|
Post by sixacrelake on Apr 16, 2011 7:52:37 GMT -7
So I love me some Dr.Z. I have been heavily relying on my Maz 18 for recording and it just sings with all my guitars. I want to introduce some Z love in my live rig which typically is my beloved 1979 Hiwatt Custom 50 and a 70s era Kasino 100 bass amp running in stereo. I have been lusting for a Remedy for some time now to compliment the Hiwatt but a recent trip to Nashville has me thinking otherwise. I was lucky enough to find pretty much the entire Z line sitting in front of me a one of the Nashville shops and I just went bonkers playing everything. The verdict being that I was blown away with the KT-45 through the Z 4x10.
My question is are there any difference in the models / tweaks in design over the years? How about any issues? Should I be looking used or would new be the better route? Since I didn't have my Hiwatt with me how much overlap would there be between my DR-504 and KT-45? Does that even matter? Why are Z amps so **** awesome?
As an aside I got to try the Z verb as well and it was georgous. I will own one. Belee dat.
|
|
|
Post by eliot1025 on Apr 17, 2011 12:27:14 GMT -7
Not many changes over the years. Most KT45s can accept SS or tube rectifiers. I'm not sure if that was always true.
There might be some overlap with a Hiwatt; The KT has that kind of punch, articulation and headroom. But the KT's tone reminds me of a Vox AC30 or AC50.
To me, this amp has a fantastic breakup tone. Especially through 4 greenbacks. But you have to have it cranked before it gives it to ya. Some find that level to be unusable.
|
|
|
Post by sixacrelake on Apr 17, 2011 14:38:28 GMT -7
To me, this amp has a fantastic breakup tone. Especially through 4 greenbacks. But you have to have it cranked before it gives it to ya. Some find that level to be unusable. Thanks for the reply. I was beginning to wonder if this forum was some kind of ghost town. I am used to cranking my DR-504 to get some break up through its 4x12 cab so this shouldnt be to much of an issue for the KT-45. Ill still be using the Maz at home as well as my Reeves Custom 18 and just relegating the KT-45 for live use.
|
|
|
Post by eliot1025 on Apr 18, 2011 8:15:06 GMT -7
Sounds like it should be okay for you.
The SS rectifier will make the amp even louder with less saturation and more dynamics when cranked. That's neither good nor bad. Most players prefer the tube rec.
You'll need to experiment with the tone controls - they're very interactive with the vol. control when up loud. When vol. is up, and the tone controls are above noon or 1 o'clock, they act as gain controls for their respective frequency ranges.
There used to be a clip of the amp on the Z site. It was David Grissom playing through a Marshall 4x12 cab with greenbacks. An awesome sound. Maybe someone at Z could direct you to that clip. Youtube perhaps?
|
|
|
Post by John on Apr 18, 2011 9:33:00 GMT -7
Here's the good: You'll want more Dr Z amps if you get this.
The bad: It's a pretty loud amp. You'll need an Airbrake (or other attenuator)
Very little change (if any) in design. (The only thing I know of is it's sister amp, the route 66 had a filter (cap?) change early on. Don't know about the KT-45...never heard anything.
This amp, and it's two sister amps (the Route 66 and Z-28) have minimal components in them...translates into more tone and the dynamics and touch sensitivity of these amps is awesome.
KT-45's are a little hard to come by on the used market...you may have to go new.
...and Z amps don't have 'issues'.
|
|
|
Post by Phil (aka Phil) on Apr 19, 2011 6:09:20 GMT -7
The KT-45 has been through two major iterations. Back in the day they came in the same head cabinet as the Carmen Ghia. Yes, this means that the EL34's hung upside down. They also had smaller trannies than they do now. Harvey's got #1 I do believe: Not too many of these were made. Doc switched them to the present format using the same cabinet as the Route 66 for better cooling. The trannies got an upgrade at that time; I'm not sure about the filtering and other circuit components. I beleive there has not been any major changes since then. I LOVE the KT-45 (in case I hadn't made that clear in the past ). I agree that Doc's description of "part Hiwatt, part AC50" is pretty close. I don't think there's too much overlap with your Hiwatt. The KT is its own thing. Like John said its got a ton of articulation and harmonic complexity due to the very short circuit path. It's very percussive and the clarity and treble voicing make it rule with 12-strings. It also has an unbelieveable, almost Fender-like Strat neck pickup tone that the Hiwatt doesn't have. Adding a KT to your Hiwatt rig would make for a *very* 3D tone, I would think. And yes, it does rock with the Z 4X10, and yes, it's kinda loud at full tilt Still not loud enough for Audley Freed, though....
|
|
|
Post by Albert on May 22, 2011 20:31:08 GMT -7
So I love me some Dr.Z. I have been heavily relying on my Maz 18 for recording and it just sings with all my guitars. I want to introduce some Z love in my live rig which typically is my beloved 1979 Hiwatt Custom 50 and a 70s era Kasino 100 bass amp running in stereo. I have been lusting for a Remedy for some time now to compliment the Hiwatt but a recent trip to Nashville has me thinking otherwise. I was lucky enough to find pretty much the entire Z line sitting in front of me a one of the Nashville shops and I just went bonkers playing everything. The verdict being that I was blown away with the KT-45 through the Z 4x10. My question is are there any difference in the models / tweaks in design over the years? How about any issues? Should I be looking used or would new be the better route? Since I didn't have my Hiwatt with me how much overlap would there be between my DR-504 and KT-45? Does that even matter? Why are Z amps so **** awesome? As an aside I got to try the Z verb as well and it was georgous. I will own one. Belee dat. Which store I'll be there in June gimmee something to do while the girls shop
|
|
|
Post by eggman on Jun 19, 2011 0:34:28 GMT -7
Howdy, Slightly off-topic, but i really enjoyed the demo clip from Dr. Z's website. This is another minimalist tone monster from Mr. Zaite which is designed for a no-nonsense guy to get his Ya-Ya's out. Now if some money could just fall out of the sky!
|
|