Good Strat/Blues amp?

[phil0333]

Just curious how the DB4 is with a Strat (with Lollars)?  I'm a blues guy first and foremost so I'm wanting something that will do SRV/Hendrix stuff all the way into rock and country.  From the demos, this seems like the ticket.  Just curious if you can get that fat thump you get when you pop that low e string on a strat. 

I'm not sure if that makes a lot of sense.   I want something that sounds amazing with or without pedals (ocassional reverb, chorus, OD is all I use)

thanks!

[phil0333]

I know the CURE is a totally different animal, but would it be more what I'm looking for (I know they are far far apart, but I'm just looking at what my local shop has and they have one of those too)

[Jaguarguy (Mike)]

Play them to see if you like one better than the other.

[Faze]

Z-Lux is a really huge 3D like blooming amp no pedals needed real clear and clean with excellent clean tone with reverb and trem.
The variable boost can get some nice crunch tones. The Z-Lux literally shrunk my pedal board. I hardly ever use them with it.

[phil0333]

Thanks!. I plan on playing them, but I wanted your impressions of the DB4 with a strat. I have a feeling if I plug into it, my pockets are going to get lighter in a hurry.

[Faze]

Mar 13, 2017 18:23:51 GMT -7 phil0333 said:

Thanks!. I plan on playing them, but I wanted your impressions of the DB4 with a strat. I have a feeling if I plug into it, my pockets are going to get lighter in a hurry.

Oh sorry I have no clue about the DB4 Never played one. 

[phil0333]

All good. How do you think the CURE is for a strat/overdrive blues amp?

[Deleted]

There isn't a whole lot about the DB4 out there. That's because everyone is too busy playing them.

I like warm, dirty, fat yet tight amps. The DB4 is perfect for that. You truly have to play a 5879 front end to appreciate it.

[Deleted]

Depends a lot on your price range and how much power you're looking for.  The EZG 50 will definitely deliver those big, SRV tones, especially with an OD pushing the front end a bit.  The Z-Lux will get there, too, no problem.  I played a DB4 briefly a few months ago, A/B-ed with the Z-Lux, and while it's a very good amp I ended up going home with the Lux.  I ended up preferring the Z-Lux because I wanted a master volume and a full EQ stack--also I liked the Lux's reverb--plus I dug its thick tones at just about any volume.  The sales guy at the store raved about the DB4, though--he's a Tele guy gigging in a country band, iirc. 

[doctorice]

No DB-4 experience here. Z-Lux with Strat works great for what you're seeking. My last gig was Strat (w Lollars) into a King of Tone into Z-Lux. KoT not always on, mostly used for leads. Set list was blues and classic rock: Albert and Freddie, Duane, Eric, etc.

In my experience, the Cure and the MAZ 18 are also well suited to this music. I haven't gigged the MAZ in quite a while, but the Cure is an outstanding value and very well suited to live performance.

[Faze]

Mar 13, 2017 19:02:04 GMT -7 phil0333 said:

All good. How do you think the CURE is for a strat/overdrive blues amp?

Def a great amp that can cover both Blackface and tweed type tones. It don't have the 3D fullness and  thickness of the Z-lux.
But it does have its own thing going on it really is a awesome little amp with surprising power for its wattage.
With the level control you really have a great home amp as well. Its just a very cool amp that the Doc came up with.
The overdrive on it is really great as well with that boost.   I could def see that working for you plus its lightweight.

[phil0333]

Thanks for all the input. I went with the Cure. I think it's a better option for my purposes. I can't wait to get home and put it through it's paces. Much much easier on the wallet as well.

[doctorice]

Mar 14, 2017 13:45:10 GMT -7 phil0333 said:

Thanks for all the input. I went with the Cure. I think it's a better option for my purposes. I can't wait to get home and put it through it's paces. Much much easier on the wallet as well.

Congrats! Try winding the Volume knob up fairly high, like 2 o'clock or so, and use the vol pot on your Strat. The boost / eq bypass is great. I usually have the volume knob on the foot switch about half way. YMMV.

[Faze]

I was playing my cure today with these settings and using the boost all the way up.
I was getting some serious gain and overdrive tones. Pretty loud though.
BTW Congrats on the Cure great choice!
Volume max
treble 1
middle 11
bass 11
master 2
level 12

[phil0333]

Thanks, I'll try those settings. So far, I'm definitely impressed. Easy to dial in a good tone. I seem to like dropping out the mids, but that will probably change when I can really turn it up. I've only been able to use it at "the wife is sleeping" volume.

thanks again! i'll take any further posts to where they belong, the Cure section of the forum!

PHil

[Norrin Radd]

Mar 14, 2017 21:40:42 GMT -7 phil0333 said:

Thanks, I'll try those settings. So far, I'm definitely impressed. Easy to dial in a good tone. I seem to like dropping out the mids, but that will probably change when I can really turn it up. I've only been able to use it at "the wife is sleeping" volume.

thanks again! i'll take any further posts to where they belong, the Cure section of the forum!

Phil

Greg:  Yeah - congrats on getting the Cure, Phil!  Fantastic little amp.  I have to admit it's got my very curious.....

Greg's DB4:  Gar!  Get yer fancy little cute amp talk over to the right section of the forum and outta my salty bay, you scurvy dog!  

(Ok  - so I guess my DB4 is a little more pirate than I expected)     (....searches internet for stick on skull and crossbones amp logos....)