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Post by dreamlander on May 6, 2016 22:27:40 GMT -7
So everyone seems to have a Z-lux, or wants one. I think I remember Doc saying somewhere that it outsold the Maz jr last year. I wonder if other amps had similar hype and success when they hit the market. I now have a Therapy and EZG 50. I have only been a Z owner and around here for a few months. I wasn't around here when the Therapy or EZG hit the market, but I can't imagine why the clamor and excitement wouldn't have been just as high.
So what is it? Good marketing? The do it all format? The Z-lux seems to have attracted so many Z owners and non Z owners, I am just trying to get a feel for why. Must be some reason Dave Baker's Z-lux demo already has more views than the Therapy demo.
Try to push aside your bias (not easy around here) and give your opinion of why this amp is so successful. And I don't mean "it just sounds so great". I believe it does, but so do other Z amps. What makes the Z-lux so popular? Is it that popular or just the newest baby?
As you can guess I just love trying all these Z amps out, and the Z-lux is top of the list right now. Actually, it is about the only one left I really want to play.
Sorry for the long winded post, but I thought it would make for a fun conversation.
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Post by simpleton on May 6, 2016 23:27:56 GMT -7
Being a combo with reverb and tremolo is a big reason plus the 20 or 40 watts....you can do any type of gig with built in effects. But I'm loving my Therapy. .... the grass is always greener...or redder with the ZWreck grill cloth.
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Post by doctorice on May 7, 2016 5:05:59 GMT -7
I agree with simpleton's take.
By way of background, and pertinent to your question, Doc released the JAZ 20/40 a few years ago. It did not catch on, and it was discontinued after a couple years. Some thought it was due to the name, implying it was a "jazz" amp. (I believe it's the initials of one of Dr Z's family members, same as the MAZ. Could be mistaken on that front.) What was the configuration of the JAZ? MAZ front end running into 4 x 6V6 power section derived from the Remedy with a 20 watt/40 watt switch; it also had reverb and tube-driven tremolo. Sound familiar? The Z-Lux is largely a revision of the (unsuccessful) JAZ. Doc tweaked the circuit, created (with Eminence) a speaker and designed a new, lighter cabinet. Bingo! Big success.
I own both amps, and imo the JAZ sonically overlaps the Z-Lux 90% to 95%. The reason I have both is that the JAZ 2x10 weighs more than 60 lbs, and the Z-Lux combo comes in 20lbs under that. No question which one I'm taking to a gig!
I should probably add that the price points were pretty much the same, so it wasn't a case of the JAZ being priced too high.
The Therapy is a brilliant amp also. I've got number 007!
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Post by walt on May 7, 2016 5:19:24 GMT -7
From the outside looking in,as a non Z-lux owner,I would agree with Simpleton,everything he named is an attractive feature to me-reverb,tremolo,light,portable,loud/quiet as it has to be.Another thing I have noticed is owners talking about how versatile it is,and will do many styles of music.If I ever scratch up the cash I'm gonna get one.
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Post by ME on May 7, 2016 5:58:02 GMT -7
All of the above? There always seems to be a lot of interest in the latest offering from the good Dr. I may have been caught up :-0 Z amps have been built, it seems to me, for targeted audiences, or sounds, if you will. Voxish, several Marshallish models, and Fenderish sounds can be obtained depending on the amp you choose. Some of the amps are too small (low wattage), others are too large (big boy pants required), maybe the 20/40 with MV is just right. The Z-Lux with its nod to one of the most popular and gigable amps of all time should be a big seller. Since the JAZ was close to the same there can be no doubt that marketing has played a roll. (Name, weight, hype, all play a roll in the success).
Above all, it is a great sounding amp. I don't own one, but it isn't the sound I want right now.
ME
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Post by pcns on May 7, 2016 6:06:55 GMT -7
It's a utility knife amp. Reverb, trem, tone by pass, master volume, light weight, excellent clean head room if you need it, breaks up nicely if you need it, eats pedals, sounds huge with the new cab and speaker, half power switch.
