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Post by donnoj on Jan 21, 2019 8:43:04 GMT -7
Hello,
Looking for folks who have experience with both amps. I'm looking to purchase my first Z and hear lot's of great things about Z-Lux.
I'm a Strat and sometimes Tele player, amp edge of breakup, cleanish boost for solos player.
Been reading through the forums and watching vids. I recently stumbled upon this videos and am in love with the tone:
My question is, if I get a Z-Lux and install 5881's will I get close to this tone? I'm really interested in the flexibility/features of the Z-Lux and it's lighter weight. However, if I'm only gonna get these bold clean driven tones with an EZG-50, then I'll deal with it.
I'm also curious about the differences in reverb. Does the Z-Lux have the ability to get drippy surf tones?
Of those who have experience with EZG-50, I've read it sounds best with the master and volume cranked. If that is the case, then an attenuator might be needed to tailor the volume, whereas I read the Z-Lux is more flexible buy staying in the sweet spot across volume ranges.
Thanks!
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Post by shiner51 on Jan 22, 2019 5:43:17 GMT -7
It depends on your playing style and the kind of music you play. I have owned both, The EZG-50 was a head version, The Z-lux is a 1x12 Combo. I still have the Z-Lux. I sold the EZG-50 because it was too much amp for my needs. It is super loud and super clean. I play mostly smaller venues and the Z-lux with its 1/2 power switch is plenty for me. It offers a wider range of tones and is very versatile and more flexible . It also has a killer tremolo, and the tone bypass. Its really easy to get breakup tones with the Z-Lux at lower volume levels. The EZG 50 is a great clean platform for pedals because of it has so much headroom and is a great choice if you need a lot of stage volume. I also have Maz-18 and a Z-plus so my preferences tend to favor low powered amps. I am not running 5881s in my Z-Lux but plan on it soon, so I can't comment on tubes. I don't think the reverb on the Z-Lux is as drippy as that on the EZG but it is adequate for my needs.
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Post by Faze on Jan 22, 2019 9:37:41 GMT -7
I had the Z-lux and regretfully sold it. It gets that edge of breakup tone that you are asking about for sure. It does not have that syrupy reverb. Thats the one thing about it that I didnt like. I have a Fender Vibro King and it gets that syrupy reverb but it is heavy to gig with. I currently have a Z-28 now. But the Z-Lux is a fantastic amp. I would def take the Z-lux over the EZ 50. Its lightweight and it sounds great clean and overdriven. Its also got the 20/40 watt option. Its one that got away from me that I still miss.
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Post by donnoj on Jan 24, 2019 8:24:21 GMT -7
I had the Z-lux and regretfully sold it. It gets that edge of breakup tone that you are asking about for sure. It does not have that syrupy reverb. Thats the one thing about it that I didnt like. I have a Fender Vibro King and it gets that syrupy reverb but it is heavy to gig with. I currently have a Z-28 now. But the Z-Lux is a fantastic amp. I would def take the Z-lux over the EZ 50. Its lightweight and it sounds great clean and overdriven. Its also got the 20/40 watt option. Its one that got away from me that I still miss. How did the Z-Lux compare with the Vibro-King? I've heard the Z-Lux is as good, if not better.
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Post by Faze on Jan 24, 2019 8:54:49 GMT -7
I had the Z-lux and regretfully sold it. It gets that edge of breakup tone that you are asking about for sure. It does not have that syrupy reverb. Thats the one thing about it that I didnt like. I have a Fender Vibro King and it gets that syrupy reverb but it is heavy to gig with. I currently have a Z-28 now. But the Z-Lux is a fantastic amp. I would def take the Z-lux over the EZ 50. Its lightweight and it sounds great clean and overdriven. Its also got the 20/40 watt option. Its one that got away from me that I still miss. How did the Z-Lux compare with the Vibro-King? I've heard the Z-Lux is as good, if not better. [ That’s a great question. The Z-lux was the closest amp I have ever had that came close to the Vibro King. It has that big 3D surround sound tone like the Vibro King. It also has the tremolo. The only thing that it did not have is that deep lush reverb that the Vibro King has that’s the only thing about the Z-Lux that I would say I wish was different the spring reverb was not bad but if it had that deep reverb i believe it would be a amp that would be unbeatable. Don’t get me wrong it’s still excellent. It was so close to the Vibro King it was almost like having 2 amps that sound alike. The Z-lux def gets more blackface though the Vibro King has its own thing going on. The Z-Lux also has a nice overdrive tone that you can get without having to kill your ears. The Vibro King starts to break up at about 3-4 and it’s pretty loud. I used to gig my Z -lux just straight in no pedals it’s that good. I messed up selling mine. I wish I would have kept it.
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Post by donnoj on Jan 24, 2019 10:50:08 GMT -7
Thanks for the reply!
Anyone know if there’s a video or sound file comparing the Z-Lux stock vs 5881’s?
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Post by zpilot on Feb 14, 2019 6:48:55 GMT -7
I don't think a video is going to convey the difference adequately. I have a JAZ and have used both types in it. The difference is subtle. More of a feel and response thing than tone. Either way my JAZ sounds great. I'll take a stab at describing it. With the 6V6's it sounds like a FAT Deluxe Reverb. With the 5881's it is more like a Pro Reverb. I used to have a Vibro King. For me it was a great blues/funk amp but not so much for rock. The JAZ does it all well. If you don't already know the JAZ 20/40 is virtually the same amp as a Z-Lux.
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