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Post by trojanhov on Jun 2, 2018 23:17:46 GMT -7
I'm wondering if it is even possible to have a level control (like the one in the CURE) on a Z-28? I know very little about what it takes to build or mod an amp, but an inquiring mind would like to know! Having something like a level control on a Z-28 would change the game!
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Post by DRZ on Jun 3, 2018 7:37:57 GMT -7
I feel changing the CURE to an EF 86 front end would be easier then trying to add the Level control back end to the Fixed bias Z 28.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Jun 3, 2018 7:52:39 GMT -7
I wouldn't have thought of the Cure (but it's a good thought, of course); but I'd always thought of the Therapy running 6V6's to be a decent substitute for the Z-28. Plus, the Therapy's got a great master-volume, so... maybe that'd do the trick? I dunno, it's tough because obviously no two amps are going to be completely the same.
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Post by trojanhov on Jun 3, 2018 12:34:08 GMT -7
I feel changing the CURE to an EF 86 front end would be easier then trying to add the Level control back end to the Fixed bias Z 28. Lol there’s an interesting idea! I love my z-28 and need the headroom it gives me when playing live. Just having that level control would make it the ultimate amp especially at home. The brakelite has been helping. Thanks doc!
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Post by djcakadave on Jun 3, 2018 12:37:41 GMT -7
I feel changing the CURE to an EF 86 front end would be easier then trying to add the Level control back end to the Fixed bias Z 28. So, Doc are you saying we could change it by changing V2 to a EF 86?
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Post by Christopher on Jun 3, 2018 16:06:30 GMT -7
I feel changing the CURE to an EF 86 front end would be easier then trying to add the Level control back end to the Fixed bias Z 28. So, Doc are you saying we could change it by changing V2 to a EF 86? You wouldn't want to do that. The EF86 has a different pin out configuration than the 12AX7 in V2. You would let the magic smoke out. The Doc was saying it would be easier to rewire the EF86 as the V1 in the Cure than to add a level control to the '28 circuit. I think the best way to tame the '28 is to use a NOS 5751 in V2 and use a less efficient speaker to allow lower output and gain overall. If you like the '28 as is then you have to roll with it. The BL is a good option but colors the amp too much for my taste. YMMV.
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Post by bigben55 on Jun 3, 2018 20:04:11 GMT -7
At 1 or 2, I don't think the BL colors the amp, and if it does, it's not enough to matter, especially live. And anymore than 2, it's not loud enough for my band. 3 an 4 compresses the tone and therefore does change it. I love my Brake Lite!
If, IMO, Z28+BL on 2 is too loud for you, you need a smaller amp.
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Post by trojanhov on Jun 3, 2018 20:08:44 GMT -7
At 1 or 2, I don't think the BL colors the amp, and if it does, it's not enough to matter, especially live. And anymore than 2, it's not loud enough for my band. 3 an 4 compresses the tone and therefore does change it. I love my Brake Lite! If, IMO, Z28+BL on 2 is too loud for you, you need a smaller amp. I totally agree with everything you’re saying about the brake lite. I was just thinking it would be cool to have a level control like on the cure. I used my forest green compressor as a limiter the other day and was able to turn the amp up quite a bit and still get great tones. http://instagram.com/p/BjiWxdPFft0
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Post by bigben55 on Jun 4, 2018 5:35:21 GMT -7
I have never owned an amp with a Master volume that I like, but it's been YEARS since I've owned one. I've been told the PPIMV type are heads and tails better than MVs of yesteryear. I'd like to try one. That said, I probably wouldn't have looked to the Z28 in the 1st place if it HAD one. The Z28 REALLY benefits from the Brakelite. I owned a 2x10 years ago, sold it due to volume. I flirted with buying a BL but didn't. Totally should have! My current 1x12 has one and I use it almost all the time. At 1 or 2, I don't think the BL colors the amp, and if it does, it's not enough to matter, especially live. And anymore than 2, it's not loud enough for my band. 3 an 4 compresses the tone and therefore does change it. I love my Brake Lite! If, IMO, Z28+BL on 2 is too loud for you, you need a smaller amp. I totally agree with everything you’re saying about the brake lite. I was just thinking it would be cool to have a level control like on the cure. I used my forest green compressor as a limiter the other day and was able to turn the amp up quite a bit and still get great tones. http://instagr.am/p/BjiWxdPFft0
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Post by TelePrankster on Jun 5, 2018 0:01:48 GMT -7
"Fixed bias Z-28"? I didn't know the Z-28 is fixed bias (like the Carmen Ghia). Am I missing something?
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Post by Christopher on Jun 5, 2018 1:34:03 GMT -7
I believe the Ghia is cathode biased and the '28 is fixed bias. The '28 has a small adjustable potentiometer inside to regulate the current the 6V6 tubes see. The Ghia is plug and play which means closely matched pairs work well bc you cannot change the bias value of that amp. IIRC the Doc recommends 23mA a tube on the Z-28 but you can go a little higher or lower for what sounds best to you.
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Post by TelePrankster on Jun 5, 2018 2:39:35 GMT -7
I thought that "fixed bias" means "plug and play". When I retubed my Ghia I didn't do anything and it always sounded good. With the Z-28 I should regulate the current, so basically taking it to a tech in my case. Is it correct?
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Post by Christopher on Jun 5, 2018 3:44:10 GMT -7
I thought that "fixed bias" means "plug and play". When I retubed my Ghia I didn't do anything and it always sounded good. With the Z-28 I should regulate the current, so basically taking it to a tech in my case. Is it correct? Fixed bias is an adjustable bias. Cathode is a set non adjustable bias. A tech is a good idea if you aren't comfy taking voltage readings and doing the math.
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Post by meanslide on Jun 5, 2018 9:37:09 GMT -7
I thought that "fixed bias" means "plug and play". When I retubed my Ghia I didn't do anything and it always sounded good. With the Z-28 I should regulate the current, so basically taking it to a tech in my case. Is it correct? To a tech - Yes. It's a confusing term but Fixed Bias means it needs to be biased when the power tubes are changed.
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Post by dcarver on Jun 5, 2018 12:05:18 GMT -7
Everything you need to know about biasing a Dr. Z amp : Basically, "fixed bias" means the bias is set or fixed at a certain value by the operator (or tech). Bias data and stock tube info for Z amps here: drzamps.com/support/tube-info/
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