Gear Review: Lethal Dosage Guitarist Theodore Simon on His Peavey VTM 120 Ultra Amp Head

Tucson, Arizona-based metal quintet Lethal Dosage might be signed to the small label Battleground Records, but their sounds is nothing short of massively monstrous! Their new album, Consume, is set to be released on February 25th, 2014 and is loaded with 10 tracks infused with the band’s own brand of hardcore-infused metal. Recently we were able to get some time with guitarist Theodore Simon and ask him about his Peavey VTM 120 Ultra amp head… check it out.

What one piece of gear do you use to obtain your signature sound?
Simon: Peavey VTM 120 ULTRA amp head.

What about it makes it so important to you?
Simon: The tone in general, things a beast! Diverse control from nice and clean to loud and nasty. I’ve become quite proud of it over the years.

How was this gear used during the recording of your latest album?
Simon: Kranked, same way I use it on stage.

How do you recreate your album (guitar/vocal/bass) tones in your live set?
Simon: We recorded with the same gear we use in our live sets. Same amps, same settings, same attitude, same kick ass tone. While in the studio, we shoot to make the album sound as close to the real thing (playing live) as possible.

What are the major pros and cons?
Simon: Pros are that I have good enough gear that allows me to get the point across quite clear. Cons are that there is always something out there gear-wise calling my name. Example being a Peavey 5150 III amp head, and maybe some stompboxes for more expression and whatnot.

Do you have a backup for this gear, if so, what?
Simon: Used to own a Peavey Transtube Supreme for a back up, but ended up selling it to a good buddy of mine. He was using the same head at the time, but had his signed by the members of DRI, and wanted another one so that the signatures did not get worn. Although I had a tough time letting go of it, I knew it was going to a good home. So no, no back up gear as of now…

How long have you had it, how do you use it, would you ever change it?
Simon: Been rocking the Peavey VTM 120 Ultra for close to 4-5 years now. I use it anytime i get the chance to. Turn it on, krank it loud, and try my very best to play some cool riffs through it. Love this piece of equipment, and can honestly say that I wouldn’t change anything about it. Might however give the Peavey 5150 III amp head a try in the future to see how that treats me.

Give us your best “gear goes wrong” story.
Simon: Awe man, this has happened to me a couple few times now… Day of a show I go into the band room to warm up/make sure everything is tuned up ready to go, and in proper working order to find my amp ironically not working. Start freaking out due to no back up gear, and get pretty upset about it quite quickly… However I’ve been fortunate enough to have good friends by my side to lend me an amp for the night(s). Lifesavers, or should I say GIG SAVERS!

Any final thoughts or comments on the gear?
Simon: Peavey kicks some major tone ass, and delivers exactly what I’m shooting for in metal music. I will continue to rock Peavey amps for many years to come!

Check out the song “Burn”