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Average Price: $599
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Description
Step into the world of rich, vintage tones with the Ampeg VT-22, a classic combo guitar amplifier that has been a favorite among musicians for decades. Known for its iconic tube-driven sound, the VT-22 delivers a robust and dynamic audio experience that can satisfy both stage performers and studio artists. This amplifier is equipped with two 12" speakers and a powerful 100-watt output, making it suitable for a variety of musical genres and playing environments.
The VT-22 features a dual-channel design, providing both normal and bright channels to cater to your tonal preferences. With its intuitive control layout, musicians can easily adjust the gain, bass, mid, and treble to fine-tune their sound. The inclusion of the spring reverb adds a layer of depth and ambiance, allowing for a versatile range of sonic textures from clean, sparkling highs to warm, gritty overdrives.
Built to withstand the rigors of touring, the Ampeg VT-22 is not just about delivering exceptional sound quality but also about durability. Its robust construction makes it a reliable companion on the road or in the studio. Whether you're seeking the perfect amplifier for blues, rock, or jazz, the VT-22 stands out for its versatile performance capabilities and classic Ampeg sound.
Key Features:
- 100-watt output with two 12" speakers
- Tube-driven design for iconic Ampeg sound
- Dual channels: normal and bright
- Spring reverb for added depth
- Intuitive controls for gain, bass, mid, and treble
- Durable construction for reliability on the road and in the studio
Product specs
| Brand | Ampeg |
| Model | VT-22 100-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1970 - 1980 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Guitar Combo Amps |
| Built-In Effects | Built-In Effects |
| Color Family | Black |
| Direct Output | No Direct Output |
| Electronics | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 2 Channels |
| Number of Inputs | 2 Inputs |
| Output Power (Watts) | 100 |
| Power Tube Type | 5881 |
| Reverb | Spring Reverb |
| Speaker Configuration | 2x12" |
FAQs
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Ampeg VT-22?
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The Ampeg VT-22 is known for its powerful clean headroom and rich, warm tube overdrive. It delivers a classic rock sound with a strong midrange, making it ideal for genres that require both clean and overdriven tones.
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Is the Ampeg VT-22 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Ampeg VT-22 is a 100-watt combo amplifier, providing ample volume for live performances. Its 2x12" speaker configuration ensures robust sound projection suitable for medium to large venues.
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Does the Ampeg VT-22 work well with effects pedals?
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The Ampeg VT-22 is known for its compatibility with effects pedals. Its clean headroom and tube circuitry allow pedals to shine, making it a great choice for guitarists who rely on external effects.
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What type of reverb does the Ampeg VT-22 feature?
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The Ampeg VT-22 includes a built-in spring reverb, which offers a classic, natural-sounding reverb effect that complements its vintage tone.
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How heavy is the Ampeg VT-22, and is it portable?
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The Ampeg VT-22 weighs approximately 88 pounds, making it quite heavy for a combo amp. While it offers excellent sound quality, its weight may require assistance for transportation to gigs or rehearsals.
Videos
The Guitologist
1977 Ampeg VT-22 (V-4) Overhaul [Keith Richards - Rolling Stones Amp!]
![Video thumbnail for 1977 Ampeg VT-22 (V-4) Overhaul [Keith Richards - Rolling Stones Amp!] by The Guitologist](https://img.youtube.com/vi/GFXqLx6YT5k/mqdefault.jpg)
1977 Ampeg VT-22 (V-4) Overhaul [Keith Richards - Rolling Stones Amp!]
The Guitologist
The amp that blew me away, literally! (Ampeg VT-22)
Blackbridge Gear Demos
Ampeg VT 22
Progressive Guitar Studio
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional durability and build quality
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Offers a wide range of tones with 3-way EQ switches
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Unique sound character, distinct from other amplifiers
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Excellent for both bass and guitar, versatile across music styles
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High headroom, great for clean tones at loud volumes
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Handles pedals well, compatible with a broad range of effects
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Subtle to pronounced spring reverb, with lock for transport
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Active EQ with semi-parametric mid EQ for precise tone shaping
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Capable of achieving a heavy low end without muddiness
CONS
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Extremely loud, not ideal for home practice without an attenuator
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Heavy and cumbersome, challenging to move without assistance
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Limited utility in small venues due to high volume output
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Single carry handle makes transport difficult
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ampeg VT-22.
Features and functionality
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The Ampeg VT-22 has a tone stack with a flat frequency response at noon, unlike Marshall/Fender amps that cut mids. Its mid control is active, treble and bass are passive.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Ampeg VT-22 can be modified with a daughterboard to replace the rare 6K11 tube with a 12AX7 and 12AU7, though 6K11s are long-lasting.
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Scoring a VT-22 with Altec 417 speakers can significantly boost its value, given the speakers' market worth around $700 if in good condition.
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Factory bias on VT-22 is non-adjustable, requiring more effort for modifications or maintenance.
Source
Setup and maintenance
Build quality
User experience
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One owner added a switch to reduce the VT-22's power from 100w to 50w, enhancing its usability without sacrificing loudness.
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Owners suggest the amplifier's weight can make transport challenging, with unexpected heft initially surprising first-time lifters.
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Owners find the VT-22 challenging to service due to expensive preamp tubes and frequent DC cap leaks.
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Value and pricing
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 10 Ratings
109
Fantastic amp
I bought this new in 1973 and it’s been a workhorse ever since. This amp has no master control (those weren’t added until late 70’s) and has a tremendous amount of headroom. Breakup won’t start until volume is between 9 - 10 o’clock and at that level it is insanely loud.
