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Post by rickyp on Aug 28, 2016 7:30:23 GMT -7
Wow. I am trying to figure out exactly which Z is gonna be right for me after not completely bonding with both Maz 18's that I've owned (which is absurd, because they are amazing amps, but I was searching for a different sound at the time). Been listening to as many Z amp demos as possible before I make the trek to Humbucker Music where I hope to narrow it down to a few of Z's offerings to try out, to see which will be the one I go home with. So far, it's been the Remedy, Monza, and the Maz 18 (just for comparison to the other two). But, I was listening to some demo videos last night, and I am blown away by the Z-Wreck. Hadn't really considered it before, and I have no idea why. Well, I sorta know why. I've been steering clear of anything over 20 watts, and anything that doesn't have a master volume. But, if this amp sounds as good in person as it does in the videos, I might be tempted to pair it with an airbrake (the brake lite won't provide enough attenuation for home use). I play a lot of blues and classic rock, and since this is one of Brad Paisley's collaborations, I assumed it's more suited to his style of playing, which is not what I do (I wish I could, though!).
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Post by simpleton on Aug 28, 2016 8:04:55 GMT -7
The ZWreck does seem like an amazing touch sensitive amp that is as alive as the player....it certainly not a 'country' amp only. The Monza has a great sound...it's the best solo tone, I just love it....no experience with the Remedy but I always thought I'd like that amp too.
Take a sack lunch...maybe a nice lightweight sleeping bag, cause I think you might be there awhile.
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Post by bagabonz on Aug 28, 2016 8:27:55 GMT -7
I have some of the same challenges with volume you have being a strictly home player. That said, the tones in the my Zwreck are so good it's worth the trouble to find the solution. So far the Fryette Powerstation is working great and has a built in efx loop which I utilize for delays. I agree the brake lite doesn't quite get there for enough attenuation at the sweet spot. Also going to try one of the new Tone Tubby Chicago Blue speakers which I should have by end of next week. 94 db speaker and the brake lite might be the ticket. I'll let you know...
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Post by Maddog on Aug 28, 2016 8:37:47 GMT -7
The Wreck has such a pleasing tone you can get away with playing it louder than most amps in small venues. I've played many small gigs with a Z-Wreck with zero attenuation.... It's an awesome amp!
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Post by markT on Aug 28, 2016 13:26:26 GMT -7
rickyp, I've been through all the amps you mention as well as the new DB4 and ended up with my second ZWreck combo. Every Dr Z I've owned has been great and had its strong points, but I keep coming back to the mighty ZWreck. Now, as my last and only Z left standing, I can say I'm satisfied....completely.
The ZWreck combo is extra special in my opinion as I've had the original Quantam Silver set and a head to run with my other cabs. The combo takes a little volume off and has more low's for some odd reason. I suppose the light weight, resonant cab is the culprit. I also disagree about the Brake-Lite not providing enough attenuation for home use. I normally play at home at two clicks. All the way down to 4 clicks for late night. Neighbors have not called the cops yet!
Good luck on your decisions!
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Post by doctorice on Aug 28, 2016 15:29:00 GMT -7
The Z Wreck is not just for country twang! Z Talks own dannydny provides a nice example in a recently posted video on Facebook. Look for Danny Dimaina posts. (I tried to insert the video without success.) www.facebook.com/LilMugsy/videos/10153833506178779/
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Post by dixiechicken on Aug 29, 2016 3:45:09 GMT -7
DC here! I have the route 66 with the 2x10" cab - removable backplate - ( had it since 2007) I have the Z-Wreck Combo with a break Lite since about beginning of August If you're into playing blues/classic rock both the above amps will deliver in spades - just about be perfect for that. With a good attenuator - you'll need for small venues. I dont even bother with my pedal board most of the time Just run my guitar straight in - dial in the dirt and solo volume I want. Roll back the volume in my guitar for chording - simple & effective. Miss the reverb sometimes maybe - but the raw sound with the axe straight in like that is almost erotic in it's dirty urgency - With a good cable like the HG Lyric you also keep that percussive attack of your picking. Cheers: Dixiechicken!
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Post by rickyp on Aug 29, 2016 5:16:23 GMT -7
rickyp, I've been through all the amps you mention as well as the new DB4 and ended up with my second ZWreck combo. Every Dr Z I've owned has been great and had its strong points, but I keep coming back to the mighty ZWreck. Now, as my last and only Z left standing, I can say I'm satisfied....completely. The ZWreck combo is extra special in my opinion as I've had the original Quantam Silver set and a head to run with my other cabs. The combo takes a little volume off and has more low's for some odd reason. I suppose the light weight, resonant cab is the culprit. I also disagree about the Brake-Lite not providing enough attenuation for home use. I normally play at home at two clicks. All the way down to 4 clicks for late night. Neighbors have not called the cops yet! Good luck on your decisions! As far as the brake-lite goes, it won't attenuate it enough for me if I really want to push the amp hard at home, especially at night. I'm currently playing a Tone King Imperial, for which I use a Brake Lite SA, and when I really want to push the amp hard, 4 clicks is no where near enough. Now, I also have a Tone King Falcon Grande, with the built in Ironman Attenuator. That amp is perfect for at home practice because I can absolutely crank the volume, and dial the attenuator to -24db, and no one outside my guitar room can hear me. The brake lite doesn't come close to that much attenuation, which is what I would need for the Z-Wreck. I found the brake lite to be ideal in a band situation where I had the luxury of playing loud, and when I ran into a situation where I was too loud, just a click or two on the brake lite, and it was perfect. I think the AirBrake or even Tone King's Ironman Mini would be a better choice for my purposes. Also, in an earlier post, a fella mentioned using an attenuator that has an effects loop. That is something I'd consider heavily, being that I like to have reverb without putting it in front of the amp.
