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Post by wingwalker on Apr 3, 2006 14:56:12 GMT -7
Hey guys!
This is my first post so go easy on me...I have been looking at new amps lately and there are several Dr. Z's that have got me GASsing! I have gone several times to check them out but today was one of my better trips as I was the only guy at the music store so I got to spend a good bit of time with several Z's. My question is this...no matter where I had the tone controls the Route 66 (as well as all the other Z amps I tried) were a little on the bright side...is that normal? Is it something different tubes would "fix"? I liked several of the Z amps I tried but the Route 66 was the one that spoke to me...if I could tame the treble it might be my next amp.
I should also add that I was not using Dr. Z cab...I was using a Two Rock 2x12 open back loaded with one Two Rock 12 and one Eminence 12...
Thanks guys!
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Post by taswegian on Apr 4, 2006 20:08:44 GMT -7
Mmmm, I've never heard a Route 66 being described as overly bright. Was it the guitar? Not sure what to tell you except that I'm sure most Route 66 owners would say they don't have problems with too much treble or brightness. Alot of guys here with single coils almost dime their treble! I can tell you it is voiced beautifully and sits wonderfully in a mix. Even when you're too loud it's never harsh or painful. Although the bottom end may give you a mild concussion! ;D
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Post by wingwalker on Apr 5, 2006 6:40:16 GMT -7
In reading up on the forum a bit I have a good feeling that the cab I was using might have been a big part of the problem!
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Post by drew on Apr 5, 2006 8:33:25 GMT -7
Hey WW, I'm also new to the Z crew. I'd only played through a Ghia and my first impression was similar to yours, it seemed bright and there was only one knob to roll off the treble. The more I played it I realized that it was just super clear tone, not clean but clear. :-)
I purchased a Rt 66 and had the same impression. What I found in both amps is that the treble is so rich and clean that it stands out. Once I played the amp in a comfortable setting I realized it wasn't treblie but clean and articulate. This Z is different, more so than any other amp I've owned. The clear high tones are always musical and never spikey when the volume is cranked. In fact, for me, with more volume the treble smooths out into a rich overdriven tone. Hope this makes sense and helps.
Drew
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Post by wingwalker on Apr 5, 2006 10:00:29 GMT -7
Drew,
Thanks...I could tell right away that all these amps are made to be cranked. I'm convinced in reading all over he forum that I need to try a Z with a Z cab...as soon as the4 my local place gets the Z 2x12's back in stock I'm gonna go check them out again!
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Post by Telemanic on Apr 5, 2006 20:34:09 GMT -7
Hi wingwalker, on the 66 remember that the tone controls work differently than most other amps. On the 66, z-28, and delta 88, they are as much gain controls as tone controls. Beyond 12:00 they add gain and saturation to their respective freqs. I agree with drewtunes that you may try actually cranking the treble up to 3-5:00. It will actually smooth out the treble while also making the amp a little more aggressive, & responsive. You could as an owner get a selection of NOS EF-86's, I find they are a fun way to experiment with different textures and brightness. Funny tho, i actually find the 66 / 28, kind of NOT bright! as for instance my fender vibrolux. My Maz 38 or 18 is the only Z i characterize as being really bright or certainly capable of it. In any case i'd bet that on a stage youd find that Any of the Z's carve out a VERY pleasent sonic space!! Good Luck.
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Post by frunabulaks on Feb 7, 2007 18:20:52 GMT -7
Ditto Telemanic I do exactely that with my Rosewood neck, Alder body Strat. I must add that with my Maple Neck Strat which can be a bit bright, I will run the treble on the 66 at 10:00 and the bass at 2:30 and the bass control does not make the bass strings louder it adds bass across the whole spectrum including the high strings in a very noticable way. I had the same impression in the music store and for the 1st couple days at home. When you play it in a big room you will probably find that it is not too bright. Sometimes if the bias is too low it will be too bright so you might want to check that. As a high end amp owner since 1975 I can honestly say that I have never played through a better amp. If you are still on the fence go back to the store play 10 whole note legato chords through the 66 and really listen, then go do it on any other 10 amps in the store. I did not get the Route 66 till Dave at Richmond music made me do that. The Vol. sweet spot is at 1:00 and it is scary good and they probably won't let you crank it that loud in the store. I played it cranked next to my buddy's Maz38 and it was clearly IMHO more thicker, harmonically rich and just a better amp....
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