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Post by doctorice on Dec 11, 2017 15:05:59 GMT -7
After the first gig (a little more than a week ago) I had to be out of town. I'm back and finally able to spend more time with the new amp. Today was Strat day. All of you with a MAZ know how great that amp series pairs with Strats, and the same is true with the Z-Plus. All I did today was plug straight in on half power into the lo input. This is the way to get, if not bedroom levels, lower volume but still have the amp open up some. (Got's to get the master up, friends.)
I think I'm hearing the smoothness that Doc ascribes to the even-order harmonics. The 6V6 probably part of that too.
I liked having Volume up pretty high, like 3 o'clock or more, and used guitar controls control how aggressive the sound would get. Of course, the bypass kicks it up, but with V high and the pedal knob about half way, the volume and compression increase seems very comfortable.
I haven't plugged a humbucker axe in yet. Maybe tomorrow.
And for louder, just switch to the hi input. Really punches. And the extra tube is still in reserve.
Eager to hear what others are discovering.
And one of these days I'll stack the MAZ 8 on top and offer up some thoughts on differences.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Dec 11, 2017 16:43:54 GMT -7
Thanks for the review Mike! Can't wait to get mine!
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Post by buckeye on Dec 11, 2017 17:30:55 GMT -7
Mine will be here tomorrow! Played a gig with my Maz 18 this past Saturday at a small club we do about 7-8 times a year. Had the vol at less than 9 o clock, Brakelite on 2 and was on the edge of being too loud. I'm hoping the Plus with the half power option will help in this type of situation. On a side note I live about 30 miles SE of Cleveland, Oh and have been a fan of Joe Walsh since I was a teen. I'm 60. His guitar playing and tone inspired me to pick up the guitar. Thanks Joe! When I plug the Plus in for the first time tomorrow it will be Funk 49!
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Post by doctorice on Dec 11, 2017 18:16:59 GMT -7
Mine will be here tomorrow! Played a gig with my Maz 18 this past Saturday at a small club we do about 7-8 times a year. Had the vol at less than 9 o clock, Brakelite on 2 and was on the edge of being too loud. I'm hoping the Plus with the half power option will help in this type of situation. On a side note I live about 30 miles SE of Cleveland, Oh and have been a fan of Joe Walsh since I was a teen. I'm 60. His guitar playing and tone inspired me to pick up the guitar. Thanks Joe! When I plug the Plus in for the first time tomorrow it will be Funk 49! I think the Z-Plus will suit you very well. Looking forward to your impressions.
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Post by captainron (Ron) on Dec 11, 2017 20:41:26 GMT -7
Great review Mike. I too think the Z Plus will suit you very well Buckeye. I'm not the best at writing a post so here goes. I've had a lot of fun with my Z Plus. I've only played my Tele's so far. I think tomorrow I'll try a strat and humbuckers in the Plus. I have a/b'd my Stangray and the Plus, and played them together mono. That was very fun! I even played the plus and my Mini Z together, very cool! The Plus is very articulate. I got the blue speaker with Studio cab. Like Mike said, I like the master up! I really like the Volume knob turned about 11 o'clock. The amp comes alive with the Volume pushing a little say 10-2 o'clock. (Think light grit). If you need a lower volume amp than a Maz 18, the Plus fits the bill, but the Plus can get loud and proud too. The Plus has a lot of bottom end but not in a bad way. It just has a very 3D full sound!(That even order harmonic single ended thing I presume). I hope to A/B my Plus and Maz 18 some very soon. The Plus with both 6V6's engaged is really nice sounding. This amp is more than a one trick pony. Volume cranked has got some gain on tap. I've been playing with a 12AT7 in V1. (I'm not much of a tube roller) It was something Doc was playing with when I first played the proto in his shop. The AT7 really makes it even more glassy. I like the 12AX7 better as it gives the amp a little more grit and girth. Worth checking out! I'm interested if some of you will like the 12AT7 better.
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Post by purpletele on Dec 11, 2017 23:09:12 GMT -7
Mine will be here tomorrow! Played a gig with my Maz 18 this past Saturday at a small club we do about 7-8 times a year. Had the vol at less than 9 o clock, Brakelite on 2 and was on the edge of being too loud. I'm hoping the Plus with the half power option will help in this type of situation. On a side note I live about 30 miles SE of Cleveland, Oh and have been a fan of Joe Walsh since I was a teen. I'm 60. His guitar playing and tone inspired me to pick up the guitar. Thanks Joe! When I plug the Plus in for the first time tomorrow it will be Funk 49! Welcome buckeye, I bet you have a solution to your lower volume needs on the way. I think the Z-Plus amp is going to be a another great iconic amp.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2017 10:13:15 GMT -7
Still waiting for mine. I'll live vicariously through Doc Ice and Cap Ron...
