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Post by midheightfive on Mar 3, 2014 20:43:44 GMT -7
I've been looking at upgrading to a Dr. Z for a few years now, and the Remedy seems like the most likely candidate. I have a few questions for the Remedy owners out there. I use a dirty amp with a lot of power amp compression live and turn down to get clean. So what I need out of a live amp is a lot of front end sensitivity and compression. I was hoping that the older non-master volume Remedy would give me those things with a little more headroom, and a more flexible eq than the amp I'm using. If you could weigh in on whether I'm barking up the wrong tree or if the Remedy will live up to it's name for me.
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Post by John on Mar 4, 2014 4:47:44 GMT -7
First off, welcome to the forum. Lots of information and nice people in here.
One general question comes to mind when reading your post: "Compared to what?"
You want a lot of front end sensitivity and compression.....compared to what? ....A little more head room.....compared to what?
I don't know what you're playing now, so it's a little hard to answer your question. I will say the Remedy is a fantastic amp and it's cranked up power amp (or just total amp) compression is the real cool musical style compression. Not too much, not too little.
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Mar 4, 2014 6:15:04 GMT -7
I have the original Remedy here and played out with it for about a year. No pedals - straight in, and just crank the guitar volume up and down - worked a treat.
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Post by iluvpunz on Mar 4, 2014 7:31:17 GMT -7
Should do the trick. You might like the newer or modded Remedy to have the option of using the EQ bypass.
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Post by midheightfive on Mar 4, 2014 8:50:04 GMT -7
Well, right now I mostly use a Fender Excelsior live, and with JJ6V6's in the power amp it has quite a bit of compression. What I like about that amp is that by turning down the volume at the guitar I can get clean without losing almost any apparent volume. Part of that is that there is a lot of front end sensitivity, and part of that is the compression. There's also enough compression that single note lines are pretty much the same volume as chords, rather than being quite a bit quieter like they were with peavey tube amps I used to use. The problem with that amp is there is basically no EQ at all, just a tone switch that might be too bright or too dark depending on the room and the guitar. So I'm absolutely certain that there'd be more EQ versatility, I'm just very busy while playing as I am also the frontman for the band, and don't want to NEED to step on a pedal to boost every lead I play so it can be heard over the band.
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Post by John on Mar 4, 2014 10:17:31 GMT -7
Well, right now I mostly use a Fender Excelsior live, and with JJ6V6's in the power amp it has quite a bit of compression. What I like about that amp is that by turning down the volume at the guitar I can get clean without losing almost any apparent volume. Part of that is that there is a lot of front end sensitivity, and part of that is the compression. There's also enough compression that single note lines are pretty much the same volume as chords, rather than being quite a bit quieter like they were with peavey tube amps I used to use. The problem with that amp is there is basically no EQ at all, just a tone switch that might be too bright or too dark depending on the room and the guitar. So I'm absolutely certain that there'd be more EQ versatility, I'm just very busy while playing as I am also the frontman for the band, and don't want to NEED to step on a pedal to boost every lead I play so it can be heard over the band. That helps. I had to look up what an Excelsior is. A 13 watt amp with a 15" speaker. (two 6V6 power tubes) First off, the Remedy will be considerably louder. 13 watts vs 40 watt. Looks like the Excelsior doesn't have any eq at all on it. So between the bass/mid/treble and the High volume knob (treble tone) and normal volume knob (bass tone), there's all sorts of tonal colors you can play with. You may find the Remedy has a lot more muscle and umph than the Fender. It still can compress in a cool way, but you may have to be playing at a louder volume. The Remedy excels (pun intended) at rolling back the guitar volume for cleaning up tone.
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Post by iluvpunz on Mar 4, 2014 10:22:07 GMT -7
I am biased towards Z amps but the difference between playing through a Fender Excelsior and and Remedy is like driving a Corvette and taking the bus. The Excelsior is a 13 watt amp, the Remedy is either 20 or 40 watts and is loud and proud. The Remedy can do JTM cleans very nicely and can do AC/DC tones in spades.You are probably cranked all the time with the Excelsior and the Remedy will have TONS of headroom and volume in comparision. The touch dynamics alone will take some getting used to. You can go from clean to mean with the Remedy by just changing pick attack. Don't know what you are using for guitars but I can clean up my Les Paul and Tele with the volume knob.
The Remedy only comes in a head. You will a good cabinet also. I really do recommend you get the newer version with the master volume if you can cover the rooms you play now with 13 watts. The master volume will allow you to keep the overall volume reasonable and still get the amp drive you want. My favorite speaker with the Remedy is the Creamback M, and many others are liking it also.
