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Post by Curt on Dec 2, 2005 7:59:18 GMT -7
;D Ok, I've had a Z-28 for a while, cool amp, but I always go back to my Ghia with my Tele's......BUT... Yesterday my Les Paul, ebay special showed up...AND... WOW....straight into the z-28 with the tone controls dimed..ummm..umm..ummm COOOOOL !! The 'buckers push the amp into this sweet edgy distortion that the singles just don't do......crazy, but I like single coils into the Ghia, and 'buckers into the Z-28. Man did my Z-28 wake up..I am amazed...I have not had a Lester in a long time but now I can put it down..and the Z-28 was being considered as a sale item...not now Someone said in another thread that a Z-28 was like a Deluxe went to England and mane a baby with a Marshall and the Z-28 was born...now I see it the same way....the Ghia might actually get a rest and miss tomorrows gig....the Tele's too.
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Post by terryg on Dec 2, 2005 11:51:10 GMT -7
I'm with you on this - my semi-hollowbody (don't let the guitar fool you) has some hot pickups in it, and I love the way it drives the Z28. Congrats on your new axe!
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Post by Curt on Dec 2, 2005 13:06:08 GMT -7
Thanks Terry, Best $511.00 I ever blew !!! It's a beat '96 Studio, but it's a player ! I've been straight single coils for a while and the Z-28 just didn't do it for me....but slam that EF-86 with a semi hot 'bucker and man......just like the best Marshall tone you ever heard !!!!
I wrote this just for you 'cause you posted yesterday you wanted some traffic on the Z-28 page...I previously had nuthin' to say.......things have changed LOL
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Post by Laroosco!! on Dec 2, 2005 15:55:51 GMT -7
"This amp sounds like the baby of a Tweed/Brown Fender that went to England for a summer and knocked up a Marshall."
I came to this conclusion because when I owned my first Z28's I played them with a 335 with Duncan 59's. There aren't many tones better than the Z28 cranked up with some good humbuckers. Great Billy G tones. I'm gonna put Pearly Gates in it one of these days. A good LP studio is a great thing. Great guitars for great prices. I'd like to score one of these too.
My G&L ASAT has some pretty hot pickups in it as well. Pushes the Z28 into a beautiful place.
My new Z28 just arrived aboutt 2 hours ago and sounds better than i remeber. I can't wait to get it on a stage.
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Post by taswegian on Dec 2, 2005 17:43:29 GMT -7
Ouch!!! This thread is giving me gas pains Best Marshall tones ever, Billy G... Love child of a deluxe and plexi... Kills with humbuckers cranked... I need a smaller club amp too...If I got one then I would only need one more for my 2xZ28's in stereo with the Route 66 in the middle A/B dream rig... plus I'd have a smaller club rig that would work great for covers as well. Mmmmm! Ouch indeed. Can we end this thread!
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Post by terryg on Dec 2, 2005 17:45:15 GMT -7
I think semi-hollowbody guitars should take over the world again. Long live the 70s...errrrr, well, uh...
Here's my "secret sauce," talking about great guitars for the money. Heritage. I bought a "Blues Deluxe" from Roman a couple years ago (no probs), with the full intention of gutting it and setting it up as player/gig guitar for me For the $$ I couldn't be happier, and I'd hate losing this guitar less than I'd hate losing a nice 335, you know?
Anyway, I liked the narrower body (narrower than 335) and that it had a block, + tonepros bridge/tailpiece. I put a SD Pearly Gates in the neck, and a SD Distortion in the back - no kidding - both uncovered and splittable, with caps to keep the tone alive as I rolled back the volume. With the Z28 + Airbrake, I don't "need" distortion/OD/fuzz/boost pedals, but I like having the colors. Turns out I can't seem to be able to pick up another electric when I go to play. There is a really gratifying sensation to that, too.
To touch on the 50's tweed and Marshall lovefest....oh, I forgot what I was going to say, but I wanted to touch it anyway - that's a quotable quote for sure.
Laroosco!!, 22 hours - have you slept yet? tele62, thanks amigo!
