|
Post by metropolis4 on Feb 29, 2008 7:27:08 GMT -7
I've been on an amp hunt for about the last 5 years and have played about everything you can think of. But I'm still looking for the right amp for me and from talking with some local guys I think that Dr Z's might be what I'm looking for. I need a lot of versatility. I play in local country bands and need something that can cover the newer pushed tele tones like Brad Paisley and Josh Turner, but also be able to do clean sounds for songs like Neon Moon. We also cover a lot of classic rock. I really love that open clean sound that lets everything come through. Bright and snappy on the low strings, but balanced and not too shrill on the high strings. I also play in an original band that is doing a lot of rock, some of it heavier. I don't know if you are familiar with the Christian music scene, but we do a lot of stuff that sounds like David Crowder, Jennifer Knapp, Delirious?, and Jars of Clay. I use a big muff when I do this stuff and need something that will stay defined enough in the low end to handle the muff and some heavier overdrive with a pedal. Right now I'm using a little Fender Pro Jr. that I have grown to love (it was supposed to be a back up/temporary amp, but it grew on me). I've found that I love the tonal response of Fenders and the way that Fenders respond to overdrive pedals. I also have an AC15 that sits and collects dust because I can't stand the way it responds to pedals. I'm using a Tele, Strat and Les Paul and need something that will work well with all of them. My only real complaint with the Pro Jr. is the low end response, it gets flubby (like all Fenders) and can't handle the Paul at reasonable volumes. Right now I'm really leaning toward the Carman Ghia, because I like the two knob setup (like my Pj) but I'm wondering how well it will handle the styles I need it to cover. Anyone use one for country? I also am curious about the z-28, but again I wonder how the low end response is and how well it can handle snappy low end country tones. I'd really appreciate any suggestions, and sorry for being so long winded
|
|
|
Post by lowbudget on Feb 29, 2008 8:16:32 GMT -7
My call would be the Ghia, but I'd probably had said the same thing regardless of what you said your needs were! I just tend to think it's the entry point into Z-dom, and the one amp that most everyone seems to keep no matter what else comes and goes.
The Z-28 has it's merits too, based on your parameters, but I'll bet that most of the more learned opinions than mine here are going to recommend the Maz 18 Jr.
The Jr. is hard to beat for versatility, and I suspect that's why it's continually Doc's best seller. My needs aren't quite as diverse as yours and I'm personally not of the mindset to twist a lot of knobs-but I recognize I'm in the minority.
The really good news here is that there's no bad choice.
Sort of a P.S. here...
As far as a Ghia for country, I'd consider a head/cab format for flexibility. Just my opinion, but I think a Ghia will do country fine if you can keep it in the clean zone. A 12BH7 in V2 will increase your headroom and is well-documented here, but an often overlooked option is a very efficient [loud!] speaker. I actually have 2 separate 1x12 cabs with mine, one with a V30 (pretty efficient in it's own right) and the other with an Emi Tonker. Toggling back-and-forth with these two cabs is a little like having two separate amps! I hope to be able to afford to throw a Celestion Blue into the mix at some point.
Talk about tonal Nirvana!
Anyway, just my .02- and my experience level is limited compared to most here.
|
|
|
Post by dixiechicken on Feb 29, 2008 8:29:11 GMT -7
Sounds to me as if you looking at: 1) Prescription ES/Junior 2) Stang Ray Those two give good sparkly cleans BP uses both Stan Ray & Prescription ES I think. 3) Maz 38 Sr 4) Maz 18 Jr Those two for versatility 5) Route66 For classic rock & blues ( I use mine for everything ) 6) Mazerati GT Fore a more modern high gain EL84sound ( no thrash metal ) I really think that if you learn to work Doc:s creations - you could pick just about any of his models for what you want to do. You can always modify your sound with a couple of pedals - if you need to. I'm sure others will chip and add comments. "benttop" have 6 - Z-amps - he gives excellent advice. Let's not forget "Curt" he's famous for having owned just about everything at one time or other. ;D Get yourself a z-amp - you wont be disappointed - even if it isn't exactly what you thought it would be. ( I truly believe that - they sound that good ) Btw - welcome to the forum - if I haven't said so already. Cheers: Dixiechicken!
