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Post by jammers5 on Mar 17, 2011 3:28:35 GMT -7
Some nay-sayers are bugging me about my wanting a Z-Wreck. I have never owned a Z before, as a matter of fact they can only be bought where I live "by order only."So I have never PLAYED thru one. I based my decision soley on Youtube video, like I have with other amp purchases in the past.
So my question is ..... would you recommend a Z Wreck as my first Dr Z purchase? All opinions welcome!
J5
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Post by Scott on Mar 17, 2011 4:21:54 GMT -7
For what it's worth, I bought my Maz Jr. NR having never played one... I went with what others were telling me Dr Z amps, and YouTube Videos. I consider it one of the best moves I have ever made.
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Post by Ben on Mar 17, 2011 5:20:58 GMT -7
Here's the thing. The Wreck is the creamofthecrop of the Z line up. Amazing amp that will quite a lot. Is it expensive? Well it's more expensive then other Zs, but surely not expensive in comparison to other amps of that category. You are getting a lot for your money. Do you need a MV amp? The Wreck doesn't have one. Do you need a more "complex" EQ section? The Wreck is a-bs amp, but with SO much variations and colors in those 3 knobs you'll be really supprised. Could go on and on, but you get the point The Maz Nr is quite something. The Galazie will be mine one day. They are all great amps. If you have the cash flow for the Wreck, definately go for it. If you need to slap it on your CC and piss of the misses..well, that's your call !! I'd like really to know is what brands and models of amps those nay-sayers of yours are playing
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Post by jammers5 on Mar 17, 2011 5:39:45 GMT -7
Here's the thing. The Wreck is the creamofthecrop of the Z line up. Amazing amp that will quite a lot. Is it expensive? Well it's more expensive then other Zs, but surely not expensive in comparison to other amps of that category. You are getting a lot for your money. Do you need a MV amp? The Wreck doesn't have one. Do you need a more "complex" EQ section? The Wreck is a-bs amp, but with SO much variations and colors in those 3 knobs you'll be really supprised. Could go on and on, but you get the point The Maz Nr is quite something. The Galazie will be mine one day. They are all great amps. If you have the cash flow for the Wreck, definately go for it. If you need to slap it on your CC and piss of the misses..well, that's your call !! I'd like really to know is what brands and models of amps those nay-sayers of yours are playing Ben you are the voice of reason my friend -I am really liking this group more and more I hafta say! These "nay-sayers" don't have anything worth talking about in the way of amps. One guy has an old fender solid state amp I sold him 20 years ago when I realized tubes were king. He thinks I should take the funds and buy an - ugh - acoustic guitar. Enough said. I've been playing guitar since I was 15 and I'm 40 now. I said when I turned 40 I would buy myself a nice boutique tube amp, and nice tele, and take guitar lessons again. I've been taking lessons for about a year now, have a Brown Canyon Tele on order, and have sold a Marshall Stack and a Tiny Terror mini-stack so far to fund a boutique amp. I'm almost half way there financially to getting enough money for the Wreck. Thanks for the reply! J5
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Post by drzplayer on Mar 17, 2011 7:34:06 GMT -7
best amp i've ever owned..still amazes me each day!
