Post by bobro on Nov 29, 2021 3:25:36 GMT -7
I discovered Dr Z Amps this last summer, 2021 (yes, I understand I'm late to the game), when I was looking into a Fender Custom '68 Reverb Deluxe. I was trying out this Fender series at a shop and couldn't believe how many of these amps had issues. So, to keep this part short, bye bye to that idea.
I have heard the samples of the Z-Lux. This seems like it could be the Swiss army knife of Fender like sounds.
I am expecting to get one this week, but I have some quick questions:
(as you can see by the questions, I'm probably a perfect fit for a Dr Z customer)
1. If the Z-Lux has the same front end as the MAZ, then does it have the same post-phase inverter master volume?
I ask this because the description of how the amp's tone is maintained at the lowest volumes on the MAZ sounds incredibly appealing to me.
2. Can I play it at bedroom levels and have it sound as amazing as it does at its sweet spot? I'm playing at around 75-85 decibels, usually 80. And this is usually where I play - In the apartment.
3. Is the blackface/silverface toggle special order, or does it come stock with all Z-Lux amps after a certain time and serial number?
And what would the serial number be?
I don't think I've seen any of the Z-Luxs on websites for sale here in Europe with the Blackface/Silverface toggle switch on the back of the amp.
4. How does it compare to a MAZ?
Can the Maz pull off clean tones like the Z-Lux?
What's the tonal difference?
When I hear clips of the MAZ, it really sounds bright and kind of fizzy, but Jack at Peach Guitar dials it in to achieve a lot of different tones. He seems to cover a lot of ground on a MAZ18. But can the MAZ (38) pull off those Fender clean tones? Or is it another type of clean sound?
5. Is there a MkII version of the Z-Lux?
6. How does not having a rectifier tube affect the tone?
I had an original silver face Fender Bassman 100 watt head with a tube rectifier. I noticed it when I played it really loud at shows where there were a few thousand people and open spaces. Then it really did its magic, compressing, causing the notes to sing and sustain, and working with my dynamics. I think it was the rectifier tube because I hear that going on with the Fender Deluxe's at low volume. I'm sure that a singing tone and amp compression can be achieved by means other than a tube rectifier.
Also, my Vibroverb sometimes seemed really brittle to my ears, just this cold loud sound. I'm not knowledgable as to why, but my guess is the solid state rectification. It's ok when you're playing with a band, but not good when you're playing at home, which is 95% of the time. I don't want another amp like that.
7. Does this amp have a singing quality to it?
8. Is the response immediate?
As in, when I hit a note on the guitar, does it respond quickly? For example, a Marshall 2061x responds quickly. A Fender Blues Jr IV takes a little while to think about it.
9. What's better - the head or the combo?
I've had my share of Fender amps and I can only imagine what this one will sound like.
10. Just kidding. There is no question #10. I needed to round this off.
I'm coming to the conclusion that you can't purchase just one Dr. Z amplifier. I understand this. I'm trying to focus on this one right now as my first, plan A though, because Plan B is either a MAZ 38 or an EMS. Thanks!
I have heard the samples of the Z-Lux. This seems like it could be the Swiss army knife of Fender like sounds.
I am expecting to get one this week, but I have some quick questions:
(as you can see by the questions, I'm probably a perfect fit for a Dr Z customer)
1. If the Z-Lux has the same front end as the MAZ, then does it have the same post-phase inverter master volume?
I ask this because the description of how the amp's tone is maintained at the lowest volumes on the MAZ sounds incredibly appealing to me.
2. Can I play it at bedroom levels and have it sound as amazing as it does at its sweet spot? I'm playing at around 75-85 decibels, usually 80. And this is usually where I play - In the apartment.
3. Is the blackface/silverface toggle special order, or does it come stock with all Z-Lux amps after a certain time and serial number?
And what would the serial number be?
I don't think I've seen any of the Z-Luxs on websites for sale here in Europe with the Blackface/Silverface toggle switch on the back of the amp.
4. How does it compare to a MAZ?
Can the Maz pull off clean tones like the Z-Lux?
What's the tonal difference?
When I hear clips of the MAZ, it really sounds bright and kind of fizzy, but Jack at Peach Guitar dials it in to achieve a lot of different tones. He seems to cover a lot of ground on a MAZ18. But can the MAZ (38) pull off those Fender clean tones? Or is it another type of clean sound?
5. Is there a MkII version of the Z-Lux?
6. How does not having a rectifier tube affect the tone?
I had an original silver face Fender Bassman 100 watt head with a tube rectifier. I noticed it when I played it really loud at shows where there were a few thousand people and open spaces. Then it really did its magic, compressing, causing the notes to sing and sustain, and working with my dynamics. I think it was the rectifier tube because I hear that going on with the Fender Deluxe's at low volume. I'm sure that a singing tone and amp compression can be achieved by means other than a tube rectifier.
Also, my Vibroverb sometimes seemed really brittle to my ears, just this cold loud sound. I'm not knowledgable as to why, but my guess is the solid state rectification. It's ok when you're playing with a band, but not good when you're playing at home, which is 95% of the time. I don't want another amp like that.
7. Does this amp have a singing quality to it?
8. Is the response immediate?
As in, when I hit a note on the guitar, does it respond quickly? For example, a Marshall 2061x responds quickly. A Fender Blues Jr IV takes a little while to think about it.
9. What's better - the head or the combo?
I've had my share of Fender amps and I can only imagine what this one will sound like.
10. Just kidding. There is no question #10. I needed to round this off.
I'm coming to the conclusion that you can't purchase just one Dr. Z amplifier. I understand this. I'm trying to focus on this one right now as my first, plan A though, because Plan B is either a MAZ 38 or an EMS. Thanks!