There is a lot of versatility there and when you get the amp in the house it delivers.
Also, the name JAZ on the 20/40 was for the Doc's dad, John.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on May 7, 2016 6:29:53 GMT -7
I believe the Therapy enjoyed an explosion of interest when it was released, as well--also an amp capable of clean-to-mean, low-to-high volumes, etc. But yeah, I think the added features of the 'Lux (reverb, trem, 20/40 watts, really cool & lightweight combo packaging) pushed this "utility knife" (as Todd stated) over the top.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on May 7, 2016 7:21:04 GMT -7
Comparing the Z-Lux to the DR, they weigh the same. 42lbs. The DR is 5" wider but 2" less in height and 1" less in depth. Both are 1x12. So the Z-Lux wins in the size category, it's easier for me to handle a box that's not so wide. Fits right in the back seat of my little
Same weight, more comfortable size, twice the power, immensely better sounding, adjustable, footswitchable tone bypass / boost, half power switch, hand made one at a time turret board construction, Lightweight baltic birch cab, Z-12 speaker. Love this amp, and it's a bargain at the price. The new DRRI amps will be in landfills long before the Z-Lux comes offstage.
When you put it on paper, it's easy to see how this amplifier garners the attention that it does. Then listen to them side by side. I've got a nice '67 Blackface DR that's waiting to go up for sale.
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2016 7:53:00 GMT -7
I thought I was done buying Zs for a bit, but the persistent love for the Z Lux here on the board has got me intrigued, so I've got one on order at Dave's. It seemed like the perfect amp to fit between my EZG and my M-12--where the EZG might be too much at a gig, and the M-12 a skosh too little, the Z-Lux ought to be just right. I'm hoping it'll sound like a big brother, increased headroom, MV version of my Vintage 15, which is a very warm, buttery-sounding amp that's great for practice (what I do most), small rooms, etc.
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Post by Faze on May 7, 2016 9:05:07 GMT -7
Having owned several Z Amps I was confident that the hype behind this amp was for real. I bought mine on the hype without even playing one. The reason being is most of these Z brothers also have owned and still own other Z amps and we all share that same bond and are confident in Dr.Z and his products. You get honest answers here on this forum. The Z-Lux is a spectacular amp. It cuts through the mix better then any amp I have ever played its articulate and organic very musical. The tremelo and reverb is better then any Fender amp I have owned including the Vibro King. Plus when you factor in the weight it's nice and light plus it sounds huge big 3D like tones. It's really hard to beat. You just have to give credit where credit is do and the Doc did his homework and came up with a masterpiece.
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Post by dreamlander on May 7, 2016 9:42:14 GMT -7
If I could find one used I would buy it today. After buying a Monza new and not falling in love with it I told myself I would never buy another amp new. Well I might have to make an exception here. Probable have to part with a couple of Guild acoustics that don't get as much play as they should to fund the purchase.
Combo or head is the real question. I have a number of cabs with speakers I really like, and I can leave a cab at the band practice spot and just drag the head back and forth, but that light combo would be great for a grab n go.
Is the Z-lux master as effective as the Therapy? Watching demos it doesn't sound like the Lux gets to the break up point too quick. For a grab n go I want something that can get a little dirt without pedals at a low volume. To be honest I have been looking at the Carr Skylark, but the price on the Z's just can't be beat. I see a Zlux in my near future. The lust for Z's has really depleted my guitar collection, which kind of needed to be done anyway.
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Post by justjoshinya on May 7, 2016 18:35:25 GMT -7
I found a used one on TGP, but only saved about $350! Had to sell my beloved Z28 and Carmen Ghia 110 combos, was it worth it... YES I have no regrets!!! The master volume works very well, I can hit the edge of break up at very modest levels! I also put my brake lite in it and I honestly never loved the BL til now! Mine is the combo, the speaker matches up great! Add a Z Drive and OH MY!!! I love it!
