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Post by parkettpolitur on Feb 17, 2017 5:34:20 GMT -7
Hi all, I've been on the lookout for a tube amp for ages - I had my sights set on a Princeton (the brown FSR version with the Jensen P10Q), but haven't pounced yet since I still need to sell off some gear. Along comes the new Cure to make my choice even more difficult... The first 230V versions are starting to pop up over here in Europe, and the price point is mighty tempting. So to those who already have it, just how close to a nice glassy Princeton-tone does it get? If it can cop that sound, I think I'll choose it over a Princeton, since it's presumably got better build quality and above all more versatility (the level knob is just what the doctor ordered for a home/recording player like me). Thanks in advance for your replies!
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Post by Russell B on Feb 17, 2017 5:49:18 GMT -7
You can get those tones out of the Cure at lower volumes and probably with the Mids turned down. As you turn it up though, it won't break up in the same way as a mid-sixties Princeton. It won't have that brittle high top end when it overdrives. It will go into very smooth, clear distortion that the Princeton can't do (my opinion).
This amp is no one trick pony. You can cover a lot of ground with one setting (I set my Cure breaking up overdrive) and using the guitar volume and the tone by-pass.
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Post by parkettpolitur on Feb 17, 2017 5:54:12 GMT -7
You can get those tones out of the Cure at lower volumes and probably with the Mids turned down. As you turn it up though, it won't break up in the same way as a mid-sixties Princeton. It won't have that brittle high top end when it overdrives. It will go into very smooth, clear distortion that the Princeton can't do (my opinion). This amp is no one trick pony. You can cover a lot of ground with one setting (I set my Cure breaking up overdrive) and using the guitar volume and the tone by-pass. Thanks a lot, this is very helpful. Since I'm mostly after Princeton-style cleans, I wouldn't mind different breakup tones at all. Of course, it would be best to try all these different amps in person, but there's no way to do that where I live...
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Post by paddywhacker on Feb 17, 2017 8:35:14 GMT -7
...i've played Princeton non reverb models for years and sold my last one . a 66, about 6 months ago....i've also owned a PRRI and i still own a vintage 65 deluxe reverb...the Cure can absolutely get those tones for the most part but there are subtle differences....i do have a nicely modded Boss GE 7 eq pedal on my board and when i want to absolutely nail that blackface tone i can scoop the mids and nudge the high and low end a bit and there it is....in truth i've come to appreciate the straight cleans of the Cure and prefer them over the straight cleans of the BF era amps..i think they're stouter and because they're more shapeable with the docs tone stack i can dial in cleans that i don't really get from typical BF amps....i will venture to say that there is a sweetness i associate with vintage Princetons...especially the non reverb models that probably reigns supreme in the amp world...but i dont hear that in the reissues...the Cure gets closer to my ears...add the host of other features and tones that a Cure can provide,,,couple that with Z's build quality... and its a no brainer...
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Post by noizemaker on Feb 17, 2017 14:56:13 GMT -7
I haven't played a Princeton but have a 66 SR and hand wired DR replica for comparison. I don't think Blackface at all with the Cure to be honest - very much more mids and nowhere near the bottom end. Highs are more in your face. Not a negative comment, but a different sounding amp entirely. Breakup is more controlled than a BF (doesn't get farty). YMMV of course!
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Post by justjoshinya on Feb 17, 2017 19:25:02 GMT -7
I would choose the Cure over any Fender amp out there right now, I've had a 79 Silverface PR and DRRI and a few others... The Z does do much more!
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Feb 17, 2017 19:38:14 GMT -7
Well, it sounds like the Cure isn't just solely Blackface-y, so I'm just gonna throw this out there: Can it get tweedy? Like, 5E3 Deluxe tweedy? I do respect my Tungsten Cortez a lot, but there's something about the extra EQ & volume control that the Cure offers that has got me quite intrigued.
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Post by parkettpolitur on Feb 18, 2017 4:42:57 GMT -7
Many thanks to everyone who replied so far, you've given me plenty to think about ! Keep 'em coming.
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Post by DRZ on Feb 18, 2017 7:21:16 GMT -7
OK guys I did kind of lay back and not jump into this post, waiting for the response of CURE users answer the OP's questions, which was done very well I might add. But I'll take this time to give a bit more in depth explanation of the CURE design, for those interested.
First it is understandable for players to use , Fender, Marshall, and VOX tones to describe a specific amp variation. Doing so is the easiest way to convey in a simple adjective an explanation of a base amps tone. 90% of all recorded hit records use one of these Holy Trinity amps as there root tone.
