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Post by doctorice on Oct 30, 2010 19:04:54 GMT -7
Picking up from my "OK, OK, blah blah" thread. After a brief time with the Z Wreck yesterday (10/29), I posted this: It has been set up and fired up and played for about on hour. For me, it's premature for even first impressions since I haven't tried multiple guitars yet. But what sticks out right away are (1) it is loud -- I had to put the Air Brake on it pretty quickly; (2) blooming sustain on clean notes and very sensitive to touch and pick attack; and (3) tone controls have a wide range -- likely as wide as on any Z, possibly greater.I just put in another 90 minutes or so. (Aside: ended up being quite busy with other matters today so not as much play time as I would have liked.) I don't think I'm going to be able to cover this amp quickly. It is dense with tone, and it will take some time to explore, even with just one (familiar old standby) guitar. The analogy that comes to mind is that it's like diving into a healthy coral reef: there is so much there that it's hard to take it all in. First, haven't gotten a bad tone. I think that's given with a Z. Second, if you found that moving from a Brand X (you fill it in) to a Z exposed weaknesses in your technique, be prepared for a brand new lesson on that front. Sustain, note clarity and easily achieved "edge of feedback" gain led me to pay careful attention to both right and left-hand technique. For example, I had to do some left-hand string damping at times if I wanted to keep notes on adjacent strings from overlapping more than I wanted. Third, the bass and treble seemed to behave a little like those on the Z-28. Keep those controls fairly low and dial up the volume to get a lot of clean range that responds well to changes in guitar controls (volume and tone). Crank either of those knobs up, even with lower volume and introduce a bit of OD. Be aware that this is a preliminary conclusion. More knob twiddling definitely needed to confirm. Fourth, this is 30 Z watts. I can't remember the (Pete (shouldb)) Graham constant exactly, but it applies here. LOUD! I did not take the Air Brake higher than 3 and when I pushed the amp volume knob to 3 o'clock and above I had to go to 4 on the attenuator. I then settled into playing with the bass and treble at roughly 10 to 10:30, volume at about 1 o'clock and cut at 8:30. My goodness, there are so many tones just from messing with the knobs on the guitar. I'll try to document some of this with audio clips at some point. OK, I know this sounds crazy, but I almost literally had tears in my eyes as I just let some chords ring out. (Tears of joy, not crying at my sloppy playing I am fortunate to have a lot of Zs. Some I am more familiar with than others. (I probably have the most time on the MAZ 18 and the least on the Galaxie.) The Z Wreck is a very special amp even among its distinguished brethren. You may have no desire to own one -- putting aside the issue of considerable $ outlay --but if you play electric guitar you need to plug into one someday. More to come... 11/14/2010: I added a (pretty bad) video in one of the posts further down this thread.
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Oct 30, 2010 19:17:48 GMT -7
dang... yer makin the wait unbearable here.
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Post by doctorice on Oct 30, 2010 19:26:04 GMT -7
dang... yer makin the wait unbearable here. All will be well in a few short days, my friend. In fact, it will be better than well. Eager to hear your impressions, as always.
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Oct 30, 2010 19:33:03 GMT -7
dang... yer makin the wait unbearable here. All will be well in a few short days, my friend. In fact, it will be better than well. Eager to hear your impressions, as always. Eager to form some here. Who knows, maybe I'll take up the guitar as a serious hobby!
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Post by mikeslub on Oct 30, 2010 19:49:33 GMT -7
So Mike - thank you for the review. My question to you - is it distinctive enough from other Z amps to merit the price in your opinion?
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Post by doctorice on Oct 30, 2010 20:14:09 GMT -7
So Mike - thank you for the review. My question to you - is it distinctive enough from other Z amps to merit the price in your opinion? I think Steve (benttop) pointed out that the price is not dissimilar to a Ray head plus 2x12 cab with upcharges for blue and gold speakers, hardwood fronts and studio slips covers. One could argue that the covers and hardwood fronts could have been skipped to save several hundred $. (The amp is beautiful, IMO, and I'd want covers, but YMMV.) On paper, it seems most similar to the Ray, as many have noted. I have never played one of those, so I can't opine on whether the tone is different and justifies the incremental money. I do plan some a/b tests against some of my other Zs. Most likely the MAZ Jr will be first up when I do. Based on about 2.5 hours of playing time, I'm ecstatic with my purchase. However, with its volume and size and my fear of it being damaged, I doubt I would take the Wreck out for most of my gigs. Consequently, for me, it's a pure luxury. I know this doesn't really get to your question. As I do some a/b tests I may be able to give you better insight. Stay tuned.
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heycaptjack
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Be sure you ask the wife before you buy!!!
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Post by heycaptjack on Oct 30, 2010 23:48:14 GMT -7
Can't wait doctorice!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2010 5:53:39 GMT -7
Sounds amazing, Mike. While this is one Z amp I'll have to live without, I'm happy for those of you who've taken the plunge, and I applaud you not just for your excellent taste, but for buying a great American-made product and keeping at least a few good jobs here in the US. Cleveland thanks you!
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Post by BritInvasion on Nov 1, 2010 7:58:52 GMT -7
Great , insightful and honest reviews so far. Thanks Mike , looking forward to more of your findings and impressions.
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Post by Scott on Nov 1, 2010 10:49:26 GMT -7
(Mike should be a professional writer/reviewer.)
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Post by Pete aka shouldb on Nov 1, 2010 11:58:17 GMT -7
(Mike should be a professional writer/reviewer.) +1 - between Mike and Steve and their reviews/sound clips, I have learnt more and enjoyed more about Z amps than I ever thought possible! Time to say THANK YOU!!! ;D Pete
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Post by doctorice on Nov 1, 2010 19:07:51 GMT -7
Life has conspired to keep me away from any Z Wreck time for a couple days, and tomorrow is not looking good either. Nothing bad going on, just a lot of work, parental duties, etc.