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Post by jammers5 on Mar 17, 2011 8:25:05 GMT -7
best amp i've ever owned..still amazes me each day! OK I am analyzing this to death Jason. Couple of concerns with the Z Wreck: At 30 watts I know it will have to be attenuated at home and on stage. So another expense is to buy an attenuator. Lack of effects loop (not a killer by any stretch but would be nice to have!) I've also been looking very hard at a MAZ 18 NR Head. I know it won't be a Wreck but it may be big enough wattage wise for what I would use it for. Would like to get the head and not sure on a mating cab for it (Suggestions?) I am close on 2 grand right now from selling off my Orange TT and a Marshall Stack. I can easily come up with another 2 from selling off some dust covered amps (assuming I find buyers!) So money isn't the issue - it's one of practicality. I'm gonna buy this wonderful 30w amp and attenuate it down.....hmmmmm Ugh this is harder than I thought! My knee jerk reaction says get the wreck. Common sense tells me I might be happy enough with a Maz 18 NR..... J5
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Post by Ben on Mar 17, 2011 9:17:48 GMT -7
best amp i've ever owned..still amazes me each day! OK I am analyzing this to death Jason. Couple of concerns with the Z Wreck: At 30 watts I know it will have to be attenuated at home and on stage. So another expense is to buy an attenuator. Lack of effects loop (not a killer by any stretch but would be nice to have!) I've also been looking very hard at a MAZ 18 NR Head. I know it won't be a Wreck but it may be big enough wattage wise for what I would use it for. Would like to get the head and not sure on a mating cab for it (Suggestions?) I am close on 2 grand right now from selling off my Orange TT and a Marshall Stack. I can easily come up with another 2 from selling off some dust covered amps (assuming I find buyers!) So money isn't the issue - it's one of practicality. I'm gonna buy this wonderful 30w amp and attenuate it down.....hmmmmm Ugh this is harder than I thought! My knee jerk reaction says get the wreck. Common sense tells me I might be happy enough with a Maz 18 NR..... J5 J5 - I don't mean to answer on Jason behalf, but though I'd shime in on one thing...well maybe two. The first one being that the Maz is..well..short of using caps (!).. A LOT of amp. It says 18w on the front pannel, but it's alot more than that, so wattage wise, you'll be fine for any venue. Large outdoor stages is another thing, but we all mic' em anyways right! The above said, you may not need to attenuate the Maz at home if you use the MV for it, but I can tell you that IMHO, the magic mojo of the Maz is with the MV dime - get that power section cookin' brotha!! ;D So you'd still need an attenuator, from DrZ or from another manifacturer. You've been playin' guitar for a long time now and appreciate tone. The Maz Nr will give you that in spades and then some (I LOVE mine) and the Wreck is just something special in its own world. It'd be a heck of a nice 40th bd gift
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Post by stratovarius on Mar 17, 2011 9:44:20 GMT -7
Master volumes and small wattage amps can be useful, but the former really doesn't sound like a cooking output section and the latter never turns out to be as scalable as you would hope. Getting one of the new generation attenuators is going to be your best bet. I know I recommended the Faustine, but a lot of people are saying the Alex works just as well for a lot less money, though it doesn't have as many cool features. There is a lot of discussion about these units over on TGP.
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Post by doctorice on Mar 17, 2011 10:59:59 GMT -7
FWIW, the Z Wreck is the least forgiving of the Z amps I've played when it comes to sloppy technique. I've got recordings of myself to prove it ;D
Point is, the Wreck is truly magnificent, but if you're just getting back into playing a MAZ Jr may be a better starting point in the Z line up. The MAZ can get you close to (1) Fender blackface and tweed (2) Marshall and (3) Vox tone zones. Not replicas or models, just "in the same zone."
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Post by jammers5 on Mar 17, 2011 11:16:45 GMT -7
FWIW, the Z Wreck is the least forgiving of the Z amps I've played when it comes to sloppy technique. I've got recordings of myself to prove it ;D Point is, the Wreck is truly magnificent, but if you're just getting back into playing a MAZ Jr may be a better starting point in the Z line up. The MAZ can get you close to (1) Fender blackface and tweed (2) Marshall and (3) Vox tone zones. Not replicas or models, just "in the same zone." No,no I have been playing steady throughout my life, but for a good number of years not learning anything new. The appeal of the Wreck is it's unwillingness to cover up sloppy playing, so if I am sloppy (not sure that I am) I will notice it and adjust accordingly. The Maz IS on my radar now though - it certainly sounds like it's a great amp. I am by no means decided yet though...... J5