|
|
|
Post by benttop (Steve) on Feb 29, 2008 10:14:44 GMT -7
That's a pretty tall order, but not outside the realm of reality with Dr. Z amps. The trouble with asking is that you'll get as many opinions as there are owners of Dr. Z amps here. That said, I agree with DC that you'd likely be pretty happy with any of them, but lets address some specifics. The most versatile amps in the lineup are the Maz Jr and Maz Sr. Main difference between them is power, although they do sound a little different. The Jr is 18 watts (a very LOUD 18 watts) and the Sr is 38 watts. So you would need to decide how much power you're going to need. If you want to set the amp clean and get all your grit from pedals, I'd go with the Sr just because getting the power tubes grinding on that amp gets into ear-bleed territory. Well Brad Paisley plays or has played the Stang Ray and Prescription ES, and I see that he's now also playing a Mazerati GT. He's also played the older Mazerati in the past. Keep in mind these are all very loud amplifiers, and perhaps not quite as flexible as the Maz amps, but nevertheless very usable if you strap on the right pedals. I have or have had all of them, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend any of them, but they are all quite different. The Stang Ray is very clean with the best top end of any amp on the planet, and gigantic fat and solid bottom end. My Stingray has been the core of my gigging rig since I got it. The RXES is capable of very similar cleans as the Stang Ray but different. The thing about the RXES is that is is also capable of outstanding crunch and higher gain tones, and has a footswitch to switch in a +3db boost. The Mazerati GT is even higher gain, and very loud, but when you back off your guitar volume you can get very exciting clean tones from it. The old Mazerati is no longer made. Based on your stated requirements, I would be concerned that the Ghia isn't flexible enough, but it will depend on how loud you need to play. To keep the Ghia in its clean zone you may not get enough level. You should try to play one to find out for yourself. I like that too. The Mazerati GT is also a two knob setup, although different from the Ghia. The Stang Ray is essentially the same tone control as the Ghia, but with an added cut knob. This setup is extremely cool for all live work - set your tone with the tone knob, then use the cut to adjust the very top edge to the room. Just outstanding. Other comments: Z-28, Rt 66, RX Jr., all of these are great amps too, but I dont' have much experience with any of them in a live setting (only just got my RX Jr so can't really comment yet). Based on the eight Z's I've owned, I would say you don't have much to worry about - whichever one you decide on, you'll soon be here singing its praises. Also, you should consider an Airbrake if you go with any of the non-master volume amps. The Stang Ray for example - it's only 30 watts, but if you pair it up with Alnico Blues (which I highly recommend) you will find that it is as loud as a Fender Twin and with no master volume you might not be able to get to the sweet spot. This is actually a great reason to consider the Maz Jr, Maz Sr, and Prescription Junior because they all have a master volume. Hope that helps!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 29, 2008 10:29:30 GMT -7
I play the same type of music as you and bought the Maz 38 senior as my first amp. Very versatile. I have to admit, though, that I also have the Stangray head and 2X12 open back cabinet with celestion blues on order as well. I think the Stangray rig will give me more of the Brad Paisley style tone. Although I'll probably use the Maz more because of its versatility, I like the idea of having the Stangray for more options as well as a back up Z amp. For myself, after playing the Z amps I have no desire to play the Fender amps anymore and I got rid of my Twin.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 29, 2008 10:55:58 GMT -7
Hey metrpolis4,
At first I was thinking Maz18 or 38, very versatile amps. Changed my mind when you said you use a Big Muff. I'm not sure about the 18 but the 38 does not respond well to fuzz unless you really push the amp. I started with a Maz 38 and then traded for a Route 66. I've been really happy with it.
I play Delirious, Crowder, Tomlin and Hillsong United with the 66 and it sounds great. It has nice tight low end. A little loud at 32 watts but it takes pedals well and sounds good at any volume.
If your looking to use the amps natural break up for your main overdriven rhythm tones the 66 sounds awesome, especially with humbuckers. You'd need a good distortion pedal to put you in the saturated Stu G realms of the Mega Booger.
and + 1 karma for joining the forum.
|
|
|
Post by texasjim on Feb 29, 2008 11:03:34 GMT -7
Country, Christian, Classic Rock: Loud-- Route 66
Not so loud, clean, great with all kinds of pedals, super with single coil pickups --- Z-28
My $.02
|
|
|
Post by metropolis4 on Mar 1, 2008 7:04:57 GMT -7
Hi everyone, thanks for all the responses so far! Wow... I think I see just about every Z model on here Any thoughts on how much clean headroom the Ghia would have compared to my little Pro Jr.? I'm starting to think that I want to go with the lowest wattage I can get by with. I really like the sound of a pushed, but not overdriven power amp section with some jangle on it. My Fenders seem to like that sort of tone better. I know the MAZ are probably both good options, but right now for some reason I can't get as excited about them as some of the other options out there. Right now I'm really liking the sound of the Carman Ghia, z-28 and RXJr.. I like the Stang Ray too, but it is a little more than I was wanting to spend.. I remember playing a Rt.66 once and thinking it was a little dark for my tastes, but that was a while back, it sounds like it might be worth giving it another go-round. So Doc, do you use a fuzz with the Rt.66? Does it handle them well? I have to say I am a fan of fuzz's I'm hoping to get to the shop across town that carries Z's sometime soon and check out a few. I think they have a Ghia, MAZ Jr and maybe a Rt.66 in there. I know they have a Galaxie combo in there too and I'm also interested in trying that one out! Oh, and thanks for my first karma Doc! If I can figure out how to do it I'll return the favor
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2008 11:42:31 GMT -7
Thanks for the karma metropolis4. I use a Analog.Man Sunlion which is a pedal with 2 classic circuits in it. On one side, the Beano Boost side, it's a circuit which is very similar to a Rangemaster and the other side of the pedal, called the Sun Face, is the same circuit as a Fuzz Face. It's a killer pedal that I've had for four months. It's very touch sensitive and I have the Sun Face side on almost all the time and yes the 66 takes pedals very well. It absolutely inhales the fuzz. It's seems more like a part of the amp than just a pedal in front of it. I have heard the Route 66 called dark. I think that has something to do with the choice of power tubes. The Groove Tubes KT66HP seemed to be a little darker sounding than some of the other choices. The KT66HP is very sadly out of production and very hard to find. The Sinos and the Shuguangs seem not to be quite as dark. Volume wise it sounds like you would probably be happier with either a Carmen Ghia or a Z28 or the RXJr. I'm not familiar with any of these choices but there are plenty of Z Natics here to help you out. Ask questions (ie. does the amp take pedals well) in the amp section of the forum but go with your gut feeling for your final choice. Check out what taswegian has to say about the Route 66 in this running post drzamplifiers.proboards41.com/index.cgi?board=route&action=display&thread=1204037126Taz is one of the biggest proponents of the 66 here. ...and checkout some sounds drzamplifiers.proboards41.com/index.cgi?board=soundfiles&action=display&thread=1135038050Doug ;D
|
|