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Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 7, 2014 17:04:22 GMT -7
Interesting, Thank You for the input. Hopefully I'll like the Greeny but even still I will probably experiment. I'm also considering a Ghia but only if the z-28 guys decides not to sell. The Ghia has a Gold in it. Just watch out for the mid hump in the Z28. I found a mid heavy speaker like the Red Fang pretty awful with my Z28 1x10 - it smothered all the top end and felt heavy and leaden, to my ears anyway, and it is VERY loud (100dB). I ended up with a Weber Blue Pup Ceramic - that lifted the lid off the Z28 and let her sing, yet is only 95dB I believe, so the volume was much easier to tame. I actually got the closest thing to chime from the Z28 with this speaker, yet it wasn't harsh at all. I actually didn't like any Alnico speaker with the Z28. They all seemed to put a blanket over the amp. Ceramic speakers seem to let the air in a more, regardless of which ones. After that, just chose the flavour you like best. Also, I was wondering if an EQ pedal would work well with the Z28 as far as smoothing out the mids and increasing the treble with adding gain.
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Post by southmusic70 on Sept 7, 2014 17:14:44 GMT -7
I think you should go ahead and buy it and find out.
A lot of people here have done so and been more than pleasantly surprised.
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Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 8, 2014 0:00:27 GMT -7
I think you should go ahead and buy it and find out. A lot of people here have done so and been more than pleasantly surprised. Yeah, i'm still waiting for the seller. He's still "on the fence" about selling and i respect that. However, another guy emailed me today. He has a z28 combo and while it's not a 1x10 combo, it's a 1x12 but the combo cab is a Mather 1x12 "studio" combo cab which is probably lighter than the Dr Z birch(IIRC) 1x10 combo cab, I'm speculating of course. His price is a couple hundred higher than the 1x10 and doesn't include the brake lite like the 1x10 has. I still have a week before I'll get all the money so I can wait. Hopefully they both are into selling and I can make a choice. At this point, even though it's a little more, I'm leaning towards the 1x12 Mather Cab z28. I can always pick up a brake lite later and screw it in there. The 1x12 has a Celestion Gold in it which is interesting, never owned that speaker but I know a lot of you Z guys love them. I could always sell the speaker if I didn't bond with it. Really hope this works out. The guy lives in another state but to help me avoid high shipping costs he's offered to deliver the amp to my house here in Nashville for $60! He has family here but that's still very nice of him to offer. Hopefully I'll be joining the ranks officially soon. Thanks. Gary.
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Post by Pete aka shouldb on Sept 8, 2014 0:15:50 GMT -7
I think you should go ahead and buy it and find out. A lot of people here have done so and been more than pleasantly surprised. Yeah, i'm still waiting for the seller. He's still "on the fence" about selling and i respect that. However, another guy emailed me today. He has a z28 combo and while it's not a 1x10 combo, it's a 1x12 but the combo cab is a Mather 1x12 "studio" combo cab which is probably lighter than the Dr Z birch(IIRC) 1x10 combo cab, I'm speculating of course. His price is a couple hundred higher than the 1x10 and doesn't include the brake lite like the 1x10 has. I still have a week before I'll get all the money so I can wait. Hopefully they both are into selling and I can make a choice. At this point, even though it's a little more, I'm leaning towards the 1x12 Mather Cab z28. I can always pick up a brake lite later and screw it in there. The 1x12 has a Celestion Gold in it which is interesting, never owned that speaker but I know a lot of you Z guys love them. I could always sell the speaker if I didn't bond with it. Really hope this works out. The guy lives in another state but to help me avoid high shipping costs he's offered to deliver the amp to my house here in Nashville for $60! He has family here but that's still very nice of him to offer. Hopefully I'll be joining the ranks officially soon. Thanks. Gary. Celestion Gold...... there's the couple of hundred extra bucks right there! Much as I love the DrZ 1x10, a light weight 1x12 Studio cab with a Gold would be my idea of perfection for that amp............! If you can get this one, JUST DO IT! (you can thank me later )
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Post by southmusic70 on Sept 8, 2014 5:24:22 GMT -7
I agree.
