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Post by norbert on Jul 8, 2012 16:52:14 GMT -7
Hey, new here!
I've just scored an original Rx (used, obviously). Here's a pic. It sure rocks, and is bloody loud! Very pleased with the tone - kind of an AC30/plexi hybrid sound. There are a few things about it that I wonder if they're original to the amp:
- Speakers are a Greenback and a Weber 1230. Was this ever a stock configuration offered by 'Z?
- Speakers, both 8 ohm, were wired in parallel for 4 ohms. Is this typical and is anyone aware of any sonic difference it makes to wire them 4 ohm, vs series at 16 ohm?
- Tubes are Electro-Harmonix el84s, some mystery 12ax7s with red writing but no brand on them (Chinese, I'm guessing) and a Sovtek gz34.
Any input about whether the tubes/speakers might be stock would help scratch my curiosity. Also recommended configurations thereof for getting the most out of the original Rx.
I have a Brake-Lite on the way...
Cheers!
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Post by norbert on Jul 8, 2012 16:54:06 GMT -7
And the back!
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jul 8, 2012 18:20:47 GMT -7
Welcome to the Forum! Great amp - I have a couple of RXs but they are both heads. I know Z did use 12" Webers early on but not sure he used them in this amp in that combination.
If you want to date your amp you can check out bentops profile where he has a link to information on present and discontinued Z amps. The serial number includes a letter which indicates what year it was made.
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Post by norbert on Jul 8, 2012 20:45:38 GMT -7
Cool, I'll check the serial number!
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Post by norbert on Jul 8, 2012 20:55:31 GMT -7
Mine has "I" in the serial number so it's from 1998. That's a rad chart Mr. benttops has there, by the way, thanks!
To make a wild guess, I'd say it originally had a pair of greenbacks, and some previous owner added in the Weber. Doesn't matter, it sounds rad.
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Post by randalp3000 on Jul 8, 2012 23:29:00 GMT -7
Congrats, my favorite amp for a while now. Keep us posted.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jul 9, 2012 1:47:41 GMT -7
Mine has "I" in the serial number so it's from 1998. That's a rad chart Mr. benttops has there, by the way, thanks! To make a wild guess, I'd say it originally had a pair of greenbacks, and some previous owner added in the Weber. Doesn't matter, it sounds rad. Steve lists the standard speakers as Vintage 30 and G12H in his chart.
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Post by norbert on Jul 14, 2012 9:00:08 GMT -7
I took the amp apart somewhat to install the BL and saw on the chassis a small round sticker saying something like "P12Z made by Weber VST". So perhaps P12Zs - whatever those are - were the original speakers.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jul 14, 2012 9:48:31 GMT -7
I took the amp apart somewhat to install the BL and saw on the chassis a small round sticker saying something like "P12Z made by Weber VST". So perhaps P12Zs - whatever those are - were the original speakers. P12Zs were Weber VSTs (P12S) modified by Weber for use in Z amps.
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Post by Maddog on Jul 14, 2012 9:49:33 GMT -7
Very cool amp! Welcome to the forum!!!!
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jul 14, 2012 11:17:41 GMT -7
Hey Norbert - I just posted a pic of my "new" MAZ 38 Bluesman - it has 3 Weber VST Alnico speakers so you can see (sort of) what they would have looked like.
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Post by norbert on Jul 14, 2012 12:33:12 GMT -7
That 38 looks like a cool amp as well!
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jul 14, 2012 14:06:25 GMT -7
That 38 looks like a cool amp as well! It is - I also have an SRZ 65 RC from about the same time period that has greenbacks in it. (You can see the pics in the SRZ gallery.)
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Post by randalp3000 on Jul 14, 2012 14:12:11 GMT -7
Jealous,
double congrats guys on the cool amps....
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Post by norbert on Jul 22, 2012 23:17:51 GMT -7
Played it with the band today, it sounds great. But loud!
Oddly, even with the Brake Lite, I wasn't able to dial in the volume/degree of crunch I wanted. It seemed the jumps in volume between settings on the BL had me choosing between too loud or too quiet. Hmm.
I wonder if it would be a good idea to go with a second Greenback, as they tend to be less efficient. Certainly the one that's in now it seems quieter than the 1230 it's with (though I like the 1230). When this amp is unattenuated it's hard to imagine needing that much volume, even with a band. Sort of reminds me of an AC30 that way - sounds unbelievable but people never stop telling you to turn down. Maybe that's just something to accept about playing rock and roll.
Trying to optimize an already awesome sounding amp (a good problem to have). Any recommendations for less efficient speakers?
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Post by norbert on Sept 27, 2012 18:40:00 GMT -7
As much as this amp rocks, I've come to accept that I have too many awesome amps (it's a sickness), and am therefore considering selling it, and would like to pass it on to a forum member.
Asking $1300. Prefer local pickup in northern California. PM me if interested.
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