Exuma
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Posts: 26
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Post by Exuma on Nov 25, 2017 13:56:53 GMT -7
I'm just getting into guitar again after many years (so my ear isn't fully 'awake' yet to the millions of different nuanced amp tones).
I have a SSS Suhr Classic Pro (a strat).
I got a Maz 18, but I just can't quite dial in the deep blues tones like I hear on all the videos I'm trying to learn from.
After I emailed someone who's tone I really like, they pointed out it's hard to get their tone with EL84 tubes and I should look at a 6V6/6L6 amps (He uses a Fender Vibrolux and an Andrews Spectraverb 16/40).
It's disappointing hearing (in retrospect) how different that American vs British tone sound is and that I didn't "hear" it before... live and learn!
I had a few questions about trying to decide on a 2nd amp (An EZG-50 or a Z-Lux, both which are closer to his tone).
1) What's the main difference between 6L6/6V6?
2) How does the Z-Lux (6V6) compare to the EZG-50 (6L6)? I've tried watching videos but unfortunately it's always something frustrating stopping me from hearing the real tone to truly compare (they use tremolo... they use ultra distortion tone... the video quality is horrible, etc).
3) Is the Z-Lux OK for bedroom tones? How about EZG-50? I heard someone that the EZG is actually easier than my Maz 18 to play at lower volume. I do have a "Brake Lite" attenuator.
4) Which amp is closer to 1966 Fender Vibrolux or an Andrews Spectraverb? Those are the 2 amps used in all the videos below and I LOVE his tone.
Here's the tones I'm trying to capture on my strat:
Here's his Spectraverb 16:
Few more:
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Nov 25, 2017 16:44:13 GMT -7
I'd be going for the EZG50 for those types of sounds.
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Exuma
New Member
Posts: 26
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Post by Exuma on Nov 25, 2017 20:46:06 GMT -7
I'd be going for the EZG50 for those types of sounds. Thanks, that's kind of what I was thinking too. Can you explain a bit more in detail about the different sounds? (out of curiosity, just trying to learn here)
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Post by 2Cents on Nov 26, 2017 5:49:24 GMT -7
“. . . Got to pay your dues if you wanna sing the blues and you know it don't come easy . . . .”
Yeah, I know that’s no help, but it’s always the first thought that pops into my mind whenever I am exposed to blues music (either internally or externally).
Nevertheless, and for whatever it’s worth, I prefer a Fender Champ (5f1 circuit/6V6) and/or a Dr. Z Mini-Z (EL84) for so-called ‘Bedroom Tones/Volumes’.
Act quickly and get a 10% discount on a Mini-Z at Humbucker Music.
My ideal tube amp collection includes (in broad general terms): • 1-5w for bedroom volume levels • 12-20w for most stage purposes • 30w or greater for all other purposes
Please excuse my eccentric impulsive spontaneity, and best of luck in your quest for auditory bliss.
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Nov 26, 2017 12:42:34 GMT -7
No wrong choice, both are fantastic blues platforms and will get you to Fender Valhalla. The Lux is more versatile and sports a great tremolo circuit. I don’t have the Ezg, but the Lux is great at headroom volumes on the 20W setting. As for the audible difference between 6l6 and 6v6 tone, you won’t find much until you really get the power section cooking. With either of these amps, that volume level would sterilize any small animal in a two block radius. And remember, it always pays to be honest to the cops when they arrive, don’t try to blame the neighbors. Anyway, you’re in the right place for edge of breakup. Cheers!
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Post by meanslide on Nov 26, 2017 13:44:04 GMT -7
While I've never tried an EZG-50, I do have a Z-Lux 1x12 AND a '64 Fender Super Reverb. I have done many 'Pepsi' challenges between the two and I have to say, the Z-Lux nails the tone even with the 6V6/6L6 difference. You can hear the difference in speaker size, but the tone is very much the same.
Add to that the 1/2 power switch and master volume on the Z-Lux lets you crank it way down to bed room levels while retaining the great tone. You may want to ask about the Brake Lite and an EZG-50 (50 watts)...if I remember correctly, the BL is for amps 45 watts and under.
IMO, Anyone looking for the classic blackface tone will not be disappointed in the Z-Lux.
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Post by meanslide on Nov 26, 2017 13:47:12 GMT -7
One more thing...I'm not a Strat guy at all, but happened to play a friends once through my Z-Lux at jam volume. It might be the greatest Strat amp I've ever heard!
