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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2012 13:35:54 GMT -7
I bought my first Dr Z. I got a great offer that I could not refuse. I bought a Galaxie 2x10" with presence control.
I'd like to hear about your experiences. Or put another way, how do I make the coolest sounds.
How would you describe the different sounds. I am thinking primarily of the amplifier without other effects.
Is Dr Z Galaxie most suited for blues and jazz. Or can it also be used for rock, indie and even punk or metal.
I could not find a manual. Is there not a manual on this product?
I'd like to know a lot about materials, components and production of Dr Z Galaxie.
The DVD about DR Z company. Is it worth watching? I've looked on youtube and I can not find any factory tours from Dr Z.
It was a lot of questions.
I hope to hear from many of yours with special knowledge of Dr Z Galaxie.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on May 4, 2012 15:49:44 GMT -7
First - welcome to the forum! It's a great place with a lot of knowledgeable people. The Galaxie is a great amp - take the time to experiment with the settings. Also, looking in the audio section for T-rock postings- he's the master of the Galaxie.
As for tpye of music you can get it's pretty unlimited (except for maybe metal!). Anything you'd do with a Fender Tweed or BFSR you can do with the Galaxie.
Have fun!
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Post by Joey Beverages on May 4, 2012 19:28:35 GMT -7
Galaxie will take you from Chet to Chains ... to paraphrase Tony ( T-Rock) My prefered set-up is with a 112 and 210 cab .... jazz, blues, rock, country ..... and heck .... even some western swing ... with various single coilers and 'bucker guitars Congrats on yer new amp and welcome to the Galaxie section Not sure about a manual .... but just close your eyes and dial in the controls to your ears-content cheers always, Joel
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Post by wraparound (Steve) on May 4, 2012 21:19:48 GMT -7
+1 to the brethren above. You have purchased an amp based on the roots of guitar amps in their seminal form (FENDER TWEED) with the addition of a high gain second channel. In addition to this you have what I would describe as the Z magic tone stack and a switchable option to run the power tubes in two ways. THAT is a bunch of wampum in one package and you can enjoy it in many ways. And yet it is very simple and basic. Here is my take on it for what it is worth to you.
PRESENCE - obviously varies with tone and volume settings but to me is used to open (add some snarl) or thicken and compress the note. More about feel than frequency.
BASS - Low end bloom and control of gain/distortion of lower frequencies (you will notice that there is a point at 3/4 up that it shelves off to full bass).
TREBLE - High frequency and past mid point additional gain and saturation of the signal. Work this with the presence control to get the response that seems right for your guitar and pickups.
VOLUME 2 - Controls high gain channel and is VERY sensitive in the first quarter of the controls movement. Emphasis on the mid-range for soloing. Bass is more a function of speaker and volume. You may feel the tendency to put the BASS control up but remember this is supposed to cut through the mix, and the tone stack is shared by the first channel.
VOLUME 1 - Controls the normal or SUPER side of things. Characterized by a more gradual full lower end with sparkle on the top. Leo approved! TWEED LAND as you turn it up it will be what started it all. You can almost live in one channel or the other and use the presence control to suit, or you can use the controls to blend a fuller traditional rhythm, with channel 2 lead sing and sustain.
TRIODE / PENTODE SWITCH - This varies the configuration the output tubes are run in, but for us non- engineers I think about this function as being more like the difference between running lower power and higher power output tubes and how it affects the focus and sound-stage of the amp. It is a great feature and impacts feel and frequency. Some use it to adapt different pickups to the amp. It is not so much about which is louder, they both can be loud, but they focus the attack in a different way.
P.S. - There is always the tendency to see how loud something can get. At the top of the ramp both channels are hardly distinguished. The beauty of this amp is that there is a huge amount of tone and sustain at the more moderate volume control settings and is very much a players amp responding to attack and use of the guitar volume and tone controls. Enjoy!
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2012 7:01:00 GMT -7
Many thanks for your feedback. Nice to have the opportunity to hear from Dr Z experts.
