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Post by mattsblues on May 27, 2009 6:53:37 GMT -7
Man-o-man I'm tired of waiting. Seven weeks and hopefully it'll be here today or tomorrow.
My amp search started months and months ago. I have played all sorts of amps, from the cheap ones to the ones that cost more then a cheap car and finally settled on the Galaxie. I mostly play blues and classic rock, this amp seemed to nail it. At first I was looking at the Fender vintage reissues then the Category5 and around and around I went. I really like the Category5 but a a $3500 price tag is extremely hard to swallow. Heck $1900 was tough enough! After hearing some good things about Z I headed out to the closest Z dealer - an hour away, all my guitars in hand and ready to play all the Zs they had.
Surprisingly they had quite the selection so I spent a few hours playing everything, back and fourth. I narrowed it down to the Maz38 Sr and the Galaxie. I dug the clean headroom of the Maz38 but I'm not into using pedals at all. The "fender-ish" tone from the Galaxie with the second channel a bit dirty fit well I thought.
So I placed the order and decided I had to have a red one. I've seen Michael Burks play a few times in town and like his red amps. Hopefully the UPS man will bring me goodies today!
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Post by blackice on May 27, 2009 10:27:59 GMT -7
mattsblues I've had my Galaxie for almost 2 years. I've played it for almost every gig I've played, since I've had it. I've recorded with it. I've gotten some rad sounds. It takes some getting use too, but the reward is worth it. I've been playing it out with my Z-28. It's a joy full noise.
Enjoy, Richard
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Post by bigbuspop on May 27, 2009 13:33:56 GMT -7
Been waitin a long time for the good Dr. to develop a 2 6L6 slice of the pie..And now that I have the Gal along with the Maz 38 and Stang Ray,it just blows me away wit the incredible tones I'm getting out of it..I use the 2x12 separate cab with one vintage 30 and one 12GH and just recently ordered the 2x10 cabinet that I've been reading great things about..Been thru a ton of Boogies,Fenders,Line 6's etc..and once you own a Z,there is no turning back..Keep up the great work DR....
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Post by DRZ on May 27, 2009 13:37:51 GMT -7
Been waitin a long time for the good Dr. to develop a 2 6L6 slice of the pie..And now that I have the Gal along with the Maz 38 and Stang Ray,it just blows me away wit the incredible tones I'm getting out of it..I use the 2x12 separate cab with one vintage 30 and one 12GH and just recently ordered the 2x10 cabinet that I've been reading great things about..Been thru a ton of Boogies,Fenders,Line 6's etc..and once you own a Z,there is no turning back..Keep up the great work DR.... Why Thank You. DR.Z
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Post by mattsblues on May 27, 2009 13:47:51 GMT -7
Was a bit saddened when the UPS truck drove through my office parking lot without stopping at our office. Hopefully he will deliver presents tomorrow!
Hopefully within the week all the parts for my Les Paul will be in. New TonePros tune-o-matic bridge with Graphtech saddles, TonePros locking tailpeace. RS Guitaworks vintage upgrade kit - CTS pots, Jensen PIO caps, new jack and 3-way. Gibson 57' Classic neck pickup, Gibson 57' Classic Plus bridge pickup. I believe she'll sound like a different beast and roar. A melt-your-face blues machine. Should compliment my '90 PRS Custom 24 and Am Deluxe Strat (with "vintage" cuts and Fralin vintage pups) well.
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Post by mattsblues on May 27, 2009 13:48:47 GMT -7
I even went as far as bringing guitar to the office with a cable so if and when it does show I can annoy the other tenants in the building.
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Post by blackice on May 29, 2009 0:26:20 GMT -7
matttsblues tell us when the the Galaxie comes in.
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Post by drew on May 29, 2009 14:15:48 GMT -7
Mattsblues congratulations on a great amp. Even though the controls appear to be very simply they are all interactive and took me a lot of playing time to unleash the full potential of the Gal. Granted you can set the tone controls at noon and get great tone but playing with the controls yield many different textures including gain characteristics. I like the Channel 1 volume at 11:00 - 2:00 and Channel 2 at 10:00 - 12:00. Enjoy your new amp it's a gem to play.
