The GUP Tech VeJ1 - Ze Beet - Douche Edition is a distortion and preamp pedal built around Channel A of the Ampeg VH140C, which GUP Tech calls "one of the most used solid-state amp[s]". The maker describes its sound as a "real gritty death metal tone ahead, kinda 'fuzz-a-like' with a nice gating", with an intense EQ leaning toward an HM-2-style tone and a growly distortion1. It is a Douche Edition version of the standard GUP Tech VeJ1 metal preamp2.
Sound and controls
GUP Tech says you get full control over your tone with a 3-band EQ and Gain/Volume knobs1. The maker describes how the gain control behaves:
- At lower gain settings, the pedal works like a normal tube amp.
- As you raise the gain, depending on your instrument's pickup output, it moves toward a gating fuzz tone.
- With max gain and Treble, it starts to fuzz and compress a lot.
- GUP Tech's suggested starting point is the EQ maxed on all 3 bands and the gain at half1.
The HM-2 comparison points at the Swedish death metal sound associated with that pedal; GUP Tech also makes a dedicated Torch HM-2 Clone if that is the specific tone you are after1.
Editions and availability
The Douche Edition was listed as sold out on GUP Tech's product page as of October 20261. GUP Tech dated a "super limited white and hold hammered edition" of the VeJ1 to 24 November 20251. The standard VeJ1, the former VeJ with the number "1" added, is available in Blue, Gray and Green styles and was listed as re-stocking soon2.
The Douche Edition is a limited run and was sold out as of October 2026. The standard VeJ1 in Blue, Gray or Green is the version to watch for a restock.
Questions
What amp is the GUP Tech VeJ1 based on?
The VeJ1 is based on Channel A of the Ampeg VH140C, which GUP Tech describes as one of the most used solid-state amps. The pedal is marketed as a metal preamp, and the Douche Edition carries that circuit in a limited enclosure.
Is the GUP Tech VeJ1 a buffered pedal?
Yes. GUP Tech lists the VeJ1 - Ze Beet - Douche Edition as a buffered design, meaning the pedal's signal path includes a buffer rather than true bypass switching.
What power does the GUP Tech VeJ1 use?
The pedal runs on 9V DC, center negative only, and draws 25mA. GUP Tech does not list battery power for it, so a standard center-negative DC supply is the way to power it.
Where is the GUP Tech VeJ1 made?
GUP Tech builds all of its pedals by hand in Saguenay, Québec, Canada, and the VeJ1 - Ze Beet - Douche Edition is made there as well.
Is the GUP Tech VeJ1 still available?
The Ze Beet - Douche Edition was listed as sold out on GUP Tech's product page as of October 2026. The standard VeJ1, available in Blue, Gray and Green styles, was listed as re-stocking soon.
Sources (2)
- VeJ1 - Ze Beet - Douche Edition, GUP Tech (guptech.ca), 2025-11-24
- VeJ1 - Ze Beet - Ampeg VH140C Metal Preamp, GUP Tech (guptech.ca)
