Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash your creativity and find your unique sound with the VHT 12/20 Special RT Tube Guitar Amp Head. Designed for discerning musicians, this amp head offers a versatile range of tones, catering to both practice and performance needs. With 12 watts in Class A mode and 20 watts in Class AB mode, it provides the flexibility to capture the essence of both vintage warmth and modern punch.

This amp head is equipped with a dual-mode power switch, allowing you to transition seamlessly between different tonal landscapes. The built-in reverb and tremolo add layers of depth and dimension, giving you the tools to shape your sound with precision. Whether you're aiming for clean, chiming tones or gritty, overdriven textures, the VHT 12/20 Special RT delivers with authority.

The amp's all-tube circuitry ensures rich, authentic sound, while the custom VHT Special Design speaker outputs provide clarity and projection. It's not just about power; it's about sonic character and delivering an immersive experience for both the player and the audience. Perfect for musicians who demand reliability without sacrificing tone, this amp head is a staple for any guitarist's rig.

Key Features:

  • Dual-mode power switch: 12 watts (Class A) / 20 watts (Class AB)
  • Built-in reverb and tremolo for added depth
  • All-tube circuitry for authentic sound reproduction
  • Custom VHT Special Design speaker outputs for clarity and projection
  • Versatile tone shaping ideal for both practice and performance

Product specs

Brand VHT
Model 12/20 Special RT Tube Guitar Amp Head with Reverb and Tremolo
Year 2010s
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 20
Power Tube Type 6V6
Reverb Spring Reverb

FAQs

What is the power output of the VHT 12/20 Special RT Tube Guitar Amp Head?

The VHT 12/20 Special RT Tube Guitar Amp Head has an output power of 20 watts, making it suitable for small to medium-sized venues and ideal for both practice and live performance settings.

Does the VHT 12/20 Special RT Tube Guitar Amp Head include built-in effects?

Yes, this amp head features built-in spring reverb and tremolo, allowing you to add depth and modulation to your sound without the need for additional pedals.

What type of power tubes does the VHT 12/20 Special RT use?

The VHT 12/20 Special RT Tube Guitar Amp Head utilizes 6V6 power tubes, known for their warm, smooth tone and dynamic response, which are favored in many classic tube amplifiers.

How many channels does the VHT 12/20 Special RT Tube Guitar Amp Head have?

This amplifier features a single channel, designed to deliver a straightforward and pure tube-driven sound, which is perfect for guitarists who prefer simplicity and tonal clarity.

Can the VHT 12/20 Special RT Tube Guitar Amp Head handle different speaker impedances?

Yes, the amp head is designed to work with both 16 ohm and 8 ohm speaker cabinets, providing flexibility in pairing with a variety of speaker setups.

Dyne Engine Studio

Dyne Engine Studio

VHT Special 6 & VHT Special 12/20RT Metal Test

Video thumbnail for VHT Special 6 & VHT Special 12/20RT Metal Test by Dyne Engine Studio

VHT Special 6 & VHT Special 12/20RT Metal Test

Dyne Engine Studio

Dyne Engine Studio

Video thumbnail for New VHT 12/20 tube head at Rocktownmusic.net  List was$866 Now $329.97 see link below to buy. by Rocktown music net

New VHT 12/20 tube head at Rocktownmusic.net List was$866 Now $329.97 see link below to buy.

Rocktown music net

Rocktown music net

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about VHT 12/20 Special RT Tube Guitar Amp Head with Reverb and Tremolo.

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for achieving early Mark Knopfler or bluesy John Mayer-esque tones, especially with a Stratocaster.

    Source
  • Users have noted that despite owning a Princeton Reverb, the VHT 12/20 RT offers such versatility that it would be the preferred choice if limited to one amp.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners mention running the amp through a 2x12 Mojotone cab with a removable back panel, highlighting its adaptability to different speaker configurations.

    Source
  • The two power settings and watts knob provide flexibility and are highly beneficial for various playing environments.

    Source
  • Some owners find the tremolo lacking depth and not particularly useful.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Circuit-wise, the VHT 12/20 RT is similar to a Deluxe Reverb or Princeton, but with more flexibility due to power tube swapping options.

    Source
  • The amp has less gain compared to the VHT Special 6 Ultra, making it suitable for clean and classic rock tones.

    Source
  • The VHT Special 12/20 RT's simplicity mirrors the Kalamazoo Model 2 but provides about three times the power with EL84 tubes.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The amp includes a long reverb tank with a short/long switch, offering flexibility in reverb settings for different playing environments.

    Source
  • The amp's triode/pentode switch and power sweep knob allow for home use or earlier breakup, providing versatility in volume and tone shaping.

    Source
  • The amp's reverb is driven by a 6v6 tube with a pull switch for "deep" mode, offering a drenched reverb tone.

    Source
  • The amp's unconventional tone controls are effective, and an EQ in the effects loop enhances tone specificity.

    Source
  • Includes a 6-way Deep switch filtering lower-mid and bass frequencies, helpful for thin single coils or muddy humbuckers.

    Source
  • The texture switch offers three positions: middle for a straight signal, and two positions for high cut, ideal for achieving a browner crunch sound.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A 4-knob TC Electronic Spark pedal or a mid-humped SD-1 can effectively push the amp for enhanced sound.

    Source
  • Owners recommend pairing the amp with cabs featuring Greenbacks or Weber Blue Dogs for optimal sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Hand-wired construction and low price make this amp a valuable purchase, with some owners considering it a "sleeper" in its category.

    Source

Critic Reviews

VHT Special 12/20 RT Amp Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The VHT 12/20 Special RT Amp Head is a versatile tone machine that captures the essence of vintage Fender combos while offering modern enhancements for today's players. Its standout features include tube swap flexibility for diverse tonal flavors, excellent pedal integration, and a robust control layout. The amp shines with its clean layout and ease of use, delivering rich, vintage tones with a touch of modern tweakability. However, its warm sound may not suit darker guitars, and there's a noticeable drop in tone quality when pushing the wattage control too high. Despite these minor drawbacks, it offers great value for those seeking classic tones with modern conveniences.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More VHT Guitar Amplifier Heads

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides