|
Post by chickfrench on Jul 25, 2015 11:25:28 GMT -7
Haven't visited this forum since I bought my EZG50 bout 5 years ago. I have the 4-10 bottom. My problem is I keep going back to my 66 Super because I've never been satisfied with this rig. I probably haven't used it a dozen times in 5 years. I used it on a gig last night and was cursing myself bout the middle of the first set for not bringing my Super.
When I first started researching the EZG I had read it was billed as "The Super That Never Was"...well so far that is an accurate statement...because a Super it is not. I have twisted the knobs (Pre/Post/Tone) nine ways of Sunday and simply can't get the tone I'm looking for...I have an aversion to using any sort of overdrive pedals and whatnots. I was hoping when I bought this amp that it would have that great Super tone the Super has @ about 3-4 on the volume. It's just tooooo dang clean and I have yet to figure out how to get that great overdrive the Super has. I just talked to the guy at Humbucker where I bought it...he didn't seem to think any other speaker options would make a significant difference....any suggestions?
|
|
|
Post by KeithA on Jul 25, 2015 11:38:11 GMT -7
In all fairness, I believe the EzG was billed as the blackface that never was.....a clean machine supreme. It was the Galaxiie that was based on the Super. iIRC, and that amp will rip you a new one gain wise.
|
|
|
Post by chickfrench on Jul 25, 2015 11:55:15 GMT -7
Well I suppose I was mistaken in the semantics of what the EZG was compared to...but I'm not into ripping anyone a new one, so to speak...just looking for the tone...we always start at the lowest volume possible and adjust to the sweet spot.
|
|
|
Post by heynewguy (Ol’ Bill) on Jul 25, 2015 12:46:05 GMT -7
How many hours on your speakers? Speaker break in should be 40 plus hours. Might help you out somewhat.
|
|
|
Post by KeithA on Jul 25, 2015 13:14:45 GMT -7
Well I suppose I was mistaken in the semantics of what the EZG was compared to...but I'm not into ripping anyone a new one, so to speak...just looking for the tone...we always start at the lowest volume possible and adjust to the sweet spot. Lol....I think you misread my post. I own an EZG and it basically stays cleans for a long distance on the volume knob and that's the way it's designed. The Galaxie is based on the Super and breaks up a lot faster (with the second channel getting into Marshall territory). I don't think you are going to get much breakup on the EZG unless it's extremely loud.
|
|
|
Post by chickfrench on Jul 25, 2015 14:19:59 GMT -7
Gotcha KeithA...looks like I need that buy/sell password I requested awhileago...it would make someone a great amp if this is what they're after as it's in mint condition...
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2015 14:40:06 GMT -7
Before you give up on the EZG--try it out with just about any decent OD pedal just for grins. For another $150, you might have exactly the tone you're looking for. I love my EZG, but I always run it with pedals.
|
|
|
Post by deluxetwelve on Jul 25, 2015 14:54:51 GMT -7
Have you tried an Airbrake?
|
|
|
Post by chickfrench on Jul 25, 2015 15:00:24 GMT -7
hmmm, I dunno...then I'd have to lug it to a music store and try out various pedals lol. Never owned an overdrive/distortion pedal personally, but on several, several occasions I've played other folks rigs that do have and I did not like the sound/tone. I have two pedals I use, one is a boss tuner and the other is a fulltone supa-trem (only because my tremolo isn't working on my super)....
|
|
|
Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jul 25, 2015 18:07:27 GMT -7
If you are looking for early break-up of the EZG without pedsls it isn't going to happen. May as well sell the EZG and find something more to your liking. Ever listen to z-lux? Doc's take on Delux Reverb plus his magic dust and footswitchable reverb and tremolo with MV and 20/40 watts switchable.
If you want to try one more thing I'd suggest playing a little bit with guitar volume if you haven't done that you. Doc's amps are very interactive with the guitar volume.
|
|
|
Post by chickfrench on Jul 25, 2015 18:19:42 GMT -7
hmm, have to check out the z lux...sounds like that may be something more to my liking. I'm bout or rather at the point of wanting to just sell the EZG or trade for something more to my liking. I do like a deluxe for small small clubs...I just figure I'm not gonna have much luck selling this amp...and I hope no one takes me wrong because I'm not dissing the Z by any means, just not the tone I'm after.
|
|
|
Post by KeithA on Jul 25, 2015 18:49:56 GMT -7
hmm, have to check out the z lux...sounds like that may be something more to my liking. I'm bout or rather at the point of wanting to just sell the EZG or trade for something more to my liking. I do like a deluxe for small small clubs...I just figure I'm not gonna have much luck selling this amp...and I hope no one takes me wrong because I'm not dissing the Z by any means, just not the tone I'm after. This is the Z-Lux.....
|
|
|
Post by chickfrench on Jul 25, 2015 19:40:00 GMT -7
Well ok, now to sell my 50...would never ever care to push it into that particular point of distortion but it appears it should have the ability to find that subtle overdrive tone. I do like having the ability to have the best of both world...slight tube overdrive/clean for the old country I get to play occasionally. The tremolo is a very nice bonus
|
|
|
Post by brayks on Jul 26, 2015 2:33:00 GMT -7
I'm not sure exactly how much overdrive you are looking for but the EZG is capable of a fair amount of "subtle overdrive".
Did you buy your EZG new or previously-loved? If it was from a previous owner(s), who knows what tubes are installed and what kind of shape they are in.
I would take a look at the tube line-up. Firstly making sure the bias on the output tubes is set correctly. Biased too low and you won't get much if any excitement. I would make sure the bias is just correctly or maybe even a tad-bit high (as I have done) -not too high as to get them glowing red or that would cause very early tube failure. You can check the Dr Z website for bias recommendations.
Also your pre-amp tubes have a lot to do with how clean you amp will play. You may have lower gain pre-amp tubes, either by specification or by type (5751, 12AY7, etc.).
You might go the forum section and ask Myles for his recommendation on pre-amp and power tubes to achieve the breakup/done you are looking for.
Another resource is The Tub Store. Check out these links to their pages that review various pre-amp and power tubes. It a good way to get an idea of the relative tonal characteristics of the various offerings out there. www.thetubestore.com/Resources/Product-Reviews/12AX7-Tube-Reviews#ne12ax7 www.thetubestore.com/Resources/Product-Reviews/6L6-Tube-Reviews
Is your 4X10 cab the Doc's 4X10? What speakers are you using?
If you are looking for more break-up/subtle overdrive you might want to consider either switching the speakers out to something like a 10" Celestion "Greenback" or equivalent from another manufacturer. These are lower wattage, lower sensitivity so they will breakup earlier.
Another consideration is going with a 1 x12 or 2X12. I play mine through a 2X12 loaded with G12-65 speakers, have done so for many years and am quite happy with that set-up. I am however going to try my EZG with a 1X15 Eminence Legend I have as soon as I find the time.
Make sure you are setting up the amp for a base sound level that has your guitar volume fairly high (at least 7). That will go a long way tyo make sure you have a "hot" enough signal to start with while still leaving you room in the tank to goose it for more tonal goodness when needed for either solos or more overdrive.
Lastly, a good clean boost that hits the front end of the amp a but harder will do wonders. I use the Creation Audio Labs MK 4.23 and love it. If you check out previous posts there is quite a bit of discussion on using overdrive pedals to get some nice overdrive by minimizing the gain and increasing the levels-very helpful stuff.
I wouldn't bail on the EZG without checking the above out first. It still remains my fav of the Dr. Z lineup.
Heck, if you can, come to the Michigan Mini Z-Fest and we can check it out. I have quite a few different pre-amp tubes, power tubes, speaker/cab combinations; we can even check the bias. Plus you can meet some very good people and have a blast jamin' away. At the least you can check out the way mine sounds through various speakers/cabs and pedals for a reference.
