|
Post by cheycaster on Apr 25, 2006 15:59:01 GMT -7
Hey Z people, Anyone own or try one of these pedals with ther Z amps?? I know there a little on the spendy side but.....Tonequest Report says they are great.... Cheycaster
|
|
|
Post by Lefty on Apr 25, 2006 16:31:20 GMT -7
Had one with all the bells and whistles, tone kit included...sold it. It's not all it's cracked up to be, save your $$. I thought it was too dark and compressed, to much of a tweakability factor=less time playing and more time playing around. The BB kicks it's arse in spades for a lot less $$!
|
|
|
Post by real oldster on Apr 25, 2006 18:55:51 GMT -7
I played one, not through a Z but another hand-made, boutique tube amp. I felt it was not special, particularly for the price.
|
|
|
Post by cheycaster on Apr 25, 2006 19:08:33 GMT -7
Hmmmmm.......Well then, what about the BB Vs. the Zendrive??? Are they even in the same ball park together?? I know we all have our own tastes etc. and Tonequest Report sais that the D. O. is in the Doyle Bramhall II and Joe Bonamasso arena. I like them cats and so I waz a thinkin' it may be the bomb. Now I'm back to square one all over again! Cheycaster
|
|
|
Post by Lefty on Apr 26, 2006 9:42:27 GMT -7
BB vs. Zendrive...different beasts.
BB=High gain, can be dialed in smooth as well as bright. ZD=Low gain, very smooth all the way around.
Think of the BB like a "Tube Screamer" with more of a low-mid emphasis, with more gain and volume. And then of course you have the treble and bass controls. The video clips on thier website are pretty true to form.
|
|
|
Post by real oldster on Apr 26, 2006 10:43:16 GMT -7
Totally Subjective Opinion: The BB may be the best pedal for guitar ever made.
|
|
|
Post by Lefty on Apr 26, 2006 10:48:24 GMT -7
I wouldn't go that far, but its a good 'un.
|
|
|
Post by JASON (aka jgleaton) on Apr 26, 2006 11:15:49 GMT -7
OK, Heres where I've got to respectfully disagree with some of my Z brothers and the great thing about this forum is we CAN do that... right? I have and have used John Landgraffs Dynamic Overdrive for almost 5 years...This pedal did for pedals what Z amps did for amps in my case...yes they are expensive and that is the one negative... but if you like it, then your not searching for pedals anymore and maybe actually save money in the long run... and they hold their value so if you don't happen to like it you can always sell it.... this pedal is GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, with DR Z amps and many other boutique amps that I have used it with! whats neat about the Dynamic Overdrive is that John will tweak it for you However YOU want it to sound.. if you are able to go by his place he will even show you different ways he can set it up... I've spent all afternoon with him tweaking a pedal or an amp... His customer service is similar to DR Z's, If he made it and he is still breathing he'll fix it... if you don't like it he'll tweak it for you... he is the most honest guy I know, IS a christian and WILL tell you he is, and HE actually had a Timmy and a Zendrive he took in on trade for some of his pedals a couple of weeks ago when I was over at his place ( I guess he wanted to check them out) and THATs where I played the Timmy AND the Zendrive along with a Landgraff for comparison... ( he'd been letting guy's try them out, he wasn't downing the other pedals and may have actually helped turn on someone to ANOTHER pedal... how cool is that..) he invited the comparison and what I thought of each pedal... not afraid of the other guy's... we cracked them ALL open and compared them to each other... ONE point I would like to make is this... I DID NOT LIKE THE Timmy ( or I should say I liked it the LEAST of the pedals that day)... BUT... after looking at the INSIDE of the Timmy, IT IS built very much like the Landgraff and I feel my thoughts on it are not fair... cause IT can probably be voiced to where I WOULD like it in much the SAME fashion the LANDGRAFF can be voiced... so a quick or hasty decision on the Landgraff OR another similar pedal like