Great reports, gents!
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Post by captainron (Ron) on Dec 12, 2017 10:46:08 GMT -7
I bet you have a solution to your lower volume needs on the way. I think the Z-Plus amp is going to be a another great iconic amp. Yes Welcome Buckeye! I feel the same way! I do think the Z Plus will be an iconic amp. It's nothing like any other Z I've played. I can feel that front end of a MAZ there, but It's a different deal all together. Not as percussive as a Stangray but maybe more articulate or a better dynamic touch than say a Maz and Z Lux. I think this is perhaps the most unique Dr. Z amp. Stangray, Z-Lux, Maz series: Lamborghini Urus (Super sports Utility Vehicle) Cure: Economy Sport coupe. Z Plus: Lamborghini Asterion (concept car) I had to throw in a car analogy!
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Post by frankie on Dec 12, 2017 11:43:57 GMT -7
I do think the Z Plus will be an iconic amp. It's nothing like any other Z I've played. I can feel that front end of a MAZ there, but It's a different deal all together. Not as percussive as a Stangray but maybe more articulate or a better dynamic touch than say a Maz and Z Lux. I think this is perhaps the most unique Dr. Z amp. May I use this as a testimonial on our website? It's always good to get some customer testimonials and I really like how you described the amp here.
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Post by John on Dec 12, 2017 15:59:10 GMT -7
May I use this as a testimonial on our website? It's always good to get some customer testimonials and I really like how you described the amp here. Frankie...you can use this too: I played my Z-Plus at a gig... AND THE CHICKS WENT WILD!
That'll help sell a lot of amps!
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Post by purpletele on Dec 12, 2017 16:05:38 GMT -7
May I use this as a testimonial on our website? It's always good to get some customer testimonials and I really like how you described the amp here. Frankie...you can use this too: I played my Z-Plus at a gig... AND THE CHICKS WENT WILD!
That'll help sell a lot of amps!
Will you take Paypal? I'm getting one
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Post by captainron (Ron) on Dec 12, 2017 17:57:26 GMT -7
I do think the Z Plus will be an iconic amp. It's nothing like any other Z I've played. I can feel that front end of a MAZ there, but It's a different deal all together. Not as percussive as a Stangray but maybe more articulate or a better dynamic touch than say a Maz and Z Lux. I think this is perhaps the most unique Dr. Z amp. May I use this as a testimonial on our website? It's always good to get some customer testimonials and I really like how you described the amp here. Absolutely you may!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2017 18:03:29 GMT -7
May I use this as a testimonial on our website? It's always good to get some customer testimonials and I really like how you described the amp here. Frankie...you can use this too: I played my Z-Plus at a gig... AND THE CHICKS WENT WILD!
That'll help sell a lot of amps!
Once I get mine, I'll let you know how many bras get tossed my way...
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Post by buckeye on Dec 12, 2017 19:03:50 GMT -7
Well I received my new Z-Plus tonight plugged it in and took her for a spin. WOW! This thing has some mojo!
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Post by dcarver on Dec 13, 2017 0:53:24 GMT -7
Welcome to the forum buckeye. Some great people here. Looking forward to more of your thoughts on the Z Plus. BTW... which speaker did you get ?
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Post by buckeye on Dec 13, 2017 4:43:06 GMT -7
Thanks dcarver. I opted for the Z-12. I have a Blue in a cab that is at my rehearsal space and I plan on trying with the Plus this weekend.
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Post by nicholas on Dec 13, 2017 10:45:03 GMT -7
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Post by doctorice on Dec 17, 2017 15:10:51 GMT -7
Someone asked on one of the threads about headroom comparison between Z-Plus and MAZ 18. It may already have been covered, but I decided to do a comparison today. Summary: They are pretty similar, as you'd expect.