I absolutely love the sound in my Dr Z Galaxie. I experiment with the settings. I absolutely love the clean sound. My PRS Mira sounds very nice on the amplifier. So beautiful and warm as I've never heard it before.
Would you categorize Dr Z as boutique amp?
Dr Z has made many different models. Galaxie has been discontinued. But how would you categorize Dr Z Galaxie compared to other models from Dr Z? Is Dr Z Galaxie in line with other Dr Z models?
Is Dr Z Galaxie the cheapest model Dr Z has created?
Is Dr Z Galaxie just a cheap and overpriced version of Fender Tweed?
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Post by wraparound (Steve) on May 5, 2012 8:46:44 GMT -7
Dr.Z amps are amongst the finest guitar amps ever made. They are very reasonably priced, but there is not one thing cheap about them. No shortcuts or compromises in anything that leaves that shop. Some people just want to do things right no matter what, and that would characterize Dr.Z. The Galaxie in any form was not a cheap amp, and though based on the 50's Tweed Fender Super, it clearly has features and unique qualities a basic Fender never had, or could ever sound like. I have owned a custom shop amp from F, and though respectable in many ways the build quality, components and attention to detail in any Z product is head and shoulders above it. I don't remember pricing on the amp configuration you have but I think it was around the $1700.00 mark. Just enjoy and play it often!
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Post by Rich (fbb90) on May 5, 2012 8:48:57 GMT -7
Congratulations on the new Z! Welcome to the Forum! I love my Galaxie! It's in my top three (What's in the #1,#2, or #3 spot changes often, but the Galaxie is always in one of those three slots...). I'm glad you're getting to know it and enjoy its TONEs. It takes some experimentation, but you will be rewarded. As to your questions... Would you categorize Dr Z as boutique amp? But how would you categorize Dr Z Galaxie compared to other models from Dr Z? Is Dr Z Galaxie in line with other Dr Z models? Is Dr Z Galaxie the cheapest model Dr Z has created? Is Dr Z Galaxie just a cheap and overpriced version of Fender Tweed? 1. Z amps are categorized as "boutique." They are made in small numbers (comparitively speaking), handwired on turret boards, with AMAZING QC. 2. & 3. The Galaxie was one of only two Z channel switching amplifiers (the new Antidote will be the third) that the Doc created. So, in that sense, it is pretty unique (considering all the different models he created). It was inspired by the Fender Tweed Super. If you go on the Z website, and look up the Galaxie, it will give you all the specific ins and outs of transformer design (critical to the Galaxie) and what-not. At this point, there were really only three American/Fender influenced/based Z amps - Z-28 (Deluxe-ish, Galaxie (Tweed Super), and EZG-50 (Big Blackface). The rest would be completely original designs (they are original,... but w/ direct American or British influences), or more British influenced sounds. 4. The Galaxie fell into the mid-upper range price-wise when it was introduced ($1599 - $1799). The Ghia and MAZ Jr NR were on the "cheaper" end of the scale. By "cheap," I mean least expensive, as the quality is the same regardless of price-point. 5. If you were to buy a mint NOS Fender Tweed Super, you'd pay a whole lot more than you would for a NOS Z Galaxie. What you'd be paying for would be the cult-collector value of a mint 50's Fender. I seriously doubt that you'd be getting a better quality amplifier. IMO, the Galaxie is a significant bargain over an actual Tweed Super. The Galaxie is much more of a high quality amplifier, and it is waaaaayyyy more versatile. Enjoy that amp!
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2012 11:00:24 GMT -7
More interesting reading from Dr Z experts.
I have found out that my Dr Z Galaxie is from 2007 (data code) where production began in this model. It is very very close to perfect. There are only a small mark on top.
How many amps produce Dr Z a year?
I also just bought a Dr Z Air Brake Attenuator so I can experience the beautiful sound without the neighbors having to listen to me every time.
Dr Z is an amplifier that is suitable for pedals?
Which overdrive or distortion do you use with your Dr Z?