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Post by jammers5 on Mar 17, 2011 11:21:10 GMT -7
OK I am analyzing this to death Jason. Couple of concerns with the Z Wreck: At 30 watts I know it will have to be attenuated at home and on stage. So another expense is to buy an attenuator. Lack of effects loop (not a killer by any stretch but would be nice to have!) I've also been looking very hard at a MAZ 18 NR Head. I know it won't be a Wreck but it may be big enough wattage wise for what I would use it for. Would like to get the head and not sure on a mating cab for it (Suggestions?) I am close on 2 grand right now from selling off my Orange TT and a Marshall Stack. I can easily come up with another 2 from selling off some dust covered amps (assuming I find buyers!) So money isn't the issue - it's one of practicality. I'm gonna buy this wonderful 30w amp and attenuate it down.....hmmmmm Ugh this is harder than I thought! My knee jerk reaction says get the wreck. Common sense tells me I might be happy enough with a Maz 18 NR..... J5 J5 - I don't mean to answer on Jason behalf, but though I'd shime in on one thing...well maybe two. The first one being that the Maz is..well..short of using caps (!).. A LOT of amp. It says 18w on the front pannel, but it's alot more than that, so wattage wise, you'll be fine for any venue. Large outdoor stages is another thing, but we all mic' em anyways right! The above said, you may not need to attenuate the Maz at home if you use the MV for it, but I can tell you that IMHO, the magic mojo of the Maz is with the MV dime - get that power section cookin' brotha!! ;D So you'd still need an attenuator, from DrZ or from another manifacturer. You've been playin' guitar for a long time now and appreciate tone. The Maz Nr will give you that in spades and then some (I LOVE mine) and the Wreck is just something special in its own world. It'd be a heck of a nice 40th bd gift Thanks Ben. I really appreciate the comments of this group. I DO know one thing, this forum has really SOLD me on a Dr Z - this is a great community with a lot of helpful people here, and I feel privledged to be a part of it! Whether it's a Maz 18 or a Z Wreck or heaven forbid something else appeals to me, one thing is for certain; there is a Dr Z in my not so distant future! Cheers, J5
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Post by bluzman on Mar 17, 2011 11:31:34 GMT -7
Would like to get the head and not sure on a mating cab for it (Suggestions?) I think you will need to purchase the Z-Wreck as a package... Head with the Cab.
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Post by jammers5 on Mar 17, 2011 12:11:35 GMT -7
Would like to get the head and not sure on a mating cab for it (Suggestions?) I think you will need to purchase the Z-Wreck as a package... Head with the Cab. No I was referring to the Maz18 when i asked that question... J5
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Post by Deleted on Mar 17, 2011 13:07:03 GMT -7
Keep in mind the Maz jr still needs attenuation in a home setting. You need to think of attenuators as external MV's. I own both the Wreck and the Jr. I use an attenuator on the Jr more than I try to mess with the MV. Simply because it's more precise. IMO.I would say IMHO that what Z Wreck Touchiness really is Clarity. You'll see. Just don't let an attenuator purchase throw you off a Z wreck. As for the an effects loop. I can say I've had more hassles with pedals through one than not having one to use. I am not a big pedal guy anyway. The few I have seem to work great using the pre-amp on my SKB-55 board. I also don't miss re verb. I bought a New Z Verb 1 1/2 years ago. It's never been used..Not that it couldn't be. I just don't miss it. I may use it more as I get involved with a looper and Drum machine..Just depends.
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Post by Pete aka shouldb on Mar 17, 2011 14:21:15 GMT -7
Never played a Z Wreck, but if I was buying myself a 40th birthday present and money wasn't a hurdle, I would buy a Z Wreck in a heartbeat! Here's a little formula I made up with doctorice a while back: 1 ZWatt = 2.6 regular Watts, so don't kid yourself that a "little" 18W Maz18 will be house trained! Z amps are loud, but GLORIOUS, every last one of them! Get the amp your gut tells you you want; get an attenuator to go with it, and ENJOY!! Don't worry, you'll get another Z amp soon after anyways, so your choice isn't "which one?", it's "which one FIRST??" Sorry, don't think that post was as helpful or objective as either Ben's or Jason's Pete
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Post by KeithA on Mar 17, 2011 15:22:13 GMT -7
