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Post by sonicboom on Apr 20, 2018 7:23:30 GMT -7
This amp is really open. Certainly has a lot more headroom and clean headroom than the Carmen Ghia. Cranks nicely. SUPERB breaking up sound. Overdrive is Tighter and gainier than the Carmen Ghia. Almost fuzz/distortion like when maxed. Im not saying I prefer one of the other just comparing. Different Beasts.
This amp exposes nuances and tonal characteristics from each pedal in a chain. I prefer the antidote for pedals since the differences are less abrupt. But still great if thats what you are looking for. For example a distortion+ MXR is a lot more hairy through the z-28 than through the antidote. You can really hear the germanium open. Still both are great platforms for pedals and you wont be able to crank the antidote at gig volumes unless you have an attenuator.
Great little amp. In my opinion not as dark as many suggest. Brighter than ghia although less compressed and less chimey.
Palm mutes sound a bit weaker.
I play with a super loud drummer and I can attest its headroom sits at a better position making it a more useable platform. Ghia sometimes need to get cranked past the sweet spot to be able to hear yourself with a loud drummer. Not with this one.
Ill keep you posted for more insights.
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Post by simpleton on Apr 20, 2018 20:50:58 GMT -7
Your band is awesome....I always enjoy the sets ive seen with the Antidote....don’t know if I’ve seen any with the Ghia but interesting to hear how the Z28 differs.
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Post by goodez on Apr 23, 2018 6:37:55 GMT -7
That was a really good review. Thanks for posting that.
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Post by digs57 on Apr 23, 2018 17:44:54 GMT -7
Yeah heavy hittin drummer can take it out of 110 ghia...thx for report.
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Post by TelePrankster on Apr 24, 2018 1:39:42 GMT -7
I have both amps and honestly, despite my HUGE love for the Ghia's simplicity and character, I'd always choose a Z-28 as my main platform for gigging. For some specific applications the Ghia seems more appropriate, but generally speaking the Z-28 is a more versatile amp and it takes pedals much better. Clean headroom is much better too! I'm not saying that the Z-28 is a better amp because of that, it just works better as a clean platform. The Ghia's greatness starts to come out when you push it into breakup territory, it's a different amp that cranks in a different, beautiful way. Cleans are great too, but headroom is limited, as you can expect from an amp like that. As a clean platform for pedals, the Ghia works ok but it doesn't seem to take all dirt pedals as well as the Z-28, at least the one I use with my rig.
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Post by trojanhov on Apr 24, 2018 11:51:26 GMT -7
I have both amps and honestly, despite my HUGE love for the Ghia's simplicity and character, I'd always choose a Z-28 as my main platform for gigging. For some specific applications the Ghia seems more appropriate, but generally speaking the Z-28 is a more versatile amp and it takes pedals much better. Clean headroom is much better too! I'm not saying that the Z-28 is a better amp because of that, it just works better as a clean platform. The Ghia's greatness starts to come out when you push it into breakup territory, it's a different amp that cranks in a different, beautiful way. Cleans are great too, but headroom is limited, as you can expect from an amp like that. As a clean platform for pedals, the Ghia works ok but it doesn't seem to take all dirt pedals as well as the Z-28, at least the one I use with my rig. Never played a ghia but after researching and inquiring here I chose the z-28 over the ghia and maz 18 due to clean headroom and its ability to inhale pedals. It’s been great so far!
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Post by bigben55 on Apr 24, 2018 17:00:31 GMT -7
The Z28 REALLY takes pedals well. I mean, I think ALL amps with ample cleans "take pedals," but many times, you'll go thru 6 ODs/dirt pedals to find the one "it likes." I love BF Fender tone, but they're much more picky, especially with fuzz and higher gain. I haven't found a pedal I can't make sound great with the Z28. With strats and teles, I PREFER using pedals with it. As in, always. With humbuckers or some P90s that drive the amp harder, I like to plug and play.
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