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Post by mattsblues on May 29, 2009 20:17:36 GMT -7
Galaxie is in. I dig it. I need a brake lite though! How do you handle Channel 2? It almost seems like it has a bit TOO much distortion, not a lot, just a little. I don't think it would fit well with playing blues. Any ideas?
One issue... There is a random buzzing/humming coming from the speakers. If I move the amp it'll go away. Is it possible that during shipping something got knocked loose?
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Post by T-R☼CK ♫ on May 29, 2009 20:40:04 GMT -7
Galaxie is in. I dig it. I need a brake lite though! How do you handle Channel 2? It almost seems like it has a bit TOO much distortion, not a lot, just a little. I don't think it would fit well with playing blues. Any ideas? One issue... There is a random buzzing/humming coming from the speakers. If I move the amp it'll go away. Is it possible that during shipping something got knocked loose? The Galaxie is a strange beast, in that.....You cannot possibly master what it has to offer in a weekend, prolly not a month of serious playing. Fit well w/the blues?.........PLEASE!! That's what the Galaxie is all about. It is based on a low-powered tweed Super (40 watts). How blusey can you get?.... You MUST remember though, the tone stack has a HELLA affect on the overall gain structure with this amp. It takes a whole lot of "wanting to" to find the balance between channels 1 & 2. This amp is a guitar volume/tone knob tweaker's dream. I like to set mine so the "clean" channel is at the edge of breakup with the guitar vol dimed, match the dirty channel's volume so it is at the same place when the guitar volume is rolled back a couple clicks. Crank the guitar volume on channel 2 for in yer face tones. Make sense? In my case that would be both channel volumes around "noon". Again, the tone knob settings are critical, as they dramatically affect the gain generated on BOTH channels....... Just PLAY it man. Then...play it some more. It's not for everyone, but it will be in MY crib 'til I'm gone.....FWIW. As for the noise....dunno...mine has been silent (at idle) from day 1. I have #3.
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Post by mattsblues on May 30, 2009 8:09:11 GMT -7
Galaxie is in. I dig it. I need a brake lite though! How do you handle Channel 2? It almost seems like it has a bit TOO much distortion, not a lot, just a little. I don't think it would fit well with playing blues. Any ideas? One issue... There is a random buzzing/humming coming from the speakers. If I move the amp it'll go away. Is it possible that during shipping something got knocked loose? The Galaxie is a strange beast, in that.....You cannot possibly master what it has to offer in a weekend, prolly not a month of serious playing. Fit well w/the blues?.........PLEASE!! That's what the Galaxie is all about. It is based on a low-powered tweed Super (40 watts). How blusey can you get?.... You MUST remember though, the tone stack has a HELLA affect on the overall gain structure with this amp. It takes a whole lot of "wanting to" to find the balance between channels 1 & 2. This amp is a guitar volume/tone knob tweaker's dream. I like to set mine so the "clean" channel is at the edge of breakup with the guitar vol dimed, match the dirty channel's volume so it is at the same place when the guitar volume is rolled back a couple clicks. Crank the guitar volume on channel 2 for in yer face tones. Make sense? In my case that would be both channel volumes around "noon". Again, the tone knob settings are critical, as they dramatically affect the gain generated on BOTH channels....... Just PLAY it man. Then...play it some more. It's not for everyone, but it will be in MY crib 'til I'm gone.....FWIW. As for the noise....dunno...mine has been silent (at idle) from day 1. I have #3. It just seems Ch 2 is a bit too hard. I like the low to moderately overdriven tones. I plan on sitting down all day today and playing the snot out of it. I need a Brake Lite. My Z dealer didn't have any in stock when they shipped me my amp so hopefully they'll sell me on at the good price when they get them. At 12 o'clock on either channel sounds very good but very loud! The hum has not gone away though. Maybe something is loose on the inside since it comes and goes but it is a definite hum, even after turning the volume down on the guitar it still hums. It doesn't discriminate the guitar, it hums with any of them. I don't not like the amp, I really love it. I love the cleans more then my Twin Reverb and Ch 2 would be perfect for classic rock. I have a BB Preamp (Xotic Effects) pedeal that could probably help me get that nice slightly overdriven tone on Ch 1. Looks nice. I'd post a pic but I can't figure out how to get them off my Blackberry onto my Macbook Pro.
