GtrWiz]

this is gonna be a great time
for steve et al & his concepts, designs & builds:
it's a very, very positive move forward,
imo!
exciting, to me.
dt / spltrcl


I don't know, sounds like you're selling it a bit hard...

I think Jarret is right in that it has more to do with a copyright issue.

[Glowing Tubes]

I personally dont care what the name is on the amp, as long as it sounds great.
Steve's a great guy, I'll bet his new amps will be amazing.
Good luck to the guy.

RC

[splatt]

I don't know, sounds like you're selling it a bit hard...

I think Jarret is right in that it has more to do with a copyright issue.
?wtf?
i'm not freaking trying to "sell" anything,
nor was i addressing any of the guesswork surrounding
actual reasons for these changes.

i'm excited for my friend,
and for his excellent work.

i talk to steve often,
and have simply never seen nor heard him
be more positive in his outlook.
i was just sharing, that's all.

dt / spltrcl

[Kelly]

Stupid move IMHO. VHT stands for "Van Halen Tone". Fryette didn't really think he would have a company when he made his first products, the 2150 power amps.

[lionscut]

Stupid move IMHO. VHT stands for "Van Halen Tone". Fryette didn't really think he would have a company when he made his first products, the 2150 power amps.

???? please..

hats off to the hardest working amp dude on the planet!! keep the ball rolling... the sound is most important..

[GtrWiz]

?wtf?
i'm not freaking trying to "sell" anything,
nor was i addressing any of the guesswork surrounding
actual reasons for these changes.

i'm excited for my friend,
and for his excellent work.

i talk to steve often,
and have simply never seen nor heard him
be more positive in his outlook.
i was just sharing, that's all.

dt / spltrcl

Thanks for the clarification. :BEER

[rwe333]

VHT stands for "Van Halen Tone".

No it does not... Rumor, no more... See matte's earlier post...
Goodness, VHT has nothing to do w/ that sound - earliest VHTs arguably owe more to a Hiwatt platform...
And check the VHT website FAQ for SF's comments on the "brown" sound...

[matte]

having known stevie since the beginning of vht, (thanks to greg b/the now defunct la make'n'music) i've seen his work garner international praise (most deservedly so).

brilliant human who makes the finest channel switching amp i've ever plugged up (sig x) and the first person to explain zhuzh to spaltt and me. i look forward to his next step and will be honoured to be onboard.

[Kelly]

No it does not... Rumor, no more... See matte's earlier post...
Goodness, VHT has nothing to do w/ that sound - earliest VHTs arguably owe more to a Hiwatt platform...
And check the VHT website FAQ for SF's comments on the "brown" sound...I stick by my post...

[rwe333]

I stick by my post...

Ignorance is bliss... ;)

[carbz]

More importantly they really need to update their website.

[stratzrus]

Does anyone know who will do the repair work covered under warranty on recently purchased VHT amps?

[heavypick]

I dunno, to me, the name VHT has more marketing pizazz.

[splatt]

I dunno, to me, the name VHT has more marketing pizazz.
yeah, i know whatya mean.
i have conference calls, booked on monday
with fender, bogner & marshall.....
i'm trying to get them to change
their brand-names to monikers
with more, ya know, pizazz.

bogner should be called:
BeezNeez

fender should be called:
grynder

marshall should be called:
kommanderer

i hope they'll take my advice,
since their futures truly depend on this.

i tried to get fryette to change
VHT to THC;
when we had that conversation,
he was out in the field, hunting rabbits for lunch.....
i heard his crossbow snap pretty loud
a buncha times whilst we chatted ever so amiably,
so's i don't think he really understood what i was saying.
man, those iPhones can be pretty "iffy".
plus, i was drunk off my ass & outta my gourd.
his amps are loud.

dt / spltrcl

[heavypick]

yeah, i know whatya mean.
i have conference calls, booked on monday
with fender, bogner & marshall.....
i'm trying to get them to change
their brand-names to monikers
with more, ya know, pizazz.

bogner should be called:
beez kneez

fender should be called:
grynder

marshall should be called:
kommanderer

i hope they'll take my advice,
since their futures truly depend on this.

dt / spltrcl

Well, you think the iPod would be as succesful if it were marketed as the Steve Jobs Audio Device?

[swimrunner]

yeah, i know whatya mean.
i have conference calls, booked on monday
with fender, bogner & marshall.....
i'm trying to get them to change
their brand-names to monikers
with more, ya know, pizazz.

bogner should be called:
BeezNeez

fender should be called:
grynder

marshall should be called:
kommanderer

i hope they'll take my advice,
since their futures truly depend on this.

i tried to get fryette to change
VHT to THC;
when we had that conversation,
he was out in the field, hunting rabbits for lunch.....
i heard his crossbow snap pretty loud
a buncha times whilst we chatted ever so amiably,
so's i don't think he really understood what i was saying.
man, those iPhones can be pretty "iffy".
plus, i was drunk off my ass & outta my gourd.
his amps are loud.

dt / spltrclhahahaha. but anyways, "bogner" has loads of pizazz. imo.

[Jon Silberman]

A man can name his company and amp what he likes. That being said, I couldn't imagine a name for an amp with worse connotations than Fry-it. :rolleyes:

[Jerrod]

this thread has made me realize something that i really hadn't before, namely, that SF with VHT has carved out a very significant niche in the modern amp world. The name VHT stands for something, IMO, and that is a very good thing. Now, of course, this news will screw up the VHT name, and we can add it to the pile along with Korean Harmony's, Japanese D'Angelico's, Vietnamese Ampegs.
For SF to leave this brand is a bigger thing than i think many would realize.
Sampson hasn't been able to comfortably reestablish himself after Matchless, Leo's Music Man's were always an afterthought to Fender- I'm sure we can think of more. The pre-takeover VHT's will probably go up in value now, I'm guessing?
I'm not passing judgment at all ON SF's decision. I hope it works out for him, and he has every right to do what he wants or needs to with the name/brand he has created. In some ways the change will give him the freedom to create new looks and sounds that might've been incompatible with the VHT brand.
The thing is, how much will he lose from his amp constituency with the change, and how many new customers will he attract with the new Co./ brand? He doesn't have to worry about sophisticated buyers like Matte/Splatt/ GP'er, but more the 18 year old guy who wants to crush audiences with a VHT rig, and is willing to throw down thousands of dollars to do it. Is that kid going to make the move to Fryette, or does he need to see the Purple and Black VHT on the front of his amps?
We'll see

Correct. Those who frequent these boards will be aware of the change, but there is a significant hurdle to overcome to educate the other 90% of his customer base. To say nothing of building the name of the new line, establishing an identity, and dealing with history (repairs, warranty) and the invariable spillover of trouble from the new owners. I wish him all the best, and as I noted, these things are always more complex on the inside than the outside. But it could be a tough row to hoe.

[heavypick]

this thread has made me realize something that i really hadn't before, namely, that SF with VHT has carved out a very significant niche in the modern amp world. The name VHT stands for something, IMO, and that is a very good thing. Now, of course, this news will screw up the VHT name, and we can add it to the pile along with Korean Harmony's, Japanese D'Angelico's, Vietnamese Ampegs.
For SF to leave this brand is a bigger thing than i think many would realize.
Sampson hasn't been able to comfortably reestablish himself after Matchless, Leo's Music Man's were always an afterthought to Fender- I'm sure we can think of more. The pre-takeover VHT's will probably go up in value now, I'm guessing?
I'm not passing judgment at all ON SF's decision. I hope it works out for him, and he has every right to do what he wants or needs to with the name/brand he has created. In some ways the change will give him the freedom to create new looks and sounds that might've been incompatible with the VHT brand.
The thing is, how much will he lose from his amp constituency with the change, and how many new customers will he attract with the new Co./ brand? He doesn't have to worry about sophisticated buyers like Matte/Splatt/ GP'er, but more the 18 year old guy who wants to crush audiences with a VHT rig, and is willing to throw down thousands of dollars to do it. Is that kid going to make the move to Fryette, or does he need to see the Purple and Black VHT on the front of his amps?
We'll see

That was kind of my point. Like what if out of nowhere, Mesa Boogie became Randall Smith Amplifier Incorporated. And I thought VHT was a cool sounding name for an already established brand.

By the way Bogner is a cool sounding name. However, not all names are equally cool.

[splatt]

this thread has made me realize something that i really hadn't before, namely, that SF with VHT has carved out a very significant niche in the modern amp world.
agreed.
though, i do believe that the VHT "brand"
has not been generally known & understood for
the huge breadth of its capabilities,
so far,
myself.
getting your sound,
not limited-to that instantaneous sonic representation
of what will, eventually, become a passing style.

The name VHT stands for something, IMO, and that is a very good thing.
yes, it stood for something.....
..... but, to put a fine & repetitively definitive point to that,
for others' eyes:
it did not stand for "van halen tone".

Now, of course, this news will screw up the VHT name, and we can add it to the pile along with Korean Harmony's, Japanese D'Angelico's, Vietnamese Ampegs.
the previous VHT amp-designs & quality will stay at par,
develop & evolve, and be designed & built by
precisely the same folks who brung it at VHT:
same folks, same plant, same availability of quality:
the same and continuously better, i'll venture to guess,
as thee dude with the impetus is..... errrmmmm.....
highly motivated, and brilliant, imo.



For SF to leave this brand is a bigger thing than i think many would realize.
the phrase, italicised above,
is based on guesswork, gossip, conjecture,
and because of that
is not our business to presume, imo.

Sampson hasn't been able to comfortably reestablish himself after Matchless, Leo's Music Man's were always an afterthought to Fender- I'm sure we can think of more.
these are very unfitting analogies:
Fryette Amps enters its new life with all rights
to steve's designs & patents,
as well as owning the (previous) VHT shop,
inventory, parts & etc,
not to mention steve's long-term relationships
with distributors & suppliers;
as well,
it is precisely the same successful team
that was previously VHT
which remains-in-place at Fryette Amps.....
--- other than the marketing manager,
who parted ways with the company before thisall occurred.


In some ways the change will give him the freedom to create new looks and sounds that might've been incompatible with the VHT brand.
as i'll continue to say:
i've never believed that the
intentions behind & capabilities of the actual products
were noted+marked for what-they-are in the marketplace,
(¿maybe owing to the design graphics & look,
or the musical styles of early adopters? i have no idea, but.....).
there is no musical style outside the high-quality purvey
of the designs, nor is there an intention to limit the
musical capabilities thereof, as far as i know!
in this, it might be presumed that i know a bit
more than is normal.