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Post by doctorice on Aug 29, 2016 5:38:10 GMT -7
I think the AirBrake or even Tone King's Ironman Mini would be a better choice for my purposes. Also, in an earlier post, a fella mentioned using an attenuator that has an effects loop. That is something I'd consider heavily, being that I like to have reverb without putting it in front of the amp. I have had good results using the Air Brake with the Z Wreck. (Brake Lite worked for me as well, but I have space where I can play above bedroom level.) I also have a Bad Cat Unleash, which has an effects loop. It functions as an attenuator and an amplifier. I don't think it's currently available; I heard a re-design was in the works. It works fine, but I don't use it much. The Fryette Power Station appears to be a more sophisticated (and expensive) alternative with similar functionality. No experience with that device.
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Post by chaasy89 on Aug 29, 2016 5:40:34 GMT -7
It's been FOREVER since I've posted. I have a 2014 Z Wreck Combo somewhere in the mail system as we speak. Delivery is early September. I'm glad I'm hearing a lot of "home use only" players have had success with this amp in this setting as I hear it's a BEAST. I've got an old brake lite stand alone that I used on my old Maz 8 when I was in an apartment. The z wreck is coming with it's own brake lite. I've gotta ask: What happens when you run 2 brake lites into eachother? I hope the answer is not: Fire.
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Post by sharkboy on Aug 29, 2016 8:45:07 GMT -7
That's certainly not how they are intended to work, but with short enough cables it might be okay. Using attenuators does challenge the whole chain. I use a single Weber and often attenuate fairly heavily at home. I don't think it has an effects loop.
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Post by rickyp on Aug 29, 2016 12:28:43 GMT -7
It's been FOREVER since I've posted. I have a 2014 Z Wreck Combo somewhere in the mail system as we speak. Delivery is early September. I'm glad I'm hearing a lot of "home use only" players have had success with this amp in this setting as I hear it's a BEAST. I've got an old brake lite stand alone that I used on my old Maz 8 when I was in an apartment. The z wreck is coming with it's own brake lite. I've gotta ask: What happens when you run 2 brake lites into eachother? I hope the answer is not: Fire. I don't think it would be a problem. I used my brake lite in conjunction with the Tone King Ironman Attenuator, because I wanted a setting in between -15db and -24db. I even contacted Mark Bartel, the chief designer of Tone King, and he said there's nothing wrong with it.
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Post by Dannydny on Aug 29, 2016 13:20:39 GMT -7
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Post by rickyp on Aug 29, 2016 21:29:57 GMT -7
I need a Z-Wreck in my life!
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Post by dixiechicken on Aug 30, 2016 1:57:15 GMT -7
DC here! rickyp said: Amen to that Cheers Dixiechicken!
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Post by rickyp on Aug 30, 2016 6:35:32 GMT -7
I mean, seriously...this is unbelievable! I'm dying to try one in person.
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drk
New Member
Posts: 31
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Post by drk on Aug 30, 2016 7:08:27 GMT -7
You are right about the amp singing on the high notes. Your tone soars. You can really tell when the second solo plays. Clearly an excellent player, but the tone is nowhere near as rich
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Post by drzplayer on Sept 1, 2016 23:15:41 GMT -7
I mean, seriously...this is unbelievable! I'm dying to try one in person. Thanks bro! This was a demo I did about 4-5 years ago... The z wreck gets pretty mean when cranked up! I love it! Cheers!
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Post by rickyp on Sept 2, 2016 4:15:30 GMT -7
I mean, seriously...this is unbelievable! I'm dying to try one in person. Thanks bro! This was a demo I did about 4-5 years ago... The z wreck gets pretty mean when cranked up! I love it! Cheers! Nice! I've seen a handful of Z-Wreck demos that sounded good, but this one took it to the next level for me. Now that I think about it, I remember watching one of your videos when I was researching which pickups to get for my MJT strat that I was building. Great videos!
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Post by drzplayer on Sept 6, 2016 3:47:18 GMT -7
Thanks bro! This was a demo I did about 4-5 years ago... The z wreck gets pretty mean when cranked up! I love it! Cheers! Nice! I've seen a handful of Z-Wreck demos that sounded good, but this one took it to the next level for me. Now that I think about it, I remember watching one of your videos when I was researching which pickups to get for my MJT strat that I was building. Great videos! Thanks man! Much appreciated!
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