|
Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 8, 2014 0:23:24 GMT -7
Zs are enigmas. The more i read on this forum the more all my conventional amp wisdom (what little there is) goes out the window. I've always had an inclination towards 6V6 amps. Some of my favorites are the Princeton NRs and the old 5F10 and 5F11s. Never been a big 5e3 guy. So being that I like dual 6V6 amps and would get fired from every gig if I brought out a Remedy (lol, definitely wouldn't be asked back. I play mostly smallish-medium rooms) I'm super drawn to the Z28. I love the simple layout and no master volume. I've always sort of had the idea that 6V6 amps were great for country music with telecasters. But I keep reading that guys here prefer the Z28 for blues and rock and EL84 Zs like the Maz Jr & Sr for country. I've never been interested in a "British" sound and i've always been told that 6V6s have a more "american" sound. I know a lot of that stuff is repeated cliche but it started somewhere, right?
As some of you know I'm about to buy an amp for pedal demo videos in my apartment and small-medium country gigs (Classic, alternative and even though it pains me, some "modern" "country"). I'm looking at two different z28 combos for the reasons I mentioned above. Should I be looking elsewhere? Ghias? Maz Jrs or Srs? I can't get buy with any of the bigger Zs (22 watts is about right, 15-22w is usually fine for what I do). Just need a little clean headroom to work with and a really warm and rich clean tone to put pedals in front of.
Let me know your thoughts. Sorry for all the posting on this subject lately. I promise it will all be over in the next week or two (then i'll be bugging you guys about something else I'm sure). Thanks for answering my questions and making me feel welcome here as a new member. I really appreciate it. Thanks. Gary.
|
|
|
Post by nmz on Sept 8, 2014 2:24:33 GMT -7
Dude just buy the Z-28 it seems to be what you are looking for. Buy it used so if you do not like it you can sell it and not be out any serious cash. But make sure you want a 22w Z amp without a master because it might be more than your apartment neighbors might want to deal with.
|
|
|
Post by Christopher on Sept 8, 2014 4:20:11 GMT -7
We can wax all day about any of the Z line up and each amp's pros/cons but just as each of us likes a different shaped neck or pickup configuration so too are the opinions on which Z does what best. The only way YOU will know what works for you is to get one and spend some quality time with it. I've had my '28 for quite a while and done everything style wise under the sun with it. I also have EL84 amps that do similar things. Sean is my witness I love 6V6 amps and since Ive owned the '28 none of the other makers amps have stayed bc the '28 fit the bill so well. But I've spent the time and $$ to know this not just read forums all day. Unlike other makers a z holds value bc folks know how well they play, are built and sound. You should invest your time and money in that and make up your mind after that experience.
|
|
|
Post by pcns on Sept 8, 2014 4:38:09 GMT -7
The nicest thing about any of the Z amps is that they really let the voice of the guitar be heard. This same characteristic is also why they tend to be pedal friendly. The Z28 is a tremendous amp, is very pedal friendly and sounds amazing. Should fit your needs nicely My 2 cents, Todd
|
|
|
Post by bryan0418 on Sept 8, 2014 4:42:06 GMT -7
You can't go wrong with any amp that has a "Z" on it but you also may want to take a look at the M12. This amp was made specifically for pedal players.
|
|
|
Post by kustom250 on Sept 8, 2014 11:07:28 GMT -7
I've never been interested in a "British" sound and i've always been told that 6V6s have a more "american" sound. I know a lot of that stuff is repeated cliche but it started somewhere, right? Only because Deluxe Reverbs have 6V6s. I've got 4 6V6 powered amps and not a one of them is even close o the sound of a BF Fender. Circuit design makes all the difference...not the tubes. I think you'll love the Z28.
|
|
|
Post by simpleton on Sept 8, 2014 12:39:57 GMT -7
You'll never know until you try something. EXPERIENCE IT !! Then you'll know. Until then it's just a bunch of chit chat. Conventional wisdom never has done anything but maintain what somebody else thinking unconventionally has accomplished.
Plug in, turn it up and play your soul.
|
|
|
Post by ME on Sept 8, 2014 13:10:15 GMT -7
Plug in, turn it up and play your soul. Oh yes, that's what we all need to do. It is all in the minds ear. Ed Bickert played jazz on a Tele and most would have guessed an arch top was used. With any amp, if it's clean enough and conversely dirty enough for what you want to play at the volume you require, you should be good to go. A pedal here or there should set you up well. I had a Route 66 and now own an Antidote. They are both loud and proud amps, but with a Brake Lite and some boost/distortion pedals I can go from clean to mean at almost any volume. I think I'd like a Z 28, but I think I'd like a lot of amps... Try one and I believe you'll be impressed with its sound scape.
|
|
|
Post by schultz on Sept 8, 2014 16:24:51 GMT -7
I think there are better Z amps for country but the Z28 would fit the bill if you can turn it up.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2014 16:42:48 GMT -7
Try one, don't like sell it trade. Just taste one I've had 6 Z amps. Still have a Z-28 & a Galaxie. I miss the Prescription & Mazerati. The Maz 18 NR & Route 66 were not my cup of tea.
