Review

Amp snobs get confused by the Vypyr. They clock the amp sims, rack effects, stompbox mimicry and onboard looper, and dismiss it as another modelling amp for toilet circuit cover bands. Then they spin it around, spot the genuine 6L6 power tubes ablaze in the back, and start to drool uncontrollably. A digital front end with a valve power section - there’s an idea.

First impression of the Vypyr: it’s a riot. The presets make it easy to get rocking, but there’s also scope to tweak parameters, save bespoke sounds, set up a rhythm loop and jam along to it (though to get the most from it, you’ll need £145 for the Sanpera II footswitch).

Second impression: it’s loud, pumping an earth-shaking 120 watts through twin speakers. Peavey doesn’t specify what amps/effects are modelled, but you don’t have to be a detective. Are they totally faithful to the originals? If you’re a gear anorak, you might say ‘not quite’, but the man in the moshpit won’t question them.

Next: Peavey Vypyr Tube 120 verdict