The thing is, how much will he lose from his amp constituency with the change, and how many new customers will he attract with the new Co./ brand? He doesn't have to worry about sophisticated buyers like Matte/Splatt/ GP'er, but more the 18 year old guy who wants to crush audiences with a VHT rig, and is willing to throw down thousands of dollars to do it. Is that kid going to make the move to Fryette, or does he need to see the Purple and Black VHT on the front of his amps?
well, the amps aren't particularly expensive,
in the current marketplace, but neither are they "cheap":
they are perceived by those who dig them to
be remarkable value-for-money, in any case,
but don't seem to be designed priced for impetuous beginners
looking for instant whatever.

and, uh.....
life is tough;
ya take yer hits, deal with it as best ye can.
while timid folks
often seem to get crushed by life's
seemingly regular inequities,
the bold tend to find ways to move on,
to "burn the midnight lamp", as it were.
¿no?

anyways, i hope i don't come across as a d••k, here.....
..... i am excited for steve's future,
and all y'all know that i continue to
feel that his amps are insanely & uniquely musical,
built like shick brithouses, flexible etc.....
that's why i play them;
i became friends with steve out of
my immoderate respect
for his freakin' crazyassed commitment to his work.
still, if his sh*t began to suck,
i'd tell him exactly that, & why.....
which he expects from his compatriots
of the crazyassed committed persuasion, i think.

dt / spltrcl

[Greazygeo]

I think Steve has made some great amps and will continue to do so regardless of the name on them. They have also evolved over time. I had an original Pitbull Classic after owning a current spec UL. As Steve told me, the Classic was a much different sound than the current lineup.

I'm sure the new stuff will be great!

Many amp / guitar companies have the builder's name on them.

[Ed DeGenaro]

having known stevie since the beginning of vht, (thanks to greg b/the now defunct la make'n'music) i've seen his work garner international praise (most deservedly so).

brilliant human who makes the finest channel switching amp i've ever plugged up (sig x) and the first person to explain zhuzh to spaltt and me. i look forward to his next step and will be honoured to be onboard.
HUH?! Make'n defunct? Not to my knowledge, just not Greg's place anymore, or are you talking about the old place on Weddington or the one on Lankershim.

[Ed DeGenaro]

yeah, i know whatya mean.
i have conference calls, booked on monday
with fender, bogner & marshall.....
i'm trying to get them to change
their brand-names to monikers
with more, ya know, pizazz.

bogner should be called:
BeezNeez

fender should be called:
grynder

marshall should be called:
kommanderer

i hope they'll take my advice,
since their futures truly depend on this.

i tried to get fryette to change
VHT to THC;
when we had that conversation,
he was out in the field, hunting rabbits for lunch.....
i heard his crossbow snap pretty loud
a buncha times whilst we chatted ever so amiably,
so's i don't think he really understood what i was saying.
man, those iPhones can be pretty "iffy".
plus, i was drunk off my ass & outta my gourd.
his amps are loud.

dt / spltrcl
plus there is already an amp builder going by THC.

[matte]

HUH?! Make'n defunct? Not to my knowledge, just not Greg's place anymore, or are you talking about the old place on Weddington or the one on Lankershim.
lankershim. greg broke so many boutique builders (tom anderson, don grosh, reinhold b. and stevie f. come to mind)out of that spot.

[TaronKeim]

The business primadonnas and brand loyalist know-it-alls coming out the woodwork entertain me to no end.

Steve can change the name to Tampon Amplification, have an applicator for a logo and cover all his designs in pink tolex and I'll still play them; what is in a name?

My D60 rocks me and my gig daily, more so than any other amp I've owned. I'll have a D120 or a Sig:X one day and I really couldn't give a f*ck what it says as long as it is made the same and turns me on when I turn it on. Since Steve isn't changin' a damn thing but the name; I'll keep my mouth shut and support him via my pocket book and general noise making.

_TJK*

[Lution]

questions: particularly about the SigX

So, in about 6 months when I'm looking to buy a SigX, will it be a VHT SigX or a Fryette SigX? Will this amp be available for sale where it currently is (MF for example)? Who will do repair work for this amp if I for some reason have something go out on it?

[sickboy79]

Does that make my VHT Sig X a classic ? Maybe someone well tell us what "VHT" stands for ?

Back in my younger internet days - I was an avid member of Harmony Central (haven't been there in 6 years!)- and the rumor was it stood for "Veluptious Harley Tramps" - but, who knows. I actually had a VHT UL about 10 years ago. It was back in the day when i thought I needed as much watts as I could find, more channels, more gain, and more push button features, etc. It turned out it was probably the furthest thing from what I wanted - and my playing style. Nothing against the amps - it was great at what it did. But, it just wasn't for me. Intesting post too.

[SgtThump]

The business primadonnas and brand loyalist know-it-alls coming out the woodwork entertain me to no end.

Steve can change the name to Tampon Amplification, have an applicator for a logo and cover all his designs in pink tolex and I'll still play them; what is in a name?

My D60 rocks me and my gig daily, more so than any other amp I've owned. I'll have a D120 or a Sig:X one day and I really couldn't give a f*ck what it says as long as it is made the same and turns me on when I turn it on. Since Steve isn't changin' a damn thing but the name; I'll keep my mouth shut and support him via my pocket book and general noise making.

_TJK*

Wow man. You are SOOOOOOOOOO metalz!

[SgtThump]

After going to HC and reading that whole thread (which is akin to taking a rubber mallot to your forehead) I found this piece of interesting info:

http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-candce/case_no-3:2008cv03947/case_id-206398/

There might be more to it than just a friendly name buy out.

Wow. There definitely appears to be alot more to this story. I wonder if that Axl company was using the "VHT" name on one of their products before VHT was a company?

[splatt]

I wonder if that Axl company was using the "VHT" name on one of their products before VHT was a company?
don't wonder;
they did not, afaik.
dt / spltrcl

[SgtThump]

don't wonder;
they did not, afaik.
dt / spltrcl

Well that link above shows that Axl is suing VHT over "Trademark Infringement." Now that VHT is signing over the VHT name to them, it sure sounds like they had it trademarked first.

It seems to me that Steve isn't being truthful about this. The little release from Steve Fryette doesn't seem honest to me.

[Ed DeGenaro]

Well that link above shows that Axl is suing VHT over "Trademark Infringement." Now that VHT is signing over the VHT name to them, it sure sounds like they had it trademarked first.

It seems to me that Steve isn't being truthful about this. The little release from Steve Fryette doesn't seem honest to me.
"Seems" is the operative term.
There are many reason why a company can, could or would sew another company whether they're wrong or right. And there's always money involved.

As for the press release striking you as not seeiming honest...who cares? It's a name change nothing less nothing more, and speculating on a forum will not get any "truth" to it...whatever that may be anyways.

[Ed DeGenaro]

questions: particularly about the SigX

So, in about 6 months when I'm looking to buy a SigX, will it be a VHT SigX or a Fryette SigX? Will this amp be available for sale where it currently is (MF for example)? Who will do repair work for this amp if I for some reason have something go out on it?
From what I understand the only thing that changes is the brand name...

[Ed DeGenaro]

lankershim. greg broke so many boutique builders (tom anderson, don grosh, reinhold b. and stevie f. come to mind)out of that spot.
It didn't hurt that they started in the back of Brauer's shop on Weddington.

[Melodyman]

As for the press release striking you as not seeiming honest...who cares? It's a name change nothing less nothing more, and speculating on a forum will not get any "truth" to it...whatever that may be anyways.

Are you kidding, marketing and branding means everything to the average consumer. Sure, internet geeks will be well aware of the change but he will be starting from scratch to attract a fresh new pool of customers.

[Ed DeGenaro]

Are you kidding, marketing and branding means everything to the average consumer. Sure, internet geeks will be well aware of the change but he will be starting from scratch to attract a fresh new pool of customers.
Where does what I say have anything to do with what you're responding to?

[Melodyman]

who cares? It's a name change nothing less nothing more

You seemed to dismiss the name change as if nothing happened at all. If that wasn't your intention please clarify. I think there's more involved from a business standpoint that's all, no big deal. :)

[heavypick]

The business primadonnas and brand loyalist know-it-alls coming out the woodwork entertain me to no end.

Steve can change the name to Tampon Amplification, have an applicator for a logo and cover all his designs in pink tolex and I'll still play them; what is in a name?

My D60 rocks me and my gig daily, more so than any other amp I've owned. I'll have a D120 or a Sig:X one day and I really couldn't give a f*ck what it says as long as it is made the same and turns me on when I turn it on. Since Steve isn't changin' a damn thing but the name; I'll keep my mouth shut and support him via my pocket book and general noise making.

_TJK*

Put a Crate logo on a Dumble and see how many are gonna sell for 50K.

By the way Taron, great favorite guitar players in your sig. I understand where you're coming from (gear to ability-wise if that makes sense).

[Mark C]

yeah, i know whatya mean.
i have conference calls, booked on monday
with fender, bogner & marshall.....
i'm trying to get them to change
their brand-names to monikers
with more, ya know, pizazz.

bogner should be called:
BeezNeez

fender should be called:
grynder

marshall should be called:
kommanderer

i hope they'll take my advice,
since their futures truly depend on this.

i tried to get fryette to change
VHT to THC;
when we had that conversation,
he was out in the field, hunting rabbits for lunch.....
i heard his crossbow snap pretty loud
a buncha times whilst we chatted ever so amiably,
so's i don't think he really understood what i was saying.
man, those iPhones can be pretty "iffy".
plus, i was drunk off my ass & outta my gourd.
his amps are loud.

dt / spltrcl

Ha!!!!! Thanks for the big laugh (and I do mean big), I needed it!

[TaronKeim]

Wow man. You are SOOOOOOOOOO metalz!

Ummm... is this supposed to be an insult? If so, it makes no sense considering I use my VHT for nothing but my clean tones:)

And if you were alluding to my attitude/post being some ignorant and generic "metalz" posturing then I'm not sure we're having the same conversation.

Simply put, Steve's business decision will prove itself (or not) and a bunch of blathering from the .01% peanut gallery that is TGP or H-C has very little bearing on that.

Most people buy amps because of how they sound or feel in direct comparison to their needs/purposes/desires - not because of the name on the front or the business decision of the Owner/Proprietor; so if nothing changes but the name, Steve will do just fine regardless of the sore haters and "truth" seekers perpetuating bullsh*t in our little corner of the cybersphere.

_TJK*

[SgtThump]

Ummm... is this supposed to be an insult? If so, it makes no sense considering I use my VHT for nothing but my clean tones:)

And if you were alluding to my attitude/post being some ignorant and generic "metalz" posturing then I'm not sure we're having the same conversation.

Simply put, Steve's business decision will prove itself (or not) and a bunch of blathering from the .01% peanut gallery that is TGP or H-C has very little bearing on that.

Most people buy amps because of how they sound or feel in direct comparison to their needs/purposes/desires - not because of the name on the front or the business decision of the Owner/Proprietor; so if nothing changes but the name, Steve will do just fine regardless of the sore haters and "truth" seekers perpetuating bullsh*t in our little corner of the cybersphere.