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Post by DRZ on May 30, 2009 14:04:21 GMT -7
Matt re-seat each tube one at a time. Seems maybe one is loose in the socket from shipping.
Z
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Post by mitch8686 on May 30, 2009 19:31:59 GMT -7
Also, you may already know this, but make sure that you cell phone isn't near your amp. Mine will make all kinds of weird noises when it's near the amp. Even in my pocket. Just FYI.
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Post by mattsblues on May 31, 2009 9:47:18 GMT -7
Matt re-seat each tube one at a time. Seems maybe one is loose in the socket from shipping. Z How do you do that?
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Post by amakitalo on May 31, 2009 10:14:53 GMT -7
Matt, Galaxie just kills on Ch 1 with a good pedal. I use Keeley Katana for just clean boost. Works great. As for Ch 2, as Tony said, use your guitar volume in Ch 2 and it's easier to get to those moderate overdriven tones.
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Post by mattsblues on May 31, 2009 12:12:05 GMT -7
Matt, Galaxie just kills on Ch 1 with a good pedal. I use Keeley Katana for just clean boost. Works great. As for Ch 2, as Tony said, use your guitar volume in Ch 2 and it's easier to get to those moderate overdriven tones. I really dig Ch 1 with this BB Preamp pedal. It has a nice boost. I still have not messed around much with Ch 2. The amp is real loud even in my basement / studio. I love the sounds from the amp though! Just need a Brake Lite I'm going to try and find some time this afternoon to hit up an open jam or two around town and try it out on stage. I think I should be able to crank it and not be too loud.
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Post by mattsblues on Jun 1, 2009 7:27:15 GMT -7
I ended up making one of the jams yesterday afternoon. Boy I sure drew some attention when I pulled out a bright red Dr Z amp. Apparently it created quite the buzz and everybody wanted to talk about it. After I played everybody raved about how good it sounded. Do I get some kind of comission for referrals?
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Post by JD on Jun 1, 2009 14:07:54 GMT -7
Mattsblues
At home or when I am setting up before a gig Ch 2 always feels too powerful - but once the band kicks it - I realize it is voiced just right - its got the lead tone to cut through the mix. My Vol on Ch 2 is usually at 10 o'clock.
Here is some video from the Slippery Noodle in Indy of my 2x10 Galaxie combo (with a BrakeLite on 1) - my solo kicks it at about the 4 minute mark (of course our other guitar player is phenomenal - he is playing through a Hot Rod Deville now and saving for a StangRay - proof that tone is in the hands.
Hopefully we can make it to Knuckleheads in KC sometime in the near future
Also everytime I lend out my Z to someone - we add a new person to the club!
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Post by DRZ on Jun 1, 2009 17:26:35 GMT -7
Very nice JD, thanks for sharin'
Z
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Post by mattsblues on Jun 2, 2009 9:40:03 GMT -7
So how do you re-seat the tubes?
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Post by mattsblues on Jun 2, 2009 9:49:49 GMT -7
Mattsblues At home or when I am setting up before a gig Ch 2 always feels too powerful - but once the band kicks it - I realize it is voiced just right - its got the lead tone to cut through the mix. My Vol on Ch 2 is usually at 10 o'clock. Here is some video from the Slippery Noodle in Indy of my 2x10 Galaxie combo (with a BrakeLite on 1) - my solo kicks it at about the 4 minute mark (of course our other guitar player is phenomenal - he is playing through a Hot Rod Deville now and saving for a StangRay - proof that tone is in the hands. Hopefully we can make it to Knuckleheads in KC sometime in the near future Also everytime I lend out my Z to someone - we add a new person to the club! I try and make the big open jam at Knuckleheads every Sunday, I will typically catch any good band that plays there. I'm heading out to a jam tomorrow after my lesson. Can't wait to hear it again. It is a different beast when it is cranked compared to "house" volumes.