best amp i've ever owned..still amazes me each day! OK I am analyzing this to death Jason. Couple of concerns with the Z Wreck: At 30 watts I know it will have to be attenuated at home and on stage. So another expense is to buy an attenuator. Lack of effects loop (not a killer by any stretch but would be nice to have!) I've also been looking very hard at a MAZ 18 NR Head. I know it won't be a Wreck but it may be big enough wattage wise for what I would use it for. Would like to get the head and not sure on a mating cab for it (Suggestions?) I am close on 2 grand right now from selling off my Orange TT and a Marshall Stack. I can easily come up with another 2 from selling off some dust covered amps (assuming I find buyers!) So money isn't the issue - it's one of practicality. I'm gonna buy this wonderful 30w amp and attenuate it down.....hmmmmm Ugh this is harder than I thought! My knee jerk reaction says get the wreck. Common sense tells me I might be happy enough with a Maz 18 NR..... J5 Jammer We live in the same town If you are concerned about the potency of the Docs different amps (and some Non-Z amps that will go into 'Wreck territory ) we may be able to arrange a visit to my showroom, shrine, er......MAN CAVE Bur seriously, I have the Remedy, Maz 18 NR, Rx Jr, Z-Best, Z 212 with Blues and Z 210 (plus a bunch of other amps and cabs, along with an AirBrake) so you'd get a better indication of what the amps are capable of moreso than watching YouTube videos, etc. There's some pretty satisfying Tele tones is a lot of these amps. Anyway, something to think about for the near future. We may be able to swing something and maybe I can help you out. I will be getting a Z-Wreck later this year, but not until the end of the year, or so Keith
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Post by jammers5 on Mar 17, 2011 15:40:49 GMT -7
Jammer We live in the same town If you are concerned about the potency of the Docs different amps (and some Non-Z amps that will go into 'Wreck territory ) we may be able to arrange a visit to my showroom, shrine, er......MAN CAVE Bur seriously, I have the Remedy, Maz 18 NR, Rx Jr, Z-Best, Z 212 with Blues and Z 210 (plus a bunch of other amps and cabs, along with an AirBrake) so you'd get a better indication of what the amps are capable of moreso than watching YouTube videos, etc. There's some pretty satisfying Tele tones is a lot of these amps. Anyway, something to think about for the near future. We may be able to swing something and maybe I can help you out. I will be getting a Z-Wreck later this year, but not until the end of the year, or so Keith[/quote] OH.....MY.....GOD!!!!!! J5
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Post by dock66 on Mar 17, 2011 19:12:34 GMT -7
ZWreck would be a killer amp for your first z amp.
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Post by jammers5 on Mar 17, 2011 19:24:44 GMT -7
ZWreck would be a killer amp for your first z amp. I agree. I am seriously leaning towards the Wreck! J5
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Post by KeithA on Mar 18, 2011 2:30:20 GMT -7
ZWreck would be a killer amp for your first z amp. I agree. I am seriously leaning towards the Wreck! J5 For the record, I would also say "Take the plunge" if you ask me as well ! Keith
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Post by drzplayer on Mar 18, 2011 7:46:35 GMT -7
go for it....i couldn't afford one when i lived in newfoundland...so now that i'm in oil country...i said shag it..i'm havin one...lol you only live once, right? I've always lived for the moment....lol all i know is that the z wreck is the amp for me...it may not be for everyone.....once i plug in , i just can't stop playing...i've never had a amp like that before...its just tone heaven... decide whats best for you...thers a ton of amps out there just as good or better than the z wreck...its all a matter a preference and what you want out of an amp.
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Post by jammers5 on Mar 18, 2011 9:24:37 GMT -7
go for it....i couldn't afford one when i lived in newfoundland...so now that i'm in oil country...i said shag it..i'm havin one...lol you only live once, right? I've always lived for the moment....lol all i know is that the z wreck is the amp for me...it may not be for everyone.....once i plug in , i just can't stop playing...i've never had a amp like that before...its just tone heaven... decide whats best for you...thers a ton of amps out there just as good or better than the z wreck...its all a matter a preference and what you want out of an amp. yeah I think I'm gonna take the plunge and order one up! After all I have a 30 day return option with L&M. Just wondering - for low volumes could I use an overdrive pedal as a temporary solution (till I get the attenuator?) Has anyone tried that? How does it sound? I know it is far from ideal tonally but would get me thru a few months until I can order the Attenuator. Thoughts people? J5
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Post by t.olsen on Mar 19, 2011 3:33:28 GMT -7
