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Post by mattsblues on Nov 23, 2009 8:28:36 GMT -7
Anybody ever tried one of the Weber Copper Cap (solid-state) rectifiers in their amp? www.webervst.com/ccap.htmlWould be interesting if there was much difference in tone. "The Copper Cap emulates a tube rectifier, but it does not require filament power. In the case of a 5U4, for instance, this is a savings of 15 watts. The power transformer will run cooler and last longer. While the filament and coating on the cathode of a tube rectifier are destined to eventual failure, a Copper Cap will last the lifetime of the amp when used properly. Additionally, close tolerance parts are used in all Copper Cap models; no hand sorting is necessary. "
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Post by Joey Beverages on Nov 24, 2009 12:52:52 GMT -7
Never thought of puttin' in the copper cap - always liked the sound and feel of the Galaxie in its stock configuration.
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Post by gtrnstuff on Nov 24, 2009 18:53:00 GMT -7
I used a copper cap in a Z28 for awhile. Seemed fine. Mike says don't do it with any of his dual EL84 amps. might want to email him to be sure.
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Post by T-R☼CK ♫ on Nov 24, 2009 20:11:26 GMT -7
DON'T do it. They're OK as a backup, but the Doc's amps, as a rule, don't love 'em. I've spoken w/BW regarding this. He says he put a cpl in his amps when transporting overseas for the reliability. Otherwise, na......
The Galaxie has a Gawdawful Triad xformer in it. That thing will outlive us all. If anyone can/could hurt it....trust me.....I have put a world of hurt on what the Gal has in it. Still kickin' high & proud.
That amp, in it's stock config is a living, fire breathing Beast. I did, however, change out the stock 6L6's w/NOS 6L6WGB's that Curt gave me. Tamed down the aggressiveness of channel 2 a smidge.
As for lasting a lifetime.....so will a good NOS recto, if not banged around by a 400 lb. gorilla. Worth the bucks, BTW. My Ghia came stock w/a NOS Phillips recto, I got a 15 yr older Sylvania from Brad, HUGE difference in volume/tone. Juss sayin'.
Ask Myles, or Z for the definitive.
One quez for ya...............Do they come stock?
Not JMO, etc........
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Post by Jan on Nov 25, 2009 9:40:02 GMT -7
Pardon me, but have you not had a good amp tech check your Galaxie yet? Clearly something is not right, loose or worse. Tighten everything you can, try different speakers and tubes. After that, it is time for a professional, IMO. This is too good an amp to let it run bad generate ill will.
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Post by T-R☼CK ♫ on Nov 27, 2009 1:33:37 GMT -7
I agree w/Jan. I have YET, to find a bad sound out of mine, and I've had every knob, in every position, w/every guitar/speaker type imaginable.
That said........this amp is NOT for everyone. It takes a HELLA lot of play time to dial in. Good luck w/it Bruthr.
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Post by English John on Nov 27, 2009 2:55:01 GMT -7
did someone hold a gun to your head and make you buy it then?
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Post by mattsblues on Nov 30, 2009 8:58:34 GMT -7
Playing out yesterday I tried moving around the tone knobs more. Had the bass at 8-9 oclock position, treble maxed, and presence at noon (I can't hear a difference at all in moving presence knob all the way open or completely closed). I had 2 people (one a good buddy, the other my father) say that it was too "tinney" and specifically my bridge pickup lacked the power and bite it had before, BUT the neck pup in my Custom sounded great, not too bassy at all.
I have yet to find someone I know with a cab I can run through. I'm ordering new power and recti tubes today so hopefully midweek I'll have those and can see if its a tube issue. If not I will have a bunch of extra tubes and then it's back to the Doc, I just cringe at the shipping costs.
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Post by mattsblues on Nov 30, 2009 9:09:27 GMT -7
did someone hold a gun to your head and make you buy it then? They sure did! Kidding... There is no need to be a ****, we are all here for the same reason. I am merely stating the troubles I have been experiencing with this amp hoping that someone here on the board might have some ideas or insight to help me fix it, because I know the amp can sound good.
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Post by English John on Nov 30, 2009 10:26:09 GMT -7
i'm not being a ****, i just can't understand why you bought it, did it sound bad when you purchased it or has it got worse since?
