|
Post by markT on Apr 2, 2019 11:08:22 GMT -7
I’ve been intrigued with this amp since it’s release last month. Listening to Dr Z and JW’s descriptions and then rhinoman and randy’s experience with it. I’m on vacation and a little extra time on my hands. I just self justified going for it!
I’ve been through my fair share of Z amps. Loved them all, but whittled it down to a couple that worked best for my needs. Now down to just the Therapy, which is my favorite Z flavor. I also have a replica of a Tweed Super and a Low Power Twin so I have a thing for tweeds. Never tried a Bandmaster or Vibro King, but heard many great things.
PLUS, this amp come in “my” color scheme! Well...I guess it’s not mine. Seems it was one of Leo’s and Joe’s in this case. Anyway, it’s the colors I like...Blonde/Brown Z’s sound the best!
Looking forward to this one~
|
|
|
Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Apr 2, 2019 11:22:20 GMT -7
Congrats!
|
|
|
Post by Rockerfeller on Apr 2, 2019 11:42:55 GMT -7
Great all I need, a Tele player who orders the Z-Master! I need to stay away from the forum for a while!
|
|
|
Post by j4gitr (John) on Apr 2, 2019 11:43:44 GMT -7
Envious. But Enjoy!
|
|
|
Post by Faze on Apr 2, 2019 13:00:01 GMT -7
Congrats Mark! Based on your tastes in tone and amp color scheme I think you will really like it. Looking forward to your review on it once you get it.
|
|
|
Post by markT on Apr 2, 2019 17:48:47 GMT -7
I haven’t seen anywhere, but I’m guessing this amp is fixed bias?
|
|
|
Post by fishbeiner on Apr 2, 2019 18:01:57 GMT -7
Sure thing! I just sent them a e-mail today regarding the Z-master about that same question. I was wondering if the Z-Master is self biased as well. The Z Master is Fixed Bias not self bias. So a bias adjustment is needed. A little hint buy the 5881’s from New Sensor And ask for range 38 to 40 they will drop in no adjustment needed Matched set’s Same for the NOVA. Z Z
|
|
|
Post by nmz on Apr 2, 2019 20:00:16 GMT -7
I will be looking forward to your report.
|
|
|
Post by Maddog on Apr 3, 2019 7:12:10 GMT -7
I'm quite envious as well... Let us know yer thoughts, Mark!
|
|
|
Post by KeithA on Apr 3, 2019 7:44:57 GMT -7
That's a sweet looking (and sounding) amp. The cosmetics scheme just works
|
|
|
Post by Ridgeback on Apr 3, 2019 8:00:59 GMT -7
Congratulations. I've owned most of the big bottle tweed models over the years and the Bandmaster was my favorite (for my purposes). Very cool. I also own a Therapy that I'm still getting to know. The more I play it, the more it reminds me of my now departed 62 Blonde Bassman rather than the LPTT it was loosely based on.
|
|
|
Post by rhinoman on Apr 3, 2019 10:43:59 GMT -7
I was simply lost in the Z-Master yesterday. I meant to play for 1/2 hour and 3 hours later I still wasn't ready to stop. I meant to give a long listen to my Ghia yesterday in preparation for the SZR65 incoming tomorrow but I just couldn't stop playing that dang Z-Master.
Super excited for you MarkT!
|
|
|
Post by Faze on Apr 3, 2019 13:19:08 GMT -7
I was simply lost in the Z-Master yesterday. I meant to play for 1/2 hour and 3 hours later I still wasn't ready to stop. I meant to give a long listen to my Ghia yesterday in preparation for the SZR65 incoming tomorrow but I just couldn't stop playing that dang Z-Master. Super excited for you MarkT! Wow I had the same experience yesterday. I ended up cranking it up to ten and I was so lost in it I almost was late picking my son up for school! What a amp and what a tone! Mark get ready to have a huge smile on your face!
|
|
|
Post by markT on Apr 5, 2019 9:49:49 GMT -7
*On FedEx vehicle for delivery*
|
|
|
Post by fishbeiner on Apr 5, 2019 11:58:05 GMT -7
There may just be a few NADs around here ;-D
|
|
|
Post by rhinoman on Apr 5, 2019 13:22:48 GMT -7
It's gonna be a hot time in the old town tonight!!
|
|
|
Post by markT on Apr 5, 2019 13:29:48 GMT -7
Just took delivery of this sweet little box about and hour ago and had to come up for air. Got a date tonight or would be playing all night. I have tomorrow to spend more time getting aquatinted..
Just like has been said, this amp is VERY tweed. Not sort of tweed, or tweed flavored.... it IS the tweed sound and feel. Not a slap in the face, but a super smooth tickle of the ears.