Hi J5 I was in the same situation as you...looking for a new amp a friend gave me the advice to check out the Monza.After I saw a demo with Buddy Whittington I was addicted but before I went for the Monza I bought a guitar magazine with a Z Wreck review and felt in love ;D I asked myself if this could be the right step - starting with Dr. Z amps and directly with the Z Wreck.And as in your case there was no musicstore with a Z Wreck nearby.What shall I say - I got mine and am the happiest guy alive.Even if this amp shows sloppy playing and I am far away of beeing the perfect player - to be honest I started with guitar 2 and a half years ago...I see it as a challenge to play better and if this amp will show every fault it is even better. I am thinking about an attenuator too and until I make my decision pedals are helping me out.A Bixonic expandora for exmple works well and sounds great but to be honest : this amp sounds much more fantastic if you crank him up without additional effects and gives you all the sound you need.In your case I would buy one if you have the money,play it for a few months with a pedal and go for a nice attenuator if you can
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Post by jammers5 on Mar 19, 2011 4:55:08 GMT -7
Hi J5 I was in the same situation as you...looking for a new amp a friend gave me the advice to check out the Monza.After I saw a demo with Buddy Whittington I was addicted but before I went for the Monza I bought a guitar magazine with a Z Wreck review and felt in love ;D I asked myself if this could be the right step - starting with Dr. Z amps and directly with the Z Wreck.And as in your case there was no musicstore with a Z Wreck nearby.What shall I say - I got mine and am the happiest guy alive.Even if this amp shows sloppy playing and I am far away of beeing the perfect player - to be honest I started with guitar 2 and a half years ago...I see it as a challenge to play better and if this amp will show every fault it is even better. I am thinking about an attenuator too and until I make my decision pedals are helping me out.A Bixonic expandora for exmple works well and sounds great but to be honest : this amp sounds much more fantastic if you crank him up without additional effects and gives you all the sound you need.In your case I would buy one if you have the money,play it for a few months with a pedal and go for a nice attenuator if you can Thanks for your input T! Yeah I have decided on a Z Wreck, I am half way there with the cash to buy one. My thought is I have my heart set on it and if I buy anything else I'll still be pining for a Wreck.So why take the long road? When I have another grand I'm gonna go in and order one. But with a tele to pay off as well I'll hold off on an attenuator till the rest of the gear is paid in full! Until then I'll experiment with a few OD pedals for low volume practice. I have a J&J Sonic Edge Overdrive I am partial to. Cheers! J5
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Post by doctorice on Mar 19, 2011 5:55:21 GMT -7
Sounds like your mind is made up. Cool! The Brake Lite is a must-have, imo. Once the Wreck arrives, you may decide to sell a pedal or two to fund the BL. Maybe
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Post by t.olsen on Mar 19, 2011 7:03:59 GMT -7
Thanks for your input T! Yeah I have decided on a Z Wreck, I am half way there with the cash to buy one. My thought is I have my heart set on it and if I buy anything else I'll still be pining for a Wreck.So why take the long road? This was exactly what I was thinking ! It was clear if I buy the Monza to stay only quiet for the moment the Z Wreck will be in my head til I get one.I had some money and after a date with my bankmanager and a little smalltalk with my wife my dream came true.From what I see now in front of me and from what I hear I have to say : best decision for a long time !
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Post by jammers5 on Mar 19, 2011 8:29:57 GMT -7
Sounds like your mind is made up. Cool! The Brake Lite is a must-have, imo. Once the Wreck arrives, you may decide to sell a pedal or two to fund the BL. Maybe Yeah not a bad idea maybe I could sell a few pedals to fund the purchase of the Brake..... J5
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Post by micke1001 on Mar 19, 2011 10:14:30 GMT -7
For me l wait a ARACOM PRX 150 DAG attenuator for my Dr ZWRECK.
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Post by t.olsen on Mar 19, 2011 10:44:47 GMT -7
For me l wait a ARACOM PRX 150 DAG attenuator for my Dr ZWRECK. May I ask you where you order it ? I guess for french people it is the same situation as for germans...we can be jealous about all this gear for sale in US for far less as for what we get it.And on top shipping and (in Germany) 25% taxes It's a nightmare
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Post by Ben on Mar 19, 2011 20:04:33 GMT -7
For me l wait a ARACOM PRX 150 DAG attenuator for my Dr ZWRECK. May I ask you where you order it ? I guess for french people it is the same situation as for germans...we can be jealous about all this gear for sale in US for far less as for what we get it.And on top shipping and (in Germany) 25% taxes It's a nightmare The Aracom PXR150-PRO is only available through Jeff himself. Wait time is about 5-6 weeks now. The Aracom PXR150-DAG model however you can also get from Destroy All Guitars. There's a Pro model for sale on TheGearPage in Europe (only) actually. Cheers Ben
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