the Timmy may be like MY first impression of the DR Z CARMEN GHIA... I didn't understand what all It could do the first time I tried it and had to go back and try it again after I had learned about/ used OTHER DR Z amp's ( figured out the EQ/ tone / volume etc... little different than I was used too) and THEN I went back and I got it the second time.... and WOW... what I missed! the only other OD's I use now are the Keely modded TBS tube screamer with the vintage chip and an original bixonic expandora pedal not on my board right now... but I never hardly use them cause I always use the Landgraff... Thing is.... John builds his pedals so that you can "voice them" to your liking and they are hand built of the highest quality they don't HAVE to be dark... mine is not, it's FAT and the best sounding overdrive I'VE EVER PLAYED!! if I never try another pedal I'm happy with it.... The Zendrive is a very Good pedal ( I really liked it) but is not the same build quality IMHO and doesn't seem to have the voicing capabilities ( but I could be wrong about that, just LOOKS that way from the inside, w/ circuit board type thing and has that Black dumble-like goo in there so I would assume tweaking is pretty much out, BUT then again maybe you CAN tweak it too??) ... but it did not have in my opinion as many great sounds in it as the Dynamic Overdrive does... Thus, with all these sounds available I was frustrated with tweaking the Landgraff pedal ( like Lefty said) when I first got it, so many setting possibilities with the 3 way switch AND knobs plus being able to "voice it"..... UNTIL I found the setting I liked and NOW I just leave it there... I see Oldsters point and it's a valid one, some may not want to spend that much on a pedal... but when you spend $1,500 or a lot more on an amp ( or even 800 or so on a ghia) then whats 400.00 ( whether Klon or Landgraff or other) on a good quality OD that might be a key sound/ link in your chain... and if your depending on a pedal for OD like I do, that might just be the most important pedal and an incredibly important link in your signal chain.... But hey get and use what makes YOU happy...if it costs $100.00 great...if it's a $600.00 klon and it ends your pedal buying.... cool too... cause some of us have probably spent THOUSANDS searchng for pedals.... Landgraff kinda stopped the pedal GAS for me, and I'd at least try one if your interested and can afford one, BUT TELL John what sound your after and have him make YOURS for you! OK you can smite me now... ( he says as he's squinting his eyes and lowering his head, as if to brace for the blow he know's is forthcoming) ;D ;D ;D Jason
|
|
|
Post by rcrecelius on Apr 26, 2006 11:58:23 GMT -7
Heck Jason...I'll go ahead and bump ya 1+ just for taking time to type all that!
|
|
|
Post by Lefty on Apr 26, 2006 12:30:15 GMT -7
I'll agree with you Jason, if I had the time to sit with John and tweak the pedal to my tastes I'm sure it would have been a more "fruitful" pedal. John is a great guy, and so is Paul Cochran (Tim/Timmy). I would have like to try the Landgraff with my Z's but that was pre Z for me.
And as for the cost, if it works for you...it doesn't matter what it costs...you can't take it with you right?
|
|
|
Post by billyguitar on Apr 26, 2006 13:14:57 GMT -7
Jason - You better not get smited for that bit of honest enlightenment! The only real criticism I've heard on the Landgraff is about the price, tone criticism is subjective. Afterall a lot of people on here like pedals that I wouldn't, tonewise. I can't blame anyone for knocking the price. The o/d I hear in my head is my old tweed Fender Bassman cranked to about 7. No pedal is going to do that so a pedal will always be a compromise to me. Maybe that's why I still like my Reverend Drivetrain because a pedal is a pedal to me. Re: Tone Quest Remember, it's just his opinion so take it with a grain of salt.
|
|
|
Post by real oldster on Apr 26, 2006 14:44:48 GMT -7
There shall be no smiting in this thread of Opinions as long as you leave my mother out of it. It is written.
