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Description

The VH100R features twin footswitchable channels each with its own footswitchable gain, independent 3 band EQ, independent reverb level and dedicated FX loop, giving you an unprecedented level of flexibility. You can now go from a super clean shimmer, to a warm clean crunch, to a stack style distortion to a full on lead tone as simply as stepping on a switch - which is included with the amp (FS4).

The by word for the VH100R is flexibility - flexibility of tone and flexibility of use. In this day and age the modern guitar player has an arsenal of products available to them - from single stomp box effects to mighty racks. To cater for this level of choice the VH100R is fitted with five effects loops, each giving the player slightly different options when connecting external gear.

There are side chain effects loops for channels A & B as well as one global to the entire pre amp. There is an insert loop, which can be run in three modes - Bypass, Side chain or Insert with a dedicated return level, and finally there is a Pre amp out/Power amp in loop.

GuitarGAS

GuitarGAS

Laney VH100R Demo

Video thumbnail for Laney VH100R Demo by GuitarGAS

Laney VH100R Demo

GuitarGAS

GuitarGAS

Video thumbnail for Guitar Amp Comparison1 Metal Dual Rectifier vs VH100R by Kaz Horie

Guitar Amp Comparison1 Metal Dual Rectifier vs VH100R

Kaz Horie

Kaz Horie

Video thumbnail for Laney VH100R | Playthrough Demo (with 6L6 and EL34 tubes) by ChoptonesOfficial

Laney VH100R | Playthrough Demo (with 6L6 and EL34 tubes)

ChoptonesOfficial

ChoptonesOfficial

Video thumbnail for Quick Demo: Laney VH100R - Forgotten 90s Legend? by The other John Browne

Quick Demo: Laney VH100R - Forgotten 90s Legend?

The other John Browne

The other John Browne

Video thumbnail for Laney VH100R vs Peavey 5150 - Can the Laney hang with the legend? by The other John Browne

Laney VH100R vs Peavey 5150 - Can the Laney hang with the legend?

The other John Browne

The other John Browne

Video thumbnail for Laney VH100R vs Marshall JCM 2000 DSL100 - 90s UK Amp Shootout by The other John Browne

Laney VH100R vs Marshall JCM 2000 DSL100 - 90s UK Amp Shootout

The other John Browne

The other John Browne

Video thumbnail for Laney VH100R vs Ironheart IRT60 - Can the VH100R hang with the new kid? by The other John Browne

Laney VH100R vs Ironheart IRT60 - Can the VH100R hang with the new kid?

The other John Browne

The other John Browne

Video thumbnail for TILL SALU!!! Laney Vh100R guitar amp. 2020Jan18. SE INFO I KOMMENTARSFÄLTET!!!! by rideon73

TILL SALU!!! Laney Vh100R guitar amp. 2020Jan18. SE INFO I KOMMENTARSFÄLTET!!!!

rideon73

rideon73

Video thumbnail for Laney VH100R sound demo (no talking) by Vili Rantanen

Laney VH100R sound demo (no talking)

Vili Rantanen

Vili Rantanen

Video thumbnail for Laney Vh100R by Ultimate metal guitar tones

Laney Vh100R

Ultimate metal guitar tones

Ultimate metal guitar tones

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers a versatile distortion with three distinct channels

  • Features a high-quality clean channel

  • Provides 100 watts of power, suitable for any venue

  • Delivers the classic Laney tone loved by many

  • Recognized for its durability

  • First choice for Stoner/Doom valve amp enthusiasts

CONS

  • Can be excessively loud for smaller venues or home use

  • Some users find the sound harsh and brittle

  • Reports of unreliability, including reverb failure

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Laney VH100R.

Features and functionality

  • Known for its dynamic range, the VH100R offers a flexible Marshall-like tone with added channels and MIDI capabilities for versatile sound options.

    Source
  • The amp's low frequencies are described as crunchy or sludgy, appealing to black metal enthusiasts.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The amp is praised for its ability to cover both modern metal and 80s shred, making it suitable for diverse musical styles.

    Source
  • Owners highlight its capability to produce both the harsh sound of Opeth’s Blackwater Park and excellent clean tones.