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Post by Joey Beverages on Jun 2, 2009 10:25:23 GMT -7
I try and make the big open jam at Knuckleheads every Sunday, I will typically catch any good band that plays there. I'm heading out to a jam tomorrow after my lesson. Can't wait to hear it again. [glow=red,2,300] It is a different beast when it is cranked compared to "house" volumes[/glow]. +1 on that. when I've had mine out in a jam/live setting, it's really been a completely different experience. simply awesome
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Post by mitch8686 on Jun 2, 2009 19:22:09 GMT -7
So how do you re-seat the tubes? Just pull them out, one at a time, then reset them back in their respective tube socket, again one at a time. Make sure the pins are lined up correctly and that they are all the way in the socket. Basically, you're making sure that every pin on every tube is making good contact.
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Post by mattsblues on Jun 4, 2009 12:55:06 GMT -7
Here is a cool tid bit.
Last night at a jam I had the Galaxie out. My good friend, who just also happens to be the 2008 Albert King Award winner and his band was the 2008 International Blues Challenge winners played through th Galaxie all night (except when I was playing). He really likes it. I've been getting TONS of compliments on it. Blows me away.
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Post by mattsblues on Jun 4, 2009 12:56:03 GMT -7
So how do you re-seat the tubes? Just pull them out, one at a time, then reset them back in their respective tube socket, again one at a time. Make sure the pins are lined up correctly and that they are all the way in the socket. Basically, you're making sure that every pin on every tube is making good contact. Awesome man, I'll do that. I havn't heard the hum/buzz but I honestly havn't spent much time on it either.
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Post by JD on Jun 4, 2009 16:52:38 GMT -7
That is cool that you got to bring out to the jam and the Trampled Under Foot guitarist digs it - I love their CD. Great band! Our other Guitar Player (who is saving for a StangRay) is going to the IBC next year as part of the Youth Showcase (he is 20).
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Post by mattsblues on Jun 6, 2009 7:47:20 GMT -7
That is cool that you got to bring out to the jam and the Trampled Under Foot guitarist digs it - I love their CD. Great band! Our other Guitar Player (who is saving for a StangRay) is going to the IBC next year as part of the Youth Showcase (he is 20). I'd love to make it to the IBC. On another note, I can't wait to get a brake lite. The amp is so loud in the house I can't push it.
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Post by mattsblues on Jun 9, 2009 9:55:02 GMT -7
Just an update... Been out to quite a few jams, everyone always asks if I brought "that kick arse red amp." My new ata travel case should be here next week so I can stop carrying it. I had big shoulder rebuilding operation last year and have a hard time lugging around heavy/large objects.
Hopefully the rest of my parts will show up this or next week so I can put my LP back together too!
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Post by mattsblues on Jun 11, 2009 6:14:02 GMT -7
Crap the Galaxie is loud. Played at a bar last night that was good size, high ceilings and pretty open, probably ~4k sq ft and Ch1 I had at about 10 o'clock and Ch2 at 11 o'clock and it was just about right. I had it at Ch1/12 and Ch2/1-2 and it was too loud, you couldn't hear anyone else. When I play at Knuckleheads here in town and the weather permits, it is on their big stage outside which is when the amp sounds it's best. I keep Ch1 at 12/1 o'clock position and Ch2 at 2 o'clock. Maybe it is time to get the brake lite?
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Post by JD on Jun 11, 2009 6:36:27 GMT -7
Yeah I velcro'ed the Brake-Light in the bottom of my Gal (so I can quickly pull it and switch to another combo) - seems to work well with the Velcro. I find that I mostly use the first level of attenuation or 2nd level - after that it robs too much of the dynamic of the amp. BTW - I had a wire come loose on my pedalboard at an outdoor gig the other day with the full band - so I scrapped the pedalboard and turned Ch 1 up to about 2 o'clock and used that volume knob thing on the guitar that we are supposed to use Anyhow kick-arse tone - nice compliments from people - screw the pedalboard I am going guitar, cord, Galaxie in the future!
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