ruby
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Posts: 31
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Post by ruby on May 16, 2019 7:17:52 GMT -7
Hi Guys,
I recently bought a new Z-lux head and i'm very pleased with it but there is one thing bothering me: the reverb.
I'm running the stock tubes that came with it, leaving the footswitch unplugged and diming the reverb knob but i don't seem to be getting half as much of it as i can hear going on in the reviews/demos i hear online.
Does anyone know what could be causing this? Also i hear people talking about changing out the reverb tank or V3 tube to get more juice but it seems you guys are getting all the reverb you need without any of that hassle, plus i don't think the tube has had enough playtime to be busted yet.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Grtz, Ruby.
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Post by scottunzicker on May 16, 2019 7:28:11 GMT -7
Hi Guys, I recently bought a new Z-lux head and i'm very pleased with it but there is one thing bothering me: the reverb. I'm running the stock tubes that came with it, leaving the footswitch unplugged and diming the reverb knob but i don't seem to be getting half as much of it as i can hear going on in the reviews/demos i hear online. Does anyone know what could be causing this? Also i hear people talking about changing out the reverb tank or V3 tube to get more juice but it seems you guys are getting all the reverb you need without any of that hassle, plus i don't think the tube has had enough playtime to be busted yet. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Grtz, Ruby. Ruby - Congrats on the new Z-Lux! I've been a gigging guitar player here in Austin for 20+ years, and the Z-Lux is the best club and recording amp I've ever had. Your info is correct about V3, the reverb driver tube, being particularly important in this amp. I would first have a look and see which tube is in there presently (to make sure things haven't been moved around, etc.), and verify that there is a NOS 6201 in there. When Doc first came out with the Lux, he recommended a NOS 12AT7 but, from what I understand, many of them weren't robust enough to make him happy, hence the switch to the 6201, which is a beefed up version of the AT7. I don't know if you're aware of the Doc's tube recommendation resource, so here you go: drzamps.com/support/tube-info/If you don't have the 6201 in there, not to worry. They are plentiful and relatively inexpensive (~$10, from my experience), and are available from all the usual sources. Here's another thought, have you noticed a difference in reverb performance at varying volume levels? I know when I have the pre-amp volume up (and the master either low or high), the reverb is more present. Also I've noticed a difference when running or not running the "boost" function (the more boost, the more reverb is noticeable without changing the reverb knob). Cheers!
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ruby
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Post by ruby on May 16, 2019 8:16:03 GMT -7
Hi Guys, I recently bought a new Z-lux head and i'm very pleased with it but there is one thing bothering me: the reverb. I'm running the stock tubes that came with it, leaving the footswitch unplugged and diming the reverb knob but i don't seem to be getting half as much of it as i can hear going on in the reviews/demos i hear online. Does anyone know what could be causing this? Also i hear people talking about changing out the reverb tank or V3 tube to get more juice but it seems you guys are getting all the reverb you need without any of that hassle, plus i don't think the tube has had enough playtime to be busted yet. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Grtz, Ruby. Ruby - Congrats on the new Z-Lux! I've been a gigging guitar player here in Austin for 20+ years, and the Z-Lux is the best club and recording amp I've ever had. Your info is correct about V3, the reverb driver tube, being particularly important in this amp. I would first have a look and see which tube is in there presently (to make sure things haven't been moved around, etc.), and verify that there is a NOS 6201 in there. When Doc first came out with the Lux, he recommended a NOS 12AT7 but, from what I understand, many of them weren't robust enough to make him happy, hence the switch to the 6201, which is a beefed up version of the AT7. I don't know if you're aware of the Doc's tube recommendation resource, so here you go: drzamps.com/support/tube-info/If you don't have the 6201 in there, not to worry. They are plentiful and relatively inexpensive (~$10, from my experience), and are available from all the usual sources. Here's another thought, have you noticed a difference in reverb performance at varying volume levels? I know when I have the pre-amp volume up (and the master either low or high), the reverb is more present. Also I've noticed a difference when running or not running the "boost" function (the more boost, the more reverb is noticeable without changing the reverb knob). Cheers! Thank you for the quick reply! I have read the recommendations but i have not checked what kind of tube is in there right now as i assumed it would be the recommended kind being stock and all. The boost is something i never use as i find it adds too much upper mids and makes the sound too shrill for my taste. I do run the amp at a pretty constant volume, both volume and master volume are always at 12 'o clock and i would love to have that full reverb sound at those settings without resorting to the boost pedal. I guess i will try swapping out the tube with a fresh one of the right specifications to see if it makes any noticable difference.. You don't suppose the reverb sound i'm looking for lives in the upper-mid regions do you? Because that would explain a lot, i like to keep my mids at 1/4th or less on the dial and bass + treble around 1/2. Some may call it scooped, i call it round. :-) These would seem to be the tubes available to me: www.tubeampdoctor.com/catalog.php?product_search=6201 Any recommendations? Read more: ztalk.proboards.com/thread/82188/reverb-question#ixzz5o6KDCD9P
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Post by scottunzicker on May 16, 2019 11:21:00 GMT -7
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ruby
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Post by ruby on May 16, 2019 11:56:46 GMT -7
Allright, thanks a bunch for all the tips and info, you are golden. I will check out my current tube first, then maybe try all these things over time and report back with the results!
