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Post by James on Dec 5, 2005 10:18:38 GMT -7
I own a R 66, with z best 2 x 12 cab. Recently sold everything to go straight "Z". What an awesome decision. I especially send out a huge thanks to every person on this site who responds to and asks questions because I feel like everytime I log in, I become a better player.......
Anyway, I have been so impressed with the Mini z that I think I want one........because at home, I feel like I spend little time enjoying the full spectrum of my R66 because my ears get fatigued when I play at the higher volumes.........but, thats where I wanna be mostly!
Could anyone give me their thoughts on whether an air brake is my answer or a mini z is the answer. My thoughts were that the mini is so portable..which makes it a sweet toy..., but the air brake is cheaper...........I guess the main question is whether I can get my R66 to sound like the Mini z using the air brake..............
My fear is you will all say I need both!!!
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oliej
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Post by oliej on Dec 5, 2005 13:50:52 GMT -7
I can't answer your question but I was in about the same situation. My main amp is a Carmen Ghia head through a Dr.Z 2-10 cab. This amp is perfect for me on stage, but at home, it's just to loud for anything other than low volume clean. Without even trying one, I ordered a Mini-Z. If you want that big cranked up tone at a volume you can stand (it can still be pretty loud it the house) this is the way to go. I love this little monster. It's so simple to just plug in and play. I'm playing a lot more since I got this amp. It sounds so good that it's just hard to stop playing. I think, anybody that loves Dr.Z amps, owes it to himself/herself to own a Mini-Z. You know you want one. LOL. Did that help?
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Post by taswegian on Dec 5, 2005 14:33:54 GMT -7
Well said Oliej As the owner of a Rt 66, airbrake and mini Z, I can answer your question from my subjective point of view. If it is just for practice at home, get the Mini, not the airbrake. The airbrake lowers volumes quite subtly. Live you really notice the difference but at home it's still loud with the airbrake on 4 and it's a crime against humanity to play a Rt 66 on the airbrakes "bedroom" setting. I have been pracitsing heaps more since I got the mini just because it's there ready to go when I get the chance. It's still loud for home use and lots of fun. No it doesn't sound like the Rt 66 (what does?) but it does a killer Queen! (sorry for the pun) and every time I fire it up I can't help but play "Tush". The 66 attenuated won't sound like the mini, but it is a rockin little amp. Plus you can plug it into your Z best and have a great plexi half stack tone at way less volume. Sorry I persuaded you in the more expensive direction but I LOVE having the mini. A Haw haw haw! ;D
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Post by James on Dec 5, 2005 15:54:25 GMT -7
I like what both you guys, tasweigan and oliej have to say regarding practicing more after having bought the mini...I agree, its right there and ready to go anytime of day............I can imagine how cool it would (will) be to have strat in one hand and mini in the other, plug in and go...big tone.....anywhere..........Its funny how 2 months ago I would have sold my soul just to have the Rt66.........and now I want more "Z"........thats normal right! LOL I notice that many guys on this site have both an airbrake and a "Mini"......
I understand now that they are really different items.................
Either of you guys gigged with it? If so, what type of venue?
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Post by taswegian on Dec 5, 2005 16:24:59 GMT -7
I haven't gigged with it as yet but I will. I've taken it to a rehearsal and I could hear it fine and we are a loud band as you might be able to gauge from the "Drift" sound clip if you've heard it. I'm playing alot of solo and duo type gigs waiting for my drummer to get off tour and its perfect for those. Sometimes you just need a bit more "nasty" than the accoustic, so rip out the mini. I'm also playing in my brothers cover band while I'm waiting and they play mostly rock so I'm going to try it with them as well since it's mostly small clubs. It sounds pretty cool miked through a pa. I'll take the 66 along as well just in case, but miked, I'm sure it would cut the gig. Just have to remember to turn it up at the desk as the band gets louder. I think to hear your guitar coming through front of house in a small club would sound pretty huge from stage too. Busking is another application that comes to mind if you can find an outlet ;D
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Post by Curt on Dec 5, 2005 19:25:41 GMT -7
Yep, I've gigged mine (mini), through an sm-57 on it and it was plenty for a small club gig. I've used it at rehersal too..no problem. Mini's are way LOUDER than you'd think...Just ask my wife. LOL Air Brake should be on your list too, I've sold off my 66 but it works just as well with my Z-28, allows you to stay in the sweet spot and attenuate down, pretty darn transparent on A/B amps. I don't care for it on a Ghia or Maz Jr though. So yeah, ya need both...a Mini and an AirBrake...sorry..it's a sickness, Welcome !!!! LOL
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Post by James on Dec 5, 2005 21:01:00 GMT -7
Thats what I was afraid of! I am gonna order a mini first thing in the AM...with my coffee..........HA!
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oliej
New Member
Posts: 36
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Post by oliej on Dec 5, 2005 21:41:37 GMT -7
Sounds like great way to start the day.
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Post by ducmike on Dec 6, 2005 16:53:40 GMT -7
Man I wish I never would have read this thread. Now I have to get a Mini to go with the 66. I've lusted after the Mini for awhile now.
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Post by James on Dec 6, 2005 19:49:42 GMT -7
..............I just ordered mine this morning...should be here this weekend..........my lust has been going on for a couple of months........I mean, honestly, 3 minutes out of everyday for the past 2 mos. I have logged in to the website and went through all those Buddy clips.....drooling! And then multiply that by the number of models because I probably go through the sound clips for each of them 10 times a week!
Isn't amazing how finally having access to great tone just makes you go through the day sort of high.........I mean, I used to actually be a moody bastard because I was always preoccupied with the fact that I hated my tone.......did the whole boogie thing for years.......vibroking.....vibrolux....vibroebayking! Ha!
People I have not seen in a while ask how things have been going lately and I smile and say........."tonally...very productive and good"......they look at me like "what the F&6ck"..........but you guys all understand right? Awesome to just be able to free your mind and sit back and play........
Yeah, I am lusting and drooling over the whole Z line of amps...excluding the one I own..............but hopeful and excited because now I know that for the rest of my playing years there will be new Z's to add to my collection along the way..........maybe not all at once, but, thats fine because I wanna really dig in and get to know each one before I move to the next one.............
Life is good! I hope they NEVER find a cure for the "Z" diZeZe........
Happy holidays friends!
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Post by taswegian on Dec 6, 2005 20:11:02 GMT -7
I think the Buddy clips were the nail in the coffin for me too, in regards to getting the mini. Have fun
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Post by propellr on Dec 6, 2005 20:27:20 GMT -7
19jmm68, Here's some karma for you for making me laugh out loud. Your comment about not being a moody bastard anymore really made the drywall shake over here!
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Post by James on Dec 6, 2005 20:46:08 GMT -7
my first karma.......seriously cool d javascript:add(%22%208-)%22) Thanks propellr!
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Post by James on Dec 6, 2005 20:48:30 GMT -7
all that ^)&)()II__ was suppose to be a "sunglasses cool smiles".......whatever? OOPS
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Post by edoetsch on Dec 7, 2005 14:47:29 GMT -7
It depends on what you want for bedroom sound. I've played a Mini-Z at Boston Guitar Works in MA and it sounded very nice. However it was still too loud to play at home with others in the house.
I'd look into the Zvex Nano Head. I have the Dr Z Mazarati and love it through my 1X12 cab when I can crank it. That is ONLY when NO ONE is in the house.
The Zvex Nano is just loud enough to not bother others in the house and to jam along with tunes. I am sure the zvex through your 2x12 will sound great cranked.
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