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Post by terryg on Dec 2, 2005 17:53:16 GMT -7
tas, the other guitar player in my band plays through my Fender SRRI with a les paul. He's not so hip to tone, so I try to tweak when I can without treading on his ego. Invariably he ends up turning himself up loud and large (I retubed that amp with the GT6L6GEs, which are fat sounding) through the 4x10 speakers. I always secretly thank him in my mind because it invariably leads to me unleashing the Z28. At least the wrath of the singer is less evil; for instance less than when I'd bring my 6545
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Post by Laroosco!! on Dec 2, 2005 17:53:32 GMT -7
I think semi-hollowbody guitars should take over the world again. Long live the 70s...errrrr, well, uh... Here's my "secret sauce," talking about great guitars for the money. Heritage. I bought a "Blues Deluxe" from Roman a couple years ago (no probs), with the full intention of gutting it and setting it up as player/gig guitar for me For the $$ I couldn't be happier, and I'd hate losing this guitar less than I'd hate losing a nice 335, you know? Anyway, I liked the narrower body (narrower than 335) and that it had a block, + tonepros bridge/tailpiece. I put a SD Pearly Gates in the neck, and a SD Distortion in the back - no kidding - both uncovered and splittable, with caps to keep the tone alive as I rolled back the volume. With the Z28 + Airbrake, I don't "need" distortion/OD/fuzz/boost pedals, but I like having the colors. Turns out I can't seem to be able to pick up another electric when I go to play. There is a really gratifying sensation to that, too. To touch on the 50's tweed and Marshall lovefest....oh, I forgot what I was going to say, but I wanted to touch it anyway - that's a quotable quote for sure. Laroosco!!, 22 hours - have you slept yet? tele62, thanks amigo! lmao!!! I meant to say 2 hours..typo. woops.
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Post by taswegian on Dec 2, 2005 17:55:51 GMT -7
My first three albums, (one with band 2 solo) I recorded with a Gibson Tennessean (hollowbody) and usually doubled it with another guitar but the hollowbody just had that "bark" that added something great into the bottom and lower mids. Live I would occassionally play with a Fernandez 335 copy (when my housemate would lend it too me) and loved it. I currently have a Grosh Set Neck but would love a semi or fully hollow one of these as well. I agree, there is something great about chambered guitars. Now stop talking about how good the Z28 is in Marshall land. I can handle the Fender talk but plexi talk gets me all fired up!!!
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Post by terryg on Dec 2, 2005 18:01:31 GMT -7
You know I can thoroughly recommend the creamy overdrive of my Z28, when I'm driving the back end with the GT12AX7M. I'm not used to swapping PIs to different effect, it's given me a whole new amp or 3. Note I'm only saying this to fuel you up. The Ghia? yeah, that's a cute little amp, isn't it ;D Gas goes into Z28s though, that engine moves me. (I should run for cover now )
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Post by taswegian on Dec 2, 2005 18:24:28 GMT -7
Yes you should...not from me, but my woman who would slice me up if she knew I was writing anything about a new amp!!! I might have to pull the GT12ax7 from my mini and try it in PI of the 66. Happy Z28ing.
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Post by Curt on Dec 2, 2005 18:45:36 GMT -7
Laroosco, My G&L ASAT Special was by far my favorite with the Route 66, them pups are great, welcome back to the Z-28 too, ya still comin' to Texas ? Terry, Yer wekum Tas...ya just gotta getcha one !!!...and put that G.E.C. EF-86 from Mike @ KCNOS in there too !! (PS there's on in the for sale page..shhhhh) OK, second time with this rig...tried a little lower volume, but with my Keeley BD-2/TS-9 Oh, Boy !! I am the Reverend Willie G> reincarnate !! LOL.. A how..how..how.... I never dreamed these Plexi tones were in there...I had a pretty good JMP(or was that a JTM?) back in the day...but this is mo' betta. Gotta go play........
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Post by taswegian on Dec 2, 2005 19:07:50 GMT -7
Tas...ya just gotta getcha one !!!...and put that G.E.C. EF-86 from Mike @ KCNOS in there too !! (PS there's on in the for sale page. I've already got one as a spare for my 66! But I think you are right...I gotta get me one...then another. Ahhhhh!
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Post by terryg on Dec 2, 2005 19:49:02 GMT -7
Aw Tas, no running from the crazy ladies with knives...well, maybe.
I mean, it's just a box of wood, glass & wires, no harm in that? That it gives us all such pleasure is the real problem, I think..."humph, he doesn't smile like that at me, only at that stupid box with the Z on it!" Lately I've taken the tack of buying the amp/guitar/hooker (d'oh!) first and then showing up at rehearsal with it (my GF is the singer, breaking band rule #1, but she's beautiful and fun)....forgiveness for me in this area is easier than permission. Besides, the Z28 is almost the little brother of the 66 anyway! She won't have as much reason to tell you to turn it down.
If your 66 is using a LPS (long plate) EHX tube, aka GT12AX7R2, I think you may be impressed with the GT*M. I also like the 9th gen GT12AX7C, which is the PI in my 6545.
tele, play on. I've got this nasty thing called "hunger" afflicting me at the moment, it's keeping me from my guitar for a little while longer. Turn it up so I can here you over here.