I dimed all the knobs on a Les Paul and went straight in to the lo inputs on both amps. Both begin to get some grit around 1 o'clock and are solidly into dirt territory between 2:30 and 3 on the Volume knob. I played around with Master up, middle and low. Master up adds its own flavor, and I suspect the Blue in the Z-Plus was probably getting pushed too. (The Z-Plus was on full power.) My MAZ 18 is louder due mostly, I think, to 2x10s from Z, which are pretty efficient. (Other settings: eq knobs at noon, reverb off and Cut at 9.)
Re-stating the obvious: If you want to have headroom so that the base tone is clean and pedals generate (almost all of the) dirt and can also be used to boost overall volume, keep V in the 10 to 12 or 1 range -- it will vary by how hot your pickups are -- and use the lo input.
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Post by pcns on Dec 18, 2017 9:38:04 GMT -7
This amp is on my wish list
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Post by kenbrolux on Dec 18, 2017 12:37:06 GMT -7
I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a Z-Plus. I have two questions: First, is it loud enough to gig with a four piece (tasteful) rock band in a bar without the amp begin mic'ed? Just to give some context--I can easily do this with a Maz Jr., Blues Junior, or Deluxe Reverb, but a Princeton Reverb was always swallowed up in the mix--not enough guts.
My second question is if it's worth it to upgrade to the Celestion Blue? I've never played through a Z-12 so I don't know how efficient they are.
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Post by buckeye on Dec 18, 2017 18:57:50 GMT -7
Hey kenbrolux. I've had my Z Plus for about a week now and my best very unscientific opinion is the plus is about as loud as the my Maz 18 nr with the Brakelite on 2. (Vol on 9 o clock and Master on 1.)I think the Plus has enough output for the scenario you have described. My plus has the Z12 in it which is rated at 99db sensitivity. I tried the Z Plus plugged into a cab loaded with an Austin Speaker Works KTS- 70 that I normally run my Maz into and there was a noticeable difference in outputcompared to the Z12. I think the Blue and the Kts are rated at 100 or 101 db. Gotta say though, I'm impressed with the tone of the Z12.
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Post by captainron (Ron) on Dec 18, 2017 19:44:12 GMT -7
I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a Z-Plus. I have two questions: First, is it loud enough to gig with a four piece (tasteful) rock band in a bar without the amp begin mic'ed? Just to give some context--I can easily do this with a Maz Jr., Blues Junior, or Deluxe Reverb, but a Princeton Reverb was always swallowed up in the mix--not enough guts. My second question is if it's worth it to upgrade to the Celestion Blue? I've never played through a Z-12 so I don't know how efficient they are. I believe the Z plus could handle that situation with no problem if you could do it with a Blues JR. It can get louder than my Blues Jr that is loaded with the Rex speaker. (and way better tone!) You would most certainly want to engage both 6V6's. My Plus has the Blue (rated at 100db). I will say the Z-12 is an outstanding speaker and definitely worthy of consideration.
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Post by kenbrolux on Dec 19, 2017 9:27:29 GMT -7
Thanks Buckeye and Ron for your help. I'm definitely leaning towards the tone and efficiency of the Alnico Blue, although I've never heard a Z12 in person. I'm also leaning towards an ultra lite cab, despite the Doctor's recommendation of the studio. Call me shallow, but there something about the aesthetics of the traditional Dr. Z combo cabs--the salt and pepper with the white piping, in particular, just speaks to me. And Dave Baker was playing through an ultra lite on the sneak video, which was what made me want a Z-Plus in the first place. Unfortunately, no one seems to have an ultra lite with a Celestion Blue in stock, and I need a Z-Plus NOW.
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Post by kenbrolux on Dec 20, 2017 15:45:17 GMT -7
Okay, I just pulled the trigger and purchased a Z-Plus--the first new Dr. Z amp I've ever purchased. And despite what I wrote above, I opted for the studio cab with the Z-12. I decided what I'm really looking for is as close to a blackface Fender tone as possible, and Doctor Z's description of the focused sound of the studio cab coupled with the American tone of the Z-12 makes me think I made the right choice. I also frequently play on cramped stages and every inch helps. I do have a converted Dr. Z combo cab with a Celestion Gold and a convertible 12 with a Creamback G12M65, so I will have some other tonal options with which to experiment.
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Post by digs57 on Dec 20, 2017 17:04:17 GMT -7
Studio cab is like the in between sized amp cab...its perfect imho...with z12 should give you enough American tone too!
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Post by doctorice on Dec 20, 2017 19:28:26 GMT -7
I also frequently play on cramped stages and every inch helps. Same here. Studio cab is perfect.
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