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Post by captainbeeflat on Jun 3, 2019 13:31:18 GMT -7
Grabbed a Z-28 head today from my local (sole) UK dealer (probably the last 'new' Z-28 head available over here). Still getting used to it but initial impressions are it's a lot brighter than my other Z's but very pedal friendly.
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Post by trojanhov on Jun 3, 2019 13:53:20 GMT -7
Lol u sure it’s brighter than a maz and m12? I consider the z-28 to be more dark than bright?
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Post by Faze on Jun 3, 2019 13:53:54 GMT -7
Congrats awesome amp one of Docs best.
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Jun 3, 2019 16:05:05 GMT -7
Of my therapy zplus, and z28, the z28 is the darkest. I love it, and it does fine with strats and LPs, but I run the bass at 9-12 max. Treble is usually 1-3.
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Post by Ridgeback on Jun 3, 2019 16:45:01 GMT -7
Long time owner here. The 28 is very sensitive to speakers and cabs so try different combinations. I would call it mid-focused, similar to the small bottle Fender brown era amps (Prnceton \ Deluxe). I know it's new but you might want to check the bias just to make sure you have a good starting point. Congratulations.
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Post by bigben55 on Jun 4, 2019 5:37:43 GMT -7
Ridgeback has it right. I have owned 2 and do NOT find it bright, at all. If anything, sometimes I wish it had less low end and more highs. I generally only play strats and teles with it because of this. Definitely have the shop check the bias. Maybe see if it has a 5751 or 12ax7 in V2 and swap vice versa. Speaker choice is all over the place, totally subjective. I like the Z10s in a 2x10 and a G12H30 type 12". YMMV.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2019 5:44:52 GMT -7
Bright is not how I'd describe my Z-28, especially next to a MAZ. I'd check the tubes.
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Jun 4, 2019 5:58:53 GMT -7
As always, I’d swap the tubes out for a fresh set of the Doc’s recommendations. That way you’ll start with a known baseline. www.thetubestore.com/z28-dr-z-packageIMO, biasing issues would affect tone but more in terms of headroom (or lack thereof) than “brightness” (although we all perceive these things a little differently). From there, if still too bright, I’d consider speakers. Edit to add: this sounds like a “new” amp but I’d check with the dealer about what tubes are in there and whether this amp has sat in the inventory room or has been played (demo). Those tubes would have some years on them either way - I don’t know if just sitting would adversely affect any of them (especially the somewhat finicky EF86 that delivers a lot of tone and feel in the Z28.
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Post by captainbeeflat on Jun 4, 2019 6:06:12 GMT -7
Thanks for the input guys. It's still a great amp but 'll order a new set of glassware and then check the bias.
All my Z cabs are the same V30+G12H set-up, which has worked for me so far.
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Jun 4, 2019 6:13:50 GMT -7
Thanks for the input guys. It's still a great amp but 'll order a new set of glassware and then check the bias. All my Z cabs are the same V30+G12H set-up, which has worked for me so far. That speaker set up should be pretty bright. I have the same set for my Therapy.
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Post by DRZ on Jun 4, 2019 13:14:17 GMT -7
Funny you all are bring up the Z 28. I have been working on an updated version a Z -28 MKII. Post Phase Inverter Master Volume, Metro Amps Zero Loss E/F loop, fitted with all rich sounding Jupiter Vintage Coupling Caps, adjusted the circuit for a more balanced response, a touch less low end. I have fitted it in a 2X10 combo cab and love the big full almost 2x12 combo sound.
Z
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Post by trojanhov on Jun 4, 2019 13:16:31 GMT -7
Funny you all are bring up the Z 28. I have been working on an updated version a Z -28 MKII. Post Phase Inverter Master Volume, Metro Amps Zero Loss E/F loop, fitted with all rich sounding Jupiter Vintage Coupling Caps, adjusted the circuit for a more balanced response, a touch less low end. I have fitted it in a 2X10 combo cab and love the big full almost 2x12 combo sound.