|
|
|
Post by JASON (aka jgleaton) on Apr 26, 2006 16:06:14 GMT -7
There shall be no smiting in this thread of Opinions as long as you leave my mother out of it. It is written. It is so written so let it be said!
|
|
|
Post by JASON (aka jgleaton) on Apr 26, 2006 16:33:57 GMT -7
Jason - You better not get smited for that bit of honest enlightenment! The only real criticism I've heard on the Landgraff is about the price, tone criticism is subjective. Afterall a lot of people on here like pedals that I wouldn't, tonewise. I can't blame anyone for knocking the price. The o/d I hear in my head is my old tweed Fender Bassman cranked to about 7. No pedal is going to do that so a pedal will always be a compromise to me. Maybe that's why I still like my Reverend Drivetrain because a pedal is a pedal to me. Re: Tone Quest Remember, it's just his opinion so take it with a grain of salt. Billy, now that you mention the OD sound you have in your head is an old tweed bassman cranked... The OD sound I have in my head has always been this ONE particular original Tubescreamer a friend had that was just incredible.. I'll NEVER forget the sound of that pedal through any amp... and the Landgraff nails THAT very sound for me... but the ONE sound that I liked out of the ZENDRIVE was THAT SAME Tubescreamer sound I remember too... FWIW I think the Timmy could be tweaked to THAT sound also... BTW I was really finally able to dial in the Landgraff like I wanted and leave it AFTER I got the Keely modded Tubescreamer... It's funny but that pedal actually helped me find THAT sound I liked on the Landgraff... Keeley is a great pedal but not as thick and full to me... When I had my MAZ 18 NR, I found I barely used any OD pedals at all ( Just maybe a Boost pedal)... just didn't need them that much, so on the other hand I can see some Z players NOT being so hung up on an OD pedal because of the Z amp itself... Alot of times I use just the Expandora with my Ghia cause I crank it and thats all the GHIA needs for a little extra mojo... and roll the volume for any where in between... had never really done that with an amp before the ghia...
|
|
|
Post by cheycaster on Apr 26, 2006 19:28:28 GMT -7
Did I say I love my Z Bruthas??? I do! thanks for all the feedback. I went to the BB site today and was floored by those two cats on there playing as well as the tone. keep it coming as I'm still waiting...... Cheycaster
|
|
|
Post by Lefty on Apr 27, 2006 7:16:48 GMT -7
The funny thing about the BB, if you listen to the clips the guys are always using a different amp/guitar and the tones are different. I personally don't care for a couple of the tones from some of the sound samples, but then there are some (Allen Hinds) that are killer. I wouldn't go so far to call the BB transperant, but it sure does let YOUR tone come through. A LP sounds like an LP, a Strat sounds like a Strat...
|
|
|
Post by southpawtone on Apr 30, 2006 1:40:34 GMT -7
I am curious myself to try one of the Landgraff overdirves. To my knowledge though, there arent any out here on the west coast. Besides, i just got a Menatone Red Snapper that i am VERY happy with. Hey jgleaton.............out of curiosity, what is the relevance of John Landgraff being a christian? I just thought it was peculiar to say "he is the most honest guy i know, IS a christian, and WILL tell you he is..." Dont get me wrong, im not offended or anything......i just figured religion and politics kinda has no place here, and it just seemed like you were insinuating that him being a christian was some redeeming quality or validation of his character. Not trying to start anything, it just seemed to stick out in your post, at least to my eyes. I'm sure im the only one who found it......odd.
