|
Post by Gregg White (aka stratbrat) on Oct 29, 2006 20:11:53 GMT -7
So I came across a good deal on a Rt 66 that I couldn't pass on! Didn't have much time to play around with it but I used it with my Stang Ray at a gig on Friday night. Played them through a 4-12 stereo cab and used a Morley switcher.
This is a VERY preliminary opinion, but the Stang Ray kicks tonal butt! The 66 was nice and I had it set to add some "girth" to the sound. But to my ears, the Ray is HANDS DOWN the tonal king when compared to a RT66!
They do make a nice combination, but if I had to give one up, it would be the RT66.
Don't misunderstand me. The little time I had with the RT66 alone showed me that the 66 has its play in the tonal arsenal. And I am sure that I'll find some more tones as I get used to it. I did notice a neat harmonic as the note decayed. I'm not sure if this is the "ghost note" issue some folks have mentioned, but I found it actually kind of cool. As the prime note dropped out, this neat upper harmonic lingered a little longer. Might find a way to pump a little more juice to get that harmonic to sustain a wee bit longer!
Between the MAZ 38 I had and the 66 that I now have (both great amps in their own right), the Stang Ray is STILL the pinnacle of Mike Z's engineering!!!
|
|
|
Post by billyguitar on Oct 30, 2006 8:14:13 GMT -7
Ghost notes are lower in frequency and out of tune. You were hearing something else but I don't know what.
|
|
|
Post by Bill on Oct 30, 2006 9:03:15 GMT -7
So I came across a good deal on a Rt 66 that I couldn't pass on! Didn't have much time to play around with it but I used it with my Stang Ray at a gig on Friday night. Played them through a 4-12 stereo cab and used a Morley switcher. This is a VERY preliminary opinion, but the Stang Ray kicks tonal butt! The 66 was nice and I had it set to add some "girth" to the sound. But to my ears, the Ray is HANDS DOWN the tonal king when compared to a RT66! They do make a nice combination, but if I had to give one up, it would be the RT66. Don't misunderstand me. The little time I had with the RT66 alone showed me that the 66 has its play in the tonal arsenal. And I am sure that I'll find some more tones as I get used to it. I did notice a neat harmonic as the note decayed. I'm not sure if this is the "ghost note" issue some folks have mentioned, but I found it actually kind of cool. As the prime note dropped out, this neat upper harmonic lingered a little longer. Might find a way to pump a little more juice to get that harmonic to sustain a wee bit longer! Between the MAZ 38 I had and the 66 that I now have (both great amps in their own right), the Stang Ray is STILL the pinnacle of Mike Z's engineering!!! stratbrat, I have to agree. The mighty Stingray (with pedals I might add) soon had me figuring I should let the Rt 66 go to someone who can find more appreciation for it. GREAT killer amp, ...but at the end of the day the 'Ray is easily the KING of all seven Z's I've had the pleasure of owning. Wish more were out there so people could judge for themselves.
|
|
|
Post by dock66 on Oct 30, 2006 11:05:12 GMT -7
I am still smiling with my Rays.
|
|
|
Post by Gregg White (aka stratbrat) on Oct 30, 2006 13:38:55 GMT -7
Ghost notes are lower in frequency and out of tune. You were hearing something else but I don't know what. Ok, now I understand "ghost notes". This was an upper harmonic on the higher notes. You could hear the prime note fade out and higher freq overtone continued. No effects, just straight amp. This might also happen with other amps, but this was very noticable (and musical!) RAY= King of Tone The rest of the Z line- Very special and capable Princes of Tone. Any of them beat most any other amp, but the Ray.......man, I am glad I bought that thing!
|
|
|
Post by Phil (aka Phil) on Oct 30, 2006 15:00:49 GMT -7
Stratbrat, I agree with you about the Ray! It is the most fun to play amp I've ever heard. You've got to hear it through an open back 2X12 with Alnico Blues (if you haven't already). It was designed and tweaked around that config and to my ears sounds best that way. I've got the honor of owning Stingray head #5 and also one of the very first Route 66's which I pre-ordered before they were even available! I heard from a fellow Dr. Z-loving guy that the Doc was going to come out with an amp with KT66's and that was all I needed to hear! Anyway, mine definitely has the "ghost note" phenomenon. As far as I know, it's intentional and the result of a slightly "under filtered" power supply. It is most noticeable when playing above the 12th fret and adds a great "scream" to bent notes. It is also much more noticeable when the treble control is near maximum. Have fun with your 66!
PDW
|
|
|
Post by taswegian on Oct 30, 2006 17:43:02 GMT -7
Guys, don't be confusing "harmonic overtones" with "ghost notes" Ghost notes are like Billy said, lower frequency and out of tune horrible sounding things. My route 66 has NEVER had ghost notes. When I first received the amp I used to get a great overtone above the 12th fret that almost sounded like an octavia. It was wicked. I'm not sure why whether it be I changed the valves or speaker breakin or what but I don't get it now. But I do get wonderful musical overtones in different venues and volumes.