_TJK*

:dude

[Ed DeGenaro]

You seemed to dismiss the name change as if nothing happened at all. If that wasn't your intention please clarify. I think there's more involved from a business standpoint that's all, no big deal. :)
No...I dismiss end users idea of the why and wherefore behind it, as unimportant. The only thing that matters is... it's Steve's decision, he knows why -I'm guessing -and he's aware of the headache's re-branding involves.

[bilbal]

:rotflmao

[Melodyman]

No...I dismiss end users idea of the why and wherefore behind it, as unimportant. The only thing that matters is... it's Steve's decision, he knows why -I'm guessing -and he's aware of the headache's re-branding involves.

Internet discussion forums aren't all that different from gossip rags in some respects, you should know that. :)

[TaronKeim]

Put a Crate logo on a Dumble and see how many are gonna sell for 50K.

By the way Taron, great favorite guitar players in your sig. I understand where you're coming from (gear to ability-wise if that makes sense).


True... but this isn't that situation... this is Howard selling JUST his amp brand, Dumble Amps, to Crate and building under HAD Amplifiers from now on in. There is no change in quality, components, production, management, technology, manufacturing or prototyping...etc

Those are the players that get me closest to "hero worship" - more in approach and mindset than anything else; though I'm known to cop a Jagori lick/trick from time to time and DT has definately helped to expand my definition of "playing" guitar.

_TJK*

[Kelly]

Where 'bouts you live in West Virginia?
I've got family.

Who can set you right.Wow, threats? I live in Moorefield, with one of the few VHTs in this state. Your "family" is welcome to stop by anytime and "set me right".

[Ed DeGenaro]

Internet discussion forums aren't all that different from gossip rags in some respects, you should know that. :)
I do, but nevertheless I am amazed by it...at times...

[ericb]

Wow, threats? I live in Moorefield, with one of the few VHTs in this state. Your "family" is welcome to stop by anytime and "set me right".


Hey that was 1 bizarro el stupido post huh KellY!!!! Maybe you and I have misinterpreted it. Oh well ... . Meanwhile, you do run the vht users groups on the net right? So you know something about the name VHT right? :D

Eric

[anoobis]

Fryette made great amps before the name change and he will continue to after. I think most VHT users are hardcore gear hounds and the name change will have little or no effect on his business. Best of luck to him and every other amp builder in 2009.

[splatt]

Meanwhile, you do run the vht users groups on the net right? So you know something about the name VHT right? :D

i know some other folks 'round these parts
that know something, too.....
but, it simply seems to be
a very different something.

the other something has always appeared
to be backed up
(in some way) by mr. fryette's little credo,
which he'd posted, himself, on his website
so many moons ago.

just sayin!
all in good fun!
i ain't the sheriff,
& i don't have a posse!

dt / spltrcl

[Lution]

From what I understand the only thing that changes is the brand name...

So it will eventually be a Fryette SigX and Fryette will build, sell, and repair them?

[splatt]

So it will eventually be a Fryette SigX and Fryette will build, sell, and repair them?
i think that this "eventually"
might arrive pretty darned soon;
i may be wrong, but.
dt / spltrcl

[iggs]

That's too bad ... I always thought VHT was a cool name whatever it stands for. I'm regretting selling my VHT Pittbull 50CL even more now ...

I'm not going to get into whether this is a good or bad move ... who am I to judge that with minimal info anyway???

I'm just kinda sad to see the name go, it's been a staple of high-end guitar amplification for a long time and I can remember GAS-ing for one before I even knew what GAS was ... way before the interwebz days.

[Lution]

i think that this "eventually"
might arrive pretty darned soon;
i may be wrong, but.
dt / spltrcl

thanks for the info.

[rwe333]

The good news is it's easier to search TGP for 'Fryette' over 'VHT'. ;)

[splatt]

thanks for the info.
no problem!
it's not solid info, though.....
..... just me,
spreading unsubstantiatable rumors, again.
:Devil
:love:
dt / spltrcl

[Lution]

no problem!
it's not solid info, though.....
..... just me,
spreading unsubstantiatable rumors, again.
:Devil
:love:
dt / spltrcl

;)

my only concern is that if I do buy a new SigX in the future it will be built and supported by Fryette's company.

[Jarrett]

I don't care what the nameplate says, if his new amps sound as good or better than my SigX then I will more than likely be buying one.

I just hope he can get the new amps back into all the places the current VHTs are like Musician's Friend for example. Had they not carried the amps I seriously doubt I would have ever owned one of his designs, which would have been a shame.

[splatt]

;)

my only concern is that if I do buy a new SigX in the future it will be built and supported by Fryette's company.
that must be a "yes",
since no-one else will build a Sig-X;
no-one else can, nor do they have the right to do so.
if Fryette Amplification will build it & sell it,
Fryette Amplification will stand behind it,
as normal.

dt / spltrcl

[LSchefman]

Sometimes it's good for people and companies to make a name change.

I am affiliated with a company that changed its 40 year old brand name, that enjoyed a good reputation, a year ago, and is doing BETTER than before.

It's hard to predict these things.

[mountain blues]

My take... Fryette has nothing to do with fry-it. Never will.

I get nothing but positives, as in Steve stepping out in an audience that already respects him, for starters, and then building on the existing cache of VHT to say, "We are better than ever."

[Rocket Brother]

yeah, i know whatya mean.
i have conference calls, booked on monday
with fender, bogner & marshall.....
i'm trying to get them to change
their brand-names to monikers
with more, ya know, pizazz.

bogner should be called:
BeezNeez

fender should be called:
grynder

marshall should be called:
kommanderer

i hope they'll take my advice,
since their futures truly depend on this.

i tried to get fryette to change
VHT to THC;
when we had that conversation,
he was out in the field, hunting rabbits for lunch.....
i heard his crossbow snap pretty loud
a buncha times whilst we chatted ever so amiably,
so's i don't think he really understood what i was saying.
man, those iPhones can be pretty "iffy".
plus, i was drunk off my ass & outta my gourd.
his amps are loud.

dt / spltrcl


Right on the money.... :rotflmao

[Jarrett]

The good news is it's easier to search TGP for 'Fryette' over 'VHT'. ;)

That's so funny and so true :) All good amp builders need to have at least 4 letters in their make and model names so that they are more easily searched on TGP :)

[mtmartin71]

I can't believe he's changing his name to Fargen amps! How lame! Oh wait...wrong amp :huh

On first blush, Fryette doesn't grab me in comparison to VHT. But, l think people should wait to see what the amp designs, both functionally and visually, are like before they render any decisions.

[Millo 3.1]

No...I dismiss end users idea of the why and wherefore behind it, as unimportant. The only thing that matters is... it's Steve's decision, he knows why -I'm guessing -and he's aware of the headache's re-branding involves.
Wow, someone making sense!

[studiodunn]

Not so good Al.

[trower]

He could call it "Sausage King Amps" still would change a thing in my books, VHT..one of the worst and best amps I ever owned. :hiP

[heavypick]

This may elicit some snarky comments but to me, VHT always sounded cool, like EVH. The first asscoiation I had with Freyette was Tammy Lynn Wynette.

[stratzrus]

I'm sure Steve had his reasons, and he seems to have worked out a very favorable deal. Really outstanding actually if you check out the details.

As a player, all I'm concerned about is the quality of the amps and ongoing support.

I wish him the best with his new venture.

[TTripp]

All the handwringing is kind of amusing. I mean really, aren't we the same crew who chastise others for insisiting on somehting named Marshall, Gibson, or Fender?

[Plague Dog]

I just traded my SigX... well I hope my new amp blows me away.

[Jon Silberman]

I've decided to buy BMW. I'm going to rename it Flattyre.

[Joe_Steeler]

Personally I don't care what they are called as long as they sound great.
Some of the reactions here is like someone changed the name of Cheezwiz to Mucus, damn guys!@!@ C'mon!

Steve makes a killer amp and I am sure under any name, disguise or cloak they will all be cool. When he screws up I am sure we will nail that frigger and go on.

The only thing I have ALWAYS griped about VHT is their website, like medieval times on the internet over there. Sheesh, spend a dime and get a cool, informative and dynamic site!

[SgtThump]

It's possible I missed some posts (and I'm too lazy to go back and re-read everything), but I don't really see anyone making a big deal out of the name change...?

[Voxy Foxy]

When will amp builders learn that their last name often does not make a good brand name?

when companies like fender, marshall, dumble, bogner, etc. lose all their credibility...;)

[Voxy Foxy]

I've decided to buy BMW. I'm going to rename it Flattyre.

:rotflmao:rotflmao:rotflmao

[Jon Silberman]

Personally I don't care what they are called as long as they sound great.
... I don't really see anyone making a big deal out of the name change...?
Me, too, but the fact is that names do matter for marketing purposes. That is why businesses usually put a great deal of thought into them. That was and is the point some of us have made here, one which, respectfully, you may be missing as a consequence of not personally caring what they're called. This is commendable but not necessarily transferable. This'll be my last post in the thread. I was never much attracted to VHTs and don't foresee that improving with the name change so perhaps I'm not the best of commenters.

[realityczech]

it's been officially announced on HC, & elsewhere:

VHT Changes Name to Fryette Amplification

December 19, 2008
Effective January 1, 2009 VHT Amplification, Inc., will be known as Fryette Amplification, a division of Steven Fryette Design, Inc. Fryette Amplification will continue to manufacture all of the VHT models currently in production including the award winning Sig:X amplifier, Deliverance amplifiers and speaker cabinets, Pittbull Ultra-Lead amplifier, FatBottom speaker cabinets, Two/Fifty/Two and Two/Ninety/Two power amps and Valvulator I Buffer + Power Supply.

In making the name change, founder and CEO Steven Fryette states: "Much like a musician who finds his own voice, my more recent designs have really captured what I've been searching for ever since starting VHT 20 years ago. These designs represent my personal vision of how an amplifier can interact with a player in a truly musical way. We'll be introducing the Memphis Series amplifiers at Winter NAMM and these new products exemplify the use of our patented technology, years of experience and commitment to quality all in an affordable format. For years I have thought about putting my name on a product and finally I feel comfortable enough to do just that."

splatt-

In my simple little world this is good news.
I . like you enjoy spreading the word about friends in the biz (whatevar that is)

Kinda like music...

[Steve Snider]

splatt-

In my simple little world this is good news.
I . like you enjoy spreading the word about friends in the biz (whatevar that is)

Kinda like music...


I am with ya!!! Stevie makes a great product and has for a long time. A name change and new line can only be a good thing for the consumer. The Product speaks for itself as does the builder. Fryette has done a great job in the past and I am sure will do a great job in the future. I look forward to his new stuff.