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Post by wraparound (Steve) on May 5, 2012 13:03:46 GMT -7
Rather than recreate the wheel it may be helpful for you to search past posts for similar questions. Much of this is trial and error coupled by personal preference. I currently only use a very slight delay in my signal path with no pedals. Some have a floor full of them and use them with great expertise. We all have to find our own way with that kind of thing.
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Post by Rich (fbb90) on May 5, 2012 15:01:15 GMT -7
I don't typically use a dirt pedal w/ my Galaxie. It has more than enough for me on channel 2. In fact, I usually run channel 1 pretty hot (roll back my guitar volume knob for cleans) and jump on channel 2 for leads. As for other pedals, my Galaxie plays well w/ delay, chorus, wah, and a whammy pedal. Sometimes I'll run a Line 6 POD XT Live in front of it if we're doing cover that need a bunch of effect patches. They all sound real good. I currently have five Z amps (and I've owned three others), and not one has had issues w/ pedals. If you're looking for another Z to add to your Galaxie (most Z players can't stop at just one... ), one of the ones w/ an EF86 loaded front end really likes pedals.
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2012 8:19:02 GMT -7
Congratulations on your new Galaxie. It's get some Neil Young sound, old school R&B. It will do what your hands can do. I have #30 and have used it almost every gig I played since I bought it in September 2007. I have played over 100 shows with it & still love this amp.
Cheers
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2012 12:21:44 GMT -7
Over 100 concerts. Then you are a true expert on the Galaxie. I just check out your music. Richard James and The Special Riders is really great music.
I am more and more fond of my amp. Dr Z Galaxie is something radically different than my old marshall. It has more soul and it requires more of my guitar playing in a good way.
I'm getting more open sound out of my guitar. When I switch cables the sound is more different. Switching between a PRS (Van Damme) cable and a Vovox cable has become more noticeable. For an boutique amp the cables are also very important. But what cables are you most excited to use?
Now I miss just a really great overdrive. Which overdrive do you use? Or which distortion do you use?
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Post by Joey Beverages on May 6, 2012 18:28:07 GMT -7
Over 100 concerts. Then you are a true expert on the Galaxie. I just check out your music. Richard James and The Special Riders is really great music. I am more and more fond of my amp. Dr Z Galaxie is something radically different than my old marshall. It has more soul and it requires more of my guitar playing in a good way. I'm getting more open sound out of my guitar. When I switch cables the sound is more different. Switching between a PRS (Van Damme) cable and a Vovox cable has become more noticeable. For an boutique amp the cables are also very important. But what cables are you most excited to use? Now I miss just a really great overdrive. Which overdrive do you use? Or which distortion do you use? On channel 2 I do not necessarily miss overdrive/distorition pedals .... tho' I do enjoy the occasional boost from a Flying Dragon and/or DRaconis. cheers always, Joel
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2012 7:37:57 GMT -7
The speakers sitting in my Dr Z has no name. It says that they are designed by Dr Z. What kind of a type and model? Is not it a little strange that they do not write more about what they use?
I'd like to see some pictures of a Dr Z Galaxies wires and parts. Is there a person who has looked into the amplifier and photographed the contents? Curiosity is great but I have not the courage to separate the amplifier.
I can not believe that there is no Dr Z Dealer in Denmark. Denmark is just a small country with less than six million inhabitants. So perhaps it is only natural. But it is a shame that other guitar players do not get the pleasure of playing on a Dr Z.
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Post by bassnomo on May 7, 2012 8:03:46 GMT -7
Wow, a Galaxie for the first Z! That would be like having Carmen Electra or (insert name of favorite hottie here, better not be my wife's name) for your first girlfriend! I was well into the Z's before i got my Galaxiie, and it is still in the top 2 of my favorites. It is a beautiful hard-rocking, complex and versatile amp, and like those temperamental, high-strung girlfriends,it takes some time and attention to get a handle on. Search this forum for anything from T-Rock, he is the one who got me interested in the Gal, and his posts on getting the most from it are top shelf..Take your time with this, and you might not need anything else..Welcome to the forum, pleased to have you. Dwight
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on May 7, 2012 20:38:14 GMT -7
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Post by wraparound (Steve) on May 7, 2012 21:24:58 GMT -7
The wires, parts, and internal construction are A+ IMO, but I would just play it and not run the risk of damaging anything. I have seen some images on the web of some other Z products and your amp is put together with the same degree of high quality workmanship. Mine was at the factory for a checkup and I saw the internals. Those tens in that amp are great and you can't purchase them new apart from getting an amp or cabinet that has them loaded from the factory.