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Post by zpilot on May 7, 2016 22:59:29 GMT -7
I agree with simpleton's take. By way of background, and pertinent to your question, Doc released the JAZ 20/40 a few years ago. It did not catch on, and it was discontinued after a couple years. Some thought it was due to the name, implying it was a "jazz" amp. (I believe it's the initials of one of Dr Z's family members, same as the MAZ. Could be mistaken on that front.) What was the configuration of the JAZ? MAZ front end running into 4 x 6V6 power section derived from the Remedy with a 20 watt/40 watt switch; it also had reverb and tube-driven tremolo. Sound familiar? The Z-Lux is largely a revision of the (unsuccessful) JAZ. Doc tweaked the circuit, created (with Eminence) a speaker and designed a new, lighter cabinet. Bingo! Big success. I own both amps, and imo the JAZ sonically overlaps the Z-Lux 90% to 95%. The reason I have both is that the JAZ 2x10 weighs more than 60 lbs, and the Z-Lux combo comes in 20lbs under that. No question which one I'm taking to a gig! I should probably add that the price points were pretty much the same, so it wasn't a case of the JAZ being priced too high. The Therapy is a brilliant amp also. I've got number 007! A change of name and cosmetics and a couple of minor circuit tweaks and it has gone from an amp that few had an interest in trying to it becoming Doc's most popular amp. Go figure. I guess it's no surprise the effect marketing has.
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Post by doctorice on May 8, 2016 5:13:53 GMT -7
A change of name and cosmetics and a couple of minor circuit tweaks and it has gone from an amp that few had an interest in trying to it becoming Doc's most popular amp. Go figure. I guess it's no surprise the effect marketing has. To your point: Official blurb for the JAZ The JAZ 20/40 encompasses all your favorite qualities from Dr Z’s most popular models. With the front end of the MAZ series coupled to a cathode biased 4 6V6 output section the JAZ 20/40 is the most feature laden Z amp to date. No need to decide between buying a 20 watt or 40 watt amp. The JAZ 20/40 is both in one box. Like the Dr Z Remedy amp, the JAZ 20/40 has the amazing ½ power switch feature. There is zero change in tone and response when going between the ½ and full power modes. You just get more or less volume. The ½ power switch along with the master volume will allow you to dial the JAZ in for any size room. Sparkling, full bodied clean head room to lower wattage output tube grind…it’s all in there.
Full bias modulating output tube tremolo is on board as well. Output tube tremolo gives you a depth not heard with pedals or opticoupler circuits. You get deep pulsating swells of tremolo from the JAZ. Whether you desire slow and mellow or faster Bo Didley sounds you can dial it in with ease via the speed and depth controls. Add in the tube driven reverb and you’ll be navigating the swamps of the bayou. Speaking of reverb, the JAZ 20/40 reverb circuit has been dialed in to produce a very lush verb. You’ll find it has great depth compared with other single knob reverbs.
The front panel features controls for volume, full EQ, master, speed, depth, and reverb. Around back are speaker outs (4, 8, and 16) and the ½ power switch. The reverb and tremolo can be turned on and off via the supplied 2 button footswitch.
The JAZ 20/40 is available as a head, 1×12, and 2×10 combo. Adding the Z Brake Lite to a combo gives you the ultimate 1 amp rig. You’ll be equally suited for big outdoor stages and bedroom playing all with one amp.Unofficial blurb for Z-Lux "BF Deluxe on steroids"
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Post by deepsouth on May 16, 2016 12:17:16 GMT -7
I was not even aware of the Zlux till recently. Then I read an article about Joe Walsh using it, so I went hunting for clips on you tube. The fact it was 40w was a plus. I usually do not get to mic on gigs and headroom can be an issue. I also love a good tube tremolo. Use it every chance I can. Astoundingly good clean tone.
For me is like a deluxe reverb that's had magic dust sprinkled all over it.
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Post by jammergreg on May 17, 2016 22:10:51 GMT -7
That magic dust...a little moe for Santa please? Z-Lux rules. I have had mine for over a year now.
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