captain38
Full Member
I followed you big river...
Posts: 198
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Post by captain38 on Jul 2, 2007 20:48:37 GMT -7
Try to stick with me hear. I had this pre conceived notion that the 66 was this beast of an amp. that at around 11:00 it had this dimed plexi thing going. the other day I got roughly 3 minutes with one run through my 2x12 blues and from what I could tell it wasn't like that at all. I guess it must be very versatile. I heard a friend make a les paul and 4x12 (perhaps a pedal in front) sound HUGE. Then I did the two blues and a 72 tele reissue for a decent twang thing.
all that to say....anyone want to describe in a cohesive manner what this amp is really like? haha hope that makes sense!!
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Post by taswegian on Jul 2, 2007 21:55:43 GMT -7
You've made a very good point. This amp will sound vastly different depending on speaker choice. All of them good of course, but you really wanna match the speaker to your needs. I have a 1-12 cab with a custom 35 watt celestian that totally tames the volume. I often top out in small clubs with it. It is based around a greenback with tighter bottom end or a "tamed' Vintage 30. Sounds very thick and warm. Dare I say "Beano". ???My perfect small/medium club rig. The Z-Best is just awesome. Heaps louder so any bigger gig or gig I need headroom, it comes out. Sounds like a great quad. GREAT 70's rock tones. Plenty clean headroom for pedals. Now if I could add a 1-12 Gold or 2-12 Blues I'd have alot of tones covered!
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Post by John on Jul 3, 2007 5:19:51 GMT -7
I'll take my shot:
As other have said...It has an unusually large amount of midrange. Not in an overbearing way, but it's there. Also one of the most noticable things about the 66 is it's ability to let each guitar sound like itself. If you fire up a blazing Boogie, all humbuckers will sound (mostly) the same and all single coils will sound mostly the same. The 66 on the other hand lets each guitar's individual sound come through. There can be drastic differences in guitars. Also because of this, speaker choice can also have a great effect.
The amp has a VERY tight bottom end. You can't get the thing to flab out.
The amp is not a bright amp...compared to typical Fender and Vox tones. The brightness is in there, but I think it gets overshadowed just a bit because of the lush midrange. Also, when the KT-66 start being pushed, this also accents the midrange. (in a very nice musical way)
Also, the tone stack is VERY deceptive. First of all, the tone controls are BEFORE V1. (If this make any difference to you...otherwise forget it.) But the major issue with the tone controls is this: The first half of the controls (from 8:00 to 12:00 noon) they act as tone controls. But above 12:00 they act as tone controls AND they act as gain controls for their frequency. Small changes in this area can yield different tone, different gain, and as a result, different feeling/sensitivity.
Also, it is the most dynamic amp I've ever played. (except matched by my to-loud-to-be-usable 1971 Marshall 100 watt Super Lead) Changes in pick attack can yield very different sounds. You must learn how to used this. Once you get used to such dynamics, going back to other amps (especially hi-gain) is dissapointing.
Because of these dynamics, you must learn to 'play the amp'. The amp itself becomes an instrument, not just a make-it-louder device. But these dynamics are like a double edged sword. Having dynamics (and clarity) like this means it will accent everything you play. By that I mean: If you have great technique and touch, the amp is your friend. However if you're a sloppy player, there's nowhere to hide. It will accurately and articulately broadcast your mistakes. A lot of people don't like this and they think the amp is bad because of it. It's made me a better player.
It is NOT like a dimed Plexi. It's not that aggresive an amp. Just a touch softer than a Plexi sound.
Rock tones are in there, don't get me wrong. But if someone is looking for a metal amp, this isn't it. But if you stuck a dirt box in front, it will get you close.
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Post by marsellus on Jul 3, 2007 5:53:36 GMT -7
If you want plexi, throw a fulltone OCD in front of it.
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Post by iggs on Jul 3, 2007 6:44:40 GMT -7
The 66 sounds like the 66 ... I'm not being facetious. It's definitely a Dr. Z kinda sound and feel. I think a lot of people always try and fit amp sound into three major categories: Marshall, Fender, Vox. Any Dr. Z amp could have a mix of all three in different proportion. Route 66 probably leans more towards the Marshall camp, early JTM 45 Marshall camp but that's a very general and loose description and can be misleading if that's exactly what one is looking for. There are tons of builders who make great Marshall clones that are very well built and sound phenomenal, but that's what those are ... vintage amp replicas with maybe few tweaks here and there. Dr. Z amps are original designs (as original as amplifier can be) and thus sound quite unique.
I think that's why I like my Route 66 so much, it's not just another Marshall, Fender, Vox copy, clone or "inspired" design. It's a unique and amazing sounding amp.
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Post by billyguitar on Jul 3, 2007 7:26:45 GMT -7
If a 66 is comparable to a Plexi it would be as if you plugged in the normal channel of the Plexi and turned the presecne off and the treble way down. The 66 also has a really squeezy feel when it's up a bit. It's a slow sag and bloom though. You have to hold a chord or note a while to hear/feel it. I think it would do a good Paul Kossoff thing with the right speakers and Les Paul. For the most versatility I would suggest single coils and maybe a pedal to do some extra tone shaping now and then. Like an Xotic RC.
