mattp
Junior Member
Posts: 54
|
Post by mattp on Mar 28, 2014 8:30:41 GMT -7
Hey all, kinda new here, but am blown away by the support of the Z community. So, maybe some of you could help me get some clarity...I played a Z-Wreck combo recently on a whim at a dealer, and now I can't get that sound and feel out of my head. Literally the most dynamic amps I've ever played. You all probably know that... So, I'm trying to choose combo vs head/cab. I like the flexibility of the head cab(not sure if I'm going the 2x12 route), but I've read that the combo is special b/c of the way that can was designed. Is this question moot--will the amp still blow me away in any format? Then, the question: are 30W too much. I was looking at the Maz 18, but that amp is loud, as well. I typically play 15-20W combos, but the Wreck sounds so good...I like the idea of all the extra on tap beyond 18W. Appreciate your help! Matt
|
|
|
Post by bryan0418 on Mar 28, 2014 8:48:04 GMT -7
Either format, 1x12 combo or 2x12 head/cab, you can't go wrong. You can even buy the Z Wreck head separate and get both a 1x12 and 2x12 Dr Z cabinet and switch cabs depending on the size of stage. Check out Humbucker music. They have a bunch of colors.
I prefer heads and cabs since they seem easier to carry for me and you get less tube rattle. That is just my thought. A lot of guys run combo amps with no issues. The new Z Wreck combo looks really cool I must say.
I have the 2x12 silver set and love it. It is a loud amp and if you want overdrive without using pedals then an Airbrake is needed.
Good luck with your quest for a Z Wreck
|
|
|
Post by telejas on Mar 28, 2014 9:39:41 GMT -7
I can't answer the head/combo question for you... But the 30wt question is a very good question that I may be able to chime in on.
A 30wt 1x2 is going to produce less volume than a 2x12, but saying that....30wts, without an attenuator, is over-kill for me at a lot of the gigs I play. If you like to push your amps volume to the "sweet spot" or higher into overdrive, then most 30wt tubes amps are going to be too loud for a lot of venues. I'd HIGHLY recommend getting a Brake-lite (or Air-Brake) to use with the Z-Wreck (if you get one), or any other similar amp.
|
|
|
Post by j4gitr (John) on Mar 28, 2014 10:18:31 GMT -7
Your dilemma is exactly why I won't go and just try a Z-Wreck. I have been playing a Maz Jr combo for a number of years, finding that it fit most of my needs, but I wanted a Rt66, so I got one. The 30 watts is louder, but it's nice to have the power when you need it, and you can attenuate as has been mentioned. As for head vs combo my leanings these days are to heads for the versatility they provide, especially as you enter this price range. You can always buy additional cabinets to change things up as you see fit. I am even leaning to changing my Maz to a head/cab configuration if I come across a cabinet. Good luck with your decision.
|
|
|
Post by Maddog on Mar 28, 2014 10:25:46 GMT -7
The Wreck has an unparallelled ability to sound full even at low volumes. I've played my Wreck in many small gigs with no problem at all. Then you just depend on pedals (at unity gain) for dirt....
|
|
|
Post by muZician on Mar 28, 2014 11:15:44 GMT -7
once you have heard a Zwreck it will never go out of your head. head or combo...it doesn't matter. I have a head+cab since more than one year and play it almost every day. and everyday I love it more...the Zwreck is like drugs...once you get addicted...there is no salvation
|
|
|
Post by doctorice on Mar 28, 2014 11:40:57 GMT -7
The combo has a lot going for it: it weighs only about 10 lbs more than a Z 1x10 combo and takes up less than 60 sq in greater floor space (footprint). If you play gigs in tight spaces, it's the way to go compared to the head/cab. As has been noted, the 2x12 cab is louder, but you'll want a Brake Lite with either amp, unless you want to run it very clean and use pedals. The amp exposes every single flaw in your technique, btw. There's nowhere to hide And, yes, it is totally addictive.
|
|
|
Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Mar 28, 2014 12:12:33 GMT -7
My vote is for the combo - Doc designed it to be lighter yet still have all the tone of the head. You can order it with the brake light already installed. Plus I love the blue tolex - classy looking amp!
|
|
mattp
Junior Member
Posts: 54
|
Post by mattp on Mar 28, 2014 12:38:32 GMT -7
Ahhh man! Thanks for the input, everyone--greatly appreciated! I have some time to weigh all this out. I've been leaning toward a head/cab, but the combo I played sounded so good, and came w/ an airbrake. Decisions, decisions...