Good luck... Steve
|
|
|
Post by markT on Jul 26, 2015 4:32:10 GMT -7
FYI......My Therapy and 4-10 cab gives me a super super tone! Jus sayin' Clean to mean and everything in between..... No pedals needed....but a good boost is wonderful!
|
|
|
Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jul 26, 2015 5:00:38 GMT -7
I'm not sure exactly how much overdrive you are looking for but the EZG is capable of a fair amount of "subtle overdrive".
Did you buy your EZG new or previously-loved? If it was from a previous owner(s), who knows what tubes are installed and what kind of shape they are in.
I would take a look at the tube line-up. Firstly making sure the bias on the output tubes is set correctly. Biased too low and you won't get much if any excitement. I would make sure the bias is just correctly or maybe even a tad-bit high (as I have done) -not too high as to get them glowing red or that would cause very early tube failure. You can check the Dr Z website for bias recommendations.
Also your pre-amp tubes have a lot to do with how clean you amp will play. You may have lower gain pre-amp tubes, either by specification or by type (5751, 12AY7, etc.).
You might go the forum section and ask Myles for his recommendation on pre-amp and power tubes to achieve the breakup/done you are looking for.
Another resource is The Tub Store. Check out these links to their pages that review various pre-amp and power tubes. It a good way to get an idea of the relative tonal characteristics of the various offerings out there. www.thetubestore.com/Resources/Product-Reviews/12AX7-Tube-Reviews#ne12ax7 www.thetubestore.com/Resources/Product-Reviews/6L6-Tube-Reviews
Is your 4X10 cab the Doc's 4X10? What speakers are you using?
If you are looking for more break-up/subtle overdrive you might want to consider either switching the speakers out to something like a 10" Celestion "Greenback" or equivalent from another manufacturer. These are lower wattage, lower sensitivity so they will breakup earlier.
Another consideration is going with a 1 x12 or 2X12. I play mine through a 2X12 loaded with G12-65 speakers, have done so for many years and am quite happy with that set-up. I am however going to try my EZG with a 1X15 Eminence Legend I have as soon as I find the time.
Make sure you are setting up the amp for a base sound level that has your guitar volume fairly high (at least 7). That will go a long way tyo make sure you have a "hot" enough signal to start with while still leaving you room in the tank to goose it for more tonal goodness when needed for either solos or more overdrive.
Lastly, a good clean boost that hits the front end of the amp a but harder will do wonders. I use the Creation Audio Labs MK 4.23 and love it. If you check out previous posts there is quite a bit of discussion on using overdrive pedals to get some nice overdrive by minimizing the gain and increasing the levels-very helpful stuff.
I wouldn't bail on the EZG without checking the above out first. It still remains my fav of the Dr. Z lineup.
Heck, if you can, come to the Michigan Mini Z-Fest and we can check it out. I have quite a few different pre-amp tubes, power tubes, speaker/cab combinations; we can even check the bias. Plus you can meet some very good people and have a blast jamin' away. At the least you can check out the way mine sounds through various speakers/cabs and pedals for a reference.
Good luck... Steve
Amen Brother Steve! A trip to Mini-Zfest will allow you to try most Z Amps, speakers, cabs, pedals to give you a really good idea if a Z will work for you.
|
|
|
Post by drew on Jul 27, 2015 15:43:09 GMT -7
Is your 4X10 cab the Doc's 4X10? What speakers are you using?
If you are looking for more break-up/subtle overdrive you might want to consider either switching the speakers out to something like a 10" Celestion "Greenback" or equivalent from another manufacturer. These are lower wattage, lower sensitivity so they will breakup earlier.
Another consideration is going with a 1 x12 or 2X12. I play mine through a 2X12 loaded with G12-65 speakers, have done so for many years and am quite happy with that set-up. I am however going to try my EZG with a 1X15 Eminence Legend I have as soon as I find the time.