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Post by Pete aka shouldb on Mar 4, 2014 11:05:56 GMT -7
The two previous posts say it all. One question - why do you say you want an original non-MV Remedy? The MV on the Remedy makes doing everything you want EASIER, and will give you that drive/cleanup at much more reasonable volumes than the non MV one. Trust me, I've had mine both ways, and the MV and EQ Bypass mods make this amp infinitely more versatile and useable. Also, if you don't want to use the MV for whatever reason, just max it and it goes out of circuit and hey presto, you have an original non-MV Remedy For OD tones in an amp, The Remedy is the only one I've ever been able to play straight in and get all I want from clean to mean. (I can play my Z28 that way too, but for much less gritty stuff) Now, as for the compression - that bit MAY be more subjective. All DrZ amps are truly transparent amps in that the notes ring through clear and proud no matter how driven they are, but I know many "production" brands compress like crazy when hammered. That's not to say the Remedy won't compress - it will - but it will still be transparent and touch sensitive. In fact, playing the Remedy (and even more so, the Z28) I learnt how to manage my right hand attack, and just how important and wonderful that is! As has been said above, when you get used to right hand dynamics, you can easily go from mean to clean without touching the Guitar Volume at all - it is THAT good! Enjoy whatever you choose, and welcome to the forum!! But please don't dismiss the MV EQ Bypass mods on the Remedy - they are both magical, IMHO
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Post by midheightfive on Mar 4, 2014 12:45:36 GMT -7
Well, first of all, 13 watt to 20 watt isn't going to be a huge volume difference, but having the 40 watts as an option would be really great for bigger stages. I am fully aware that the harmonic complexity of a Dr. Z is going to be far greater than the Excelsior and I'm really looking forward to that, but the amp behavior is sort of a requirement for me. I have an Ampeg GVT15 too, and although I love the 70's Stones sort of tone I can get out of that amp, there just isn't enough front end sensitivity to gig it for me. What I've really enjoyed about the Excelsior and other 6v6 amps I've used is the compression and power tube saturation I get when they're turned up, so I was pretty stoked when I saw a Plexi style amp using 6v6's in the power section. I am leery of amps with master volumes though, because in cases like my Ampeg, or even the handwired Vox line it seems like there is just less sensitivity at the input and I can't get a really clean sound without losing more apparent volume than I want to. This may not be the case with the newer Remedys, but since I'd be cranking hard enough to get power amp distortion anyway, I feel like I'd rather forgo the MV altogether and go with an older one.
TLDR, I guess the point is, when you turn down or pick softer to get clean, does the apparent volume drop appreciably, or does it stay in the same ballpark?
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Post by iluvpunz on Mar 4, 2014 16:51:15 GMT -7
I don't want to seem like an amp snob but the Remedy is a very different animal quality wise than the Ampeg or the Excelsior you've mentioned. Doc doesn't put a master volume on many of his amps because as you said, it just doesn't work very well with that circuitry. The master works phenomenally well in the Remedy. My Remedy was a non master that I had the mods done on and I wouldn't change it back for anything.
Not sure where you're at but try to find a Z dealer nearby to test drive one. The Remedy responds beautifully to dynamics, probably less drop than you might experience with some other amps. The pickups/guitar you are playing will also be a factor in whether you have a volume drop rolling off.
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Post by helmi on Mar 4, 2014 17:25:54 GMT -7
Well, first of all, 13 watt to 20 watt isn't going to be a huge volume difference, but having the 40 watts as an option would be really great for bigger stages. I am fully aware that the harmonic complexity of a Dr. Z is going to be far greater than the Excelsior and I'm really looking forward to that, but the amp behavior is sort of a requirement for me. I have an Ampeg GVT15 too, and although I love the 70's Stones sort of tone I can get out of that amp, there just isn't enough front end sensitivity to gig it for me. What I've really enjoyed about the Excelsior and other 6v6 amps I've used is the compression and power tube saturation I get when they're turned up, so I was pretty stoked when I saw a Plexi style amp using 6v6's in the power section. I am leery of amps with master volumes though, because in cases like my Ampeg, or even the handwired Vox line it seems like there is just less sensitivity at the input and I can't get a really clean sound without losing more apparent volume than I want to. This may not be the case with the newer Remedys, but since I'd be cranking hard enough to get power amp distortion anyway, I feel like I'd rather forgo the MV altogether and go with an older one. TLDR, I guess the point is, when you turn down or pick softer to get clean, does the apparent volume drop appreciably, or does it stay in the same ballpark? hello, and welcome to the forum. no sarcasim intended, but if you've never owned a dr.z amp, you've never heard dr.z WATTS! you would be AMAZED how loud a 20w dr.z amp is. good luck on your quest.