[LSchefman]

>>Me, too, but the fact is that names do matter for marketing purposes. That is why businesses usually put a great deal of thought into them.<<

And often overthink them, much to their dismay.

Think about the name "BMW" since you mentioned it. Now, I happen to have raced a few, and I have a lot of respect for their product, but the name has "BM" in it, which a lot of people associate with Bowel Movements.

The product's quality made the name cool in the US, not the other way around.

Now think of the Cadillac "Cimarron," a name the marketing people sweated over like crazy, a much cooler name, except the product was horrible, and the car was taken off the market after only a couple of years.

And what the F**K is an "Escalade"? It's meaningless. Or a Lexus. The name doesn't sell that car. The quality does.

It's not about the name making the product. The product far more often makes the name desirable.

Fuchs amps are successful. What's the dang problem with Fryette? You go by the name Silberman professionally, or did you decide to promote your legal skills with a cooler name?

[TheGrooveking]

>>Me, too, but the fact is that names do matter for marketing purposes. That is why businesses usually put a great deal of thought into them.<<

And often overthink them, much to their dismay.

Think about the name "BMW" since you mentioned it. Now, I happen to have raced a few, and I have a lot of respect for their product, but the name has "BM" in it, which a lot of people associate with Bowel Movements.

The product's quality made the name cool in the US, not the other way around.

Now think of the Cadillac "Cimarron," a name the marketing people sweated over like crazy, a much cooler name, except the product was horrible, and the car was taken off the market after only a couple of years.

And what the F**K is an "Escalade"? It's meaningless. Or a Lexus. The name doesn't sell that car. The quality does.

It's not about the name making the product. The product far more often makes the name desirable.

Fuchs amps are successful. What's the dang problem with Fryette? You go by the name Silberman professionally, or did you decide to promote your legal skills with a cooler name?

Dictionary's can help.......

es⋅ca⋅lade

  http://cache.lexico.com/g/d/speaker.gif (http://dictionary.reference.com/audio.html/lunaWAV/E02/E0292200) /ˌɛshttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngkəˈleɪd, -ˈlɑd, ˈɛshttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngkəˌleɪd, -ˌlɑd/ Show Spelled Pronunciation http://cache.lexico.com/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif (http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/IPA_pron_key.html) [es-kuh-leyd, -lahd, es-kuh-leyd, -lahd] Show IPA Pronunciation http://cache.lexico.com/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif (http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/Spell_pron_key.html)
noun, verb, -lad⋅ed, -lad⋅ing. –noun 1.a scaling or mounting by means of ladders, esp. in an assault upon a fortified place.–verb (used with object) 2.to mount, pass, or enter by means of ladders.
Origin:
1590–1600; < MF < OPr *escalada, equiv. to escal(ar) to scale (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=scale&db=luna) 3 + -ada -ade (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=-ade&db=luna) 1 http://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png





TheGrooveking

[DonW]

>>Me, too, but the fact is that names do matter for marketing purposes. That is why businesses usually put a great deal of thought into them.<<

I would agree that if a new business was starting out naming it with a hook that get's you noticed immediately is necessary. VHT Amps have a distinguished reputation that holds up under any reasonable name in my estimation. The tone is there, the quality is there so the name is secondary in this particular case.

[splatt]

so, the new Fryette Amps site has
begun being mounted,
here:

http://www.sfdamp.com/default.htm

as has already been pointed out,
all VHT warranties prior to 1st January 2009
will be fully honored.

dt / spltrcl

[stratzrus]

as has already been pointed out,
all VHT warranties prior to 1st January 2009
will be fully honored.

dt / spltrclThis is truly outstanding.

Thanks.

[iggs]

Really, the only person who has to worry is the buyer who doesn't know he has to worry, and ends up buying what he thinks is a VHT but is really an AXL.

Chances are though, the person that buys an Axl thinking it's a VHT won't be able to tell the difference anyway ... ;)

[splatt]

Really, the only person who has to worry is the buyer who doesn't know he has to worry, and ends up buying what he thinks is a VHT but is really an AXL.
Fryette Amplification
(as well as their friends & supporters)
seem to be doing everything possible
in order to let people know about these changes.
information is available on the web,
press releases continue to be sent out
(internet forums & widely-available magazines, etc),
and.....
..... the major distributors will necessarily
educate their customers accordingly.
it's important to note that
AXL will not manufacture nor sell any
amp-models that were previously known as VHT products.
just sayin'!
dt / spltrcl

[b2sc]

I'll throw this out there since reading 8 pages there was no mention...

VHT=Vacuum Hybrid Technologies

I was one of the first 40/5 purchasers and had a lot of early VHT literature. I can probably find it somewhere..

[stephen sawall]

Wow - now that I see it - it's coming back from 20 years ago when I first heard of VHT.:jo

[keith_t4e]

did they recently change the Deliverance???

[Greazygeo]

did they recently change the Deliverance???Yes.

[JWK]

How did it change?

[Greazygeo]

How did it change?Steve tweaked it a bit, so its more juicy, tad more aggressive with more punch. It's not night and day like a totally different amp.....

[HeyMrTeleMan]

Tough branding move, IMO...

That's what I said about Datsun. I swore it would NEVER work and was a bad idea. I still don't like Nissan (they both seem the same to me), but, hey, if it works for them...

Good luck to Fryette. I hope it works.

[Dajbro]

He'll continue to make great sounding amps no matter what he chooses to call them. Something tells me that he will come out of this just fine.

David

[macmax77]

>>Me, too, but the fact is that names do matter for marketing purposes. That is why businesses usually put a great deal of thought into them.<<

And often overthink them, much to their dismay.

Think about the name "BMW" since you mentioned it. Now, I happen to have raced a few, and I have a lot of respect for their product, but the name has "BM" in it, which a lot of people associate with Bowel Movements.



my God..........

Bayerische Motoren Werke which means Bavarian Motor Works....

[wsaraceni]

i wonder what AXL gets from the deal. Is VHT the name that valuable without the designs? kinda like baker and B3. you dont hear too many people looking for the new Bakers.

[celestion101]

Stevie is an amazing amp builder and a great guy to boot, I'm sure he will do well. I also know Justin and the guys at AXL, also good people. Justin is not known as a designer yet but he will have a name in this business someday as he is quite talented. The last time I sat with Billy Gibbons, his first question was "how have you been Rick?", and his second question was "you know Justin from AXL correct? Please have him call me because I've heard his amps and was blown away!". Not a bad enorsement!

I really think us players are the winners here...Stevie will continue with his good work, and AXL has a whole new line of VHT labeled amps coming out...hand wired and built in CA! I will let them issue their own press release, but I wanted to throw out a little info to shed light on the fact that cool things will be coming from both camps and everyone here will benefit from the changes at hand.

[Electric I]

... but I wanted to throw out a little info to shed light on the fact that cool things will be coming from both camps and everyone here will benefit from the changes at hand.

Thx for that.

Looking forward to what both parties have to offer in '09.

[splatt]

Stevie is an amazing amp builder and a great guy to boot, I'm sure he will do well. I also know Justin and the guys at AXL, also good people.
but AXL certainly hasn't shown itself to
include amazing amp designers, yet,
& they're certainly not "great amp builders".
¿right?

Justin is not known as a designer yet but he will have a name in this business someday as he is quite talented.
good for him! i hope you're right!
1) let's see, &
2) wisely, you used the word, "yet".

The last time I sat with Billy Gibbons, his first question was "how have you been Rick?", and his second question was "you know Justin from AXL correct? Please have him call me because I've heard his amps and was blown away!". Not a bad enorsement!
hmmm.
is that an "endorsement"?
wow!
seems utterly like "hearsay", to me,
not that it matters a whit.

I really think us players are the winners here...Stevie will continue with his good work, and AXL has a whole new line of VHT labeled amps coming out...hand wired and built in CA!
dude, please.
"hand wired and built in CA"?
really. that's amazing!,
and surely it absolutely & instantaneously
guarantees or betters
Fryette (née, VHT) design, quality & support!

whatever.

I will let them issue their own press release, but I wanted to throw out a little info to shed light on the fact that cool things will be coming from both camps and everyone here will benefit from the changes at hand.
big of you.
however, please,
let's call a spade a spade, here,
at least as far as product design & build is concerned:

AXL is not,
in any even remotely conceivable way,
an equal to the proven,
influential & actually acclaimed work of steve Fryette,
nor of the former VHT.

neither can these 2 companies
be functionally considered as 2 camps,
tied at the hip, somehow.

Fryette builds great & groundbreaking guitar amps,
played by many kinda picky players:
what does AXL do, again?

i mean no direct disrespect to your buddy, justin;
i hope he builds fantastic amps, someday.
if he's not actually a business partner in AXL, that is.

i simply can't imagine any kind of realistic comparison
between these two utterly different companies,
their approaches, products, histories & provenances;
and,
i must say that i feel that using a Fryette (née VHT) thread
on TGP to stump for such an illusory "equality"
between "camps" is very disappointing, to me.
not enough to stop me from playing my
trustworthy old celestion blues,
but enough to have me reconsider my next round of
speaker purchases.
honestly.

i mean:
gimme a freakin' break, here, rick!
please.

dt / spltrcl

[SgtThump]

but AXL certainly hasn't shown itself to
include amazing amp designers, yet,
& they're certainly not "great amp builders".
¿right?


good for him! i hope you're right!
1) let's see, &
2) wisely, you used the word, "yet".


hmmm.
is that an "endorsement"?
wow!
seems utterly like "hearsay", to me,
not that it matters a whit.


dude, please.
"hand wired and built in CA"?
really. that's amazing!,
and surely it absolutely & instantaneously
guarantees or betters
Fryette (née, VHT) design, quality & support!

whatever.


big of you.
however, please,
let's call a spade a spade, here,
at least as far as product design & build is concerned:

AXL is not,
in any even remotely conceivable way,
an equal to the proven,
influential & actually acclaimed work of steve Fryette,
nor of the former VHT.

neither can these 2 companies
be functionally considered as 2 camps,
tied at the hip, somehow.

Fryette builds great & groundbreaking guitar amps,
played by many kinda picky players:
what does AXL do, again?

i mean no direct disrespect to your buddy, justin;
i hope he builds fantastic amps, someday.
if he's not actually a business partner in AXL, that is.

i simply can't imagine any kind of realistic comparison
between these two utterly different companies,
their approaches, products, histories & provenances;
and,
i must say that i feel that using a Fryette (née VHT) thread
on TGP to stump for such an illusory "equality"
between "camps" is very disappointing, to me.
not enough to stop me from playing my
trustworthy old celestion blues,
but enough to have me reconsider my next round of
speaker purchases.
honestly.

i mean:
gimme a freakin' break, here, rick!
please.

dt / spltrcl

Wow... Just wow. I'm not even sure how to comment on this post.