Great sound and playing btw! Keep the good thing going.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 16, 2019 12:31:18 GMT -7
The Lux has what I'd call a subtle reverb--I keep it at about 10:00-11:00, and even there it's not really noticeable as atmospheric reverb so much as it's just fattening things up a bit. The current version of the Lux won't surf, if that's what you're looking for, though I'm guessing Doc will address that if there are plans for a Lux V2. I know he's beefed up the vrb circuit on the Maz 18 a good bit with the advent of the Mk II; the V1 Maz had the same issue, if you could call it an issue. As a DIY fix, you might also be able to swap the tank for a longer spring version, in addition to swapping tubes.
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on May 16, 2019 15:14:59 GMT -7
The Lux has what I'd call a subtle reverb--I keep it at about 10:00-11:00, and even there it's not really noticeable as atmospheric reverb so much as it's just fattening things up a bit. The current version of the Lux won't surf, if that's what you're looking for, though I'm guessing Doc will address that if there are plans for a Lux V2. I know he's beefed up the vrb circuit on the Maz 18 a good bit with the advent of the Mk II; the V1 Maz had the same issue, if you could call it an issue. As a DIY fix, you might also be able to swap the tank for a longer spring version, in addition to swapping tubes. Wow, that’s something I’ve never thought about, a Z-Luv version II... I consider the Lux to be end-all-be-all, not for every style meaning the heavy stuff, but for pure guitar tone it is in a class by itself IMO. Definitely though provoking.
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Post by GratefulNed on May 23, 2019 19:53:41 GMT -7
Lol Scott the Skylark, that’s awesome. Was packed like a sardine there a couple years ago when visiting Austin. Keep it rockin man.
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Post by scottunzicker on May 24, 2019 6:45:16 GMT -7
Lol Scott the Skylark, that’s awesome. Was packed like a sardine there a couple years ago when visiting Austin. Keep it rockin man. GN - Love that place. We're there about twice a month, usually on a Friday. I've been here in Austin for about 25 years, and it's become one of my favorites, along with the usual suspects (Antone's, the Continental Club, C-Boy's, etc.).
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2019 8:36:11 GMT -7
Ruby - I think the reverb levels correlate to how much signal is getting pushed through the amp, relatively speaking. Also, if you like more of a scooped mid sound, I'd recommend swapping out the 6V6 power tubes with a quad of matched, medium grade Tung-Sol 5881 tubes (no modifications or rebias required). While the change absolutely maintains the Z's characteristic tones, it lends it a very Fendery characteristic (the Doc said it reminded him of a mini-Twin). Below is a YouTube link of the Z-Lux with the 5881s. NOT my best playing (hey, it was our last song of a 3 hour gig, and lets just say that the Skylark Lounge comps way too many drinks. ), but you'll get the gist. Ain't nothing wrong with that solo. I like the simplicity and space all the way through--serving the tune instead of just showing off. Sounds great.