At some point I'll probably go with a Mather 1x12 studio cab for my 28 - not that I don't like the 1x10, it's just a weight thing. I might even use a neo speaker if I find one I like, which would make it really light.
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Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 9, 2014 19:46:58 GMT -7
Yeah, i'm still waiting for the seller. He's still "on the fence" about selling and i respect that. However, another guy emailed me today. He has a z28 combo and while it's not a 1x10 combo, it's a 1x12 but the combo cab is a Mather 1x12 "studio" combo cab which is probably lighter than the Dr Z birch(IIRC) 1x10 combo cab, I'm speculating of course. His price is a couple hundred higher than the 1x10 and doesn't include the brake lite like the 1x10 has. I still have a week before I'll get all the money so I can wait. Hopefully they both are into selling and I can make a choice. At this point, even though it's a little more, I'm leaning towards the 1x12 Mather Cab z28. I can always pick up a brake lite later and screw it in there. The 1x12 has a Celestion Gold in it which is interesting, never owned that speaker but I know a lot of you Z guys love them. I could always sell the speaker if I didn't bond with it. Really hope this works out. The guy lives in another state but to help me avoid high shipping costs he's offered to deliver the amp to my house here in Nashville for $60! He has family here but that's still very nice of him to offer. Hopefully I'll be joining the ranks officially soon. Thanks. Gary. Celestion Gold...... there's the couple of hundred extra bucks right there! Much as I love the DrZ 1x10, a light weight 1x12 Studio cab with a Gold would be my idea of perfection for that amp............! If you can get this one, JUST DO IT! (you can thank me later ) I agree. A lightweight 1x12 Z28 would be perfect. Between the Z28 and the other amp I'm looking at, the 28 with the 1x12 gold loaded Mather studio is about $450 more. If I can come up with it by the 22nd it's mine. I'm working on getting the extra $450 together, it's gonna be close. Fortunately all the Docs amps are high quality. I'm sure I'll be a happy customer regardless.
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Post by Pete aka shouldb on Sept 9, 2014 23:45:41 GMT -7
The hardest, yet very best, choice to have to make in our little world... "which Z amp do I buy??"
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Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 10, 2014 9:13:47 GMT -7
The hardest, yet very best, choice to have to make in our little world... "which Z amp do I buy??" I think it's an interesting question. Since I joined this forum a couple months ago I've noticed something. Everyone on here and everyone I know personally that buys A Dr. Z amp (whichever one they choose) always end up buying more Zs. Just look at the lists under some of your names. Would you own that many of any other manufactures products CURRENTLY in production? Maybe, but probably not. I wouldn't own 4 or 5 current production Fenders, they're aren't even 2 or 3 that I like. It's crazy. The Docs amps are just THAT good. Everyone wants more after they get one and usually they don't stray into other brands EVER again! That's insane. It just speaks to the incredibly high quality of work they are doing up there in Ohio. I look forward to joining the fold.
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Post by southmusic70 on Sept 10, 2014 9:38:06 GMT -7
Yes, you're right about those of us who have or have had multiple Z amps. It's been as many as 4 for me, currently going down to 2. I may even go down to 1 at some point, and if I do, the one I'll end up with is my Z28, no question about it.