Z Doc, any chance you can upgrade MK I z-28’s?! Or sell parts/instructions so a local tech can do it? I’d prefer to send to u but I know it could back u up!
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Post by bigben55 on Jun 4, 2019 14:42:57 GMT -7
I'd be totally down for THAT upgrade! Funny you all are bring up the Z 28. I have been working on an updated version a Z -28 MKII. Post Phase Inverter Master Volume, Metro Amps Zero Loss E/F loop, fitted with all rich sounding Jupiter Vintage Coupling Caps, adjusted the circuit for a more balanced response, a touch less low end. I have fitted it in a 2X10 combo cab and love the big full almost 2x12 combo sound.
Z
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Jun 4, 2019 15:39:55 GMT -7
Doc’s changes sound a bit more complicated than would be in a mod — but what I know about amp building you could put on the head of a pin and still have room for a good osso buco recipe.
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Post by trojanhov on Jun 4, 2019 16:04:52 GMT -7
Doc’s changes sound a bit more complicated than would be in a mod — but what I know about amp building you could put on the head of a pin and still have room for a good osso buco recipe. I don’t need the effects loop. I’ll take the caps and master volume though!
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Post by DRZ on Jun 4, 2019 17:09:05 GMT -7
Doc’s changes sound a bit more complicated than would be in a mod — but what I know about amp building you could put on the head of a pin and still have room for a good osso buco recipe. I don’t need the effects loop. I’ll take the caps and master volume though! Well that's good because the MKII is built on a larger chassis to facilitate the added E/F loop board. So it can't completely be an upgraded mod. I'll see what I can do about an upgrade and what I can offer. Possibly the tone tweaks, the Jupiter cap upgrades, and the added dual ganged Master Volume on the back panel. I'm still working on the release. My question to you all is what about a 2X10 combo release, I know a 2X10 can be a tough sell to some, but the sound is quite amazing and a nice change from a 1X12 combo. I really don't think Fender guys will mind, as the Z -28 is very American voiced amp, likened to a Brown Era Deluxe, and a 2x10 is a very sacred Fender combo configuration. A bigger defused sound than a focused 1X12 , the weight is nearly the same, the foot print on stage is the same, but the sound is fuller and thicker, like a 2x12. Z
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Post by Faze on Jun 4, 2019 17:23:40 GMT -7
I don’t need the effects loop. I’ll take the caps and master volume though! Well that's good because the MKII is built on a larger chassis to facilitate the added E/F loop board. So it can't completely be an upgraded mod. I'll see what I can do about an upgrade and what I can offer. Possibly the tone tweaks, the Jupiter cap upgrades, and the added dual ganged Master Volume on the back panel. I'm still working on the release. My question to you all is what about a 2X10 combo release, I know a 2X10 can be a tough sell to some, but the sound is quite amazing and a nice change from a 1X12 combo. I really don't think Fender guys will mind, as the Z -28 is very American voiced amp, likened to a Brown Era Deluxe, and a 2x10 is a very sacred Fender combo configuration. A bigger defused sound than a focused 1X12 , the weight is nearly the same, the foot print on stage is the same, but the sound is fuller and thicker, like a 2x12. Z Sounds like it makes sense to me Doc. By any chance are you going to use those same alncio speakers as in the Z-Master? Or are you going to go the 2/10 greenback? Just curious as to the speakers you plan on using. Thanks..
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Post by DRZ on Jun 4, 2019 17:32:45 GMT -7
Tried the Z Master Alnico's and didn't really like it with the 6V6 based Z 28. I put in my big magnet Z 10's and amp sounded HUGE . I know a a few guys bought the original Z 28 as a 2X10 and raved about it, maybe they can speak up.
Z
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Post by Faze on Jun 4, 2019 17:46:01 GMT -7
Tried the Z Master Alnico's and didn't really like it with the 6V6 based Z 28. I put in my big magnet Z 10's and amp sounded HUGE . I know a a few guys bought the original Z 28 as a 2X10 and raved about it, maybe they can speak up. Z I trust your ears Doc. I really liked your Z12 speaker in the Z-Lux as well.
