Peavey VTM 120

[Count_Drugula]

FWIW, the VTM chassis is a drop-in for the 5150 headshell. Exact same size and bolt pattern. When I had mine, I bought a 5150 headshell from Peavey and replaced the original headshell. That solves all the weight and ugliness problem lol.

Looks like this (this is not mine, but same thing basically):

Peavey used to sell the 5150 headshell direct for $150 back in the day (00's). You had to call/email their Tech Support/parts dept and tell them that you had a 5150 with a damaged shell and they'd sell the "replacement" shell. Not sure if they still sell it these days.

They don't unfortunately, I've asked.

 

[GuitarBilly74]

I had read about them as a cheap way to get into the JCM800-type tones.

The best "Peavey 800" is really the Butcher. On the VTM, they changed a few of the preamp components to make it take the mod switches better. But as a result, the tone without the mods engaged is not as good as the Butcher. On the other hand, the mods sound really cool.

The Butcher is a criminally underrated amp. I've seen it even beat some real 800s.

 

[Count_Drugula]

The best "Peavey 800" is really the Butcher. On the VTM, they changed a few of the preamp components to make it take the mod switches better. But as a result, the tone without the mods engaged is not as good as the Butcher. On the other hand, the mods sound really cool.

The Butcher is a criminally underrated amp. I've seen it even beat some real 800s.

I wouldn't say better and I think you can get the VTM to sound very similar to the Butcher. The thing is the VTM had to be set correctly on the dip switches for the best tone. They were selling a Butcher for the same price when I bought my VTM-60 and I got to try both and preferred the latter for the options and effects loop and thought they sounded pretty similar. Butcher was brighter from what I remember. Really, I should have bought both for the price.

 

[Rubber Clown Mask]

On the VTM, they changed a few of the preamp components to make it take the mod switches better. But as a result, the tone without the mods engaged is not as good as the Butcher.

According to who?

 

[GuitarBilly74]

According to who?

To the schematics. Theyre easy to find. Read them and see for yourself.

 

[Night Stalker]

I had two Butchers. They are awesome, but I need an effects loop. That's the only reason I sold them. If I ever get my hands on another one, I'll get a loop put in and keep it.

 

[JiveTurkey]

How were the second series of Butcher amps? They had EL34s unlike the originals, IIRC?

 

[GuitarBilly74]

How were the second series of Butcher amps? They had EL34s unlike the originals, IIRC?

Yeah they're completely different amps. The newer model is a 2-channel head with a boost. The original is a 2203 based amp.
I'm not sure why Peavey used the name on the newer amp.

 

[JiveTurkey]

Yeah they're completely different amps. The newer model is a 2-channel head with a boost. The original is a 2203 based amp.
I'm not sure why Peavey used the name on the newer amp.

I'd be interested to try one. I really liked my 6534+ so I like what they do with el34s, for whatever that is worth? There is a whole swath of non-5150 stuff I kind of wish would have came through