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Post by mattsblues on Nov 30, 2009 10:54:45 GMT -7
i'm not being a ****, i just can't understand why you bought it, did it sound bad when you purchased it or has it got worse since? Would you spend almost $2000 on an amp that sounded like crap? It sounded great when I purchased it but over the past 8 months has turned in to a problem child. Sometimes I feel bad for playing it out because I get asked every time I play it what it is and all about the amp and it doesn't do Z justice IMO.
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Post by kruzty on Nov 30, 2009 11:10:10 GMT -7
Maybe the bias is off and/or it is time for new power tubes. Especially if you've changed rectifier types.
If it sounded different 8 months ago, something had to change - either you changes something (tubes, speakers, etc.), or something changes on its own (like a bad power tube or bias drift).
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Post by mattsblues on Nov 30, 2009 12:47:38 GMT -7
Maybe the bias is off and/or it is time for new power tubes. Especially if you've changed rectifier types. If it sounded different 8 months ago, something had to change - either you changes something (tubes, speakers, etc.), or something changes on its own (like a bad power tube or bias drift). I never thought about having the bias checked between the tubes. Maybe new power tubes, recti and bias will fix it. That would be nice.
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jrossjams
Full Member
Closet Bluesman- Maz 18 Jr Combo
Posts: 138
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Post by jrossjams on Nov 30, 2009 19:23:20 GMT -7
Not trying to point out the obvious here- but it seems to me that Mattblues amp has an issue - one that was not present at purchase- has anyone asked the good Dr? I had a question about two weeks ago- called up...and guess who answered the phone...the man himself- cheerfully answered my question and I was on my way- granted it was not as a tech question and it is hard to figure out some issues over the phone- but i would think the folks at Z amps would help in any way they could- that is what seperates this company from so many companies out there- just a thought
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Post by mattsblues on Dec 1, 2009 6:43:59 GMT -7
Not trying to point out the obvious here- but it seems to me that Mattblues amp has an issue - one that was not present at purchase- has anyone asked the good Dr? I had a question about two weeks ago- called up...and guess who answered the phone...the man himself- cheerfully answered my question and I was on my way- granted it was not as a tech question and it is hard to figure out some issues over the phone- but i would think the folks at Z amps would help in any way they could- that is what seperates this company from so many companies out there- just a thought Funny you mention that. Here is my experience with them. Thank goodness Brent has been helpful on the phone, not so sure about Z. I called a week ago and Z answered the phone and I was literally taken back by how hateful he came off over the phone. Hastily he cut me off mid-sentence and said "hang on", I heard the phone sit down and heard him then yell to Brent with that same hateful scorn, "will you deal with this guy?" IMO, that is not a good way to keep customers around, it really rubbed me the wrong way and that alone makes me want to get rid of my amp and buy something else.
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Post by mattsblues on Dec 1, 2009 6:46:40 GMT -7
Whoops hit post to soon... I wanted to add something. Maybe the day I called Z was having a bad day or had something heavy on his mind. I'd like to see the good in people but still on my worst day I'd never show that face to my customers - they wouldn't be customers much longer, even if the sky was falling.
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Post by basementhack on Dec 1, 2009 17:14:47 GMT -7
Whoops hit post to soon... I wanted to add something. Maybe the day I called Z was having a bad day or had something heavy on his mind. I'd like to see the good in people but still on my worst day I'd never show that face to my customers - they wouldn't be customers much longer, even if the sky was falling. I'm not sure if I missed this along the way, but what is your dealer, where you bought the amp, saying about the problem?? Keith
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Post by mattsblues on Dec 2, 2009 6:44:47 GMT -7
Whoops hit post to soon... I wanted to add something. Maybe the day I called Z was having a bad day or had something heavy on his mind. I'd like to see the good in people but still on my worst day I'd never show that face to my customers - they wouldn't be customers much longer, even if the sky was falling. I'm not sure if I missed this along the way, but what is your dealer, where you bought the amp, saying about the problem?? Keith They had no clue and recommended I call Dr Z.
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bartc
Junior Member
Posts: 59
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Post by bartc on Jul 19, 2010 19:17:46 GMT -7
Both the GZ34, and the 5U4 copper caps change the sound, and kind of sterilize the tone a little. It does clean the amp up a bit.
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