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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Dec 31, 2017 10:46:55 GMT -7
Welcome to the Forum Francesco! A lot of great people and information here. Doc has two amps that fit the bill for American black-face sounds - The Z-Lux is Doc's take on a Deluxe Reverb; the EZG50 is billed as the head version of the SR that Fender never built. Both the Z-Lux and the SR have 40 LOUD watts of power. The Z-Lux has the added capability of dialing it down to 20 watts with the half power switch.
The ZLux Combo is 42 pounds; the SR combo weighs 65 pounds - definitely not friendly to the person loading it in and out of the gig!
I was at a concert last night at Antone's in Austin Texas - 200-250 person club. The guitar player had a Z-Lux - no problems cutting through the mix or with headroom.
Mike
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Dec 31, 2017 11:43:10 GMT -7
Welcome Francesco, glad to have you join us Dr.Z fan! I agree with Mike about the Z-Lux. I have had mine for 2 1/2 years now and play in a large 'big band' with trumpets, saxophones, trombones, keyboards, vocalists...20 people. I've never needed to use my Z-Lux at full power yet. The half power switch is great. I also play in praise bands and classic rock/blues bands and I've never had the need to bring an extra speaker cab or really turn the amp up anywhere near it's full volume. It's a loud but controllable amp that gets any tone I need. Love mine. Plus like Mike mentioned, it is lightweight for it's ability. Easy to move and sounds truly great.
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Post by Rockerfeller on Dec 31, 2017 11:44:52 GMT -7
The answer you are looking for is YES, yes it is the right amp for your needs!
The Z-Lux is a great amp that will cut through anything and have more than enough power in any situation. The 1/2 power switch makes it the perfect gigging amp: No matter what size room you are in you will be able to turn it up to get the tubes cooking.
The Z-lux has tons of clean headroom in the 40 watt setting, and I find that even the 20 watt setting has great clean headroom for smaller venues. It responds incredibly well to your pick attack and volume knob. You can set it to be dirty, and then roll your volume knob back and it cleans up super nice. That is how I play mine, and I no longer use any dirt pedals at all. The Lux covers clean and dirty very, very well.
The Reverb and Tremolo are stunning. I love this amp!
I have the head, and though it I wouldn't call it light, I don't think it is heavy.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Dec 31, 2017 13:21:30 GMT -7
I've never played a Super Reverb and a Z-Lux combo side by side. But I have owned two Super Reverbs, a 1967 and a 1974, and my Z-Lux blows them away. To be fair, tone is a very subjective thing. And human ears simply cannot remember sounds well enough to compare something heard years ago (or even minutes ago) with another sound. But I would never trade my Z-Lux for a Super Reverb 4x10 amp. The Z-Lux has so much more in terms of fat, full, sweet tone that to me it's no contest. Joe Walsh has called it his favorite amplifier ever, and for good reason. Check out Dave Baker's demos on the Dr.Z website.
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Post by Stephen on Dec 31, 2017 13:28:45 GMT -7
I have both. I love the Super Reverb Reissue, but I never take it anywhere anymore because of the weight.
The Z-Lux gets me cleans, and, with the master volume, dirty too. And it’s portable and built like a tank. The half-full power switch is a big plus.
I can’t comment on the deal because I don’t know the total price or the condition of the amp.
As Dr Z says, “I know you will dig it!”
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Post by Rockerfeller on Dec 31, 2017 17:44:04 GMT -7
Hey guys!!! Thanks a lot for great support, you’re very kind 😊 I found an used Z-Lux Combo at Peach Guitar in UK about 250€ priceless than new. Unfortunately here in Tuscany where I live I have no chance to try Z-Lux fisrt. What do you think? Could be a good deal? Are you sure that Z-Lux combo tone can be compared to a 4x10 Super Reverb? Thanks again!!! I bought mine without ever trying it. I read every review and every online demo. But when I watched Buddy Whittington play one at the Dallas Guita Festival I made my decision. I bought a head site unseen. I wasn't disappointed. It's a great amp. Here's a link to BW show:
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Post by Rockerfeller on Jan 1, 2018 7:31:45 GMT -7
...that’s a great video!! But is it possibile that a lightweight 1X12 combo can produce the same clean headroom as a blackface Super Reverb? It’s so stange to me 😐 That I can not tell you. I do know that on the 40 watt setting it can get very clean and very loud if you want it to. If you go to YouTube and search for Buddy Whittington Dallas Guitar Festival, there are a 6-7 videos of that whole show. You can get a real good view of how this amp sounds in a live setting. Somewhere on this board there is even a photo shot of BW's amp settings for that gig and I believe he dimed the master and ran it on 1/2 power with no pedals. If you like the range of tones you hear from that amp in those videos, you'll love the Z-Lux.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 1, 2018 8:07:18 GMT -7
I never play completely clean, and I don't own a SR, but I've been gigging the Z-Lux for about 18 months with my little blues-rock-r&b band. I run it at moderate volumes with pedals for gain and it's stellar. Always warm and fat--beefy like a Florentine steak! I think if you can find a used one in excellent condition at a subsntial discount off the new price, you'll definitely dig it. The amp so nice I bought it twice! Welcome to the forum and happy new year to you in Tuscany--one of the most beautiful places in the world!
