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Post by ash on May 5, 2017 6:17:00 GMT -7
Hello fellow Z'ers!
I've been toying with the idea of getting my second Dr Z. My first, purchased this year, is a Z-Lux. My focus for this amp was a portable pedal platform for cover band gigging. The Z-Lux met that need perfectly.
The next one is mostly just to satisfy the tone junky in me. I was kind of set on the Therapy but I stumbled across this video and thought, NICE!!! So I am curious. There is clearly some studio wizardry going on here. So my question is, does the amp really sound like this cranked up with humbuckers? Or is this mostly pedals and a bunch of studio effects.
Thanks!
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Post by John on May 5, 2017 7:56:31 GMT -7
That is a surprisingly good representation of what the 66 sounds like with humbuckers. (but man, that video is annoying to watch. sounds great...but the 'special effects' with him moving around...)
Even on the bridge pickup, you'll notice it's not a particularly bright amp. Lots of meaty midrange...if that's what you're looking for. The dynamics (because of the ef86 preamp tube) are fantastic. If you like that tone, then proceed, but if you thing you're going to get it to sound like 20 other amps...it won't do that.
It is NOT plexi, it is NOT blackface, it is NOT Z-Lux...the Route 66 (and sister amp, the Z-28) sound and feel very different. (I've had a route 66 and a Z-28) They are their own sound, and can't be labeled into some vintage category.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on May 5, 2017 8:35:45 GMT -7
So my question is, does the amp really sound like this cranked up with humbuckers? Yeah, I'm with John.. yes, I think the 66 really does sound like this cranked up with (good) humbuckers. The key might be "cranked up" (you don't know from the video whether the amp was cranked and/or had attenuation, but I suspect it might've been.. which is fine btw) because the amp will stay clean for a while on its volume knob. I recall that in Doc's marketing for the '66, there was a lot of reference to "milkshake thick, Beano tone." I'm hearing that very directly in this video, too.
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Post by Maddog on May 5, 2017 9:03:19 GMT -7
(but man, that video is annoying to watch) You got THAT right.... Great vid but that shxx gets old in about 10 seconds.....
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Post by ash on May 5, 2017 10:34:55 GMT -7
I thought the same thing, the video makes me dizzy. But I watched anyway because the tone was amazing and the phrasing was nice.
How similar is the Z28? I do like clean head room, and I usually make it a requirement so that I can use it for pedals, but I'd really like to be able to get that kind of tone at bar gig volumes and the clean headroom is less of a priority for this buy. Maybe the Route 66 and an attenuator as you suggest.
Thanks!
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Post by Maddog on May 5, 2017 11:37:24 GMT -7
The 66 is a little bolder and more "in yer face" than the 28. 28 is a bit sweeter. Can't go wrong with either, just need to use an extra click on the attenuators w the 66!
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Post by John on May 5, 2017 13:24:40 GMT -7
Volume for most bar gigs= Z-28 (in my opinion...but I like to run amps HOT) Especially if you want the tone in the video.
The 66 and the 28 have the same preamp, and therefore share a LOT of DNA. The power tubes and the output transformers are different.
They are VERY similar. To me, headroom and some minor feel/tone are the only differences. But I'm sure Doc would beg to differ and would dazzle you with technical differences.
For me, when it comes down to these two amps, it would be a matter of how much clean headroom someone wants.
Oh..these amps take pedals VERY differently. The pedals may need some setting adjustments. ------------------------------
I'll add: These amps (Route 66 and Z-28) are shockingly sensitive to input. That means playing dynamics (your fingers), pickups, guitar, guitar volume....everything. I personally would shy away from 'hot' humbuckers. It will just overload the amp too early. PAF or vintage style (output) humbuckers are best with this amp. This 'shocking sensitivity' can be unnerving to a novice. It will just seem weird or different. (It's just not like my "______" amp!) But as a person gets accustomed to it, this sensitivity becomes an additional means of expression. Very nice!
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Post by ash on May 5, 2017 16:02:24 GMT -7
Cool, I have paf's in my trad LP!
I think think this ones made my shopping list.
Thanks for the help!
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on May 5, 2017 16:30:59 GMT -7
When I got my Route 66 earlier this year, I directly compared it to my Z-28 to see how they fared. I thought they might be near identical--they are not.
Z-28: Though still very loud, it breaks up sooner on the volume dial than the Route 66; and it's very '70s Marshall-y when it does break up. Overall profile is very midrange-y; it's almost like a less-scooped, more middy, slightly fatter Remedy.
Route 66: Also very loud, smooth, and fat; it will break up but it does so higher on the volume knob. Much bigger bottom end that doesn't ever flub out (bigger iron, more power.. this is to be expected). Velvety, fat cleans that transition smoothly into '60s Marshally goodness.
In short, the Z-28 is to the Remedy as the Route 66 is to the Antidote.
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Post by ash on May 8, 2017 17:59:54 GMT -7
damn, now I'm gassing for one but it will take me a few months to raise the scratch!!!
Thanks for the info! The Z28 is tempting, I like the size! It will fit nicely on my vertical cab, 17". I think I'll go for the Route 66 though. I'm really impressed by the demo's.
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