I personally love the sound of a Princeton , it was a wonderful Student based product with a rich clean tone, in a portable package , at a reasonable price. Part of it's unique sound was based on it's use of the Cathode Phase Inverter, the Princeton was the only Blackface Fender to use this type of driver. Do to its use of only one half of a triode tube , it generated an unbalance drive signal to the output tubes, which achieved a rich odd order harmonic unique to the Princeton. The CURE doesn't use this PI , it uses a long tail PI with no Negative Feedback. This gives a couple of results to the CURE, one it incorporates a 12AT7 PI which does give the clean response a Glassy Blackface tone, as all Blackface Fenders used a 12AT7 PI, second with no correcting feedback the amp doesn't't fight overdrive and brakes into a smooth distorted tone, as Russ stated.
I did not design the CURE with any specific amp in mind. I did want an American voiced amp, compact and easy to carry, incorporating a simple unique LEVEL control for late night, studio, or any other situation that demanded great tone at low volume, Hand built in the USA using the highest quality components at the lowest introductory price of any similar equipped amp on the market.
It is an amp in the long line of Z products that is it's own original design and sound. Yes it takes bits and pieces from other classic designs, but I mix them in a Gumbo to achieve it's own sonic flavor. There was an ad that I was refused to run in Guitar Player because it diss'd Fender slightly, and GP was to worried that it might effect the large Ad revenue generated by Fender. I had no intention of insulting Fender, a company whose roots I admire, the ad when like this:
If you want to sound like someone else you play a Fender, If you want to sound like yourself you play a Z.
I understand that may be interpreted in a bad light, but I still contend the words are true.
DR.Z
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Post by parkettpolitur on Feb 18, 2017 7:36:11 GMT -7
Wow, a reply from the doctor himself - thank you so much, I really appreciate it! This does clear things up for me and I'm inching closer and closer to the Cure! And just to be clear: I never meant to insinuate that your amps are derivative or anything of the sort; I know they're their own thing and I do appreciate the creativity inherent in the entire Dr. Z lineup (especially in a world full of 'cloned' designs). I was just wondering if I might get away with a Cure if I'm trying to cop some Princeton cleans - and I think I've got my answer! GASsing pretty hard now...
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Post by Stan on Feb 18, 2017 8:05:53 GMT -7
Doc I like the tag line; If you want to sound like someone else you play a Fender, If you want to sound like yourself you play a Z.
I wonder what media response you would have gotten if you added;
If you want to sound like someone else you play a Fender, Marshall, or VOX If you want to sound like yourself you play a Z.
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Post by Russell B on Feb 18, 2017 9:11:54 GMT -7
Well, it sounds like the Cure isn't just solely Blackface-y, so I'm just gonna throw this out there: Can it get tweedy? Like, 5E3 Deluxe tweedy? I do respect my Tungsten Cortez a lot, but there's something about the extra EQ & volume control that the Cure offers that has got me quite intrigued. I've owned a Victoria Deluxe (5E3) and I thought it was a nice amp. It would go into some nice overdriven tones, but it would also fart out if you turned it up too much. The Cure reminds me of the Victoria in some ways, especially with the tone by-pass engaged, but it will not fart out. Also, I don't think the clean sound of the Cure sounds 5E3 to me. Maybe blackface on the normal channel without the bright switch engaged? I'm thinking about the '65 Super Reverb that I used to own. There is also something in this Cure that reminds me of the Galaxie. I will have to get it out at some point and compare. Regardless, I think the Cure is a superb amp. It sounds like a Z amp. It has a wide range of tones that I think will appeal to many people. I think it's just right for small and medium gigs and that Level control is great for jamming in the living room.
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Post by Russell B on Feb 18, 2017 9:13:49 GMT -7
If you want to sound like someone else you play a Fender, If you want to sound like yourself you play a Z. I understand that may be interpreted in a bad light, but I still contend the words are true. DR.Z I think that hits the bull's eye right there! Thanks Doc for your amps!
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Post by smolder on Feb 18, 2017 9:22:47 GMT -7
Very helpful information in this thread. Very few new amps interest me... most seem to come from this place. These descriptions are pretty inticing. I'm headed back to the demo's... and may have to find one to try. Thanks all!
