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Post by nicholas on Apr 8, 2016 13:17:38 GMT -7
First off a disclaimer. If you are opposed to modding a Dr.Z amp you're going to want to click your browser back button.
Hey guys, I've had the JAZ 20/40 for some time now. My best guess is 6 years or so? Maybe five, I forget. The point is that's a long time for me to have an amp. Sooo many other amps have shuffled through my jam room doors that quite frankly, it's embarrassing. The JAZ is like the last survivor on the island, it's won all the challenges season after season. It's such a great amp. After that much time with an amp it's easy to honestly say its a keeper. This amp will be with me for as long as I need a guitar amp.
With that said, I've really been jonesing for the new Z Lux. It seems to be the evolution of the JAZ. I'm sure it's fantastic, but I just can't justify spending that much money on an amp so close in tone. I'm sure there are intricate differences... But from what I've read the biggest difference is the TSB, the speaker, cosmetics, and the light weight combo. Some of those can be addressed. Some can't. I don't in any way believe this to be a clone of the Z Lux, but it is significantly closer. Let me tell you brothers. It sounds f'n FANTASTIC.
So let's jump in. I've been contemplating doing this For almost a year. Ever since I bought some ZW cloth in the BST. I set out a plan for tone and cosmetics improvements.
Tone: -Delete effects loop -Install Tone Stack Bypass -Install variable pot on amp for TSB, and jack for remote switching/control -Install Z12 speaker -Fresh tube set from the Dr. -Install brake lite
Cosmetics: -Replace oval front with new valence -Cover valence with ZW cloth -Replace cream piping with black -Replace cream knobs with black -Replace black corners with chrome -Install black Z logo
More to come..
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Post by nicholas on Apr 8, 2016 13:48:52 GMT -7
The first thing I did was plan this out. I installed the TSB and ran some wires out of the chassis. I played around with different value pots, and made sure I actually wanted to do this mod. Let me tell you. It's incredible. I'm not sure if I'll use it as a switchable effect. I actually like it for a base tone. It sounds so much less compressed and raw. I'm very impressed an amp can sound so good with no tone controls. Kudos to the design. Because I'm not sure if I'll be switching it remote, I decide to wire up the bypass a bit different. I installed a push pull 500k pot on the back of the amp. With the knob pushed in, the amp operates as if there is no mod. Just like before. If I pull the knob out, it engages the bypass and the knob becomes the control of how much the stack is bypassed. Just like the pedal, but on the amp. While I was in there I installed a jack so I can use the foot switch if I decide to down the road. I would simply push in the pot to normal amp function and then insert the variable foot switch and use it that way. I decided to not drill any holes in the chassis. While I'm the biggest proponent for effects loops on dirty amps, for a clean amp like this I don't really use it much. My delay and verb works fine in front after my pedals. So I deleted the loop. That left the send and return jack open to install the jack and push/pull pot. The "Return" is now the push/pull pot and the send is now the foot switch jack. Here she is in my work shop after I finished the mod. Then some goodies from Dr.Z amps. Now that the bypass is done I focused on the cosmetics. I removed the oval speaker valance and traced it out. I didn't want to ruin it, I might want to go back to it some day as I do think it looks cool. Just looking for a change. I bought a piece of 3/4" void free Baltic birch from Rockler Woodworks and cut it out. I kept the hole smaller as I was afraid the grill cloth might get saggy over such a large area. I ran a 1/2" round over router on the top edge and a 3/8" round over around the hole. Baltic birch is pretty. Then I covered it in the ZW cloth. I've done this a few times before. This cloth is nice and easy because of the horizontal and parallel lines run through it. Makes it simple to get nice and even. The back side looks pretty good too. Tight like a drum.
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Post by nicholas on Apr 8, 2016 13:54:13 GMT -7
I used some 1/8" black piping and glued on the "Z". Then I gave the tolex a good soapy cleaning and reassembled. It's like having a new amp!
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Post by nmz on Apr 8, 2016 13:59:07 GMT -7
That looks pretty cool!
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Post by nicholas on Apr 8, 2016 14:00:23 GMT -7
The tone stack bypass is fantastic. I'm pretty sure I'll always play with it completely bypassed. It sounds so huge. I'm impressed.
As far as speakers I've been using an Eminance CRex for some time. I really liked it but wanted to try Z's new speaker. It sounds very similar to the CRex to my ears but brighter (in a good way) and more lively. I really dig it. If you like american speakers in your JAZ, it's definitely worth your consideration.
So far I haven't tried the new tube set. I want to get used to the new tone. I'm currently running TungSol 6V6's and an assortment of NOS preamp tubes. I do want to swap them out with the new Z Tube set just to get a baseline some day, but man-O-man. I'm just not sure anything could sound any better.
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Post by nicholas on Apr 8, 2016 14:20:50 GMT -7
Totally digging the TSB and Z12. Sounds really amazing.
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Post by zpilot on Apr 8, 2016 14:37:04 GMT -7
I have a JAZ and feel almost the same as you about it vs. the Z-Lux. I'm interested in installing a TSB mod in my JAZ also. I have a MAZ Jr with a TSB. Did you just clone that? My JAZ doesn't have an FX loop and the footswitch cables come out the back (like old Fenders) so I will need to work around that.
I actually like the looks of my amp so they are staying the same. I like my JAZ running through 2-10's so that will remain the same also.
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Post by Faze on Apr 8, 2016 14:53:17 GMT -7
Wow you did a great job on that Nichols. The amp looks fantastic. I bet it sounds great too. I like the tone bypass on the Z-Lux. However I found using a J rocket archer icon as a boost with the amp without the tone bypass sounds really good too.
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Post by nicholas on Apr 8, 2016 15:25:52 GMT -7
Thanks guys.
I think what I like most about the TSB is when using the amp without pedals. Just plugged straight in. It sounds so bold. I'm still learning with it though.
Zpilot, I like the original looks too. Actually I thought I was the only one that liked the oval. I kept the original oval plate unmolested and can swap them out real easy. Just a few screws. I might go back to it. Not sure yet. But for now, it's like NAD!
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Post by doctorice on Apr 8, 2016 15:30:00 GMT -7
Beautiful work, Nick. You've probably got 95% or more of the Z-Lux. At gigs, I've been running the bypass "always on". Great minds.... (Still have my 2x10 JAZ, btw.)
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Apr 8, 2016 15:42:36 GMT -7
Wow! Awesome job, man!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Post by nicholas on Apr 8, 2016 16:32:10 GMT -7
Beautiful work, Nick. You've probably got 95% or more of the Z-Lux. At gigs, I've been running the bypass "always on". Great minds.... (Still have my 2x10 JAZ, btw.) Thanks. I just can't get over how good it sounds in bypass. It turns the guitar into a lightning rod. It's fun to work it and control the feedback. I can only describe it as " Screaming Clean".
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Post by purpletele on Apr 8, 2016 17:40:44 GMT -7
I love it.
Great work!
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Post by DRZ on Apr 8, 2016 22:19:41 GMT -7
Nice job Nicholas , You have some experience with tube amps good for you.
Z
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Post by walt on Apr 9, 2016 9:00:59 GMT -7
Looks great,quality workmanship!
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Post by Maddog on Apr 9, 2016 9:29:59 GMT -7
Man, Nick! You ARE a tweaker! First the '53 and now this. You have good mental vision and a great skill set! Totally impressed with your work! Kudos, Brother!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2016 10:12:10 GMT -7
Very nice Nick! Fine work too...
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Post by simpleton on Apr 9, 2016 10:41:52 GMT -7
Wow! nice update
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