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Post by meanslide on Jan 1, 2018 12:59:15 GMT -7
Check out this thread having to do with blackface tones from the Z-Lux. Mine is the 3rd post down... LinkWelcome to Z-Talk too!
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jan 2, 2018 8:51:06 GMT -7
Happy New Year! I think you'll like it!
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Post by nmz on Jan 2, 2018 19:14:05 GMT -7
I have both a 68’ SR drip edge and the Lux. Lux has a defined bottom end that does not get flubby or muddy. Plenty of clean headroom on 40W and comparable headroom on 20W with a DRRI maybe a touch more. I could easily sell the SR and live with the Lux. I think about this daily to fund my next amp. But I really like having a good fender around the house. Its not a knock on the fender but the Lux wins hands down.
The speakers 4x10 vs 1x12 are a personal preference, so that depends on what you like. That and the fender reverb gets very drippy compared to the Lux. Lux has good reverb but it does not get in the way if that makes any sense.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jan 2, 2018 20:36:38 GMT -7
I have both a 68’ SR drip edge and the Lux. Lux has a defined bottom end that does not get flubby or muddy. Plenty of clean headroom on 40W and comparable headroom on 20W with a DRRI maybe a touch more. I could easily sell the SR and live with the Lux. I think about this daily to fund my next amp. But I really like having a good fender around the house. Its not a knock on the fender but the Lux wins hands down. The speakers 4x10 vs 1x12 are a personal preference, so that depends on what you like. That and the fender reverb gets very drippy compared to the Lux. Lux has good reverb but it does not get in the way if that makes any sense. I think I said one of my SR's was a 1967, but reading your post it must have been a 1968, since it was a drip edge model too. With the CTS Alnico speakers. It was a great sounding amp, but I think the Z-Lux sounds better. I sure won't ever buy another SR...if that's any help. I really think you're going to love this amplifier. It's special.
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Post by doctorice on Jan 4, 2018 6:41:41 GMT -7
Hi folks!! Unfortunately deal with Peach Guitars in UK goes wrong 'cause the amp is setted for UK tension at 240V. The seller told me that for him there's no problem with italian tension at 220V, but my personal amp tech says that this difference could affect tone and clean headroom. The seller says that amps shipped by Doc to UK or European Union have same tension, but I'm not sure and Dr.Z is not answering my messages on FB messenger I'm so sad.... Francesco, try sending an email to repairs@dramps.com. The shop tends to respond very quickly. (I doubt they look at Messenger much.) I also have a Z-Lux and love it. Last time I tried running it a full power indoors I had to turn it down to suit the sound engineer. The amp was not even getting crunchy at that point.
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Post by Rockerfeller on Jan 4, 2018 11:10:32 GMT -7
...hi guys!! This is the Dr.Z support answer. I'm not convinced at all....because I think that an amp born to work at 240v can't do its best at 220v.... What do you think? "Hi Francesco, All Z LUXs use the same power transformer, the difference is in how the primary is configured, either for 120V or 240V. John at Peach is correct, they would have the same amp as 440Hz . Thanks Don Depew DRZ Repairs"If Dr. Z says so, it is so. They know their stuff better than anyone else.
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Post by doctorice on Jan 4, 2018 11:51:59 GMT -7
And the transformers in Z amps are incredibly sturdy.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jan 4, 2018 13:44:33 GMT -7
...hi guys!! This is the Dr.Z support answer. I'm not convinced at all....because I think that an amp born to work at 240v can't do its best at 220v.... What do you think? "Hi Francesco, All Z LUXs use the same power transformer, the difference is in how the primary is configured, either for 120V or 240V. John at Peach is correct, they would have the same amp as 440Hz . Thanks Don Depew DRZ Repairs"You are talking with the people that designed, built and repair Zs for a living - if they say so you can take it to the bank! They are far more knowledgeable than your amp tech. BUY WITH CONFIDENCE.
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Jan 4, 2018 15:20:38 GMT -7
Francesco, most US manufacturers including Fender spec their international products at 220-240V. These amps will all run fine on 220V. You might get a touch more headroom (would be very difficult to notice) if you play in the UK at 240V, but you can’t do anything about your country’s choice of 220V. The SR would also operate at the mercy of your power grid. I’d go for the Z Lux any day over a vintage super, especially if you're playing out in a band. A vintage SR would be cool to have at home though, but not for lugging around. Also, if you’re playing out in big venues and need tons of clean headroom that sounds huge, ahem... I mean YYUUUGE!...., i would look at a 2x12 Twin. But I still think the Lux is your ticket. Cheers!