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Nov 26, 2017 13:57:52 GMT -7
Forgot to mention, the Cure will get you there as well, just no reverb. And to further complicate things Humbucker Music has 10% off all Z Amps in stock, and Zs are NEVER on sale.
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Exuma
New Member
Posts: 26
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Post by Exuma on Nov 26, 2017 15:54:18 GMT -7
awesome info!! thank you so much thats just what I was hoping (about the ZLux)
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Exuma
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Posts: 26
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Post by Exuma on Nov 26, 2017 16:03:09 GMT -7
Your replies alone made me just say **** it and get the Z-Lux to complement my Maz. I really just want to nail that Fender 6L6 sound and I was getting frustrated trying to imitate it on my Maz. I'm stoked!
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Post by meanslide on Nov 26, 2017 16:23:01 GMT -7
Good answer! You will not be sorry...and welcome to Z-Talk by the way!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2017 16:33:42 GMT -7
I think you could get real close with either, but if you want SRV tones from a Z amp I'd go with the EZG cranked through a 1x15 speaker cab.
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Post by JasonM on Nov 26, 2017 16:40:40 GMT -7
Your replies alone made me just say **** it and get the Z-Lux to complement my Maz. I really just want to nail that Fender 6L6 sound and I was getting frustrated trying to imitate it on my Maz. I'm stoked! The Z-Lux is a tone machine. If you want to make it even more "Fendery" Just put some 5881s in there in place of the JJ6V6s. "I can't speak for all NOS 5881's, but I have installed a quad of medium range TungSol RI 5881, plug-n-play no bias adjust, and they sounded great. Much more Fender like in its tone, like a mini Fender Twin reverb ... sort of. A bit more bite, cleaner overall, and an increase in power." Dr Z.
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Exuma
New Member
Posts: 26
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Post by Exuma on Nov 26, 2017 16:43:55 GMT -7
Your replies alone made me just say **** it and get the Z-Lux to complement my Maz. I really just want to nail that Fender 6L6 sound and I was getting frustrated trying to imitate it on my Maz. I'm stoked! The Z-Lux is a tone machine. If you want to make it even more "Fendery" Just put some 5881s in there in place of the JJ6V6s. "I can't speak for all NOS 5881's, but I have installed a quad of medium range TungSol RI 5881, plug-n-play no bias adjust, and they sounded great. Much more Fender like in its tone, like a mini Fender Twin reverb ... sort of. A bit more bite, cleaner overall, and an increase in power." Dr Z. So I can just put a different type of tube in there even though it expects 6V6?
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Exuma
New Member
Posts: 26
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Post by Exuma on Nov 26, 2017 16:47:37 GMT -7
Your replies alone made me just say **** it and get the Z-Lux to complement my Maz. I really just want to nail that Fender 6L6 sound and I was getting frustrated trying to imitate it on my Maz. I'm stoked! The Z-Lux is a tone machine. If you want to make it even more "Fendery" Just put some 5881s in there in place of the JJ6V6s. "I can't speak for all NOS 5881's, but I have installed a quad of medium range TungSol RI 5881, plug-n-play no bias adjust, and they sounded great. Much more Fender like in its tone, like a mini Fender Twin reverb ... sort of. A bit more bite, cleaner overall, and an increase in power." Dr Z. Thanks for the advice. You did say I could "get close" though, which I think will be good. It's better than "very far away" when I'm trying to dial my Maz 18 into that sound I'll investigate adding 5881's. I do think a Twin reverb is way too shrill though, I kind of prefer vibrolux or super reverb sound
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Post by JasonM on Nov 26, 2017 16:50:51 GMT -7
The Z-Lux is a tone machine. If you want to make it even more "Fendery" Just put some 5881s in there in place of the JJ6V6s. "I can't speak for all NOS 5881's, but I have installed a quad of medium range TungSol RI 5881, plug-n-play no bias adjust, and they sounded great. Much more Fender like in its tone, like a mini Fender Twin reverb ... sort of. A bit more bite, cleaner overall, and an increase in power." Dr Z. So I can just put a different type of tube in there even though it expects 6V6? You can yes, Dr Z has said the Tung Sol ri 5881s are good to go in the Z-Lux and I have been using them now for over a year in mine with zero problems. The JJ6V6 sounds really good in the Lux but I just prefer the 5881s as some others do also.