First of all, I think you're totally reading WAAAAAAAAAY too much into Rick's post. I don't think he said ANYTHING that eludes to the points you're trying to make in your post above. Second, you and a few others come out like clockwork to defend VHT if anyone makes ANY comment that questions a VHT product or business move. I find that a little silly. It seems like NO MATTER WHAT, you guys will do everything in your power to cut down anyone that questions Fryette or VHT.

That may not be how you mean it, but that's definitely how you and others come across online. I've noticed it for years.

Not everyone likes/will like VHT. Just kinda how it works.

PS - I actually love the VHT tone and have owned lots of their amps. I absolutely question their reliability, though.

[celestion101]

You need to chill....I wrote a pretty balanced email and since I know both parties pretty well, I'm in a decent position to do so. I did not see a problem throwing out what AXL was doing. You're obviously a bit hurt and over sensitive because I never said ANYTHING about one being better than the next, etc. And 'whatever' on the hearsay comment, but it was said by Billy to me, so that is you calling me a liar in my book. Speaker wise, do what you need to do. I do not hang here to bait customers...I hang here because I gig a few nights per week and love talking gear. If you have any questions, feel free to call me because I'm not going to do this here.

Peace,
Rick

[celestion101]

Wow... Just wow. I'm not even sure how to comment on this post.


I could think of all kinds of ways to comment, but I cant! :D Butt hurt sums it up.

[Lution]

:munch

Rick, classy answer, man.

somebody didn't have their morning rabies shot. j/k :)

[daddyo]

I'll get flamed I'm sure but - is it my distorted impressions or is a big portion of the action on TGP marketing? I've seen so many of these wars break out between dudes just "sayin a word for a buddy's little comapny." Pretty soon lines are drawn and folks choose sides and the thread gets nuked. And yet almost all of the products being touted are excellant.

[SgtThump]

I'll get flamed I'm sure but - is it my distorted impressions or is a big portion of the action on TGP marketing? I've seen so many of these wars break out between dudes just "sayin a word for a buddy's little comapny." Pretty soon lines are drawn and folks choose sides and the thread gets nuked. And yet almost all of the products being touted are excellant.

Many people seem to "blindly" support products or brands without being open to the idea that others disagree with their opinions. It's silly if you ask me.

[SgtThump]

I could think of all kinds of ways to comment, but I cant! :D Butt hurt sums it up.

LOL! I hear ya. I went back and edited my post to reflect what's on my mind. Hopefully I don't come across as personally attacking anyone, because that's not what I mean.

[splatt]

You need to chill....
i'm fine, thanks!



I did not see a problem throwing out what AXL was doing. You're obviously a bit hurt and over sensitive because I never said ANYTHING about one being better than the next, etc.
i don't see a problem throwing out what AXL is
doing, either.
nor did i say that you were claiming one is
necessarily "better" than the other;
my reaction is to your moot "equalising"
of the 2 parties..... which i feel is
more than a little unrealistic & unfair,
esp. coming from a dude with your sig-line
and its associations to consumers, here.

And 'whatever' on the hearsay comment, but it was said by Billy to me, so that is you calling me a liar in my book.
absolutely NOT calling you a "liar", rick:
in no way, at all.
i was responding to your use of the word "endorsement",
which seemed very inappropriate, to me.

Speaker wise, do what you need to do. I do not hang here to bait customers...
of course; i know that,
and have always respected you for your
very direct & honest posts in this regard.

i simply think it's wrongminded & misleading
to draw associations between AXL/vht & vht/Fryette
due to AXL's new (& apprently) much-desired ownership
of the vht brand-name.
would you please consider that,
whether you're aware of how this all "went down",
or not?

dt / spltrcl

[splatt]

you guys love to see strong disagreement
as "flame-wars".

i really don't think everybody needs to love VHT.
i don't care about that.
dig what you dig!
play whatever ya want!
go hate fryette's amps!
go love them!
it's all good! or, at least:
i certainly don't care, in any case.

i don't believe i was "reading" anything substantial into
rick's post.

my morning breakfast was fine,
and my blood-pressure remains steady & healthy.

am i sane?
nah; i make no claims, there.

but..... i'll stand by what i've said here.

dt / spltrcl

[Josh Fiden]

Stevie is an amazing amp builder and a great guy to boot, I'm sure he will do well. I also know Justin and the guys at AXL, also good people. Justin is not known as a designer yet but he will have a name in this business someday as he is quite talented. The last time I sat with Billy Gibbons, his first question was "how have you been Rick?", and his second question was "you know Justin from AXL correct? Please have him call me because I've heard his amps and was blown away!". Not a bad enorsement!

I really think us players are the winners here...Stevie will continue with his good work, and AXL has a whole new line of VHT labeled amps coming out...hand wired and built in CA! I will let them issue their own press release, but I wanted to throw out a little info to shed light on the fact that cool things will be coming from both camps and everyone here will benefit from the changes at hand.

The problem here is in understanding AXL's motivation to brand amps as VHT. If they build a great amp, it will stand on its own. It is obvious that labeling products with the VHT badge will result in deceiving those customers who don't know that VHT isn't VHT anymore. Some people will find fault with that.

Regards,

Josh Fiden
Founder / CEO
www.voodoolab.com (http://www.voodoolab.com)

[splatt]

Many people seem to "blindly" support products or brands without being open to the idea that others disagree with their opinions. It's silly if you ask me.
i'm not blind.
dt / spltrcl

[SgtThump]

i'm not blind.
dt / spltrcl

I believe ya, but some of the posts from you and others make you look like it. Especially, your post to Rick in this thread.

[rwe333]

I believe ya, but some of the posts from you and others make you look like it. Especially, your post to Rick in this thread.

Re-read (without the axe to grind).

[Fezziwig]

Well, this type of thing is fairly common, especially during tough economic times. I'm just guessing, but AXL probably has used VHT on something they've sold that likely pre-dates the VHT brand we know and love. So, they see the possibility to force Steve to cease using the mark, presumably with the hope to capture some market interest. I'm sure Steve doesn't want to pay several hundred thousand in legal bills in an effort to keep the name, especially if AXL did have some early use of the VHT mark that would make the case more difficult.

I note that a poster earlier in the thread thought that Steve was being less than honest, but that is not really true -- the rights to the name were likely sold as part of a settlement, and the settlement may very well be confidential. Of course, I'm just guessing, but the main thing we need to keep in mind is that in all likelihood there is no "bad guy" here, and trademark cases are often commenced against people who were innocently using a mark and didn't realize that someone else was using it in connection with a related good or service. Typically, it's hardest on the defendant who essentially gets forced off the mark because he or she doesn't want to pay the exorbitant legal fees.

[ericb]

I believe ya, but some of the posts from you and others make you look like it. Especially, your post to Rick in this thread.


Chris, I"m totally with you on this. David , with all respect, when you , Matte, and Wayne 'defend' , 'endorse' , 'interpret' or whatever happens each time there are curious or semi-opposing posts about VHT , it doesn't look right to many of us , myself and Thump at least. I'm totally with him and have noticed this for a long time. I'm really glad you love the amps , and like Steve F as a person so much , as that's great, and life's about finding that kind of stuff.. . BUT there are many different views on each topic and you surely know that. As for what happened with the "Trademark Infringement " lawsuit ,and the sale of the company ,etc, Steve could post that , or AXL could post that if they felt people should know, but unless they've appointed you guys as spokespeople, it just doesn't look right. . My point of view, and I've been meaning to post this since the 1st day , but Chris basically posted what I was going to say.

Carry on as you guys will. I like VHT's a lot by the way. (And p.s used to love the Dickies, and I heard Steve was a guitarist in that band)

Eric

[SgtThump]

Re-read (without the axe to grind).

I don't have an axe to grind with anyone and no matter how many times I read it, I still have the opinion I outlined above.

[rwe333]

Chris, I"m totally with you on this. David , with all respect, when you , Matte, and Wayne 'defend' , 'endorse' , 'interpret' or whatever happens each time there are curious or semi-opposing posts about VHT , it doesn't look right to many of us , myself and Thump at least. I'm totally with him and have noticed this for a long time. I'm really glad you love the amps , and like Steve F as a person so much , as that's great, and life's about finding that kind of stuff.. . BUT there are many different views on each topic and you surely know that. As for what happened with the "Trademark Infringement " lawsuit ,and the sale of the company ,etc, Steve could post that , or AXL could post that if they felt people should know, but unless they've appointed you guys as spokespeople, it just doesn't look right. . My point of view, and I've been meaning to post this since the 1st day , but Chris basically posted what I was going to say.

Carry on as you guys will. I like VHT's a lot by the way. (And p.s used to love the Dickies, and I heard Steve was a guitarist in that band)

Eric

I won't attempt to speak for David or Matte, but perhaps consider that they might know a bit more about the trademark case than most...
Also respect that they are close w/ Steve and actually use the products and feel strongly about them (perhaps even having a hand in some designs and/or testing).

As for me, I use lots of stuff, but do my best to support those companies that support my work. And, yes, I do consider some of these people friends... Doesn't mean I'm not being honest in my assessments/reviews. Opinions do vary, of course.

[ericb]

I won't attempt for David or Matte, but perhaps consider that they might know a bit more about the trademark case than most...
Also respect that they are close w/ Steve and actually use the products (perhaps even having a hand in some designs and/or testing).

As for me, I use lots of stuff, but do my best to support those companies that support my work. And, yes, I do consider some of these people friends... Doesn't mean I'm not being honest in my assessments/reviews. Opinions do vary, of course.

Many of us like VHT and many other brands also . Nothing wrong with that, and the same for those guys. BUT I've just seen too many posts that appear extremely 'defensive' on VHT's behalf. "Defensive" to me is associated with a negative connotation. IF they know more about the trademark case, someone should either post what the deal is, OR probably not hint at it, as once again it brings up 'defensive' connotations/associations to me.. I've noticed Sgt Thump's posts (Chris's) for awhile too , and I've felt the same way , so I'm assuming others must. .

Regardless I enjoy this forum a lot, and each of you guys is a freaking excellent guitarist with unique styles and I respect that a lot. Just adding some input on the way things have appeared to me.

Happy New Year 2 U

ERIC

[rwe333]

I don't have an axe to grind with anyone and no matter how many times I read it, I still have the opinion I outlined above.

Perhaps I'm making a mistake in UserIDs, but I seem to recall you often go out of your way to take exception to splatt... Correct me if I'm wrong... Hey, I don't agree w/ everyone all the time by any means, but I try to consider opinions... YMMV, IMHO, etc...