On the SR vs Rt 66 point (you must have known I was gonna jump in here!) What kind of music are you playing? I'm playing in one band that is playing Deep Purple, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Free, Kansas etc etc Hard classic rock. I can't see the 'Ray keeping up with a Route 66 for this type of music or am I missing something about the 'Ray? A crankin' 66 through a Zbest is just classic rock CENTRAL I still think a 'Ray and 66 a/b would be an awesome rig for my gig.
|
|
|
Post by Curt on Oct 30, 2006 18:10:35 GMT -7
Guys, don't be confusing "harmonic overtones" with "ghost notes" Ghost notes are like Billy said, lower frequency and out of tune horrible sounding things. My route 66 has NEVER had ghost notes. When I first received the amp I used to get a great overtone above the 12th fret that almost sounded like an octavia. It was wicked. I'm not sure why whether it be I changed the valves or speaker breakin or what but I don't get it now. But I do get wonderful musical overtones in different venues and volumes. On the SR vs Rt 66 point (you must have known I was gonna jump in here!) What kind of music are you playing? I'm playing in one band that is playing Deep Purple, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Free, Kansas etc etc Hard classic rock. I can't see the 'Ray keeping up with a Route 66 for this type of music or am I missing something about the 'Ray? A crankin' 66 through a Zbest is just classic rock CENTRAL I still think a 'Ray and 66 a/b would be an awesome rig for my gig. You tell 'em Jaye ;D
|
|
|
Post by taswegian on Oct 30, 2006 21:10:36 GMT -7
damn straight! ;D If anyone would like to send me a Stang to compare I'd be more than happy to check it out. ;D ;D If I had money I would have one of these for sure. Except I'd probably have to have 2 in stereo!
|
|
|
Post by Dr.T on Oct 31, 2006 0:14:09 GMT -7
I think Ray's a great amp, but for me and music I play I think the best would be my R66.
|
|
|
Post by Phil (aka Phil) on Oct 31, 2006 7:19:39 GMT -7
Jaye, You're right about the "ghost notes" vs. "harmonic overtone" terminology. I guess "ghost notes" should be used when discussing things like those ugly noises you get when your filter caps need replacing. My 66 has the octavia type harmonic overtones. I did notice that different tubes (valves) and different bias settings make the overtones more or less prominent. It really screams when I put my original GEC KT66's in there. Upping the bias from the usual 32mA up to around 36mA makes them more prominent as well. PDW
|
|
|
Post by dock66 on Oct 31, 2006 13:12:11 GMT -7
damn straight! ;D If anyone would like to send me a Stang to compare I'd be more than happy to check it out. ;D ;D If I had money I would have one of these for sure. Except I'd probably have to have 2 in stereo! Two Rays in stereo is in another tonal dimention. ;D ;D
|
|
|
Post by Bill on Oct 31, 2006 13:14:27 GMT -7
Touche, Jaye! ;D ;D Great point, the 66 would undoubtedly be King of Rock. All I needed with mine was an RC Booster and guitar volume knob to go from clean to scream.
Seeing as my days lately are filled with B bender country licks, and bluesy pent stuff, the 'Ray is my numero uno choice. They're great amps, wish I could afford them all.
|
|
|
Post by dock66 on Oct 31, 2006 13:17:19 GMT -7
An SRZ 65 and Ray a/b is also a wicked rig. ;D
|
|
|
Post by benttop (Steve) on Oct 31, 2006 13:42:22 GMT -7
An SRZ 65 and Ray a/b is also a wicked rig. ;D I'll meet you there in January.
|
|
|
Post by dock66 on Oct 31, 2006 14:57:14 GMT -7
An SRZ 65 and Ray a/b is also a wicked rig. ;D I'll meet you there in January. Yes Sir, that sounds great . ;D
|
|
|
Post by Gregg White (aka stratbrat) on Oct 31, 2006 17:11:17 GMT -7
I wasn't saying the Ray was better at any particular style, and I haven't had a chance to give the 66 a full run through. But I tell ya, I still get some awesome rock tones out of the Ray with just a Z-Brake, crank it up, add a BB or RC boost and let er rip!
Last gig we were goofing around and ran through a verse and chorus of Smoke On The Water (I know, don't smite me, it was a joke for someone in the audience!) but I sure got some arse-kicking tones using my PRS!
BUT, I do see the 66's spot in the line-up. It's just that the Ray's tonal sophistication is amazing!
|
|
|
Post by taswegian on Oct 31, 2006 17:14:04 GMT -7
An SRZ 65 and Ray a/b is also a wicked rig. ;D That would quite happily be my dream rig right there. An awesome combination that would cover it all for me. I'm sure a tele into a SRZ 65 would NAIL my Police band too. Hey Bill, I've never even SEEN a B bender!!! I have no doubt the 'Ray would sit very nicely with some of my tunes and future stuff.
|
|
|
Post by Bill on Oct 31, 2006 17:59:32 GMT -7
Hey Bill, I've never even SEEN a B bender!!! I have no doubt the 'Ray would sit very nicely with some of my tunes and future stuff. Here's a shot of my son using it. It'll "country up" even an SRZ 65!
|
|
|
Post by taswegian on Oct 31, 2006 19:54:38 GMT -7
whoops, I take it back. I did see the Hellecasters supporting Eric Johnson and I asked someone how they were doing those awesome bends and they explained the hipshot or B/G benders. I've never seen one up close or tried one though. Cool pic!
|
|
|
Post by dock66 on Nov 1, 2006 8:38:59 GMT -7
I run my 52 CS Tele through both amps,SRZ 65 and StingRay , and sounded fantastic.With the right pedals,the tone from these amps are hard to beat.Just a nice combo that will cover all my basics.
|
|