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Post by rhinoman on Apr 3, 2019 10:56:08 GMT -7
A short story about a Route 66 I found on the Guitar Center Used site:
I was shopping for a Route 66 about a year and a half ago. I had one maybe 15 years ago and then only for a short time but the amp made a strong impression on me and I was looking at getting more seriously into Z. I found a used Route 66 on the Guitar Center Used site and and bought it. It was listed in "GOOD" condition.
When the amp arrived I could see the the upper screen was missing and the back screen was held on by only two screws. I wasn't terribly worried about that and plugged the amp in. I was stunned to hear such a timid and quiet Route 66! It worked but it sounded weak and ill defined. Definitely not what I remembered from my previous time with that model. I dropped the amp off at my tech and he got back to me to tell me that the amp was running 5881s and that someone had replaced the transformer with a much smaller model....WHAT!?!?!?!?!
I picked up the amp and returned it to my local Guitar Center (My tech does their amp work too) and explained that someone had completely changed the amp and that it wasn't even close to being a legit Dr Z at this point. They took the amp back without complaining and the sales guy said, "Wow, this is cool. I've always wanted to try one of these." I told him that even if he played that amp that he'd still have never played a Route 66!
I went back to that Guitar Center 2 weeks later and the amp was sitting there for sale at the same price I paid before, with the same problems....man, not cool.
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Post by "Z" Steve on Apr 3, 2019 11:36:22 GMT -7
Talk about full disclosure. Did you bring it to anyone's attention, or was there any remarks noted on the "sale" tag?
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Post by rhinoman on Apr 3, 2019 11:41:30 GMT -7
Talk about full disclosure. Did you bring it to anyone's attention, or was there any remarks noted on the "sale" tag? Yep, I pointed it out to two of the sales guys there. I told them that I explained it all before when I returned it. I think they simply did not care. The true shame is that people will make an assumption about Dr Z based on that amp. I find it inexcusable.
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Post by "Z" Steve on Apr 3, 2019 11:46:18 GMT -7
There's always Yelp or "customer reviews" on the GC website. But I know what you're talking about.
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Post by Faze on Apr 3, 2019 17:35:17 GMT -7
Typical Guitar Center move. I have bought used Z amps from them before and also other used amps from them but it's always a crap shoot. And don't even get me started on UPS. Even my guy at GC has told me horror stories about UPS and how they have damaged so much gear shipping for GC. I bought a Marshall combo from them once and the whole chassis was hanging loose when I opened up the box from UPS. Im not sure if it was GC or UPS but I ended up returning it and they had it out on the floor for the same price the next day.
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timd
Junior Member
Posts: 65
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Post by timd on Apr 3, 2019 19:48:28 GMT -7
Is that Rt 66 still at your local GC? I recently bought one from GC online (came from somewhere down south, can't recall) and it's condition matches your description. I was able to get a discount due to the incorrect tubes and purchased a new set of KT66 but the amp sounds "off"
I have been trying to send it to Z for repair but can't get anyone to return my emails or a voice mail that I left.
I'm a little frustrated at this point.
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Post by rhinoman on Apr 3, 2019 20:32:15 GMT -7
It was in the Guitar Center in Eugene, Oregon. I haven't been there since that time over a year ago. I hope you didn't end up with that thing....you could see extra holes in the chassis where the bigger, original transformer sat.
I seriously hope you can return it if it's the one I'm talking about. Yikes!
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Apr 3, 2019 20:35:10 GMT -7
Is that Rt 66 still at your local GC? I recently bought one from GC online (came from somewhere down south, can't recall) and it's condition matches your description. I was able to get a discount due to the incorrect tubes and purchased a new set of KT66 but the amp sounds "off" I have been trying to send it to Z for repair but can't get anyone to return my emails or a voice mail that I left. I'm a little frustrated at this point. The Z site was hacked recently. Try this address : drzrepairs@gmail.com You might also want to call Don in repairs at this number: (216) 475-1962
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timd
Junior Member
Posts: 65
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Post by timd on Apr 4, 2019 3:52:21 GMT -7
That's the contact info I've used, both email and phone.
I'm going to try and call again later today.
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timd
Junior Member
Posts: 65
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Post by timd on Aug 31, 2020 5:35:25 GMT -7
Just to bump up this necro thread....
I'm fairly certain the Rt66 I bought is the same one that Rhino had experience with. This poor beast was in sorry shape and matched his descriptions to a T. I sent it off to Cleveland for a restoration and they were ablet o get it back to spec. Between the initial price paid and the cost of the amp, I'm into it a little more than I wanted but it just gives me more reason to not sell it. I made a wooden valance for it and run it with a Zbest loaded with greenbacks. Pretty solid rig! Unfortunately, I've only been able to gig it once...
I have a NOS 5U4 and a Tungsram EF86 on the way. After having it over a year, it's time to try some different tubes.
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Post by ME on Aug 31, 2020 5:59:07 GMT -7
I enjoyed my Route 66. Great tone. I miss it, but I do that with all the great gear that has passed through my hands. ME
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timd
Junior Member
Posts: 65
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Post by timd on Aug 31, 2020 8:58:16 GMT -7
I enjoyed my Route 66. Great tone. I miss it, but I do that with all the great gear that has passed through my hands. ME I beleive that's a common occurrence! There's a ton of great gear I'd love to revisit....
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Post by rhinoman on Dec 5, 2020 9:54:38 GMT -7
Just to bump up this necro thread.... I'm fairly certain the Rt66 I bought is the same one that Rhino had experience with. This poor beast was in sorry shape and matched his descriptions to a T. I sent it off to Cleveland for a restoration and they were ablet o get it back to spec. Between the initial price paid and the cost of the amp, I'm into it a little more than I wanted but it just gives me more reason to not sell it. I made a wooden valance for it and run it with a Zbest loaded with greenbacks. Pretty solid rig! Unfortunately, I've only been able to gig it once... I have a NOS 5U4 and a Tungsram EF86 on the way. After having it over a year, it's time to try some different tubes. Man, I'm sorry that you ended up being the one to get bitten by that amp....but I'm also happy to hear that it's now getting the job done for you and that the poor excuse for a Route 66 (as it sat) isn't giving others a false impression of one of the best amps ever made!
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