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Feb 18, 2017 9:45:52 GMT -7
I've owned a Victoria Deluxe (5E3) and I thought it was a nice amp. It would go into some nice overdriven tones, but it would also fart out if you turned it up too much. The Cure reminds me of the Victoria in some ways, especially with the tone by-pass engaged, but it will not fart out. Also, I don't think the clean sound of the Cure sounds 5E3 to me. Maybe blackface on the normal channel without the bright switch engaged? I'm thinking about the '65 Super Reverb that I used to own. There is also something in this Cure that reminds me of the Galaxie. I will have to get it out at some point and compare. Regardless, I think the Cure is a superb amp. It sounds like a Z amp. It has a wide range of tones that I think will appeal to many people. I think it's just right for small and medium gigs and that Level control is great for jamming in the living room. Thanks for confirming, Russell—this is largely what I was expecting. And you nailed it exactly about the 5E3 "farting out," which is probably its worst trait. (The overdrive is fantastic, which leaves one wanting more and more, and then... fart. Doh!) It's probably the most common complaint with authentic/true 5E3 combos with alnico speakers, I'm sure. Funny that you mentioned the Galaxie, because I always thought the Therapy lends itself toward the Galaxie's tones, and a lot of guys are saying "Therapy" about the Cure lately, so maybe there's a common connection there. I'm very still intrigued by the Cure. Gotta try one soon.
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Post by Buzz Fretwear (Ignatius) on Feb 28, 2017 15:19:03 GMT -7
There was an ad that I was refused to run in Guitar Player because it diss'd Fender slightly, and GP was to worried that it might effect the large Ad revenue generated by Fender. I had no intention of insulting Fender, a company whose roots I admire, the ad when like this: If you want to sound like someone else you play a Fender, If you want to sound like yourself you play a Z. I understand that may be interpreted in a bad light, but I still contend the words are true. DR.Z Personally I would have loved that ad. It's a strong statement about a fine line of amps. Unfortunately it's also a strong statement about GP magazine. I fully understand you had no intention of insulting Fender, but it shows how the magazine lays down for its big advertisers. One wonders how many others there are, and how it affects the magazine's gear reviews. As evidenced by the Cure's "Editor's Pick" though, it's clear that Z's stand on their own merits.
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Post by justjoshinya on Feb 28, 2017 18:23:47 GMT -7
The Galaxie was the only Z I've had that I couldn't get along with... It may have been that it was so LOUD to get the sound I wanted, I remember it being really bright too! I've had a long list of Z's some longer than others from the mighty Mini Z to the Z- Wreck! My favorite until the Cure was the Z-Lux, the Cure does it for me!!!! The level control has been described as a game changer, and it is!!!!
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Post by frankie on Mar 1, 2017 12:48:29 GMT -7
Putting some Cure clips with a Strat up today. This might be relevant to your interests.
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Post by jimmysmith on Mar 2, 2017 9:52:50 GMT -7
there are so many different settings and ways to set up this amp, i dont know which way to go sometimes,, not complaining though,,, love this level control,,,
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Post by eddieboy64 on Dec 9, 2018 13:00:51 GMT -7
I need help in figuring out great clean tone. Can someone pls share your clean settings on the Cure? I play at a church and I need a good clean tone. Thanks!
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Post by Russell B on Dec 9, 2018 14:06:33 GMT -7
Eddieboy64,
Welcome to the forum! First off, what kind of guitar are you using? That would help with recommendations.
Currently, I'll give you my settings for my Gibson ES 339. V: 2; T: 2; M: 10; B: 8:30; Master: 2, and Level to taste. This gives me a "just starting to breakup tone". If I wanted this very clean, I would just lover the volume to 12 or below.
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Post by southmusic70 on Dec 9, 2018 14:07:50 GMT -7
Start here:
Volume between 9 and 10
Treble, Bass, Mid - all at noon
Master 2
Level noon
This is just to start.
It’s probably best to NOT dime your guitar’s volume control(s).
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Post by eddieboy64 on Dec 9, 2018 15:20:15 GMT -7
I usually use a G&L Legacy with single coil pickups but once in a while I use a Gibson Less Paul+.
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Post by Russell B on Dec 9, 2018 15:36:12 GMT -7
southmusic70 offers some good advice. If you turn down the Volume to 9 or 10, it'll get clean.
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Post by Stephen on Dec 9, 2018 18:00:42 GMT -7
For clean, I run the master and level all the way up and use the volume control only.
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Post by eddieboy64 on Dec 9, 2018 18:16:37 GMT -7
For clean, I run the master and level all the way up and use the volume control only. Dont you get a loud hiss this way though?
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Post by Stephen on Dec 9, 2018 18:46:47 GMT -7
For clean, I run the master and level all the way up and use the volume control only. Dont you get a loud hiss this way though? None.
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Post by Rhythmark on Dec 10, 2018 8:05:45 GMT -7
I usually only use the cure as a clean amp! In a band setting. You just don’t turn the volume all the way up! But use master and level.
The cool thing is you can drive the amp and turn down the level And still get od sounds if you wish.
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Post by Stephen on Dec 10, 2018 11:54:32 GMT -7
For clean, I run the master and level all the way up and use the volume control only. Dont you get a loud hiss this way though? In the first part of this demo, master and level are all the way up.
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