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Post by Curt on Dec 2, 2005 19:59:41 GMT -7
I always go the forgiveness route..permission has never worked !!!! Go to my site www.tutoneband.comand check out the studio pics...the bass player did the captions, you'll see one of me with all my Z's stacked and chained......he knows my methods !! LOL Terry, can ya here me now !?!?!? I am so ready to gig this rig tomorrow. Tas..Plexi, Plexi, Plexi.... the gain is so smooth but edgy...I am diggin' this !!! I am a 43 yeard old Kid with this rig......my poor Ghia and Tele's are the only one's unhappy.
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Post by taswegian on Dec 2, 2005 20:16:47 GMT -7
I used the "turn it down" excuse to get the mini so I think I need to come up with another. I don't think she'll buy the "Eric Johnson ran deluxes in stereo for clean and a marshall for dirt, so I need 2 Z28's to go with my 66" excuse. The small clubs she'll say "Mike your mini" and if I say "headroom?" she'll say take the 66. She's got me on all fronts. It's hard to argue actually! Especially since I just spent 380 (285US) on a flight case for the 66 for touring. Plus I'm on the waiting list for a booteek delay Better get a lottery ticket or more gigs...and/or a day job. Still, sounds like a very versatile amp. Love the "Zstack" Tele!
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Post by Curt on Dec 2, 2005 20:44:13 GMT -7
Thanks Tas...It's a sickness really..and Im OK with that !!! LOL Now I "NEED" an R8 Lester........and another Route 66 and Z-Best....and...I better go to bed.
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Post by taswegian on Dec 2, 2005 21:29:36 GMT -7
One more question...with the Z-28 cranked into plexi land like this, does it clean up nicely by rolling off the guitar volume? I love how the 66 does this and it's an integral part of how I play. And is the Z28 noticeably quieter (in volume) than the Rt 66 at 2 O'Clock kind of levels, or dimed? Thanks guys. Sweet GAS dreams.
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Post by terryg on Dec 2, 2005 21:35:44 GMT -7
I used the "turn it down" excuse to get the mini so I think I need to come up with another. I don't think she'll buy the "Eric Johnson ran deluxes in stereo for clean and a marshall for dirt, so I need 2 Z28's to go with my 66" excuse. The small clubs she'll say "Mike your mini" and if I say "headroom?" she'll say take the 66. She's got me on all fronts. hmm - do you need the Z28 to promote your album? OTOH, she sounds quite knowledgable in the ways of The Gig. I can appreciate that. Echoczar? me too. prepaid from May. Hopefully SantaCzar will think I've been good this year. Quandary: how to take advantage of the EC stereo effect. Z28 fodder: you're only using half of the investment in Toneczar products. And hey, the lead time on the EC may afford you the opportunity to stash cash for your stereo rig. I'm feeling evil in my justifications It is I've been warming mine up while I've been eating...now I'll try not to upset the neighbors. Alas, I have the neverending day job. A blessing and a curse. I'm always on the quest though, to find a way to have my cake and eat it too tele62 - that's awesome! And those 1x12s are no longer available, right? congratulations!
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Post by taswegian on Dec 2, 2005 21:51:58 GMT -7
I like your evil justification... ;D sounds good to me
I still have an old rack set up with 2x(1x12's). If I can get someone to buy it, it may be the answer.
My accountant told me last year I spent too much money on sh@# I didn't need and didn't make enough money!
Well tell me something I didn't know!!! Except I do "need" it and I don't buy sh@# products!!! Ahhh more evil justification.... ;D
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Post by Curt on Dec 2, 2005 22:38:06 GMT -7
One more question...with the Z-28 cranked into plexi land like this, does it clean up nicely by rolling off the guitar volume? I love how the 66 does this and it's an integral part of how I play. And is the Z28 noticeably quieter (in volume) than the Rt 66 at 2 O'Clock kind of levels, or dimed? Thanks guys. Sweet GAS dreams. Tas, I did not have the Z-28 until after I let my 66 slip away (bad mistake), But it seems to me...this 28 has more gain then that 66..and seems just as loud?!?! Now do I have a freak Z-28? did I have a "Tame" 66?!?! It cleans up "some" but never losses it's hair...I'll know more on Sunday am after giggin' tomorrow. It's much more about top end than that wonderful thickness of a 66..a little more cutting I guess. The great thing about "My" 66 was even dimed..it did not hurt your ears..it just smoked !! Not sure if that helped?? Look for an update Sunday, Sleep tight Zzzzz
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Post by Curt on Dec 2, 2005 22:43:23 GMT -7
tele62 - that's awesome! And those 1x12s are no longer available, right? congratulations! Thanks Terry, No longer available is correct I dig 'em, It took quite a while to get my second one (green) I Traded "G'Olpeachphan" my red Z-Best for it, I was looking for a blond one forever it seemed. They are both loaded with loved and abused V-30's and they work for me. Now to find a Deal on that R8 Les Paul........looking...looking.......