Thanks for the encouragement. There will be more words and maybe some clips. I'm formulating what I'd want to cover in a first demo and mapping out what I hope is an orderly approach to the review process.
Keeping my fingers crossed for some free time tomorrow evening.
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Nov 1, 2010 19:09:05 GMT -7
I'm glad you're being organized, because I'm just going to turn on the recorder the blather away...
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Post by doctorice on Nov 1, 2010 19:11:01 GMT -7
I'm glad you're being organized, because I'm just going to turn on the recorder the blather away... I have good intentions, Steve. Execution may be another matter entirely
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Post by Dannydny on Nov 1, 2010 19:56:13 GMT -7
I'm glad you're being organized, because I'm just going to turn on the recorder the blather away... There ya go... grip it an rip it
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Post by stratovarius on Nov 3, 2010 12:26:58 GMT -7
I just sold a Rocket clone that had been built by a respected builder from The Amp Garage. I have no idea how close it came to Ken's famous Reality Check, but compared to the clone the new Z Wreck clearly takes things to the next level.
The dynamics and touch sensitivity are spectacular, if not a little daunting. You had better bring your "A Game" - that much is for certain. Expect everything you do to come back ten-fold. In my opinion, finding the sweet spot on the volume knob is the key to using this amp to its fullest potential. You can go from gorgeous cleans to singing overdrive to moderate distortion just by varying your pick attack.
The frequency response is also amazing. The harmonic content is so rich across the entire spectrum that the overall tone seems to have an acoustic quality to it. It's hard to explain, but suffice to say that "it's all in there". The idea that it is impossible to get a good bass response from EL84s should be forever put to rest with the Z Wreck. And of course you expect lots of chime with an amp like this and are not disappointed.
I really love this amp and believe it lives up to all of the claims. I think Ken would be proud.
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Nov 3, 2010 12:38:28 GMT -7
<sigh>.. wow, just wow - I can't wait to plug into mine!
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Post by doctorice on Nov 3, 2010 15:15:15 GMT -7
I'm having a hard time getting to the clip making and additional review. Just too much fun playing and finding tones.
Had some nasty crackling and cutting out a few minutes ago. I suspect the 9v in the EC Strat is dying. Fingers crossed it's not in the Wreck.
I second what stratovarius said about bass response. I've sometimes been using the BW MAZ approach to dialing in that knob: turn it all the way down and bring it up just to the point where you hear it coming on. Recommended, but not the only, approach to achieving chime.
Steve, it won't be long. Prepare for an affair to remember.
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mck
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Post by mck on Nov 3, 2010 18:10:50 GMT -7
I really love this amp and believe it lives up to all of the claims. I think Ken would be proud. +1. Very well said!
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Post by doctorice on Nov 6, 2010 8:29:37 GMT -7
Ugh, bad sound I mentioned above was not the Strat battery. It may be a tube -- has that "feel." Need to troubleshoot, but have a gig (Z-28 1x10 size) so this may have to wait until tomorrow. Anyway, that's holding me up on getting any clips or additional impressions posted.
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Post by doctorice on Nov 6, 2010 10:16:38 GMT -7
It was a quick troubleshooting session. Had the back chassis grid off, plugged everything in carefully, played and BRAWKFZZT - there was the bad sound AND lovely, but ultimately disheartening, purple lightning from one of the output tubes. Its neighbor seemed shaken a bit too.
Time to email the mothership.
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Post by stratovarius on Nov 6, 2010 10:21:32 GMT -7
I know it's a bummer having to go back into wait mode, but you're in good hands and will soon be back in the "Z"one. Good luck!
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Post by doctorice on Nov 6, 2010 14:45:54 GMT -7
Dr Z himself replied to a similar post about my problem in another thread.
Following Z's instructions (in an email), I confirmed that the tube is bad. As you would guess knowing the strength of Z customer support, he's sending a new set of output tubes. Just shows what finicky beasties those little glass bottles are since Z had tested all the tubes for the Z Wreck run.
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Post by BritInvasion on Nov 7, 2010 17:15:29 GMT -7
Sending you some Karma for better luck this go 'round Mike (and for taking the time to gather and freely share all the info , and research, that you do)
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Post by doctorice on Nov 7, 2010 18:47:52 GMT -7
Sending you some Karma for better luck this go 'round Mike (and for taking the time to gather and freely share all the info , and research, that you do) Thanks, Frank. I miss my Wreck I suppose I could put some other EL84s in while awaiting new "proper" tubes from Dr Z....
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Post by markT on Nov 7, 2010 18:54:34 GMT -7
Sorry for you Wreck problem Mike. However, isn't it great knowing that the Dr is there/here personally to get you fixed up fast?!! Even though these couple of days must feel like months in this situation. You'll be up and running before you know it.
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mck
New Member
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Post by mck on Nov 8, 2010 6:38:48 GMT -7
Sorry to hear of your trouble but I think issues like this are unavoidable and Dr.Z's response seems to be commendable. You should be glad you caught it early on before it caused bigger problems. Good luck with the wait!
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Post by doctorice on Nov 8, 2010 16:43:37 GMT -7
Thanks for feeling my pain, gang. Z and Don are on it. I should have new tubes mid-week. Pretty busy with some consulting and teaching work anyway and had a nice Z-28 blues gig Saturday, so I'm taking this in stride. It's all good
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Post by gotmojo on Nov 8, 2010 18:38:39 GMT -7
Adaptable. That's good at our age. And patience. A nice combination.
jj
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Post by doctorice on Nov 10, 2010 19:33:47 GMT -7
Back in the Z Wreck business here. Hoping to make some clips this weekend.
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