[hcole]

Well, this type of thing is fairly common, especially during tough economic times. I'm just guessing, but AXL probably has used VHT on something they've sold that likely pre-dates the VHT brand we know and love. So, they see the possibility to force Steve to cease using the mark, presumably with the hope to capture some market interest. I'm sure Steve doesn't want to pay several hundred thousand in legal bills in an effort to keep the name, especially if AXL did have some early use of the VHT mark that would make the case more difficult.

I note that a poster earlier in the thread thought that Steve was being less than honest, but that is not really true -- the rights to the name were likely sold as part of a settlement, and the settlement may very well be confidential. Of course, I'm just guessing, but the main thing we need to keep in mind is that in all likelihood there is no "bad guy" here, and trademark cases are often commenced against people who were innocently using a mark and didn't realize that someone else was using it in connection with a related good or service. Typically, it's hardest on the defendant who essentially gets forced off the mark because he or she doesn't want to pay the exorbitant legal fees.

I read somewhere that Steve forgot to renew the trademark/copyright on the VHT logo and AXL bought it when it expired. Then they sued him for using the name that they now own. Instead of spending the dollars to fight it in the courts he chose to rebrand his products. Sounds plausible to me.

[SgtThump]

Perhaps I'm making a mistake in UserIDs, but I seem to recall you often go out of your way to take exception to splatt... Correct me if I'm wrong... Hey, I don't agree w/ everyone all the time by any means, but I try to consider opinions... YMMV, IMHO, etc...

Nah, that's not me.

I think alot of folks online should try to consider the opinions of other people. That doesn't seem to happen alot, which can be annoying.

[ericb]

I read somewhere that Steve forgot to renew the trademark/copyright on the VHT logo and AXL bought it when it expired. Then they sued him for using the name that they now own. Instead of spending the dollars to fight it in the courts he chose to rebrand his products. Sounds plausible to me.

Where'd you read it? That's awful of AXL if that's true!!!

Eric

[SgtThump]

I read somewhere that Steve forgot to renew the trademark/copyright on the VHT logo and AXL bought it when it expired. Then they sued him for using the name that they now own. Instead of spending the dollars to fight it in the courts he chose to rebrand his products. Sounds plausible to me.

That's the most reasonable explanation I've heard yet for the name change. Thanks for the info. I bet that's exactly what happened.

[stratzrus]

The problem here is in understanding AXL's motivation to brand amps as VHT. If they build a great amp, it will stand on its own. It is obvious that labeling products with the VHT badge will result in deceiving those customers who don't know that VHT isn't VHT anymore. Some people will find fault with that.
There's no getting around that.

At this point we have no idea what the new VHT amps will be like, but it seems unlikely that they will be comparable to the ones built by Fryette.

What is clear is that this is a marketing move by AXL. Whether the new VHT will prove to be a quality company or not is only something that we'll know in time.

At this point I don't know if any of us knows what kinds of amp AXL plans to build or what quality of components will be used, but the reputation of Fryette's amps is well established and has commercial value...that's why AXL wants to use the VHT name. Many people will check out the new amps just because they say VHT on them.

[rwe333]

Many of us like VHT and many other brands also . Nothing wrong with that, and the same for those guys. BUT I've just seen too many posts that appear extremely 'defensive' on VHT's behalf. "Defensive" to me is associated with a negative connotation. IF they know more about the trademark case, someone should either post what the deal is, OR probably not hint at it, as once again it brings up 'defensive' connotations/associations to me.. I've noticed Sgt Thump's posts (Chris's) for awhile too , and I've felt the same way , so I'm assuming others must. .

Regardless I enjoy this forum a lot, and each of you guys is a freaking excellent guitarist with unique styles and I respect that a lot. Just adding some input on the way things have appeared to me.

Happy New Year 2 U

ERIC

Happy New Year to you and thanks for the considerate reply.

Steve isn't on TGP - perhaps some of his friends come to the 'defense' (for lack of a better word) simply to add some clarification in his absence.
I do see how too many "yeah Fryette" comments can be seen as OTT. But I do see it as honest enthusiasm - these are not investors or partners, they pay for their gear.

[rwe333]

Nah, that's not me.

I think alot of folks online should try to consider the opinions of other people. That doesn't seem to happen alot, which can be annoying.

Sorry then...
I certainly respect your opinion, even if we do disagree.

That's the most reasonable explanation I've heard yet for the name change. Thanks for the info. I bet that's exactly what happened.

Though still conjecture. There are folks in this thread (not me) who know significantly more about the situation. If they're not commenting further, there's reason...

[SgtThump]

Sorry then...
I certainly respect your opinion, even if we do disagree.

Thanks! Same here...

[SgtThump]

Though still conjecture. There are folks in this thread (not me) who know significantly more about the situation. If they're not commenting further, there's reason...

Conjecture, yes. But as I said, it's the most reasonable explanation I've heard yet.

[ericb]

Conjecture, yes. But as I said, it's the most reasonable explanation I've heard yet.

It's about the ONLY explanation any of us has heard. Total conjecture though!!! Of course there was the "abducted by aliens that surfaced on a LIne6 POD " explanation but obviously that one had no merit .

:roll

Eric

[ericb]

Conjecture, yes. But as I said, it's the most reasonable explanation I've heard yet.

Total conjecture for sure, but it's about the ONLY explanation I've read.. Of course there was that post about the POD full of aliens picking up Stevie F and abducting him , and the POD was sent by LIne6 in an effort to make him work for them.. . And then there was the one about Cliff Chase from Fractal , actually cloning Stevie Fryette since Stevie wouldn't fork over any of his amps for Fractal to model.. but this one is the most believable

Ok, I just made up the other 2 , but they're not that farfetched!
:roll:Spank

Eric

[ericb]

what any of (you(in both the singular and plural, chris, etc.) think of me is none of my business. while you are speculating about intention on a bbs, some of us actually using the tools (and working directly with manufacturers in question) discussed in the service of actual work as musicians.

as far what does or doesn't look right to many(safety in numbers generally shows a lack of confidence in one's singular perspective)/ you? again, none of my business, concern etc.

AGREED on every point.. BUT sometimes if something doesn't look right to me , I talk about it , instead of just letting it go . I did that here. I don't know Thump/Chris, but I do know we have a few things in common about speaking our minds. . I have a few things in common with you too , i.e. loving music. We're all different and we'll all never agree on everything

:AOK

Eric

[SgtThump]

what any of (you(in both the singular and plural, chris, etc.) think of me is none of my business. while you are speculating about intention on a bbs, some of us actually using the tools (and working directly with manufacturers in question) discussed in the service of actual work as musicians.

as far what does or doesn't look right to many(safety in numbers generally shows a lack of confidence in one's singular perspective)/ you? again, none of my business, concern etc.

So in that one short post, you insinuated this:

- People with different opinions spend their time speculating on a bbs, instead of actually playing music like "real musicians"
- They also group together, because they lack confidence to have their own opinion

I mean, how can anyone NOT interpret that post as disrespectful to people with opinions that are different than yours? lol

[matte]

AGREED on every point.. BUT sometimes if something doesn't look right to me , I talk about it , instead of just letting it go . I did that here. I don't know Thump/Chris, but I do know we have a few things in common about speaking our minds. . I have a few things in common with you too , i.e. loving music. We're all different and we'll all never agree on everything

:AOK

Eric
how about this? some people know. others speculate. when the facts of this situation finally see the light of day, we can then have a valuable discussion about the subject @ hand.

[ericb]

how about this? some people know. others speculate. when the facts of this situation finally see the light of day, we can then have a valuable discussion about the subject @ hand.


Well ,why does whoever that knows ,keep insinuating they know but just let everyone else speculate? Is that a game for them ? Otherwise, why insinuate they know without telling? REGARDLESS, that's personal business for AXL and FRYETTE and not us. I just care about the gear , unless they were my friends.. Carry on you guys.

Eric

[matte]

So in that one short post, you insinuated this:

- People with different opinions spend their time speculating on a bbs, instead of actually playing music like "real musicians"
- They also group together, because they lack confidence to have their own opinion

I mean, how can anyone NOT interpret that post as disrespectful to people with opinions that are different than yours? lol i didn't insinuate anything. :) you simply interpreted my post to suit your own needs/perspective.

the debil can quote scripture for his own purposes.

[SgtThump]

how about this? some people know. others speculate. when the facts of this situation finally see the light of day, we can then have a valuable discussion about the subject @ hand.

In my opinion, the people that KNOW the facts should understand that other's don't.

So here's how I see this morning... Rick made a positive comment about AXL. Splatt, who apparently knows the factsof the lawsuit and dislikes AXL jumps down Rick's throat for saying something positive about AXL.

If Rick didn't know the details about the lawsuit, why jump down his throat about this?

I don't know Rick for anything, but as I said above, the "VHT defender" bit is getting old to me. But hey, it's a free world.

[SgtThump]

i didn't insinuate anything. :) you simply interpreted my post to suit your own needs/perspective.

the debil can quote scripture for his own purposes.

Okay. You win. I've already spent too much time on this. Maybe we can discuss this in person over a beer someday. I'm sure the conversation would go much differently.

[celestion101]

Hi Guys,
First off...I am not 'mad' at anyone and consider everyone here good people..whether we agree or not. That's why I hang on this forum. I do know the facts of what went down and will not share them...it's not my place. Nobody has it quite right here, but it doesn't matter. We're guitar players, not business consultants nor referees and therefore I could give a rats hiney about anything other than the tone. I was simply trying to let people know that we can expect cool stuff from both camps...nothing more, nothing less. I dig Stevie's amps, always have. I have played a Sig X at several gigs....great stuff for sure. Justin is good people too. I only mentioned Billy Gibbons because it was a funny story and frankly it blew me away when it happend. He likes Justin's work...and has hundreds of other amps...I know, no big. All love, no harm. Plug-n-play and enjoy the day!

Cheers,
Rick

[matte]

Okay. You win. I've already spent too much time on this.
nothing to win/lose here. i don't see this as a contest.

i've known stevie since the first days of vht and i hold him in the highest regard (as both a brilliant amp designer/builder and human). i know of one highly regarded retail spot that carries his product that has, in the past, expressed their disappointment that stevie's amps were not more expensive, as they could make more $$$.



Maybe we can discuss this in person over a beer someday. I'm sure the conversation would go much differently.i don't drink beer but that wouldn't be a deterrent to spirited conversation.

[lionscut]

Wow...

First of all, I think you're totally reading WAAAAAAAAAY too much into Rick's
PS - I actually love the VHT tone and have owned lots of their amps. I absolutely question their reliability, though.

i can tell you first hand... they are road reliable! my vht's fired up every night on tour, whether in road cases or not.. and i have quite a few friends who can say the same about their vhts!

happy new year!!
at

[SgtThump]

i can tell you first hand... they are road reliable! my vht's fired up every night on tour, whether in road cases or not.. and i have quite a few friends who can say the same about their vhts!

happy new year!!
at

Gotcha! They definitely work out well for alot of folks. But not everyone has that same experience, ya know?

