Quick gig report: Z-Lux and Z Drive
Aug 30, 2015 7:58:28 GMT -7
heynewguy (Ol’ Bill), pcns, and 14 more like this
Post by doctorice on Aug 30, 2015 7:58:28 GMT -7
Last night we were back in the venue of the first gig I did with the Z-Lux. While all was well tone wise at that gig, I have been getting to know the amp better, so I changed up my approach. This is a blues/rock gig: Muddy Waters, James Cotton, Junior Wells, Clapton, Dead, Stones, etc.
First, I ended up having the eq bypass / boost on the entire night. Volume was at 1:30 and Master was kept pretty low, no higher than 10:30. Set for 20 watts. With my Les Paul (2008 standard faded modded to Peter Green style by Larry Corsa), this gave me a terrific base tone, very touch sensitive.
Second, I spent far more time using the "both pickups on" middle position on the selector. Dialed in different blends with the dual volume knobs. Generally only minor tweaks to the guitar tone controls. This was interesting because I usually gravitate to the bridge pickup alone for more tunes, as I suspect many LP players do with this type of material.
Third, took two OD boxes off my board and used the Z Drive for extra gain when needed. I kept it on the red MOSFET side through out. Gain was set high and level low. The active eq was very helpful: I pulled bass and treble back a bit from noon, and pushed mids up a little. It really sang when engaged and interacted really well with adjustments to guitar volume.
Note: I did not do a shootout with the Z Drive versus the other pedals. Also, I kept my RYRA Klon Klone on the board and used it for boost. Again, no shootout against the boost side of the Z Drive. This was all for my convenience since the pedal board has to be set up in an awkward position due to space constraints. (I did not use Klon boost --> Z Drive, but it probably would have been really cool.)
Finally, I used the tremolo on our arrangement of Not Fade Away, and it was stunning. Had speed and depth at noon. Not sure what my bandmates thought -- or if they even knew it was on -- but I thought it sounded great.
I don't think I've ever been happier with my rig's tone. Thanks, Doc!
First, I ended up having the eq bypass / boost on the entire night. Volume was at 1:30 and Master was kept pretty low, no higher than 10:30. Set for 20 watts. With my Les Paul (2008 standard faded modded to Peter Green style by Larry Corsa), this gave me a terrific base tone, very touch sensitive.
Second, I spent far more time using the "both pickups on" middle position on the selector. Dialed in different blends with the dual volume knobs. Generally only minor tweaks to the guitar tone controls. This was interesting because I usually gravitate to the bridge pickup alone for more tunes, as I suspect many LP players do with this type of material.
Third, took two OD boxes off my board and used the Z Drive for extra gain when needed. I kept it on the red MOSFET side through out. Gain was set high and level low. The active eq was very helpful: I pulled bass and treble back a bit from noon, and pushed mids up a little. It really sang when engaged and interacted really well with adjustments to guitar volume.
Note: I did not do a shootout with the Z Drive versus the other pedals. Also, I kept my RYRA Klon Klone on the board and used it for boost. Again, no shootout against the boost side of the Z Drive. This was all for my convenience since the pedal board has to be set up in an awkward position due to space constraints. (I did not use Klon boost --> Z Drive, but it probably would have been really cool.)
Finally, I used the tremolo on our arrangement of Not Fade Away, and it was stunning. Had speed and depth at noon. Not sure what my bandmates thought -- or if they even knew it was on -- but I thought it sounded great.
I don't think I've ever been happier with my rig's tone. Thanks, Doc!