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Post by JasonM on Nov 26, 2017 16:56:31 GMT -7
Thanks for the advice. You did say I could "get close" though, which I think will be good. It's better than "very far away" when I'm trying to dial my Maz 18 into that sound I'll investigate adding 5881's. I do think a Twin reverb is way too shrill though, I kind of prefer vibrolux or super reverb sound Don't worry no shrill involved with either set of power tubes in the Z-Lux!
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Exuma
New Member
Posts: 26
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Post by Exuma on Nov 26, 2017 16:58:11 GMT -7
Thanks for the advice. You did say I could "get close" though, which I think will be good. It's better than "very far away" when I'm trying to dial my Maz 18 into that sound I'll investigate adding 5881's. I do think a Twin reverb is way too shrill though, I kind of prefer vibrolux or super reverb sound Don't worry no shrill involved with either set of power tubes in the Z-Lux! Thanks for all your help. Now all we do is wait for the mail to arrive...
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Post by JasonM on Nov 26, 2017 17:00:31 GMT -7
I'm not much of Twin fan and love my Lux. Maybe that's why Dr Z. referenced it as a "mini Twin reverb...sort of"... when discussing the 5881s in the Z-Lux because it still has enough of that Dr Z twist coming out of it.
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Post by JasonM on Nov 26, 2017 17:03:35 GMT -7
The wait is indeed the worst part... I hope you enjoy the amp when it arrives! I have always been interested in the EZG also and have never actually played one but it is just way more amp than I would ever need. I really like the half power option on the Z-Lux.
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Nov 26, 2017 18:23:34 GMT -7
Congrats! The Lux is definitely the way to go for what you want. I have two of them, a head and a combo. For me, the Lux is the pinnacle of guitar amplification. That said, I didn’t know we could use 5881s in them either. The 5881 is basically a ruggedized 6L6 anyway, so there you have it!
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Post by scottunzicker on Nov 27, 2017 9:41:42 GMT -7
So I can just put a different type of tube in there even though it expects 6V6? You can yes, Dr Z has said the Tung Sol ri 5881s are good to go in the Z-Lux and I have been using them now for over a year in mine with zero problems. The JJ6V6 sounds really good in the Lux but I just prefer the 5881s as some others do also. +1 For using a quad of Tung-Sol, medium grade 5881s in the Z-Lux. I've been using them exclusively in mine for nearly a year, now. 6V6s in the Z-Lux are great, don't get me wrong, but if you want the Z-Lux to sound like a great blackface Fender on steroids, I'd definitely go with the 5881s. I've been a musician here in Austin for 20+ years, and I can tell you that the Z-Lux, in my opinion, is the best gigging amp I've ever owned in terms of tone and versatility. I can play any club in this town with it. You've made a great choice!
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Exuma
New Member
Posts: 26
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Post by Exuma on Nov 27, 2017 9:49:23 GMT -7
You can yes, Dr Z has said the Tung Sol ri 5881s are good to go in the Z-Lux and I have been using them now for over a year in mine with zero problems. The JJ6V6 sounds really good in the Lux but I just prefer the 5881s as some others do also. +1 For using a quad of Tung-Sol, medium grade 5881s in the Z-Lux. I've been using them exclusively in mine for nearly a year, now. 6V6s in the Z-Lux are great, don't get me wrong, but if you want the Z-Lux to sound like a great blackface Fender on steroids, I'd definitely go with the 5881s. I've been a musician here in Austin for 20+ years, and I can tell you that the Z-Lux, in my opinion, is the best gigging amp I've ever owned in terms of tone and versatility. I can play any club in this town with it. You've made a great choice! Which site did you buy those medium range from? All the sites I see (tube depot, tube store) don't specify 'medium'
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Post by scottunzicker on Nov 27, 2017 10:24:50 GMT -7
Exuma - I ordered mine from Antique Electronic Supply ( tubesandmore: www.tubesandmore.com/products/5881-tung-sol-reissue ). I included a note in the order specifying the medium grade, and I figure other vendors would probably be as accommodating, if asked. If you want more info on what "medium grade" means, you can actually talk to or email tung-sol's tube guy, Otto. I called him up and he was very informative. www.tungsol.com/html/contactus.html . Cheers!
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