[matte]

the only issue i ever had with any of my vhts was a fried screen resistor in an old pb 45 (my fault). stevie sent me the parts and walked me through it in about 4 minutes.

[theinteriorleag]

To help clear some conjecture, I downloaded the complaint from AXL v. VHT. There are more filings, but my curiousity can't justify paying to see more. Nonetheless, if anyone wants to see the entire complaint, I can send it to you, but here is the gist of what AXL is claiming (I haven't looked at VHT's response):

"In exchange for a loan in the amount of $150,000 from AXL, which VHT has not repaid, VHT agreed, inter alia, to a contingent assignment of the VHT AMPLIFICATION and VHT trademarks and the goodwill appertaining thereto. On May 7, 2008, the contingent assignment becam an actual assignment when VHT defualted on the loan. AXL subsequently recorded its ownership of the VHT AMPLIFICATION trademark and the goodwill appertaining thereto by filing the assignment in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Despite AXL's repeated demands that VHT cease using the VHT AMPLIFICATION and VHT trademarks and transfer all the goodwill in the trademarks, VHT continues to use the VHT AMPLIFICATION and VHT trademarks. Upon information and belief, VHT's continued use of the VHT AMPLIFICATION and VHT trademarks constitues trademark infringement and unfair competition in violation of laws of the United States and the State of California...."

[theinteriorleag]

damn me, but I went ahead and downloaded VHT's motion to dismiss, which included a copy of the loan agreement. VHT disputes what rights AXL has to the VHT trademark.

By the way, I have no stake in this, nor is it my intent to harm either party. Since the court filings are made public, I just wanted to help clarify what is/was going down, b/c I was damn curious as to what was going on too. I haven't looked at the other filings...yet.

[wsaraceni]

where do you search for the court filings? i actually had a few other stuff i wanted to look up not about VHT and AXL but never got around to it.

[Lution]

hmm. wow. pretty interesting info. thanks for posting.

[LesPaulMan]

I have no stake in this, nor is it my intent to harm either party. Since the court filings are made public, I just wanted to help clarify what is/was going down, b/c I was damn curious as to what was going on too. I haven't looked at the other filings...yet.

Thanks for the info.

Old VHT's are cool, FRYETTE's new amps should be killer. Time will tell on the newer VHT's.

Oh, and I'm still sticking with my old Marshalls. :dude

[splatt]

damn me, but I went ahead and downloaded VHT's motion to dismiss, which included a copy of the loan agreement. VHT disputes what rights AXL has to the VHT trademark.

By the way, I have no stake in this, nor is it my intent to harm either party. Since the court filings are made public, I just wanted to help clarify what is/was going down, b/c I was damn curious as to what was going on too. I haven't looked at the other filings...yet.
the results are clear, in any case,
as was noted early on in this very thread.

AXL (http://www.axlguitars.com/)
--- linked here, for your reference ---
owns the VHT brand-name,
while
Fryette Designs (http://www.vhtamp.com/) maintains ownership & control
of all of the pre-existing VHT designs, patent(s), plant, tools, inventory, to date & in future, etc.
as far as i can tell.

dt / spltrcl

[SgtThump]

the results are clear, in any case,
as was noted early on in this very thread.

AXL (http://www.axlguitars.com/)
--- linked here, for your reference ---
owns the VHT brand-name,
while
Fryette Designs (http://www.vhtamp.com/) maintains ownership & control
of all of the pre-existing VHT designs, patent(s), plant, tools, inventory, to date & in future, etc.
as far as i can tell.

dt / spltrcl

Hey "splatt" and "matte", Sorry about being an ass earlier. I think I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I apologize. :dunno

[splatt]

Many of us like VHT and many other brands also . Nothing wrong with that, and the same for those guys. BUT I've just seen too many posts that appear extremely 'defensive' on VHT's behalf. "Defensive" to me is associated with a negative connotation. IF they know more about the trademark case, someone should either post what the deal is, OR probably not hint at it, as once again it brings up 'defensive' connotations/associations to me.. I've noticed Sgt Thump's posts (Chris's) for awhile too , and I've felt the same way , so I'm assuming others must. .


i've posted the clear results of the "dispute",
already,
here and elsewhere.

there's no "defense", per sé, eric,
other than that born of the
normal excitement
& natural protectiveness that goes along with support
for someone/something for whom & which i have
developed great respect.

no "defense" is necessary,
and neither is it my place to know nor
to publicly announce
the full details of someone else's business;
this ain't watergate, yo!, is it?
i don't think so, myself.

i am an endorser of Fryette Amps;
this is not a secret.

but:
i only endorse musical products which i fully believe
are very, very "right" for me.....
which decisions must necessarily include
for my perception & ethical acceptance of the ways by which
the owners/builders of the endorsed products
conduct their business.

i have no financial stake in fryette amps;
i am not paid to endorse these amps.
i came to them, naturally:
i bought my amps,
as i don't like feeling beholden to anyone
out of the momentary loyalties that can arise
from usually fleeting G.A.S. "pains".

there's no remuneration, at all, for me,
other than the standard
"professional consideration"-prices
& the use of loaner-amps,
when more amps are needed in unusual places & situations.
and, that my small comments on the designs are
requested, and heard.

what y'all saw as my "defensiveness" with rick was,
i would hope,
still rooted in somewhat reasonable thinking,
based on what was said, who said it,
and the way it came across..... to me, and maybe some others.

i wanted it to be clear that, imho,
AXL's record & history, to date,
is not in any way equal to that of Fryette/VHT.
it just isn't so,
regardless of what i do or
don't think or know about their actions & behavior.

i'm really sorry if the intensity of my
communication-"skills" (or, lack thereof)
offends anyone;
this must, i guess, be one of my many flaws.

as i've repeated over & over & over, again, here:
i don't at all care if you don't like the
products that are good for me.
i never believe that my choices are the "best"
for anyone but me..... and,
i am completely capable of
making multiple choices, so.

dt / spltrcl

[splatt]

Hey "splatt", Sorry about being an ass earlier. I think I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I apologize. :dunno
no worries, thump!
dt / spltrcl

[matte]

no worries, thump!
dt / spltrcl
same. :)

[SgtThump]

same. :)

BTW, I changed my post to say "splatt" AND "matte" as he was replying! :o

[stephen sawall]

Whats the best way to get a Fryette name plate for my Sig X?

Easier to read and I just think it looks cooler.

[rwe333]

Whats the best way to get a Fryette name plate for my Sig X?

Easier to read and I just think it looks cooler.

Perhaps start here: http://www.sfdamp.com/

[Fezziwig]

I read somewhere that Steve forgot to renew the trademark/copyright on the VHT logo and AXL bought it when it expired. Then they sued him for using the name that they now own. Instead of spending the dollars to fight it in the courts he chose to rebrand his products. Sounds plausible to me.

Yep, that's quite possible too, although Steve's earlier use would still make it difficult for AXL to market any amps with the VHT logo (although any settlement would set forth the ground rules). In any case, it usually comes down to one side not wanting to have to pay exorbitant legal costs.

[splatt]

Yep, that's quite possible too.....
indeed,
that may have been possible,
but did not occur.

dt / spltrcl

[frank marino]

I'll Take a Fryette name plate as well before axl starts putting ferarri logos on ford escorts. Oh the humanity! LOL

[6AM]

I'm I the only one who thinks it might be a good thing for Steve?

VHT is an amp brand that was instantly polarizing to a lot of guitar players based on old designs and a lot of people didn't give his newer designs a chance because of it. This will give him somewhat of a clean slate.

[splatt]

I'm I the only one who thinks it might be a good thing for Steve?

VHT is an amp brand that was instantly polarizing to a lot of guitar players based on old designs and a lot of people didn't give his newer designs a chance because of it. This will give him somewhat of a clean slate.
yeah, i feel & have said something similar;
this may be a great day for that particular dude!
dt / spltrcl

[theinteriorleag]

no "defense" is necessary,
and neither is it my place to know nor
to publicly announce
the full details of someone else's business;
this ain't watergate, yo!, is it?
i don't think so, myself.


just in case this comment is directed at me...as I said, I've no stake other than curiousity. I had a Sig:x and it wasn't for me. I have a fatbottom cab and love it! Since the information I posted is publicly available, I have no qualms with posting it, since it would foreseeably facilitate a healthier debate rather than speculation. Cheers.

[theinteriorleag]

where do you search for the court filings? i actually had a few other stuff i wanted to look up not about VHT and AXL but never got around to it.

Depends on the court. Some don't have their filings online, but a lot use Pacer or some equivalent. Feel free to PM me...I'll help you find where to get the info.

[matte]

I had a Sig:x and it wasn't for me.

why wasn't it for you? it doesn't need to be. just curious what you couldn't make it do.

i've had my sig x for over a year now and it's my go to amp. i have a constant parade of gear coming through my studio and nothing has unseated my sig x, as far as range of tones, feel, response, etc.

i'm still discovering new sounds with this amp. brilliant.

[AnthonyL]

Matte,

For the higher gain stuff, how does it compare to the Uber?


why wasn't it for you? it doesn't need to be. just curious what you couldn't make it do.

i've had my sig x for over a year now and it's my go to amp. i have a constant parade of gear coming through my studio and nothing has unseated my sig x, as far as range of tones, feel, response, etc.

i'm still discovering new sounds with this amp. brilliant.

[lionscut]

Gotcha! They definitely work out well for alot of folks. But not everyone has that same experience, ya know?

i do agree! but there are circumstances which lead to issues... as in people messing with things they shouldn't! just my findings..

happy happy joy joy!!
at

[splatt]

just in case this comment is directed at me...as I said, I've no stake other than curiousity. I had a Sig:x and it wasn't for me. I have a fatbottom cab and love it! Since the information I posted is publicly available, I have no qualms with posting it, since it would foreseeably facilitate a healthier debate rather than speculation. Cheers.
no, my comments weren't directed towards you.
and, i respect that your choices are always your own:
no disrespect, here!
you're the one who plays your instruments, after all!

to be fair about the partially-posted filing:
even fully reading the
packet of filings can, in fact,
lead to more wild speculation.....
since the events, in precis, are not what is documented,
only which pathway to which "desired"-conclusion
the 2 parties-in-question decided to publicly take.

and, it's all kinda moot (imo), curiosities notwithstanding:
there has been a result,
a settlement out of court;
these results are clear, & known.

dt / spltrcl

[theinteriorleag]

Splatt,

Cool. I know posting just some of the filings could be dangerous, but I was only hoping to get at why this whole thing started, not the resolution, which is why I posted my caveats about not looking at everything and stating what AXL was "claiming." I remember reading another thread a short while back about some changes happening at VHT, so I just got curious, b/c some of the posters said a new product coming out by VHT, wasn't a Fryette design. I'm less interested in their personal business than understanding who is producing what. cheers!