|
|
|
Post by Pete aka shouldb on Sept 9, 2014 0:29:23 GMT -7
Given the tones you describe yo want, and the purpose you want it for, JUST GET THE Z28!! It is PERFECT for what you describe, really. For me, and forgive me the rest of the forum, all this stuff about "... this amp is good for country; this for rock; this for blues....." is total nonsense. Talk about TONE, and then there's a conversation to be had, and even then, it's guideline only. EL84 amps are "known" for their chime' 6V6 amps, not so much..... yet, when I put my Strat through my Z28 and a Weber Blue Pup Ceramic speaker, I could get it to ring like a bell!! A Remedy is a head's down 60s rock machine, right? Hmm. I guested with a 50s rock n roll outfit who DESPISED dirty amps with a passion!! They wanted Hank Marvin cleans every time, so that's what they got, and they LOVED the tone of the Remedy!! You want a great, muscular, warm amp; 20 W or so, and a great pedal platform?? That's the Z28 in spades!
|
|
|
Post by Joey Beverages on Sept 9, 2014 6:48:29 GMT -7
Just need a little clean headroom to work with and a really warm and rich clean tone to put pedals in front of.
Yes .... a Z-28 with a 112 or 210 cab and using a Tele or Strat with a coupla pedals will give you that - classic/alternative/non-trad country stylin' .... imho
happy shopping and cheers always, Joel
|
|
|
Post by southmusic70 on Sept 9, 2014 8:36:59 GMT -7
Pete,
We should take a poll to see how many people here know who Hank Marvin is.
South
|
|
|
Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 9, 2014 8:56:23 GMT -7
Pete, We should take a poll to see how many people here know who Hank Marvin is. South He loves that trem arm.
|
|
|
Post by kustom250 on Sept 9, 2014 8:57:54 GMT -7
|
|
|
Post by southmusic70 on Sept 9, 2014 9:06:05 GMT -7
Well, that's four of us so far.
I'm encouraged.
|
|
|
Post by Pete aka shouldb on Sept 9, 2014 9:14:36 GMT -7
Pete, We should take a poll to see how many people here know who Hank Marvin is. South Oh yee of little faith! Anyone who needs to know...... knows!
|
|
|
Post by kustom250 on Sept 9, 2014 9:18:08 GMT -7
Well, that's four of us so far. I'm encouraged. I was pretty surprised how hard it was to find the Shadows albums in the US when I went looking a few years ago. Back to the OP. Are you looking for a "American" voiced amp...in other words a BF Fender sounding one? We all use words differently and I wouldn't call those "warm" so I don't want to point you in the wrong direction. Still I think the Z28 would be great for what you're looking for...but probably not the best amp if you're set on a BF sound.
|
|
|
Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 9, 2014 9:39:28 GMT -7
I'm going to go with the z28 as long as I can get all the money together. It's pricey as it's in an aftermarket Mather 1x12 studio combo cab with a celestion gold in it. I think I'll be able to swing it and the seller is being patient and working with me. But if for some reason I can't afford it I'm going to pick up an M12. I found one that's like $500 less than the z28. Just worried it won't be loud enough, maybe with the right speaker. They're all Zs, can't go wrong. I think I'll be happy either way. Thanks you guys.
|
|
|
Post by southmusic70 on Sept 9, 2014 9:42:21 GMT -7
Sorry, guys; I couldn't help getting off point.
Old age, I guess...back to the question:
Kustom, I'm pretty much in agreement with you about where the 28 sits sonically.
AND, the blackface "thing" can be elusive as far as having one definition. I say this because I grew up on the 6L6 side of blackface amps ('67 Vibrolux Reverb and '65 Showman, in my case), and they're different than other blabckfaces and even among themselves, at least to my ears.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2014 11:04:58 GMT -7
Stratocaster Legend - Hank Marvin & **** Dale
|
|
|
Post by southmusic70 on Sept 9, 2014 13:50:09 GMT -7
Make that five.
|
|
|
Post by bigben55 on Sept 9, 2014 17:12:24 GMT -7
I play mostly blues, but also some rootsy rock and alt-country. Not a traditional country player but dabble. My best country tone currently is the Z28 2x10, knobs at 11-9-2, with my G&L ASAT Special, thru an Xotic SP compressor set mildly(low compression, blend at 3 oclock, vol at unity) into an EQD Dispatch Master(all knobs at 9 oclock for mild reverb and quick slapback, really just thickens the tone) and hit the Fulltone Fat Boost 3(drive up high, vol to unity, bass and treble @noon) for leads. Its killer! If I want more twang, I play my Fender tele with a Cavelier Nashville Lion bridge pickup.
|
|
|
Post by hubrex on Sept 9, 2014 17:44:10 GMT -7
Pete, We should take a poll to see how many people here know who Hank Marvin is. South Oh yee of little faith! Anyone who needs to know...... knows! Pete's got that one right!
|
|
|
Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 9, 2014 19:43:17 GMT -7
I play mostly blues, but also some rootsy rock and alt-country. Not a traditional country player but dabble. My best country tone currently is the Z28 2x10, knobs at 11-9-2, with my G&L ASAT Special, thru an Xotic SP compressor set mildly(low compression, blend at 3 oclock, vol at unity) into an EQD Dispatch Master(all knobs at 9 oclock for mild reverb and quick slapback, really just thickens the tone) and hit the Fulltone Fat Boost 3(drive up high, vol to unity, bass and treble @noon) for leads. Its killer! If I want more twang, I play my Fender tele with a Cavelier Nashville Lion bridge pickup. Sounds like a killer setup you've got going. I'm hoping I'll be able to swing the extra cash for the added volume of the Z28. If not I'm sure I'll be happy with the M12 and an efficient speaker.
|
|