Luke
|
|
|
Post by real oldster on Apr 30, 2006 4:30:28 GMT -7
Music, life, tone, character, it's all related.
|
|
|
Post by billyguitar on Apr 30, 2006 7:35:55 GMT -7
I personally don't care if a person is religious or not, so long as they good intentions towards others. But I don't want anyone preaching to me, I do not give that permission to anyone. But it's okay to me that someones mentions their feeling about it. I'm not offended. I see both sides of the debate and all things in moderation and everyone will get along and be happy.
|
|
|
Post by JASON (aka jgleaton) on Apr 30, 2006 12:58:43 GMT -7
I am curious myself to try one of the Landgraff overdirves. To my knowledge though, there arent any out here on the west coast. Besides, i just got a Menatone Red Snapper that i am VERY happy with. Hey jgleaton.............out of curiosity, what is the relevance of John Landgraff being a christian? I just thought it was peculiar to say "he is the most honest guy i know, IS a christian, and WILL tell you he is..." Dont get me wrong, im not offended or anything......i just figured religion and politics kinda has no place here, and it just seemed like you were insinuating that him being a christian was some redeeming quality or validation of his character. Not trying to start anything, it just seemed to stick out in your post, at least to my eyes. I'm sure im the only one who found it......odd. Luke Luke, First, welcome to the forum... and your right that we really shouldn't get into a religious or political debate here and I won't do that.... That was not my intention by mentioning that John was a Christian.... The reason I mentioned that ( and if you ever talk to Landgraff you'll understand), was that he WILL tell you he is a Christian and/ or witness to you, He is very sincere and outspoken in his beliefs. His LOGO on his amps is " LANDGRAFF AMPS: WHERE JESUS IS LORD" ( he writes something to this effect on his pedals also).... I happen to be a Christian so NONE of this bothers me in the least but I could see where some may not like to be preached to, just buying a pedal or amp. of course he may be speaking more freely to ME because I am a christian also?? but I just have a feeling he would speak openly about his faith to ANYONE he talks to and will tell them ALL God bless you at the end of the conversation. I was simply giving you a heads up if you happen to call him/ decide to deal with him about a pedal. AND... Saying your a Christian, or Buddist, or whatever has no reedeming quality or validation to anyone's charactor... But BEING a Christian, or Buddist....ect and so forth.. and practicing what you preach and living that way does! I don't Know What DRZ Believes ( and I don't mean this negatively, but I don't care what he believes because thats his personal business... unless he decides to share it with others, as Landgraff does.) But I would put him in the SAME Catagory as John Landgraff, NOT because Landgraff is a Christian BUT because I've SEEN Both of these Men's Charactor in their ACTIONS, how they treat people, and operate their business ( customer service) and it is outstanding... I HAVE been ripped off by folks making/ repairing equipment before; but there ARE alot of good people making quality things out there for us... these are just two of them I can speak HIGHLY of, through experience dealing with them on a personal basis... others can also and DO testify to DR Z's High quality of service and treatment of his customers... John Landgraff is also similar in that respect from My experience... Although we shouldn't get into political or religious debates on THIS forum, I think we should respect ALL beliefs or lack thereof and I don't think that we should have to be so politically correct that we can't mention what we believe... whether it is Islam, Hindu, Christian, or whatever else we all believe out there... or to pray for a fellow Z brother if he asks for it... in whatever Faith you happen to pray... No debates. THIS is not the forum for that. I am glad you did not take offense by what I wrote and I surely hope no one else was offended by that post or for this one.. no offense or preaching was meant, but I did feel I needed to clarify what I wrote earlier... and that there was a reason for what I wrote. If any of the adminsters of the forum feel I was out of line by anything I wrote, I appologize and I'll shut up now. ;D Jason
|
|
|
Post by billyguitar on Apr 30, 2006 13:38:48 GMT -7
Good point Southpawtone and good response Jason. Good people make a good forum, that's why this is the best!
|
|
|
Post by bustertheboy on Apr 30, 2006 15:09:12 GMT -7
hey cheycaster- regarding that doyle bramhall 11 thing- the guy says his favourite pedal is a fuzz face- you can hear it on his solo stuff as well as the arc angels- of course pushing a marshall plexi helps- not sure of his speakers- sound like greenbacks to me, but what can you tell from a recording? u can get a lot out of a fuzz face by manipulating guitar volume
|
|
|
Post by billyguitar on Apr 30, 2006 15:34:08 GMT -7
I saw Doyle on TV a couple of times using a Yamaha amp rig! Sounded good. That cat's got it goin' on.