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Post by Pete aka shouldb on Sept 10, 2014 9:50:35 GMT -7
The hardest, yet very best, choice to have to make in our little world... "which Z amp do I buy??" I think it's an interesting question. Since I joined this forum a couple months ago I've noticed something. Everyone on here and everyone I know personally that buys A Dr. Z amp (whichever one they choose) always end up buying more Zs. Just look at the lists under some of your names. Would you own that many of any other manufactures products CURRENTLY in production? Maybe, but probably not. I wouldn't own 4 or 5 current production Fenders, they're aren't even 2 or 3 that I like. It's crazy. The Docs amps are just THAT good. Everyone wants more after they get one and usually they don't stray into other brands EVER again! That's insane. It just speaks to the incredibly high quality of work they are doing up there in Ohio. I look forward to joining the fold. You nailed it! Maybe someday I'll buy another make of amp for fun, or for posterity's sake, but never to regularly gig with! Once I started gigging Z amps, that was it - I've done the Marshall / Fender / Line6 / Orange thing to death. I've found my home, and I'm staying put. As for owning more than one, that is SUCH a testament to the Doc's genius - he knows how to make amps which ALL sound great; sound different enough to warrant owning more than one; and yet have that DrZ signature tone....... real genius
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Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 10, 2014 16:36:05 GMT -7
You nailed it! Maybe someday I'll buy another make of amp for fun, or for posterity's sake, but never to regularly gig with! Once I started gigging Z amps, that was it - I've done the Marshall / Fender / Line6 / Orange thing to death. I've found my home, and I'm staying put. As for owning more than one, that is SUCH a testament to the Doc's genius - he knows how to make amps which ALL sound great; sound different enough to warrant owning more than one; and yet have that DrZ signature tone....... real genius Agreed. And while they are priced well for what they are, they certainly aren't cheap or inexpensive. But if you're a guitar player who is trying to get the best sound you can, it's money very well spent. It's amazing how many different Z varieties there are and how different they all are. Yet each amp is extremely versatile and works for just about any application (from my limited exp). As far as my amp search goes I can't wait to buy one, but unfortunately I will have to wait a couple more days. But days is better than weeks or months! It's just a matter of a check getting deposited into my acct and some cooperation and correspondence from the seller. I could have the money as early as tonight at midnight and an amp by this weekend or early next week. THAT is really exciting. Just a matter of getting the seller to respond so we can work everything out. I keep going back and forth on a couple different Zs. I'll list them below as I would appreciate input. 1. Dr Z Z28 1x12 combo. It's in an aftermarket studio 1x12 cab from Mather Cabs here in Nashville and it has a Celestion Gold speaker. The owner of this amp is even willing to deliver it to me in person to avoid shipping costs. Pretty cool of him. The price is $1400. 2. Dr Z M12 1x12 combo. Been looking for a used one but haven't had much luck. There's a 1x10 combo for $1000 with a brake lite installed but I can't get ahold of the seller. (I'd really prefer the 1x12 anyway).The same guy has a z28 1x10 combo as well. The price on that one is $1200 but it sounds like he would rather sell the m12. I initially set a $1000 limit but that's going to be broken after shipping (depending on the amp) regardless. It's just a matter of by how much. Obviously I'd like to keep it as close to that limit as possible. The z28 1x12 with the Gold sounds like a great setup in the lighter cab. It's just a matter of coming up with the other $460 (I'd either pay shipping or pay for the guy's gas to deliver it). I'm sure I'd be happy with the M12 too. I've even been looking for a Maz Jr in the studio-size 1x12 but no luck. I'm going to keep looking around until I have the money but I've narrowed it down to pretty much what's mentioned above. I was previously considering some vintage Princeton Amps but I'll probably wait on that particular impulse. Given all the stuff I've mentioned, I'd love to hear what you guys would do. I have a feeling most will say to shell out out extra $450 for the Z28 and I might. But I also might not be able to so I have to keep looking for other options. Thanks. Gary.
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Sept 10, 2014 17:20:15 GMT -7
I'd say go for the gold. When you are ready, make an offer and see where it goes.
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Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 10, 2014 19:30:58 GMT -7
I'd say go for the gold. When you are ready, make an offer and see where it goes. Yeah. He sounded pretty firm on the price but he also sounds like a really nice and reasonable guy. I could probably swing $1200 but that's pushing it. We'll see. I don't want to make an offer until I have my money obviously.