There is mojo in this box...just like Joe says. And like Z says, it sounds really full and great at low volumes. I found a sweet spot with both volumes about noon. Killer, loud tweed clean....then hit it with a clean boost to add some nazz.....( as jj says ). " Show me what ya got!!"
I knew the dimensions, but it is still smaller and lighter than I was expecting. Not much bigger than the 1-12 Z cab it was sitting next to. And the low end!! Has enough to blow those vintage speakers out of the frame if needed. AND.... the resonant cab is more spectacular than I was expecting. Even more 3D sounding than the Z Wreck combo. 3D...3 Speakers...hummmm...might be something to that. Like randy said, the video's don't do it justice. You need to be in the same room with it to experience it.
I know it's all the ingredients that make the pie, but I feel these speakers are a big part of it. They sound old right off the rip. Bright, lively and deep, but never harsh or brash. Can't wait to get more time on them.
Looking forward to a Studio Slips cover and growing old with this bad boy.
More later, but thanks Dr Z...and Joe for another big time winner!
|
|
|
Post by perryr on Apr 5, 2019 16:19:05 GMT -7
Your killin’ me!!
|
|
|
Post by rhinoman on Apr 6, 2019 8:20:53 GMT -7
Great review Mark and exactly what I heard when I fired up the Z-Master for the first time and every time since. It's almost shocking that it sounds like that right out of the box! I look forward to hearing you continuing thoughts on the amp....it's a lifetime amp imo. Very special.
|
|
|
Post by markT on Apr 10, 2019 4:36:18 GMT -7
Really digging this amp! So lively. And what a big sound coming out of this small box.
I really like the top vent. More sound comes out of it than from the vent on the Z Wreck combo. Sound coming from the front, back and top! No wonder it fulls the room so much. Another thing I like is the top speaker up high. Makes it easier to hear articulation then sitting close to the amp.
More to come.... Hopefully some clips too...
|
|
|
Post by markT on Apr 10, 2019 19:30:38 GMT -7
Here is a quick, before bedtime, living room volume clip.....
|
|
|
Post by Faze on Apr 10, 2019 19:38:13 GMT -7
Here is a quick, before bedtime, living room volume clip..... Nice Mark like that funk brother ! I had the gold tchula and sold it Killer pedal! I may get me another one down the road. Sounds great !
|
|
|
Post by rhinoman on Apr 11, 2019 3:24:35 GMT -7
Here is a quick, before bedtime, living room volume clip..... That sounded KILLER!
|
|
|
Post by DRZ on Apr 11, 2019 4:54:20 GMT -7
Mark that is some sweet Strat tone my man. Thanks for posting. Did you hear that Perry......
Z
|
|
|
Post by LT on Apr 11, 2019 15:16:15 GMT -7
Here is a quick, before bedtime, living room volume clip..... Now I really can't wait until mine gets here! I play Strats 95% of the time. Fantastic tone and playing. Thanks for posting this Mark!
|
|
|
Post by perryr on Apr 11, 2019 16:00:47 GMT -7
Mark that is some sweet Strat tone my man. Thanks for posting. Did you hear that Perry...... Z Love that treble on that high note double stop, and the bottom is so fine the camera trembles! I gotta get a Zmaster, fish on!
|
|
|
Post by markT on Apr 11, 2019 17:19:35 GMT -7
Here is another quick, iPhone clip..... a little louder.... Please excuse the camera wiggle. Z-Master produces some massive sound waves! Check out the natural reverb from the wide open drums in the room.. Last clip in this thread. I just can't get enough of this amp. The more I play, the more I dig-
|
|
|
Post by markT on Apr 11, 2019 17:23:31 GMT -7
Here is a quick, before bedtime, living room volume clip... Nice Mark like that funk brother ! I had the gold tchula and sold it Killer pedal! I may get me another one down the road. Sounds great ! Thanks Randy. I have a Gold Tchula that I love. It was my first Tchula. Sounds amazing with my other tweeds. The Black Mamba sounds better with the Z-Master. It's a tad louder when turned on. The Gold does not boost quite enough on the left side. Black Mamba balances better with the Z-Master.
|
|
|
Post by purpletele on Apr 11, 2019 17:42:16 GMT -7
That is a really nice sounding amp!
Enjoy
|
|
|
Post by Faze on Apr 11, 2019 18:01:59 GMT -7
Nice Mark like that funk brother ! I had the gold tchula and sold it Killer pedal! I may get me another one down the road. Sounds great ! Thanks Randy. I have a Gold Tchula that I love. It was my first Tchula. Sounds amazing with my other tweeds. The Black Mamba sounds better with the Z-Master. It's a tad louder when turned on. The Gold does not boost quite enough on the left side. Black Mamba balances better with the Z-Master. Thanks for that tip Mark. I picked up a black mamba on reverb today.
|
|