Thanks again--Matt
|
|
|
Post by KeithA on Mar 28, 2014 13:16:38 GMT -7
Ahhh man! Thanks for the input, everyone--greatly appreciated! I have some time to weigh all this out. I've been leaning toward a head/cab, but the combo I played sounded so good, and came w/ an airbrake. Decisions, decisions... Thanks again--Matt I'm sure the combo is cool....but
|
|
|
Post by BradPaisleyFan (Pat) on Mar 28, 2014 14:16:53 GMT -7
Ahhh man! Thanks for the input, everyone--greatly appreciated! I have some time to weigh all this out. I've been leaning toward a head/cab, but the combo I played sounded so good, and came w/ an airbrake. Decisions, decisions... Thanks again--Matt I'm sure the combo is cool....but Not that COOL!!!!!
|
|
mattp
Junior Member
Posts: 54
|
Post by mattp on Mar 28, 2014 14:57:10 GMT -7
Ahhh man! Thanks for the input, everyone--greatly appreciated! I have some time to weigh all this out. I've been leaning toward a head/cab, but the combo I played sounded so good, and came w/ an airbrake. Decisions, decisions... Thanks again--Matt I'm sure the combo is cool....but Haha!! That is a Mountain of Tone!
|
|
|
Post by telejas on Mar 28, 2014 15:50:52 GMT -7
I'm sure the combo is cool....but WOW...... You have Toy Stoy 1 and 2!!! (and a Goldtop Wolfgang)!
|
|
|
Post by nicholas on Mar 28, 2014 16:51:28 GMT -7
You have the best sort of decision, because I'd think you would be happy either way. Its the same amp, just different configuration. I'd say if you typically like combos go for that. If your a head/cab guy there is that as well. I have the combo and am totally blow away by it. I'd say its on par with typical 30w amps in terms of volume. If your getting along fine with 20 watt amps I wouldn't think you'd have too much trouble. I have a brake lite but still haven't installed it. I don't seem to need it, but I don't play out...... so I'm the judge and jury on if its too loud Good luck picking!
|
|
mattp
Junior Member
Posts: 54
|
Post by mattp on Mar 28, 2014 16:57:10 GMT -7
You have the best sort of decision, because I'd think you would be happy either way. Its the same amp, just different configuration. I'd say if you typically like combos go for that. If your a head/cab guy there is that as well. ) Good luck picking! I typically am a combo player, only out of being cheap, but I've been borrowing. Jackson Newcastle head/cab and it's sick. But, you're right--either way is a win. Just not sure if I want the portability of the combo, or the versatility of head/cab.
|
|
|
Post by markT on Mar 28, 2014 18:25:47 GMT -7
I just got the combo and I like this package best, for me, that is.
I got the original quantum silver set when the Z Wreck was first released. #004 in fact. I kept it about a year and a half. I liked it, but it just seemed too nice to take out of the house. I did use it on one gig and it was great! I battled with the decision, but ended up selling it while still in near mint condition.
After it was gone a month or two, I realized I could not live without that Z Wreck tone in my head like muZician said above. So...I ordered another in blonde to match my two 1-12 cabs. I liked that set up too. Sounded even bigger and fatter with two 1-12 cab's with Gold's than the original Z Wreck cab. But it was more stuff to move and took up more space. The Antidote struck my eye and I sold that head too.
That was almost a year ago and that 'Wreck tone still in my head.
I fought it at first, but dove back in the 'Wreckish waters with the combo a couple of weeks ago. I could not be happier. The amp and cab set up is great and has more volume and punch, but the combo has a sweetness and robust resonance that the others did not have. Plus a more 3D sound with sound coming from the front, back and even out of the top of the dang thing. I love that about it. And it's all in one, cute little compact package.
Either way you can't loose..
|
|
|
Post by Maddog on Mar 28, 2014 18:43:34 GMT -7
Dang you, Mark!!!! Dang you!!!
|
|
|
Post by BradPaisleyFan (Pat) on Mar 28, 2014 19:22:10 GMT -7
I just got the combo and I like this package best, for me, that is. I got the original quantum silver set when the Z Wreck was first released. #004 in fact. I kept it about a year and a half. I liked it, but it just seemed too nice to take out of the house. I did use it on one gig and it was great! I battled with the decision, but ended up selling it while still in near mint condition. After it was gone a month or two, I realized I could not live without that Z Wreck tone in my head like muZician said above. So...I ordered another in blonde to match my two 1-12 cabs. I liked that set up too. Sounded even bigger and fatter with two 1-12 cab's with Gold's than the original Z Wreck cab. But it was more stuff to move and took up more space. The Antidote struck my eye and I sold that head too. That was almost a year ago and that 'Wreck tone still in my head. I fought it at first, but dove back in the 'Wreckish waters with the combo a couple of weeks ago. I could not be happier. The amp and cab set up is great and has more volume and punch, but the combo has a sweetness and robust resonance that the others did not have. Plus a more 3D sound with sound coming from the front, back and even out of the top of the dang thing. I love that about it. And it's all in one, cute little compact package. Either way you can't loose.. So third time was the charm in your case.
|
|
mattp
Junior Member
Posts: 54
|
Post by mattp on Mar 28, 2014 19:45:21 GMT -7
. The amp and cab set up is great and has more volume and punch, but the combo has a sweetness and robust resonance that the others did not have. Plus a more 3D sound with sound coming from the front, back and even out of the top of the dang thing. I love that about it. And it's all in one, cute little compact package. Either way you can't loose.. I agree--that 3D tone coming from that combo...it was so unique to my ears--every note almost shimmered--so much so I thought there was reverb on, but it was just the amp. So badass!
|
|