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Post by Pete aka shouldb on Sept 11, 2014 0:25:47 GMT -7
Basically stretch yourself, without getting into financial trouble of course!
As my long departed Dad used to say "buy once, buy well!",
both amps are superb, but given your OP, I reckon the Z28 fits the bill perfectly!
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Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 11, 2014 10:31:22 GMT -7
Basically stretch yourself, without getting into financial trouble of course! As my long departed Dad used to say "buy once, buy well!", both amps are superb, but given your OP, I reckon the Z28 fits the bill perfectly! That's good advice. I'm doing everything I can to get the extra money together. Hopefully the seller will work with me. If not I might just buy new and finance it. I've done it before and it helps my credit anytime I'm making payments on something. A great excuse to buy an amp
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Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 15, 2014 13:55:25 GMT -7
Well today is the day I have to pull the trigger. Man I've been all over the place since I last posted. I've went and played several Silverface Princetons and SF Deluxe Reverbs. I was nearly sold on the SFDRs until I found out I'd have to drop like $300 extra to replace the filter caps and cathode bypass caps!!!!! The reason I have to decide today is that Albert (with the z28 and the 65' NR Princeton) is planning on driving here from Indiana on Friday and needs to know today. I still think his z28 is going to fall outside of what I can spend unfortunately. His Princeton looks amazing though. I keep coming back to the m12 and the question of it being loud enough (which i think it is). Problem is all I can find are head/cab configurations. I really want a 1x12 M12 combo with a super efficient speaker. I did find a 1x10 M12 combo with a greenback, the guy is asking $1000 plus actual shipping costs. If it was a 1x12 I would've done it already. I've gotten so frustrated looking at vintage amps. Maybe if I had more experience and could perform the work myself it would be different but I can't. I also found a beautiful Maz 18 1x12 studio combo with a brake lite but again, outside of my price range ($1500). I'll let you guys know what I do. Right now it looks like either Albert's Princeton or this other guy's M12 1x10 combo. Al's 66' Princeton is pretty hot rodded. It's had it's caps reloaded already (thank you Albert!!!), it has a 12" speaker and baffle and David Allen output and power transformers (he'll include all original parts in the sale and deliver to my door so no shipping costs). And it's like $100 less than the M12. Indecision is unbearable.
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Post by kustom250 on Sept 15, 2014 14:22:55 GMT -7
Right now it looks like either Albert's Princeton or this other guy's M12 1x10 combo. Al's 66' Princeton is pretty hot rodded. It's had it's caps reloaded already (thank you Albert!!!), it has a 12" speaker and baffle and David Allen output and power transformers (he'll include all original parts in the sale and deliver to my door so no shipping costs). And it's like $100 less than the M12. Indecision is unbearable. I'd really want to know who did the work. That's a LOT of changes to the Princeton for that kind of cash. I generally pass on any vintage amp with a replaced output transformer unless it's a crazy good deal. No reason they can't sound good, but an original output transformer is a lot of what you're paying for. Also have you played any of the NR Princetons? They're not the same as the Princeton Reverbs. Less gain and some feel kinda dull sounding. I like them but they do sound different.
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Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 15, 2014 14:34:15 GMT -7
I'd really want to know who did the work. That's a LOT of changes to the Princeton for that kind of cash. I generally pass on any vintage amp with a replaced output transformer unless it's a crazy good deal. No reason they can't sound good, but an original output transformer is a lot of what you're paying for. Also have you played any of the NR Princetons? They're not the same as the Princeton Reverbs. Less gain and some feel kinda dull sounding. I like them but they do sound different. Yeah, I really like NR Princetons. I've always liked them for the perceived higher headroom. I really trust the seller, he's a member here and a really good dude. And like I said, if I buy the amp he's going to give me the original transformers as well. He just needed it a little louder and cleaner so the other guitarist in his band could use it at gigs. I believe he replaced everything himself (IIRC) but he knows what he's doing. He's a great player and he's worked in electronics for like 20 years. I just found the email, he: "replaced all the Bias caps and the cap can." He said they sounded good as is but wanted to make sure it was reliable for gigging. At this point the I'm pretty much out on the vintage stuff (besides Al's NRP) as I can't afford the amp and the cap job. If they guy with the DR will change them great, but I doubt it. I'm looking for a 1x12 M12 and if I can't find one I'll probably just buy from Al, like I said, I trust him.