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Post by scottunzicker on May 24, 2019 8:41:56 GMT -7
Ruby - I think the reverb levels correlate to how much signal is getting pushed through the amp, relatively speaking. Also, if you like more of a scooped mid sound, I'd recommend swapping out the 6V6 power tubes with a quad of matched, medium grade Tung-Sol 5881 tubes (no modifications or rebias required). While the change absolutely maintains the Z's characteristic tones, it lends it a very Fendery characteristic (the Doc said it reminded him of a mini-Twin). Below is a YouTube link of the Z-Lux with the 5881s. NOT my best playing (hey, it was our last song of a 3 hour gig, and lets just say that the Skylark Lounge comps way too many drinks. ), but you'll get the gist. Ain't nothing wrong with that solo. I like the simplicity and space all the way through--serving the tune instead of just showing off. Sounds great. Thanks for the kind words, my man. I've never been much of a shredder, and have always tried to play to the song, and not my ego. My heroes are guys like Anson Funderburgh, Derek O'Brien, and Jimmie Vaughan. There are enough "Stevie Ray Vaughanabees" in this town, and I'm both incapable and unwilling to be one of them.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2019 9:03:57 GMT -7
Ain't nothing wrong with that solo. I like the simplicity and space all the way through--serving the tune instead of just showing off. Sounds great. Thanks for the kind words, my man. I've never been much of a shredder, and have always tried to play to the song, and not my ego. My heroes are guys like Anson Funderburgh, Derek O'Brien, and Jimmie Vaughan. There are enough "Stevie Ray Vaughanabees" in this town, and I'm both incapable and unwilling to be one of them. I hear you. I think my inner teenager would love to be able to rip off face-melting solos one after the other, but given my various and, frankly, glaring limitations--ain't gonna happen. You work with what you've got, and a good player knows how to play to their strengths and use those limitations to their best advantage. Personally, at this point, I'll take a tasty, musical solo over a flashy-but-aimless one any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
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Post by scottunzicker on May 24, 2019 10:03:08 GMT -7
Thanks for the kind words, my man. I've never been much of a shredder, and have always tried to play to the song, and not my ego. My heroes are guys like Anson Funderburgh, Derek O'Brien, and Jimmie Vaughan. There are enough "Stevie Ray Vaughanabees" in this town, and I'm both incapable and unwilling to be one of them. I hear you. I think my inner teenager would love to be able to rip off face-melting solos one after the other, but given my various and, frankly, glaring limitations--ain't gonna happen. You work with what you've got, and a good player knows how to play to their strengths and use those limitations to their best advantage. Personally, at this point, I'll take a tasty, musical solo over a flashy-but-aimless one any day of the week and twice on Sunday. We're both old, aren't we? *LOL*
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 24, 2019 12:34:11 GMT -7
I hear you. I think my inner teenager would love to be able to rip off face-melting solos one after the other, but given my various and, frankly, glaring limitations--ain't gonna happen. You work with what you've got, and a good player knows how to play to their strengths and use those limitations to their best advantage. Personally, at this point, I'll take a tasty, musical solo over a flashy-but-aimless one any day of the week and twice on Sunday. We're both old, aren't we? *LOL* So, so old, yeah.
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oowl
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Post by oowl on Jun 12, 2022 18:59:57 GMT -7
Very tasteful playing and wonderful old skool tone. Thanks for the links.
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oowl
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Post by oowl on Jun 13, 2022 10:12:55 GMT -7
...also, is this mkii and do you have the sf/bf switch?
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ruby
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Post by ruby on Jun 14, 2022 2:49:34 GMT -7
It's mk1 so it doesn't have the sf/bf switch but that's ok, replacing V3 with another 12at7wa/6201 did the trick for me. It still won't surf but it doesn't need to, it's excellent for everything else.
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oowl
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Post by oowl on Jun 14, 2022 9:11:49 GMT -7
It's mk1 so it doesn't have the sf/bf switch but that's ok, replacing V3 with another 12at7wa/6201 did the trick for me. It still won't surf but it doesn't need to, it's excellent for everything else. Thanks for additional info, but question was actually for scottunzicker in reference to his video clip above. Sorry bout the confusion.
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Post by scottunzicker on Jun 14, 2022 10:06:53 GMT -7
...also, is this mkii and do you have the sf/bf switch? Heya! Just saw this, so apologies for slow response. This clip is from a few years back, so the Z-Lux was still a mk i. I've since had the mk ii updates (and a new cabinet built), and am glad I did!
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