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Post by paisley on Sept 22, 2016 17:36:47 GMT -7
Hi everyone; Z newbie here. A couple of years ago, I did a walk-up Guitar gig where the backline Amp was a Z28 through a Marshall Quad. I walked off that stage vowing that if ever I got to the stage where I was playing Guitar full time (I mainly just play Bass these days), I'd get a Z28! Fastforward to now; a Z28 Head has just come up for sale here in Australia. It's a 15th Anniversary model (couldn't find any info on that). I'm still not doing much in the way of Guitar gigs, but I'm seriously thinking of nailing it anyway; I can't imagine these coming up for grabs too often over here. One question I do have with regards to the voltage difference (we run 240v over here). I was thinking along the lines of sourcing a new PT; however I've had a reputable Amp builder here offer to rewind the existing PT for 240v. Has anyone ever had a power transformer from a Z Amp rewound for any reason? If so, did it affect the tone or feel in any way, and are there any pitfalls to be aware of? Cheers!
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Post by nicholas on Sept 25, 2016 10:08:26 GMT -7
Trannie questionI think they are getting separate bathrooms
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Post by KeithA on Sept 25, 2016 11:50:57 GMT -7
Hi everyone; Z newbie here. A couple of years ago, I did a walk-up Guitar gig where the backline Amp was a Z28 through a Marshall Quad. I walked off that stage vowing that if ever I got to the stage where I was playing Guitar full time (I mainly just play Bass these days), I'd get a Z28! Fastforward to now; a Z28 Head has just come up for sale here in Australia. It's a 15th Anniversary model (couldn't find any info on that). I'm still not doing much in the way of Guitar gigs, but I'm seriously thinking of nailing it anyway; I can't imagine these coming up for grabs too often over here. One question I do have with regards to the voltage difference (we run 240v over here). I was thinking along the lines of sourcing a new PT; however I've had a reputable Amp builder here offer to rewind the existing PT for 240v. Has anyone ever had a power transformer from a Z Amp rewound for any reason? If so, did it affect the tone or feel in any way, and are there any pitfalls to be aware of? Cheers! Sounds like a pretty technical question. Perhaps it would be best to email or call the Z shop.
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Post by purpletele on Sept 26, 2016 20:16:08 GMT -7
I am certainly not an expert, but I have never heard of anyone rewinding a transformer to meet a certain voltage conversion. I am sure folks become real creative.
I think it would be easier to e-mail Don at the shop and set up an order for a new PT and OT for the correct voltage.
Let us know how that turns out.
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Post by zpilot on Sept 26, 2016 20:34:30 GMT -7
Yes, it can be done, but why would you when you when you can get one from Z Service for probably less money. Shipping cost and currency exchange rates come into play but still, that would be my choice. Having a real Z tranny will be better if you sell it sometime in the future.
You only need a power transformer. The OT doesn't need to be changed.
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Post by paisley on Sept 28, 2016 23:35:38 GMT -7
Thanks for the replies everyone.
Yes I'm definitely wary of how well a rewound trannie would perform; however since I put this post up I've spoken to a couple of people who have had it done, & their Amps have performed faultlessly; one of them for quite a few years now.
I agree with Zpilot; a factory Z Trannie would be a no-brainer, except that the dreaded shipping & exchange rate throws a real spanner in the works! When I was researching this Amp I came across a thread from 2013 where a guy had imported a secondhand Z-28 here to Melbourne (in fact he listed it as a 15th Anniversary model as well, so I'd bet my bottom dollar that it's the same actual Amp). Back then he had a quote of $300 for a replacement Z Trannie. I'm not sure if he was talking Aussie dollars or US dollars (which would make it nearly $400AUD!!); but even if that was AUD, by the time I factor in shipping & the costs for a tech to install it, I'll most likely be looking between $500-$600 by the time it's sorted. In contrast to that, a reputable Amp builder here in Melbourne has quoted me less than $200 for a rewind; which does make it an attractive option provided it'll do the job properly.
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Post by bryan0418 on Sept 29, 2016 19:33:56 GMT -7
Do they make a black box type of device that could convert your 240v to 120? Then you wouldn't have to change anything with the amp. I am sure an electrician or electrical engineer could take a step down transformer and build you one
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Post by paisley on Sept 30, 2016 3:07:54 GMT -7
Do they make a black box type of device that could convert your 240v to 120? Then you wouldn't have to change anything with the amp. I am sure an electrician or electrical engineer could take a step down transformer and build you one It actually comes with a Step Down Trannie, so it's pretty much good to go as it is. However I'd much prefer to have the Amp as a working entity if possible. On top of just being more convenient, I vividly recall a mate of mine who had a top shelf Step Down Trannie trash out on him a few years ago, taking his '61 Bandmaster with it - smoked the Amp & blew the guts out of the original JBL speaker!
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Post by pcns on Sept 30, 2016 5:41:12 GMT -7
Do they make a black box type of device that could convert your 240v to 120? Then you wouldn't have to change anything with the amp. I am sure an electrician or electrical engineer could take a step down transformer and build you one I've seen some of those, not cheap though for a good one. I saw a 500 watt one for $175 US. I think for that money I would go ahead and have the tranny redone. I am wondering how this amp has been down under for so long without the tranny already being redone? Was the previous owner using a step down devise??
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Post by paisley on Sept 30, 2016 6:56:26 GMT -7
Do they make a black box type of device that could convert your 240v to 120? Then you wouldn't have to change anything with the amp. I am sure an electrician or electrical engineer could take a step down transformer and build you one I've seen some of those, not cheap though for a good one. I saw a 500 watt one for $175 US. I think for that money I would go ahead and have the tranny redone. I am wondering how this amp has been down under for so long without the tranny already being redone? Was the previous owner using a step down devise?? Yes it's been used with a Step Down Trannie. I'm pretty sure it's the same Amp in that thread from 2013, so yes; it is curious that the previous owner(s) didn't do anything about getting it converted. Mind you, I know heaps of players who gig regularly with Step Down Trannies for 110v equipment, so I'm probably being a bit overcautious. Regardless, I would definitely prefer to have it converted.
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Post by zpilot on Oct 6, 2016 4:48:41 GMT -7
Considering the numbers you have quoted I can see where you would want to go with a rewind. It surely would be more convenient. Also, I'm sure that converting equipment to run on local voltage is much more common in Australia than here in the USA so your chances of getting a proper rewind is higher. If the tech has a good record and will give you a warranty then I would go that route. However, if it comes with a step down x-former I would see how that works out before making any changes. You may find that you get used to the extra piece of gear and save a bunch of money.
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