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Post by Ridgeback on Jun 4, 2019 18:16:15 GMT -7
You can't improve on perfection. OK...OK maybe you can.
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Post by bigben55 on Jun 4, 2019 18:37:49 GMT -7
I've owned two Z28s. A 2005 2x10 combo(w/Z10s) and my current 2011 1x12 combo, w/Celestion G12H30. I liked the 2x10 a little more. Honestly, the fx loop doesn't matter much "to me," but the less bass/tone changes and DEFINITELY the PPIMV are VERY intriguing. I'd love that! To answer you Doc, I say GO with the 2x10 combo, and maybe see if you can make a lighter cab for it all. Stuff a Reverb tank in there and itd be even MORE awesome!
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Post by goodez on Jun 4, 2019 20:45:46 GMT -7
Please, please, please allow options to upgrade to mkII specs for those of us who just purchased a new z28 within the last year lol. If not all at least some such as the bass reduction, caps, master volume that others have suggested. In regards to the 1x12 vs 2x10 combo, if I had to select one of the two it would be a 2x10”. Like you said, they’re practically the same weight. That’ Such exciting news! Thanks Doc 👍🏼
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Post by trojanhov on Jun 4, 2019 21:19:47 GMT -7
I’d love to even get on a waiting list for upgrades. I dunno. I know it’s hard for Z to upgrade amps and also churn Em out, but man... a z-28 with a ppimv and upgrade caps and voicing would make an amazing amp even better. If there’s a wait list, I want to be on it ASAP!
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Post by bigben55 on Jun 5, 2019 3:08:58 GMT -7
Doc Z, since you're listening, I know it being FIXED bias is an integral part of the Z28. But if you could add external bias test/adjustment points, that would be awesome.
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Post by captainbeeflat on Jun 5, 2019 6:10:22 GMT -7
The 210 discussion had me dragging out a 210 cab I haven't used in a while. It's loaded with a pair of 10" hemp cone speakers (a Lil' Buddy and a Cannabis Rex). I don't use the cab much and was thinking of letting it go but it sounds so good with the Z-28 it's now a keeper!
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Post by KeithA on Jun 5, 2019 6:34:18 GMT -7
But if you could add external bias test/adjustment points, that would be awesome. This would be great
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Post by DRZ on Jun 5, 2019 6:40:47 GMT -7
Doc Z, since you're listening, I know it being FIXED bias is an integral part of the Z28. But if you could add external bias test/adjustment points, that would be awesome. Sorry Ben , not on this update. It would mean a complete chassis redesign do it right, I'm swapping chassis on this upgrade but using an existing chassis from stock. Maybe in a future new product.
Z
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Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2019 7:42:04 GMT -7
I would love Z-28 MKII upgrade no fix loop. My Z-28 came as a 2x10 combo and loved it. I bought the 1x10 convertible cab and put the head in it. Now I can play all kind of gigs small or big rooms no attenuator. A master volume in the back would be great. Your 10’s are awesome.
Cheers, Richard
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Post by bigben55 on Jun 5, 2019 7:59:09 GMT -7
Understand, no biggie. I just find that to be a nice "extra" for us non-amp techs. The PPIMV + less bass tone adjustments are still worth the price of admission to me. I'd gladly pay for that upgrade! I use a Brake Lite and find it ESSENTIAL with the Z28. A PPIMV plus the BL??? That's the ULTIMATE in gig volume flexibility! Doc Z, since you're listening, I know it being FIXED bias is an integral part of the Z28. But if you could add external bias test/adjustment points, that would be awesome. Sorry Ben , not on this update. It would mean a complete chassis redesign do it right, I'm swapping chassis on this upgrade but using an existing chassis from stock. Maybe in a future new product.
Z
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Post by trojanhov on Jun 5, 2019 8:00:58 GMT -7
Doc, does the mod effect the amps mid character?
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