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Post by taswegian on Jul 3, 2007 8:47:49 GMT -7
. I think it would do a good Paul Kossoff thing with the right speakers and Les Paul. Billy, funny you mention that as I find my tone through the 66 and Grosh Set Neck very similar to Paul Kossoff's tones. In fact it's how I often describe it. "Think Paul Kossoff and Free" Did he have KT66's in his Marshalls? It's the right time frame.
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Post by Curt on Jul 3, 2007 9:26:23 GMT -7
Here's one thing I found with a 66.
If you want "more" of something you have to turn that pot DOWN... i.e. your setting your tone, tones are at 3:00, you want a touch MORE top end...turn the treble pot DOWN a touch. Not so noticable until your in a live full band situation.
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Post by prsnstrat on Jul 3, 2007 14:18:10 GMT -7
If you fire up a blazing Boogie, all humbuckers will sound (mostly) the same and all single coils will sound mostly the same. The 66 on the other hand lets each guitar's individual sound come through. The amp has a VERY tight bottom end. You can't get the thing to flab out. The amp is not a bright amp...compared to typical Fender and Vox tones. The brightness is in there, but I think it gets overshadowed just a bit because of the lush midrange. Also, when the KT-66 start being pushed, this also accents the midrange. (in a very nice musical way) Also, the tone stack is VERY deceptive. But above 12:00 they act as tone controls AND they act as gain controls for their frequency. Small changes in this area can yield different tone, different gain, and as a result, different feeling/sensitivity. Also, it is the most dynamic amp I've ever played. (except matched by my to-loud-to-be-usable 1971 Marshall 100 watt Super Lead) Changes in pick attack can yield very different sounds. You must learn how to use this. Once you get used to such dynamics, going back to other amps (especially hi-gain) is dissapointing. Because of these dynamics, you must learn to 'play the amp'. The amp itself becomes an instrument, not just a make-it-louder device. But these dynamics are like a double edged sword. Having dynamics (and clarity) like this means it will accent everything you play. By that I mean: If you have great technique and touch, the amp is your friend. However if you're a sloppy player, there's nowhere to hide. It will accurately and articulately broadcast your mistakes. A lot of people don't like this and they think the amp is bad because of it. It's made me a better player. It is NOT like a dimed Plexi. It's not that aggresive an amp. Just a touch softer than a Plexi sound. Rock tones are in there, don't get me wrong. But if someone is looking for a metal amp, this isn't it. But if you stuck a dirt box in front, it will get you close. Stop! Please! Now hand over your Route 66! Man...I gotta get me one of these...after the Ghia.
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Post by taswegian on Jul 6, 2007 7:40:11 GMT -7
Re: 66 Sounds Like What?! A severe thunderstorm moving across the plains!
A Pint of Guinness: Bold, thick, dark, rich with a creamy top end! And good for you! ;D
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Post by dixiechicken on Jul 6, 2007 11:35:59 GMT -7
Nice comparison Jaye! But... (there's always the but right.. ) I like english ale myself wich I suppose in some ways automatically exclude me from the illustrial Guinness gangs. I have a very good friend though who is a big fan of Guinness - to the extent that even his missus seem to like it - that's suspicious right? He has tried - unsuccessfully so far to convert me - with this explanation: It only remains for me to quote a certain Aussie monster group : "Have a drink on me" Angus Young forever: Dixiechicken
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Post by taswegian on Jul 7, 2007 0:19:17 GMT -7
;D
I've gotta gig tonight so, I'll have a drink or two on you!
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Post by dixiechicken on Jul 9, 2007 2:10:33 GMT -7
B.T.W Jaye... Many years ago (10-15 maybe) I read an interview in guitar magazine with Angus Young. He talked about when he grew up and started to take a serious interest in guitar playing how all his "playmates" ( no bunnies ) had Eric Clapton as their guitar-hero. Angus commented on this in this fashion: This comment has stuck with me, it brought a smile to my face for it's forthrightness. I feel that Angus was perhaps a bit unjust against Eric, Slowhand is a quite decent player but Angus has point. For me Clapton is not a very distinctive player with he's own voice and style. He's more of an amalgam of various influences. Many other players Albert King, Chuck Berry, BB King, Django Reinhardt etc etc, have very unique playing styles and are immediately recognizable in ways that Clapton is not. Cheers: Dixiechicken
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Post by (8^D) on Jul 9, 2007 4:34:23 GMT -7
anyone want to describe in a cohesive manner what this amp is really like? The best tweaked Marshall JTM-45. The 66 is a different design but that's definately what it sounds like. I was introduced to Z amps while on the hunt for a 'hot rodded JMT-45' tone a few years ago. All the folks 'in the know' said to try the Z 66 and they were quite right. Bought one right after I found one to try out...best tone and feel from an amp I'd experienced in a long time. It does react well to different guitars, speakers, effects and playing styles.
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captain38
Full Member
I followed you big river...
Posts: 198
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Post by captain38 on Jul 10, 2007 14:58:22 GMT -7
Re: 66 Sounds Like What?!
A severe thunderstorm moving across the plains!
A Pint of Guinness: Bold, thick, dark, rich with a creamy top end! And good for you!
HAHAHAHAHA!!!! My favorite reply by far!!!.......You are correct sir...that is indeed what the 66 sounds like!!
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