    Source
  • Boosting with a RAT clone has been mentioned as effective, though a Tube Screamer is a popular alternative for refining tone.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It shares similarities with the Tony Iommi Signature GH-100TI but is noted for having less gain.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Loose solder joints, especially related to the reverb, can occur when the tubes heat up; owners recommend professional repair due to complex PCB.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend using a Tube Screamer to tighten up the amp's low end, enhancing its metal capabilities.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Laney VH100R Guitar Amp Head

gear-vault.com

The Laney VH100R Guitar Amp Head impresses with its versatility, boasting two foot-switchable channels, five effect loops, and independent EQ sections. Ideal for musicians seeking tonal flexibility, it supports a wide range of sound from clean tones to heavy distortion. Its build quality and thoughtful design make it a worthy contender for both rock and metal genres, with endorsements from notable artists like Bill Kelliher. However, its premium price of $2299 might be a hurdle for some. Overall, the VH100R is a robust choice for serious guitarists looking for comprehensive tonal options in a single amp head.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
nikkiangelus

My all-time favorite

As a rock/metal player, Laney VH100R has it all: A pleasant-sounding and heavy, but easily controllable distortion which comes in three different channels all suited for different tasks, a reasonably good clean channel and 100 watts of pure rage... OK, it might even be a little too much for a small-time artist such as myself, but at least I can be sure about the fact that it's definitely loud enough for any occasion. All this with the classic Laney tone that I love!

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Presence - 7, Resonance on, Bass - 3, - Middle - 7, Treble - 5, Gain - 10, Drive (Extra gain stage) 7

From Gear Setup
dailydoze

Extremely durable

These are the most durable amps you`ve ever known. They also sound amazing.

ryandano

I thought it was a good idea at the time

I love Laney stuff but this thing was just un-reliable, far too loud and the reverb completely failed. Quite a harsh and brittle sound in my honest opinion.

angel_master

2nd album of Zoltan

Fisrt Stoner/Doom valve amp in A.M. history

bommel

i honestly miss this amp

this is such a good amp... if you got the chance test it !!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Daniel Gildenlöw uses Laney VH100R

Daniel Gildenlöw

Singer, Guitarist

Pain of Salvation

...
Verified via YouTube

As seen in Pain of Salvation's "Ending Theme" music video at 1:33s in.

See how Peter Lindgren uses Laney VH100R

Peter Lindgren

Guitarist

Opeth

...
Verified via Ultimate Metal - Heavy Metal Forum and Community

Listed as the amp he used playing with Opeth

See how Andy Gibbs uses Laney VH100R

Andy Gibbs

Guitarist

Thou

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:53 in this live vid, you can see him playing through what looks to be a Laney VH100R

See how John Gossard uses Laney VH100R

John Gossard

Singer, Guitarist

Weakling

...
Verified via Photo

John Gossard can be seen using the Laney VH100R in this image, which has been confused for an LA100BL. He can also be seen using it here https://www.discogs.com/artist/421711-John-Gossard/image/SW1hZ2U6MjYxNDkxMjk= being plugged into a Marshall Cabinet.

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 Laney VH100R, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Zoom UAC-8
Zoom UAC-8 Audio Interfaces
1
Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
1
Washburn N4
Washburn N4 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler Delay Effects Pedals
1
Gibson SG Standard
Gibson SG Standard Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Whirlwind Multi-Selector
Whirlwind Multi-Selector Switch Effects Pedals
1
Jackson Randy Rhoads V
Jackson Randy Rhoads V Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

Community setups

Show yours
nikkiangelus

nikkiangelus

Gear IQ 703

3 alternative and related items for Laney VH100R, curated by the Equipboard community.

Laney GH100R
newer similar sound cheaper alternative

Ever since the VH’s mysterious discontinuation, this model appeared. To me, personally, they sound practically identical.

My guess is that the VH was too ambitious and expensive for most players without ever quite reaching the legendary status similar to Plexis or 5150. Also they needed a mediator between the Lionheart and Ironheart ranges that wasn’t capable of effectively replacing it’s sister models with it’s sheer versatility; thus Laney opted to go with a dumbed down version of the VH100R.

Keep in mind that this is a guesstimation.

Marshall Super Lead 100-Watt Head

$2,376.36

similar sound

Most Laneys were originally built as "poor man's Marshalls", intentionally or otherwise. Most modern Laneys, in my opinion, are either turbocharged Marshalls or excellent Vox clones while coming with their own distinct nasal tone.

Laney GH100L

$788.14

similar sound cheaper alternative

The VHs and the GHs are essentially the same range, the VH is simply more versatile and complex by design.

More Laney Guitar Amplifier Heads

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    austinmw
    austinmw

    Gear IQ 5227