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Post by Laroosco!! on Dec 2, 2005 23:39:02 GMT -7
The Route 66 and the Z28 are defnitely brothers IMO.
The 66 is a loud mofo IMO but the Z28 isn't really far behind it. The extra high end zing that can be dialed into the Z28 can give it some more percieved volume. The 66 has a bit extra in the mids and is to my ears much more British sounding.
I wish I had the money for an airbrake because I'd love to be able to take the Z28 to a blues gig, dime the volume and treble knobs, put the bass at noon and rip away on the bridge pup of my 335. That's usually just a bit too loud most of the time. Not complaining tho.
I do miss the sound of my Route 66 thru the Z Best but it was really too much for most gigs. The Z28 is d**n near perfect.
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Post by steves on Dec 3, 2005 9:37:51 GMT -7
Well my 79 Les paul thru the Z-28 with a mosferatu OD sounds friggin great at about any volume my favorite ! I also have a tele and strat and a couple of more HB guitars and I agree the HB guitars sound great thru the Z, they just cry and howl !!........of course the single coils sound great too but the LP Mummmm..........
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Post by Curt on Dec 3, 2005 11:02:08 GMT -7
The Route 66 and the Z28 are defnitely brothers IMO. The 66 is a loud mofo IMO but the Z28 isn't really far behind it. The extra high end zing that can be dialed into the Z28 can give it some more percieved volume. The 66 has a bit extra in the mids and is to my ears much more British sounding. I wish I had the money for an airbrake because I'd love to be able to take the Z28 to a blues gig, dime the volume and treble knobs, put the bass at noon and rip away on the bridge pup of my 335. That's usually just a bit too loud most of the time. Not complaining tho. I do miss the sound of my Route 66 thru the Z Best but it was really too much for most gigs. The Z28 is d**n near perfect. Loroosco, I just got done playin' the Z-28 through my Air Brake for the first time, dimed of course !! The air brake has been put away since the Route 66 left home Every thing dimed and the brake on 4 (in the house!!) with the lester...WOW...just could not stop. This rig is one of those that just make syou play stuff you've never played, new ideas are just poppin' up !!! way cool Got the backbone down for three new tunes in two day's since the lester hit the ground.
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Post by Laroosco!! on Dec 3, 2005 13:35:58 GMT -7
I put a SD Pearly Gates in the neck, and a SD Distortion in the back - no kidding - both uncovered and splittable, with caps to keep the tone alive as I rolled back the volume. What value caps do youu use on the volumer pots. I have them on my Strat and Tele but I don't know if the same values will work for humbuckers and 500k pots. Thanks
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Post by terryg on Dec 4, 2005 22:14:42 GMT -7
I put a SD Pearly Gates in the neck, and a SD Distortion in the back - no kidding - both uncovered and splittable, with caps to keep the tone alive as I rolled back the volume. What value caps do youu use on the volumer pots. I have them on my Strat and Tele but I don't know if the same values will work for humbuckers and 500k pots. Thanks whoa, you caught me off guard! I actually have no idea, but it turns out I'm meeting the guy that works on my guitars tomorrow night, so I'll be sure to ask. I played a gig on Saturday night with the Z28 in a new 'configuration' involving an aggressive volume setting (4 o'clock), moderate bass setting (10 o'clock) and pushing it treble setting (~2-3 o'clock). I was using a GT12AX7M as a PI. The airbrake was switched out of the path. I'm still hearing it in my head. Very cool. I didn't need to use any OD/distortion pedals at all, relying entirely on my guitar controls. The only thing I did use was the occasional delay, chorus, wah, and compression. I'm not being honest with myself and the effects I've got mounted, but oh well. Right before the last song I popped a string, no big deal. Instead of replacing it, I just grabbed the other guitarist's idle Les Paul Custom - what a ride! Don't get me wrong, I love what I've done with my guitar, and it's great in my setup, but it was a treat to dabble in other waters. I'm sure this is a planted seed for GAS. Guitars aren't jealous when you go play with another one, how cool is that?
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Post by rpavich on Dec 5, 2005 8:59:50 GMT -7
Oh no!!! I just got rid of my Z28 to get my Ghia purchase financed!!! Don't tell me I have to get a Z28 again!!! You guys are ruining my marriage!!
bob
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Post by Laroosco!! on Dec 5, 2005 9:08:24 GMT -7
Oh no!!! I just got rid of my Z28 to get my Ghia purchase financed!!! Don't tell me I have to get a Z28 again!!! You guys are ruining my marriage!! bob I'd love to have a ghia and Z28 but if I could chosse only one..........
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Post by Curt on Dec 5, 2005 12:54:40 GMT -7
I dig 'em both, Z-28 w/Humbuckers & Ghia w/Single coils I'll consider myself a Lucky Dawg !!!
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