|
Post by bigben55 on Feb 27, 2018 13:24:29 GMT -7
Z28 1x12 combo, with Z Brake Lite, WGS Reaper HP speaker, my old 1993 G&L Legacy, and the following pedals, selected specifically FOR the Z28: -Wampler Faux Spring Reverb -Mojo Hand FX Bayou(bias type)tremolo -MXR Carbon Copy -Xotic BB Preamp -Timmy -MXR Phase 95 -wah
The wah is a cheap, basic Cry Baby, soon to be upgraded to another Wilson Wah(THE best IMO). Im 100% happy with the speaker and pedalboard.
My ONE concern.....tubes. Currently running: Winged C EF86, NOS GE 12AX7, pair of reissue Genalex Gold Lion 6V6s, and a Gold Lion GZ34. I'm certain the EF86 is stock. I put the 12AX7 in there, and the Gold Lions were in there when I got it. I think theyre way overpriced, being they're made along side of all the other, cheaper New Sensor Russian tubes, probably on the same machines. I can say they sound good; don't know how old they are as I bought the amp used. I will eventually be buying tubes and will go with the Doc's orders, JJ 6V6s and a Shungaug 5AR4. I remember years ago with my 1st go around with the Z28, switching from JJs to Tung Sol ri's(don't last long, but sound good) that the amp sounded CONSIDERABLY different. I worry going back to JJs might upset the 100% happiness. Anyone able to refresh my memory as to what I can expect going back to JJ 6V6s? Thx
|
|
|
Post by "Z" Steve on Feb 27, 2018 14:57:48 GMT -7
I've never tried the JJ's, but I guess if wanted to I could pull two matched ones from my Remedy backup stash and try em. But I'm happy the way it sounds as you mentioned so I won't mess with it.
|
|
|
Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Feb 27, 2018 15:06:43 GMT -7
Almost everybody says the JJ 6V6's sound more like 6L6's--that's not a bad thing necessarily, it's just what they sound like. But the JJ is also a very stout tube, in that it can handle some pretty serious voltages that other 6V6's cannot. If I remember correctly, though, I thought Doc had said he designed the Z-28 around a particularly-good sounding set of E-H 6V6's? I can't confirm that for sure, but I did run those in my Z-28 and it sounded great (didn't try any others). Also--I'm pretty sure that V2 (phase inverter) spot should have a 5751 instead of a 12AX7. I know Doc's current literature says 12AX7, but I'm almost certain I remember my Z-28 being an amp that had no 12AX7's in it at all. In any case, the following page is extremely helpful, if you haven't found it already: drzamps.com/support/tube-info/
|
|
|
Post by Christopher on Feb 27, 2018 17:07:44 GMT -7
The 12AX7 is fine for the phase inverter and Doc went to it after a few years w the 5751 I believe to gain up the amp. I use the JJs when I want max chunk Bc they run tighter sonically to my ears than any of the others mentioned. Player’s choice for me. Classic 6V6 give me TAD, GE, EH, Tung Sol. More modern crisp, full, fat 6V6 go JJ but that’s my opinion. With regards to the OP I’d say leave it be until the tubes wear out then have your tech put your desired glass in, rebias and play loud.
|
|
|
Post by bigben55 on Feb 27, 2018 17:33:58 GMT -7
I don't know how old the Gold Lions are. Bought the amp used from a guy who also bought it used, and they were in there when he got it. And i don't have any backups. I'll buy a matched quad, have my tech bias it and have a set of backups. I always play the Z Brake Lite, so work the tubes good.
I remember liking the JJs....except they rattled and it drove me nuts. Got the O rings, still rattled, so they had to go. JJ now makes the "double mica" version of their 6V6S tubes. Per Eurotubes, they sound indetical, cost the same, but don't rattle as bad in combos. They also now make their own/better tube dampers. I'd buy a pair. Anyone use the double mica His?
Re 5751 vs 12AX7, I LOVE the JAN GE 5751, but I only have one, it's a $50 tube, and the Super Reverb wants it more. In this Z28, I prefer the NOS GE 12AX7/7025 in it now(tried both).
|
|