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Post by JeffG on Mar 4, 2014 19:11:03 GMT -7
I can't comment to your specific situation but I will say that I got a Rememdy (w/MV) without having played one and I've never looked back. No other amp interests me at all b/c the Remedy is just that good. I can't imagine you'd be disappointed.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Mar 4, 2014 19:33:23 GMT -7
I've been looking at upgrading to a Dr. Z for a few years now, and the Remedy seems like the most likely candidate. I have a few questions for the Remedy owners out there. I use a dirty amp with a lot of power amp compression live and turn down to get clean. So what I need out of a live amp is a lot of front end sensitivity and compression. I was hoping that the older non-master volume Remedy would give me those things with a little more headroom, and a more flexible eq than the amp I'm using. If you could weigh in on whether I'm barking up the wrong tree or if the Remedy will live up to it's name for me. Where do you live? Maybe there is a Z bro close by so you could try it out. S.E. Michigan with an original Remedy here if it helps
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Mar 4, 2014 20:53:18 GMT -7
Yeah, you need a test drive for sure!
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Post by midheightfive on Mar 4, 2014 23:37:21 GMT -7
I'd love to test drive one, but the nearest dealer is over a hundred miles away, and even the third nearest dealer (200+ miles) doesn't have a Remedy. Anyone who has one live close to Dubuque Iowa?
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Mar 5, 2014 11:55:48 GMT -7
If you're planning on buying new, contact the dealer and tell them you want a demo. Once they get one in take the drive.
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Post by JSA61 on Mar 5, 2014 16:01:50 GMT -7
I'd love to test drive one, but the nearest dealer is over a hundred miles away, and even the third nearest dealer (200+ miles) doesn't have a Remedy. Anyone who has one live close to Dubuque Iowa? Welcome to the forum. I have a remedy(no mv) that I would be happy to let you try. I'm about 200 miles south of you, so a bit of a drive. Shoot me a pm if your ever interested. FWIW, I, like many here, bought my Remedy without trying one first. No regrets. Every time I start getting GAS for another amp, I just fire up the Remedy and no more GAS.
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Post by digiTED aka 'Ted' on Mar 5, 2014 17:07:37 GMT -7
On the topic of compression:
I think it's meant to be a little saggier than some others in Haus auf Z. I think my Remedy compresses more easily than than the Antidote and RxES I had before it. It feels like its tube rectified even though it's not. Perhaps someone with more Z knowledge than I can expand on this.
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Post by midheightfive on Mar 5, 2014 20:09:49 GMT -7
On the topic of compression: I think it's meant to be a little saggier than some others in Haus auf Z. I think my Remedy compresses more easily than than the Antidote and RxES I had before it. It feels like its tube rectified even though it's not. Perhaps someone with more Z knowledge than I can expand on this. This is encouraging, since the Excelsior has a tube rectifier simulating sag circuit and I love the compression that amp has.
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Post by kc on Mar 6, 2014 6:35:48 GMT -7
My $.02 worth .... a non-MV Remedy is going to be much louder than the Fender, you'll need an Airbrake and/or inefficient speaker to tame the volume a bit. Get a Remedy with the MV and tonestack bypass - if you decide those features don't enhance the tone you seek, simply turn the MV all the way up and leave the tone stack in the circuit. But I suspect you'll find both the MV and tone stack bypass incredibly useful.
Good luck.
kc
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Post by big ( Al Z. ) on Mar 7, 2014 11:04:50 GMT -7
I'll agree w/ kc. Get the MV and bypass. I finally got my 1x12 wired up with a G12-65 so I fired up the Remedy last night. I've been playing on the 20 watt setting with the MV at 11:00 and other volumes at around 1:00. But last night I dimed the MV and well . . . let's just say that was loud enough for home use (Yes - the wife is out of town and it took a little while the ears to stop ringing). I think the bypass is a little more obvious / better with the volume up. But I don't see me at gigs using the MV dimed.
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Post by Mr.Fuzzwah on Mar 7, 2014 20:43:25 GMT -7
The Excelsior is not something to compare a Remedy to. Get ready for a paradigm-shift!
The one thing that occurs to me is I need EQ to adjust speaker cabs. The Zbest has a thump and depending on the room and volume I need to control the low end. But - having the EQ bypass gives you flexibilty as does the master volume.
I'd like to find a little plug-in toggle to plug in and just flip on or off for the EQ bypass instead of a footswitch.