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Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 15, 2014 14:34:42 GMT -7
If I already had a cab I'd just buy an M12 head but I don't.
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Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 15, 2014 20:26:08 GMT -7
Well I made my choice. Unfortunately it's not going to score me any points here on the Z forum but I figured I'd share anyway. I've been looking at this 1976-ish Deluxe Reverb. It had a great price but needed the filter caps and cathode bypass caps replaced. Luckily the seller was a music store and they're having their tech replace them for no extra charge. In the end the Dr Z amps I was looking at were just a little bit out of my price range. Maybe next time. Here it is. It's missing the top back panel but I've got one lined up already. I paid $900 plus shipping. The tech has it now and is working on it. I should have it by the end of the week. He also retubed and biased the amp. Sorry it couldn't be a Z guys but that's just the way it goes sometimes! I really appreciate all the input I've got here from you guys. You were all very helpful and I really appreciate that. Thanks again, Gary.
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Post by Pete aka shouldb on Sept 15, 2014 23:24:27 GMT -7
Looks like a fun amp - enjoy!
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Post by kustom250 on Sept 16, 2014 6:37:21 GMT -7
A tuned up Deluxe Reverb is a pretty darn solid gigging amp.
No shame in picking one.
That's the kind of amp that can, and probably will stay with you for a lifetime.
Congrats.
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Post by southmusic70 on Sept 16, 2014 7:18:58 GMT -7
I still occasionally play a job with the '67 BF Vibrolux Reverb that I got for Christmas when I was 15; the old Fenders can be very versatile.
BTW, I don't know if the board that protects the tubes didn't come with it or if you are just showing us the goods (nice), but I wouldn't leave the house without having that piece in place (you probably know this already, but I saw a real mess one night when a friend left his off after respeakering and let somebody else load his amp.).
Just saying.
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Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 16, 2014 9:19:16 GMT -7
I still occasionally play a job with the '67 BF Vibrolux Reverb that I got for Christmas when I was 15; the old Fenders can be very versatile. BTW, I don't know if the board that protects the tubes didn't come with it or if you are just showing us the goods (nice), but I wouldn't leave the house without having that piece in place (you probably know this already, but I saw a real mess one night when a friend left his off after respeakering and let somebody else load his amp.). Just saying. Hey, thanks. Yeah the top-back panel is missing. I'm in the process of trying to find the correct replacement. There are some people on eBay that sell them so I've reached out to a couple of them. A couple have emailed me back asking for measurements and I don't have the amp yet. I paid for it yesterday, hopefully I'll have it by the end of the week. I'm really excited about it. I still want to get a low-wattage Dr Z eventually. Maybe the M12, we'll see how it works out.
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Post by kustom250 on Sept 16, 2014 9:32:06 GMT -7
Plan to at least try running any Z amp you end up with in stereo with that DR.
I'm positive it would sound huge and great.
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Post by garysgearreviews on Sept 17, 2014 7:37:29 GMT -7
Plan to at least try running any Z amp you end up with in stereo with that DR. I'm positive it would sound huge and great. Yeah I've toyed with the idea of a two amp setup ala Mike Campbell. I do a lot of fill-in stuff but if I got a regular gig I'd love to run a Deluxe Reverb with a Ghia or something like that. I think Mike blends the two amp signals together (an early NR Princeton on like 7 and a smallish-looking tweed Deluxe on like 3 or 4) that would be killer!
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