[theinteriorleag]

why wasn't it for you? it doesn't need to be. just curious what you couldn't make it do.

i've had my sig x for over a year now and it's my go to amp. i have a constant parade of gear coming through my studio and nothing has unseated my sig x, as far as range of tones, feel, response, etc.

i'm still discovering new sounds with this amp. brilliant.


Had I had the fatbottom at the time, I might've liked the Sig x better. I just wasn't getting the bass response I had hoped for. I don't know if the amp is capable of what I wanted, but I bet that cab would've helped. At the time I was obsessed with getting a graphic eq amp to pull off a V-4 tone, yet be able to cop some other sounds, so I had eye'd the UL, but everything I had read led me to try the Sig. It was a nice amp, but it wasn't getting the sound I was after, and for the money, I ended up getting a few cheaper amps that cover my bases, unfortunately though, it isn't all in one head.

[stratzrus]

AXL (http://www.axlguitars.com/)
--- linked here, for your reference ---
owns the VHT brand-nameThanks for posting that.

I checked out their site, and think that AXL would be doing a disservice to all parties concerned (most particularly consumers who may be unaware of the legal issues and resolution) if they start putting the VHT name on their amps.

If they do plan to manufacture quality amps, I can't see how it will help them to be known as a company that seized another company's name as a result of a legal proceeding then encouraged unsuspecting fans of VHT amps to buy a very different product.

Just my $.02

[splatt]

Cool. I know posting just some of the filings could be dangerous, but I was only hoping to get at why this whole thing started, not the resolution, which is why I posted my caveats about not looking at everything and stating what AXL was "claiming."
dig ya; understood!

I remember reading another thread a short while back about some changes happening at VHT, so I just got curious, b/c some of the posters said a new product coming out by VHT, wasn't a Fryette design. I'm less interested in their personal business than understanding who is producing what.
yeah, cool:
at least it's clear, now, that those amps you mention
--- the very one that were demo'ed at the LA Amp show ---
were designed & built by AXL,
not by herr fryette.
dt / spltrcl

[fetishfrog]

Seems like the situation ended up as good as one could hope given how these things can potentially turn out. I'm glad Steve will be moving forward with new designs and I am glad he's supporting all existing designs. Good stuff.

[Jarrett]

VHT is an amp brand that was instantly polarizing to a lot of guitar players based on old designs and a lot of people didn't give his newer designs a chance because of it. This will give him somewhat of a clean slate.

Yeah, I can see this. I like to think I am fairly open minded about amps and their capabilities and I have to admit that when I bought my first VHT (SigX) that I thought that I might plug into it and it just sound like a Framus Dragon or a Bogner Uberschal or something along those lines since the name VHT seems to be tied to that type of sound.

Of course I quickly came to find that the amp is much more than that, but that's what was tied to the name "VHT" in my mind. I can see how switching the name plate could free Fryette up to go in several different directions without that potential stigma.

[Jarrett]

The old VHT site is officially gone. Kinda sad, there was a lot of good info there. Including the SigX manual... I DL'ed the manual if anyone needs a copy.

[rwe333]

Think you can still d'l manuals, etc. here: http://vhtusers.com

[stephen sawall]

I belive the new site well have most of what the old one had when done.

[kent]

i have a new sig x the build date is 11/08 and i'm getting that really loud pop from going from clean to channel 2 or 3 any body else dealing with this, also if the channels are mixed from 40 to 100 watts the volume fades in when channel switching, surprised this wasn't ironed out before distribution?

[DonW]

i have a new sig x the build date is 11/08 and i'm getting that really loud pop from going from clean to channel 2 or 3 any body else dealing with this, also if the channels are mixed from 40 to 100 watts the volume fades in when channel switching, surprised this wasn't ironed out before distribution?

Don't hesitate to call Fryette Amplification to get it squared away. Anytime I've had an issue I called and it was arranged for the amp to be returned for service. On top of that the turnaround time was quick and Steve never charged me for the work.

[Jarrett]

i have a new sig x the build date is 11/08 and i'm getting that really loud pop from going from clean to channel 2 or 3 any body else dealing with this, also if the channels are mixed from 40 to 100 watts the volume fades in when channel switching, surprised this wasn't ironed out before distribution?

I'm not having either of those issues with my SigX, but I don't know what the build date is on mine. How do you tell?

[kent]

I'm not having either of those issues with my SigX, but I don't know what the build date is on mine. How do you tell?
take a look under the hood

[Catoogie]

There might be more to it than just a friendly name buy out.

That's what I'm hearing on the inside track.

[Jarrett]

take a look under the hood

Ah, I don't really want to know that bad. AS long as this amp sounds as incredible as it does, I don't foresee myself having an urge to pull the chassis. Thanks though.

[kent]

ok its only when the boost is off on the distortion channels that it pops from going to clean to dirty, so if i play clean i need to make sure the boost is on when i go to either of the distortion channels:bkw

[stratzrus]

ok its only when the boost is off on the distortion channels that it pops from going to clean to dirty, so if i play clean i need to make sure the boost is on when i go to either of the distortion channels:bkwEven so you shouldn't have that problem.

Does it happen all the time, or only before it's fully warmed up?

[kent]

it happens all the time, i'm sending it back and going to try another:messedup

[shaneygoo]

lame sounding brand names across the board, vht, fryette, axl

[splatt]

lame sounding brand names across the board, vht, fryette, axl
just for giggles, then, shaneygoo:
what's your brand-name?
is it actually shaneygoo?
dude.
or: dudesse,
as the case may be.
dt / spltrcl

[kent]

i believe i bought a returned amp, no telling how many hands its been through, look forward to the next one

[rwe333]

yeah, i feel & have said something similar;
this may be a great day for that particular dude!
dt / spltrcl

splatt - if by chance you're getting to NAMM, please report back about the Fryette booth (Memphis series, etc.). Not gonna make the trip this year (too much on the go)...

[mude]

splatt - if by chance you're getting to NAMM, please report back about the Fryette booth (Memphis series, etc.). Not gonna make the trip this year (too much on the go)...

Agreed. I am looking forward to hearing about the new stuff.

And come on! I like the "Shaneygoo" brand.

Evan.

[rwe333]

And come on! I like the "Shaneygoo" brand.

I believe they are Iowa-based IT specialists (kudos!), no involvement in amp design/manufacturing/marketing.

[Lution]

I heard it was an offshoot of ShoeGoo.... that stuff that repairs holes in your sneakers... they had some kind of name infringement issues back in the early 90s. had to change their name to ShaneyGoo.

[stratzrus]

I heard it was an offshoot of ShoeGoo...Hey I swear by that stuff (I think it was actually Shoe Goo II).

http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/campingsurvival_2037_41130239

I was hiking in the mountains of Vermont and the sole of my hiking boot became separated from the upper.

If it weren't for Shoe Goo I'd have had cold wet feet and blisters for sure!

[Edmundo]

i have a new sig x the build date is 11/08 and i'm getting that really loud pop from going from clean to channel 2 or 3 any body else dealing with this, also if the channels are mixed from 40 to 100 watts the volume fades in when channel switching, surprised this wasn't ironed out before distribution?Same thing happened with mine; my amp is from the second batch shipped. Right before the amp changes channels, the audio signal is suppossed to get muted. After the channel switch occurs, the audio signal gets brought back up to snuff through the newly selected channel. The problem is in the muting function. VHT should took care of the shipping both ways and fix it for free. After the problem is fixed, you will still hear a very tiny pop if you're playing at bedroom levels. Once you get up past 0.5 on the Masters, it goes away. The problem is the logic chip. I don't know why QC didn't catch this early on. After the fix, though, the amp works great and sounds superb.

[RebelRebel]

lame sounding brand names across the board, vht, fryette, axl


http://www.michaelwagner.com.au/Images/UndysCharacters/cavemen.jpg

"what wrong with amp". "I turn up loud, fryette

[splatt]

And come on! I like the "Shaneygoo" brand.

ok, i admit it:
i think so, too.
it's a little sweetheart of a brand-name.
better than "splatt", anyways, i expect.....
dt / spltrcl

[kent]

got the replacement sig-x, a huge difference, still a slight pop when changing clean to dirty channel when boost is off but very very low and acceptable, and it just sounds much better, the effects loop works better in this one, also got a amp cover this time around, and more pages in the owner's manuall:dunnowhen ordering from big box stores make sure you clarify factory sealed box:BITCH

[VCuomo]

I hope the name change works out for Steve. I recently purchased a Pittbull Super 30 and, man, what a great amp - couldn't be happier!

[1964strat]

Does that make my VHT Sig X a classic ? Maybe someone well tell us what "VHT" stands for ?

"Voluptuous Hound Tramps"

[Agramal]

Bump.

[mude]

"Voluptuous Hound Tramps"



Volume Hastens Tennitus

[Schtomp]

yeah, i know whatya mean.
i have conference calls, booked on monday
with fender, bogner & marshall.....
i'm trying to get them to change
their brand-names to monikers
with more, ya know, pizazz.

bogner should be called:
BeezNeez

fender should be called:
grynder

marshall should be called:
kommanderer

i hope they'll take my advice,
since their futures truly depend on this.

i tried to get fryette to change
VHT to THC;
when we had that conversation,
he was out in the field, hunting rabbits for lunch.....
i heard his crossbow snap pretty loud
a buncha times whilst we chatted ever so amiably,
so's i don't think he really understood what i was saying.
man, those iPhones can be pretty "iffy".
plus, i was drunk off my ass & outta my gourd.
his amps are loud.

dt / spltrcl


This sent my morning coffe flying :AOK

[Robal]

After going to HC and reading that whole thread (which is akin to taking a rubber mallot to your forehead) I found this piece of interesting info:

http://dockets.justia.com/docket/court-candce/case_no-3:2008cv03947/case_id-206398/

There might be more to it than just a friendly name buy out.

If you have a PACER password, you can read the court docket for this case and see the public filings. A quick look indicates to me that AXL alleged that it had loaned VHT $150,000 with the proviso that if VHT failed to repay the loan, AXL received the exclusive right to use the VHT name; AXL alleged that VHT defaulted on the loan but continued to use the VHT name on products; AXL then sued VHT seeking to prevent VHT from continuing to use the VHT name. VHT disputed AXL's claims. The docket indicates that the case settled by January 2009. The settlement agreement itself is not disclosed on the docket.

[jbird]

Whatever it is, it's B.S. and I feel a bit betrayed by the whole name-changing thing! Ya know, I'm just gonna remove the VHT logo and put my own got-damned last name on my amp! How's that for advertising?

[deluxemeat]

well- pcb's certainly bring out the best in folks...