|
|
|
Post by southpawtone on Apr 30, 2006 16:07:55 GMT -7
Hey Jason. I appreciate your lengthy response. I see what you mean now when you say you were just giving everyone a heads up regarding John's personality. It's easy to mis-interpret words sometimes. I wasnt trying to instigate anything, i was just trying to understand the point of mentioning Johns religion. After reading your explanation, i understand what you're saying completely. I respect anyones beliefs, as long as they arent preachy, i just dont have much tolerance for that. I'd have to admit though, the stuff you say John writes on his amps and pedals would annoy me. And that has nothing to do with me not being religious, i just dont think the two (gear & religion) need to be combined. I know what you mean though, about character, particularly regarding customer service from gear manufacturers. From my experience, Menatone, Robert Keeley, Bad Cat, and Maxon have all been pretty great, and all belong in the same category. It's funny......watching this new "Golden Age" of boutique effects and amplifiers grow and grow, i think it has yielded high expectations from the consumer in regards to customer service. For me, purchasing from these small companies that put all their love and passion into their product is the only way to go. In any case, i dont think this subject needs to linger on and on, so i'll stop now. This is indeed a great forum, though i get the feeling i am the youngest of the bunch here. Anyway, once again, I respect your comments and response, and appreciate the time you took to write all that. And by the way, everyone should take the time to try a Menatone Red Snapper.......wow. Luke
|
|
|
Post by real oldster on Apr 30, 2006 23:32:14 GMT -7
If John Landgraff doesn't feel the need to compartmentalize his interests that's okay with me. I haven't been bothered by a product slogan since, "Orange juice: It's not just for breakfast anymore."
|
|
|
Post by Telemanic on May 1, 2006 9:02:10 GMT -7
Ya know, i think we all on the site love to profess our love for all things amp, gear, and tone. And talk about our bands and sound clips etc., so i really CAN understand a guy That loves to profess his love for his religion. In this day and age its actually refreshing and encouraging. Doesnt matter if we share his belief or not. There is so much greed, scandal, corruption, and "sickness" to go around, that if all i have to deal with is a guy who likes to tell me he's found his way with the lord, then ( I'M ) the one who's blessed !! He can write it on the pedals or a receipt, whatever. If it doesnt pertain to me, it doesnt. I tollerate all kinds of A-holes every day..... I can certainly tollerate something as benign as this. Especially if he makes great gear!!
BTW, Southpawtone, i love my 3-knob snapper ! P-90's, into the snapper, into a Z-28 4-10.......Amazing. Now there's just gettin to be so many great pedals out there!
|
|
|
Post by cheycaster on May 7, 2006 17:22:58 GMT -7
Buster the boy: Thanks for the fuzz info. I know that and have a Frulltone 69 pedal that I love ALOT one day then NOT the next. It sounds absolutley killer with my CS 51 Nocaster thru my Maz juniors. I wish I could get a Strat that sounds like that! I'm wondering about the AM Sunfuzz I like the BB and RC but havn't tried it with any thing elsae but those two together. Anyone here using a Sunface with a RC or??
|
|
|
Post by dzghia on May 8, 2006 7:46:26 GMT -7
Two reason why I bought my first Ghia was first....tone.....and second.....John Landgraff said the build quality of Dr. Z amps were exceptional. He told me that while one of his own amps he was selling was sitting right next to the Ghia. I bought the Ghia and have never looked back...LOL! John is a top knotch person and I believe Jason was giving his impression of John, and the kind of person he is if you deal with him one on one. Jason is also right about the Dynamic Overdrive too. If you want it voiced a certain way John will certainly assist you in the tweaking.
|
|