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Mar 7, 2014 21:47:17 GMT -7
The Excelsior is not something to compare a Remedy to. Get ready for a paradigm-shift! The one thing that occurs to me is I need EQ to adjust speaker cabs. The Zbest has a thump and depending on the room and volume I need to control the low end. But - having the EQ bypass gives you flexibilty as does the master volume. I'd like to find a little plug-in toggle to plug in and just flip on or off for the EQ bypass instead of a footswitch. Actually all you need is a phone plug with the two circuits connected together. When it is plugged in, the EQ works. When you unplug it, the EQ is out of circuit.
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Post by Mr.Fuzzwah on Mar 8, 2014 10:19:26 GMT -7
@midhieghtfive - I've given up on using Watts as a measure of power or volume or anything like that after dealing with Z watts! My Z amps are 'loud enough'! I love that too because volume is serious. Once I waited for 3 hours to jam at a blues jam in a new city and about 6 players were onstage and my boutique tweed amp just couldn't be heard. I resolved to never let that happen again. It hasn't.
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rmutt
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Post by rmutt on Mar 8, 2014 12:45:41 GMT -7
On the topic of compression: I think it's meant to be a little saggier than some others in Haus auf Z. I think my Remedy compresses more easily than than the Antidote and RxES I had before it. It feels like its tube rectified even though it's not. Perhaps someone with more Z knowledge than I can expand on this. This is encouraging, since the Excelsior has a tube rectifier simulating sag circuit and I love the compression that amp has. I took the plunge midheightfive- Remedy to arrive monday or tuesday. Stats and experience with 6v6 sold me so we will see. I tried a Maz 38nr and dug it but went for this amp instead without a test drive (gulp). The 6v6's Ive played always had a sluggish sag to it when tube rectified, but great tone, dynamics and compression when pushed. Im banking on a quicker response with the ss rect circuit - MV to dial in without breaking glass.. I will let you know soon!
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Post by midheightfive on Mar 11, 2014 9:18:17 GMT -7
Well I'll be honest, part of the reason I want an older one without the MV is because I can get a used one for less money, which would help considerably with the actual buying of the amp. However, like I said before I have never played an amp with a MV that I've gotten along with. Even with the newer Vox handwired amps (very high spec. well made amps) the input sensitivity just isn't there. It's probably a completely different case with the Remedy, but I think I'd still rather have a non MV version even if I have to use an attenuator.
And RMutt, I'd love to hear your impressions of the amp when you get it!
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Post by Pete aka shouldb on Mar 11, 2014 13:00:29 GMT -7
Well I'll be honest, part of the reason I want an older one without the MV is because I can get a used one for less money, which would help considerably with the actual buying of the amp. However, like I said before I have never played an amp with a MV that I've gotten along with. Even with the newer Vox handwired amps (very high spec. well made amps) the input sensitivity just isn't there. It's probably a completely different case with the Remedy, but I think I'd still rather have a non MV version even if I have to use an attenuator. And RMutt, I'd love to hear your impressions of the amp when you get it! You pays yer money, you takes yer choice - it's ALL good with a Remedy!
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Mar 11, 2014 13:33:06 GMT -7
Yep. Mine still has no MV and for some reason it still sounds great!
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rmutt
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Post by rmutt on Mar 11, 2014 14:56:27 GMT -7
Well I'll be honest, part of the reason I want an older one without the MV is because I can get a used one for less money, which would help considerably with the actual buying of the amp. However, like I said before I have never played an amp with a MV that I've gotten along with. Even with the newer Vox handwired amps (very high spec. well made amps) the input sensitivity just isn't there. It's probably a completely different case with the Remedy, but I think I'd still rather have a non MV version even if I have to use an attenuator. And RMutt, I'd love to hear your impressions of the amp when you get it! Still waiting on UPS
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rmutt
Junior Member
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Post by rmutt on Mar 13, 2014 20:15:21 GMT -7
Well I'll be honest, part of the reason I want an older one without the MV is because I can get a used one for less money, which would help considerably with the actual buying of the amp. However, like I said before I have never played an amp with a MV that I've gotten along with. Even with the newer Vox handwired amps (very high spec. well made amps) the input sensitivity just isn't there. It's probably a completely different case with the Remedy, but I think I'd still rather have a non MV version even if I have to use an attenuator. And RMutt, I'd love to hear your impressions of the amp when you get it! I got my Remedy 2 days ago and have been playing it since- my wife is worried. I had practice last night and it was great- this is a game changer for me for sure- less headroom than Im use to but the tone- the singing notes! Anyway the MV works great- essential IMO if you are working with another guitarist. Im able to set the HV/LV to get the back end gain going, can clean with GV and adjust the MV to fit the mix- mostly without change to gain structure. Makes this amp very versatile. I have not been tempted to max the MV and work with the H/Lv only to see what that would be like yet - too taken by all it is dishing out. I am getting more out of it thanks to the MV.
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