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Post by sudsysul on May 17, 2007 7:18:06 GMT -7
I have a Z28 and am always lurking here on the 66 patrol. I have a bunch of other amps, including a reissue JTM45. Does anyone here have a 66 and a JTM?
Every time I see a thread on the Rte 66 amp, somebody has to say that it's a loud amp. Well how loud is it compared to say a reissue JTM45? Are they about the same? How about gain? Which amp is gainier earlier on the volume and tones dials?
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Post by taswegian on May 17, 2007 7:35:56 GMT -7
Hey Susdy, the answer is a bit like "how long is a piece of string" My Route 66 breaks up in a vastly different place depending on whether I'm playing through my 35 watt custom 1-12 Ulbrick cab or the Z Best. Through the 1-12 (97-98db) I think the volume is quite acceptable for packed small or medium size clubs around break up levels. With the Z best its alot louder, much more headroom and too much for small clubs most of the time. I have an airbrake but rarely use it. So comparing to a JTM is kinda tough. The last one I heard was an original and sounded awesome although I didn't think it sounded alot like the 66. Dare I say it was closer to the Z28 to my ear but of course there are so many variables. I'd also say the 66 had a little more gain on tap, or I should say, my 66 may have had more on tap although I didn't hear the 45 cranked. But through the matching vintage 4-12 with 20 watt greenies it sounded amazing and I'd LOVE to hear my amp through that box! I'd guess it would break up in a similar place to my 1-12. To simplify the answer I would think the volume would be quite similar and maybe the JTM would stay cleaner slightly longer, but I haven't heard the reissue and there are so many variables, but that's my "guess'. Cheers. P.S How close are the tones on the Reissue 45 and your Z28?
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Post by JChance on May 17, 2007 10:57:05 GMT -7
Hey Susdy, the answer is a bit like "how long is a piece of string" My Route 66 breaks up in a vastly different place depending on whether I'm playing through my 35 watt custom 1-12 Ulbrick cab or the Z Best. Through the 1-12 (97-98db) I think the volume is quite acceptable for packed small or medium size clubs around break up levels. With the Z best its alot louder, much more headroom and too much for small clubs most of the time. I have an airbrake but rarely use it. So comparing to a JTM is kinda tough. The last one I heard was an original and sounded awesome although I didn't think it sounded alot like the 66. Dare I say it was closer to the Z28 to my ear but of course there are so many variables. I'd also say the 66 had a little more gain on tap, or I should say, my 66 may have had more on tap although I didn't hear the 45 cranked. But through the matching vintage 4-12 with 20 watt greenies it sounded amazing and I'd LOVE to hear my amp through that box! I'd guess it would break up in a similar place to my 1-12. To simplify the answer I would think the volume would be quite similar and maybe the JTM would stay cleaner slightly longer, but I haven't heard the reissue and there are so many variables, but that's my "guess'. Cheers. P.S How close are the tones on the Reissue 45 and your Z28? Bingo Bingo Bingo. When I first saw your post, I was going to say the same things, but Tas said it even better! Speaker cabinet arrangement is definitely a major determining factor in volume/headroom, etc. The Route 66 is more of a "Hot Rodded" JTM45 tone. "Milkshake Thick" in the mids is the most accurate description I've seen. Lots of balls, and not as much shimmer in the highs. And yeah, I think that especially after 12:00 on the volume, the JTM45 gets even bigger & has a bit more testosterone than a JTM45. I think that amps like JTM45's and the like (Tweed Twins, Bassmans) might be a better fit if you are looking for versatility. But if ya wanna "Rock & Roll All Night," the 66 is a beast.
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Post by myles on May 17, 2007 11:02:41 GMT -7
With the same speakers the Route 66 is a stronger amp. It has about 50-75 more B+ voltage than a JTM45.
My own 45 has about 410 vB+ and will top out, flat out, at about 38 watts but give up clean wattage much earlier than a Route 66 will.
The Route 66 is happier with pedals.
The Route 66 also has the ability to be more agressive if you crank up it's tone controls.
They are quite different amps, the KT66 output tubes being the only common factor.
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Post by sudsysul on May 18, 2007 7:59:56 GMT -7
Thanks for the responses. I totally agree about the different cabs thing.. my little Z28 sounds awesome through my Marshall 4X12 with 35 year old Greenbacks, but it feels a bit stiff, bright and loud through my Avatar 2X12. Recently I started using a Z 1X12 with an H30, and it totally changes the dynamic of the amp.. it's spongy, sweet and gives up the goods at the right volume... just what you'd want a 6V6 amp to do.
The JTM I have has 6L6's, so that confuses issues even more when comparing to the KT66 based 66, since these tubes do their own thing as well. I guess I'm just going to have to buy one and build a bigger amp stack like yours Myles!
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