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jan 5, 2018 9:37:32 GMT -7
I think you're going to be glad. It's a truly great amplifier.
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Post by Easyrom on Jan 5, 2018 10:33:14 GMT -7
I play mine in France, where tension should be 230V (as is should be in Italy, as stated by an European rule). I like it better than any other amp... But I have to admit that the most serious competitors were also Dr Z on 230V (Maz 8, Therapy and Cure – all excellent but the Z-Lux was the one for me). The only comment I've heard (and partially experiment) is that the fan may turn faster at 230V and so, makes a little bit more noise (but also moves a little bit more air ). It surprised me at first, but has never been an issue.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jan 6, 2018 10:09:03 GMT -7
...purchased the used one at Peach Guitars in UK. Guys...thanks a lot for precious help and support!! You make me see more clear. Yesterday I had the opportunity to play a friend of mine original 1965 Super Reverb. What can I say.....I think it’s a great amp and I think have more “in your face sound” as a Z-Lux ‘cause 4x10 are 4x10, but I hope to be satisfied with my new Z-Lux. Thanks again to all you guys!! Peace. Congrats! BTW - there is nothing that says you can't run the Z-Lux through a 4x10 cab! I have a 4x10 Z-28 combo that I have run most of the Zs through at one time or another!
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Jan 6, 2018 10:48:03 GMT -7
Yay! You will definitely impress your friend with your new Lux. He will likely be in the market for one as well. Please post your first impressions when it arrives. And don’t hesitate to ask questions here if any arise. By the way, how long does the journey take?
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Jan 6, 2018 10:57:26 GMT -7
Not bad. It’s 5 days for ground shipping (coast to coast) here in the States. I live on the East Coast and buy a lot from California, so I’m used to the wait. Congrats on the new amp. I’m glad it didn’t get away before you got it.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jan 6, 2018 18:31:43 GMT -7
We're looking forward for you to get it safe and sound. And quickly! Looking forward to your thoughts about it when you've played it a couple of hours. I've got 8 Z amps and every time I plug into my Z-Lux it brings a grin to my face. It's just a fine instrument for gigging and works very well at home too. I've got one Z that I am thinking about selling but the others are staying with me.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jan 12, 2018 8:16:29 GMT -7
Glad that it has worked out for you! In a couple of weeks you'll be searching around for your next Z amp - they can be addictive (just see my avatar to see how I know that )
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Post by JasonM on Jan 12, 2018 9:22:04 GMT -7
Hi guys!! Z-Lux arrived yesterday safe from Peach Guitars UK. Played only a couple of minutes after unboxing. Simply awesome sounding amp as you told me. Not the same volume as a Super Reverb, but same blackface tone. Thanks again for precious support!!! Medium range Tung-Sol 5881s may get you a bit more watts and a an even more Fender like tone. I have been using them for well over a year now with zero issues. They were even given the OK by Dr Z himself. If you love what you are hearing from your new Z-Lux then defiantly stick with the current power tube setup. Just letting you know of other options that you can try out down the road. Enjoy the new amp! "I can't speak for all NOS 5881's, but I have installed a quad of medium range TungSol RI 5881, plug-n-play no bias adjust, and they sounded great. Much more Fender like in its tone, like a mini Fender Twin reverb ... sort of. A bit more bite, cleaner overall, and an increase in power." Z
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Post by JasonM on Jan 12, 2018 13:01:00 GMT -7
Ya as for more headroom/volume out of the Z-Lux I would consider adding another 1X12 or 2x10 cab to the mix with a really efficient speaker in it. I don't know if it would get you to where you need to be but I don't see different power or preamp tubes adding to much more clean headroom if you are needing a lot more.. I am sure others will chime in with more knowledge on the subject than me!
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Post by Rockerfeller on Jan 14, 2018 7:23:40 GMT -7
Hi guys!!! Yesterday my first gig with Z-Lux with my blues/rock trio. What can I say.....wow!!! Incredible sounding amp, the sound was really under my fingers!! Take pedals great even if I used less than usual with this amp!!! I think I don't need a Super Reverb I'm so happy!! Thanks again to you all guys. My experience with Dr. Z amps is that they are made for the stage. Sure, they sound fantastic in the practice room, but all the ones I have owned (Wreck, Remedy and a Zlux) sound best in a live situation with bass, drums and other instruments in the mix.
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Jan 14, 2018 9:09:06 GMT -7
Totally agree with Rockerfeller, Doc’s designs ALWAYS cut through no matter what. But they do so without giving you and your audience listeners fatigue. Glad the Lux arrived and that you are enjoying it!
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Post by JasonM on Jan 14, 2018 9:49:15 GMT -7
Glad you liked it and it worked out!
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Post by meanslide on Jan 14, 2018 13:13:23 GMT -7
Does the buzz sound come from the speaker or is it something in the cab buzzing? First thing would be to go over all the bolts and screws on the amp and make sure they're snug. If it's coming from the speaker, could be a tube...
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