The Dr Z 10' speakers are great powerful speakers and are loud (high sensitivity) as Steve mentioned you might want to try a less efficient set of 10's or 1x12 cab with a low sensitivity speaker like the g12-65.
|
|
|
Post by chickfrench on Jul 27, 2015 17:20:02 GMT -7
Thanks for all the advise guys. I had originally ordered the 2x10 cabinet and switched at the last minute. I live bout half way between Memphis and Jackson Ms and I really don't trust anyone round here to tinker with it much at all. After going thru all the "said to be" amp hotshots when I was looking for someone to tune up my Super I eventually had to ship the head to a cat in Tulsa that did a freaking great job...it was like new when I got it back.
I figure it'll be a major hassle to try and sell the 50...so I'll have to figure my options...2-10's if I could swap my 4x10's...maybe tubes and/or bias and last and least...oh I cringe at the thought eeek, an overdrive pedal. I think I'm fixing to be sick lol...
|
|
|
Post by brayks on Jul 27, 2015 20:16:59 GMT -7
Down and dirty? You might try one of the more "high gain" pre-amp tuves like Mullard or Tung-Sol 12AX7's and a 12" Greenback or two. See where that gets you. checking/setting bias is really pretty easy with one of these: www.compu-bias.com/images/Meter/cb1_2oprobe_m.JPGI like the Compu-Bias but there are others available on the market as well. If you own fixed-bias amps one of these babies is pretty much a must to make sure the amp is operating at a level it is designed for. If you change tubes on these amps you must get the bias set.
|
|
|
Post by chickfrench on Jul 28, 2015 19:02:00 GMT -7
Ok so I've spent the last couple of hours playing thru the 50. I seldom, almost never, hook an amp up at home. I did happen to run across a Kingsley Jester Boost/OD pedal that I bought years ago and I don't think I've used it but maybe a time or two. I've just never needed it or use pedals with the Super...but with a lot of fiddlin around with it thru the 50, I must admit, it ain't too bad, well at least here in the living room that is. I still think I'd be happier with 2x10's vs the 4x10's. Seemed like someone asked but yeah I bought this amp new W the DR Z 4x10 open back. Maybe I could work a trade of sorts for 2x10's but don't really know which ones would suit me bestest...
|
|
|
Post by bloozeman on Jul 29, 2015 1:47:01 GMT -7
When I had my EZG50 I also had the 4x10 cabinet, I couldnt stand it. it was way too middy for me, I much preferred it with a 2x12 cabinet, but after a while I sold the amp. I couldnt bond with the 50 for some reason. I now have a Jaz, a Maz Jr and an M12 and really like those 3 a lot. The EZG didnt do it for me and the therapy was a bust for me as well.
|
|
|
Post by harry on Jul 30, 2015 11:17:37 GMT -7
I would really try a couple of different OD's before you hang the "For Sale" sign on it. I love the cleans and love the 4x10's; in fact when I run my Antidote with the 4x10 it is awesome as well. It took me a while to find the right OD pedals for all my amps. Even many of the Guitar Gods we know use OD pedals so there must be something to them. The Doc has his first pedal coming out soon that is geared towards his amps; the Z Drive.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 30, 2015 17:56:03 GMT -7
Just fooled around with some new settings.
Now I run post at 3 o clock, pre at 9 o clock. Its like a completely different amp from using just both volumes at 10:00. Richer, more complex, harmonic kind of clean tone. Exactly the sound I've been trying but have failed to get out of my EZG. Now I've got it.
Treble noon, mids 9:00, bass 9:00, dwell noon, mix 11 :00
Was anything close to this part of your nine ways to sunday? lol
|
|
|
Post by chickfrench on Jul 31, 2015 15:03:13 GMT -7
Yeah that's bout where I ran it last nite...post little past 3, pre bout 11/1/2...ah little bit more on the treble. For anyone familiar with the Kingsley Jester...1st position on OD W/gain around 10-11 O'clock...it helped quite a bit...pretty natural OD tone...
|
|