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2012 9:18:25 GMT -7
I use the xotic ep booster or Pigtronix FAT Drive. Play with the tone knobs they do a lot on this amp.
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2012 2:13:52 GMT -7
I have tested an EMMA OnoMATOpoeia which is an danish overdrive pedal. It is possible to hear EMMA OnoMATOpoeia on youtube EMMA OnoMATOpoeia gives a nice overdrive.
I'm more or less moved to channel 2 on my GalaxieIf if I want an sweet overdrive . But not to be blown out of the housing I have nearly all the time connected my Dr Z Air Brake Attenuator to the Galaxie. I would like if my Galaxie could turn the effect down to 10 watts.
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Post by romo on May 13, 2012 5:29:52 GMT -7
But not to be blown out of the housing I have nearly all the time connected my Dr Z Air Brake Attenuator to the Galaxie. I would like if my Galaxie could turn the effect down to 10 watts. Dr Z's are LOUD amps. Gotta have that Airbrake!
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2012 9:23:01 GMT -7
I have moved the slides inside the attenuator to adjusted the attenuation. Let me recommend you to try a Dr Z Air Brake Attenuator and you can enjoy your amp at home. But the only bad thing is that the Attenuator is very large. Must it be so large to work because there is not much inside? But maybe it has something to do with heat development.
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2012 12:16:09 GMT -7
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2012 13:07:06 GMT -7
Brake Lite is not a stand alone unit and needs to be mounted in a combo for proper operation. For this reason I will clearly prefer Dr Z Air Brake Attenuator.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on May 13, 2012 15:06:50 GMT -7
Brake Lite is not a stand alone unit and needs to be mounted in a combo for proper operation. For this reason I will clearly prefer Dr Z Air Brake Attenuator. Z does make a stand-alone brake lite unit that does not need to be mounted inside cabinet. Look on the Z site. It's called Brake lite SA.
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2012 9:54:46 GMT -7
I got my Dr Z Air Brake Attenuator very cheap.
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2012 9:50:05 GMT -7
Thanks for the information about the 2x10" speakers in my Galaxie. They are assembled in-house. Basket and magnet is Eminence. The cone assembly is special made and ordered from England.
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2012 9:58:07 GMT -7
I found some information about the current tube in my Galaxie. V1: Mullard 12AX7 V2: Sino 12AX7 V3: Sovtek 12AX7LPS V4/5: GT 6L6 GE (matched pair) V6: EH 5U4
Is it usually to have such many different brands of tubes in a amplifier?
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Post by Bluer Blue on May 15, 2012 15:11:26 GMT -7
Congrats on your new Gal! She's a musical beast and my first Z as well. So I can't offer you any "special knowledge" as the other Z-brethren here have tons of insights, but I can offer you my dream of playing her outdoors cranked to 10, I don't even care if there is an audience. I had her up to about 2:00 o'clock once and I think my brain started bleeding... in a good way ... Wait, that would be a stroke ... anyway, play her as often and as loud as humanly possible and you'll be in heaven.
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Post by Deleted on May 17, 2012 6:09:08 GMT -7
Which guitar are using in together with your Dr Z Galaxie?
What sounds best - humbucker or single coil?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2012 14:30:07 GMT -7
Youtube is in many ways a great place to check out guitars, amps and equipment. But unfortunately I have not found a clip with a factory tour to Dr Z. Have you visited the factory or do they not receive guests?
Why is Galaxie discontinued?
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