To use at bedroom level you definitely need either an attenuator or a few good OD/Distortion pedals with the amp volume less than 9 o’clock. I have used a Boss OD1 for years to compensate, but it handles practically any OD/Dist/Fuzz pedal well. I have used the following with very satisfactory results: Boss OD1 & MT2, EHX Big Muff Pi & Glove OD (OCD clone), Way Huge Conspiracy Theory (Klon clone), NUX Morning Star (BB clone), Mad Professor Ruby Red Boost (Treble Boost), Big Joe B-302 Rock distortion. My current pedalboard has the Ruby Red, Big Muff, Glove, & the OD1.
The spring reverb is subtle until you hit 12 o’clock, and it has a locking mechanism for when you’re moving this beast. You’ll want to use a dolly when moving this amp. It’s heavy (approximately 85 lbs), and if you get it with the factory optional Altec speakers it’s easily 100!
Just remember this: this amp doesn’t need to go to 11; it’s an Ampeg!
Preferred Settings + Usage:
The rocker switches for Treble & Mid-range provides a plethora of useable tones allowing you to dial in a Fender, Vox, Marshall, or even an old Sunn.
My fav is Treble @ 3:00, ultra-hi rocker switch @ +; Mid at 1:00, rocker switch @ 3000 Hz; Bass @ 5:00; Reverb @ 10:00
121
Great clean sound, INCREDIBLY loud.
I got a used one of these back in 1999 or so. It sounded incredibly great clean, and had a really neat spring reverb. It was also insanely loud, and it really shined when played insanely loud. This was unfortunate for trying to use it at home for practice since I could never really turn it up to where you'd get the best sound. You'd need a fairly large venue if you want to turn it up while gigging as well. I'm not sure most people would have a need for this, although it really does sound quite good! With the volume also comes weight - the thing weighs almost 90 pounds and with only a single carry handle, it's a nightmare to move around. For reference, I had the full combo. I think it was a V4 but I'm not sure, I sold it years ago.
109
Solid, heavy, LOUD!!!
Hands down, THE best amp I’ve ever owned! Really cranks the mids while being a great pedal platform. It’ll easily drown out the drummer if you played that loud. Make sure you do deadlifts and farmer’s carry in your workouts. This thing is a beast!
41010
you have a V4? heads up, 7027As are just an old, robust type of 6L6GC. These amps have high plate voltages that most modern GCs can't handle, but with7072As being scarce on the ground the JJ 6L6 will handle the abuse and sound just like the old 7027As.
579
No, I actually have a VT-22 HEAD. I don't have the combo with 2 x 12 speakers. It has new old stock 7027a.
Artist usage
Add artist
On stage, Josh Homme uses an Ampeg VT-22 amplifier. A pretty rare, yet extremely loud amp, the Ampeg VT-22 has been used by the Rolling Stones in years past.
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Here you can see Keith playing an Ampeg VT-22 amplifier.
In an interview with Chris Kies for Premier Guitar, Kim Thayil mentions that he used an Ampeg VT-22 amplifier on the album King Animal.
In a live performance of "Shadow Play" at Montreux in 1979, Rory Gallagher can be seen using an Ampeg VT-22 amplifier, as shown in the YouTube video by Phil.
Used live in Zaire, as mentioned in the February 1977 Guitar Player interview "Larry Carlton" by Steven Rosen.
A Fender Princeton Reverb amplifier with one 10" speaker powers his Gibson in the studio, while two Mesa Boogie amps (Mesa Engineering, Box 116, Lagunitas, CA 94938) are used for 'live' Crusaders work. Carlton tried a Fender Concert and Twin for stage work, but even at the relatively low volume setting, the distortion spread, and the sound would not stay tight. Experimenting with a Marshall 4"x 12" bottom, Larry found the sound wasn't right for him. When the Crusaders recorded their 'live' album Scratch at the Roxy in L.A., the guitarist played with one cabinet, but the volume was still too loud. He also worked with an Ampeg VT 22 for a short period (two 12" speakers with 100 watts RMS) when the band performed in Zaire, Africa. Ampeg sponsored the event, and Larry liked the equipment they provided so well, that upon his return to the States he ordered a VT 22. But once again, he was unsatisfied with the sound quality the unit produced.
Carlton has specific settings for the Mesa/Boogie: volume is at seven on all preamps, treble on 10, midrange on 3, bass on 0, and the graphic equalizer is set for more highs and midrange, but no bottom.
He used non-Master Ampegs during his time with the Stones, just like Keith.
"All basses going into this too..'71 Ampeg VT-22"
In an interview with Consequence of Sound, Carlson mentions: "I just bought an Ampeg BT22, a 2×12 that I use, but it’s so heavy I haven’t taken it out yet. I’m going to put wheels on mine [laughs]." The B in BT22 must be misspelled.
You can see the amp in episode 3 of Metal Grasshopper at 3:28
Easton spoke with Vintage Guitar about the reissues and recounted the gear he used to help create the band’s first music. His setup for The Cars was simple – a Les Paul Standard, Telecaster, and a D-35. He plugged the Les Paul and Tele into a Fender Twin and one of three Ampegs – a VT-22, V2, and V4 – and recalls how at the time there was a limited aftermarket for hardware and pickups.
During the performance of "30 Days in the Hole" by Humble Pie on the Midnight Special, Steve Marriott is clearly observed utilizing an Ampeg VT-22 2x12 100w combo amplifier, as his Les Paul Custom guitar is connected to this specific amp. This evidence is documented in the provided video footage from the show, confirming Marriott's use of the Ampeg VT-22 amplifier during this performance.
Album Usage
The Ampeg VT-22 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ampeg VT-22, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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