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

Discover the VHT Pitbull Fifty/CL Head, where classic rock tones meet modern flexibility. Designed to cater to the discerning guitarist, this amplifier head delivers a robust 50 watts of power, seamlessly blending VHT’s renowned preamp voicings with an adaptable EL34 power package. Whether you're jamming in a garage or commanding the stage, the VHT Pitbull Fifty/CL Head provides the sonic foundation you need.

Experience the versatility of Gain Stacking, allowing you to layer your tones for a richer, more complex sound. With a footswitchable boost and series/parallel effects loop, the creative possibilities are endless. Whether you crave the warm, saturated tones of a tube rectifier or the crisp, clean response of solid-state, this head has you covered with a switchable 6L6/EL34 mode. The built-in Class A mode switch further enhances your tonal palette, delivering everything from shimmering cleans to gritty overdrive.

Aimed at both traditionalists and experimentalists, the VHT Pitbull Fifty/CL Head is a testament to high-quality craftsmanship and innovative design. Its rugged construction ensures reliability on the road, while its intuitive controls offer ease of use in any setting. Elevate your performance and explore new sonic territories with an amplifier that truly defines versatility.

Key Features:

  • 50-watt power output
  • EL34 power package with switchable 6L6/EL34 mode
  • Gain Stacking for layered tonal complexity
  • Footswitchable boost for dynamic sound control
  • Series/parallel effects loop for versatile connectivity
  • Switchable Class A mode for varied tonal options
  • Tube rectifier for warm, vintage tones
Adam Edgemont

Adam Edgemont

VHT Pitbull 50/CL w/EQ - Fryette 2x12 Fatbottom Cab - Xotic BB Preamp demo

Video thumbnail for VHT Pitbull 50/CL w/EQ - Fryette 2x12 Fatbottom Cab - Xotic BB Preamp demo by Adam Edgemont

VHT Pitbull 50/CL w/EQ - Fryette 2x12 Fatbottom Cab - Xotic BB Preamp demo

Adam Edgemont

Adam Edgemont

Video thumbnail for VHT Pittbull Fifty/CL - Thrash Metal Playthrough by Kyle Bull

VHT Pittbull Fifty/CL - Thrash Metal Playthrough

Kyle Bull

Kyle Bull

Video thumbnail for VHT / Fryette Pittbull Fifty/CL - Quick Test by Dan Leggatt

VHT / Fryette Pittbull Fifty/CL - Quick Test

Dan Leggatt

Dan Leggatt

Video thumbnail for VHT Pittbull 50 CL Metal by Ultimate metal guitar tones

VHT Pittbull 50 CL Metal

Ultimate metal guitar tones

Ultimate metal guitar tones

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about VHT Pitbull Fifty/CL Head.

Features and functionality

  • The Pitbull CL comes in both 50 and 100-watt versions, and its preamp is subtly different from the Ultralead.

    Source
  • All Pitbull models offer both GEQ and non-GEQ variants, affecting the sound profile significantly.

    Source
  • The Pitbull 50CL runs on EL34 tubes, offering a distinct tonal characteristic compared to the 50ST, which uses EL84 tubes, impacting the amp's sound profile.

    Source
  • Owners suggest the lack of a graphic EQ on the Pitbull models could be a limitation, as the EQ offers significant tonal shaping capabilities integral to the VHT/Fryette sound.

    Source
  • The amp's high gain tones are exceptionally clear and detailed, making it unforgiving for sloppy technique and exposing any playing inconsistencies.

    Source
  • To achieve a Hitwatt-like clean tone, users recommend lowering the gain, reducing treble, and boosting mids for a dry but vibrant sound when paired with delay and reverb.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners enhance the Pitbull 45's gain using a MOOER Brown Sound mini dirt pedal to closely mimic the UL's distortion.

    Source

User experience

  • The Pitbull 45 is noted for its volume, becoming very loud past a volume knob setting of 1, with no master volume control.

    Source
  • Owners from the pre-Fryette VHT era praise the amp's brutal high gain tones and note its reputation for being one of the best sounding amps they've ever used.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Pitbull 45 head is described as having a gain channel reminiscent of a more aggressive Marshall, paired with a Vox-like clean channel.

    Source
  • The choice between Pitbull 50ST and 50CL often hinges on tube preference, with the EL34s in the CL known for a more robust midrange compared to the EL84s in the ST.

    Source
  • Contrary to some opinions, the clean channel can rival high-quality amps like Hitwatt when dialed in correctly, offering a unique tonal palette.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Pitbull 45 head is considered a standout deal in the boutique amp market, offering signature sound for under a thousand dollars.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Pitbull 50CL features massive output transformers, contributing to its tight and articulate sound with a substantial low end that remains clear and focused.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
1nsanefreek

Oh. My. God.

This is a killer amp! Whether it's the amazing gain setting or the creamy clean tone, this amp kicks ass!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Richie Sambora uses VHT Pitbull Fifty/CL Head

Richie Sambora

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Jovi

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

"I also used a VHT Pitbull, which have been a staple for me on almost every record I’ve made in the last ten years. It’s always found it’s way onto my albums."

See how Deryck Whibley uses VHT Pitbull Fifty/CL Head

Deryck Whibley

Singer, Guitarist

Sum 41

...
Verified via Photo

Deryck posted this to the Facebook page of Sum 41, saying, "just bought these new amps. these 2 amps together make such a huge sound. this is what we used a lot on the chuck album. they were the main guitar sounds on "no reason" "bitter end" "angels with dirty faces" and "we're all to blame". i can't wait to lay some guitars down for the new record with these. you'll hear a lot of them on this new stuff."

See how Luis Alberto Spinetta uses VHT Pitbull Fifty/CL Head

Luis Alberto Spinetta

Singer, Guitarist

Spinetta y Los Socios Del Desierto

...
Verified via Photo

Cabezal usado (junto con el Marshall) para los shows capturados en el DVD de "San Cristóforo" así como también en el 2007.

See how Fletcher Dragge uses VHT Pitbull Fifty/CL Head

Fletcher Dragge

Guitarist

Pennywise

...
Verified via I Heart Guitar

In an interview with I Heart Guitar, Fletcher Dragge mentions using a VHT Pitbull amp along with a Dual Rectifier, although the exact model of the VHT is not specified.

S

Shawn Dewey

Guitarist

Lagwagon

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 2012 live performance by Lagwagon, Shawn Dewey can be seen using a VHT Pitbull Fifty/CL Head, visible in the background alongside a Mesa Dual Rectifier, as captured in a video by John Amoroso.

See how Alex Westaway uses VHT Pitbull Fifty/CL Head

Alex Westaway

Guitarist

Gunship

...
Verified via Funksheet

In an article on Funksheet, Alex Westaway of Fightstar is noted for using the VHT Pitbull Fifty/CL Head.

Album Usage

The VHT Pitbull Fifty/CL Head 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 VHT Pitbull Fifty/CL Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Mesa/Boogie Studio .22
Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
Marshall Valvestate 8100
Marshall Valvestate 8100 Guitar Amplifier Heads
1
Gibson SG Special Electric Guitar
Gibson SG Special Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
MXR M135 Smart Gate
MXR M135 Smart Gate Noise Gate Effects Pedals
1
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Boss TR-2 Tremolo Tremolo Effects Pedals
1
Fender Telecaster
Fender Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson Les Paul Studio
Gibson Les Paul Studio Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

More VHT Guitar Amplifier Heads

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides