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Post by ineedtherapy (Stuart) on Aug 30, 2019 6:57:16 GMT -7
I only keep two amps at a time. It’s a general rule that keeps my wife happy and bank account balanced. Right now I’m in the process of deciding the two amps I want...
Keeper: Z Wreck
Considerations for number 2: Mazerati GT (currently own) Carmen Ghia (currently own) Z Lux (owned a Jaz in the past) Z Master Therapy (owned two of these over time)
I’m thinking I want the second one to be a 6v6 or 6l6 amp in order to keep some variation. But... my Carmen Ghia and Mazerati GT are both amazing amps and the Z Master is a pricey little devil.
Those of you who have experience with the Z Master and some of the considerations above, what are your thoughts?
I know the Z Master is different and the list of considerations is pretty broad stroked. I’m not sure i can or want to drop $3k on an amp and I haven’t seen a used Z Master pop up yet so that plays heavily into my consideration. But, if the Z Master is the end all be all of the Doc’s American style amps, maybe I can convince myself.
When the Z Master was announced, I knew I had to have it. I didn’t know the price tag would put me out of the running at that time. It’s not an unfair one, it’s just been outside my range for a while.
I don’t necessarily need trem and verb. I play a lot of slide and rock/folk rock type stuff if that helps.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Aug 30, 2019 8:23:39 GMT -7
If it were me I'd do the following (and I have all the amps you have listed)
1) Z Master (it's that good - there's a reason there are no used ones yet). 2) Maz GT (it's that much fun and different from ZM - but get a MV mod). 3) Carmen Ghia (everyone needs at least one CG!) 4) Z Wreck 5) Z Lux 6) Therapy
Of course, you don't have an Antidote listed which is one of my favorite Zs.
If you are near S.E. Michigan - you could test out the Z Master and all the others during Mini ZFest on Sept. 21 at my place.
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Post by Alan M (aka 'Milky') on Aug 30, 2019 8:50:33 GMT -7
If it were me I'd do the following (and I have all the amps you have listed)1) Z Master (it's that good - there's a reason there are no used ones yet).2) Maz GT (it's that much fun and different from ZM - but get a MV mod).3) Carmen Ghia (everyone needs at least one CG!)4) Z Wreck5) Z Lux6) TherapyOf course, you don't have an Antidote listed which is one of my favorite Zs.If you are near S.E. Michigan - you could test out the Z Master and all the others during Mini ZFest on Sept. 21 at my place. I always agree with everything Mike says!! (PS. Everybody NEEDS a Ghia!! )
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2019 9:01:41 GMT -7
As a contrast to the Wreck, I'd go with either a Lux or a Z-Master. If you're playing out at all, the Lux will be your new best friend.
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Post by sharkboy on Aug 30, 2019 9:11:30 GMT -7
I don’t think there is a bad choice available, but the Nova would also be on my list of ponderables. All of this comes down to the flavor you really want. My #2 Z is a Route66 and it is a different tone flavor, but just as awesome as the ZWreck.
I think my Z list has been stable at 3 for a while, but there are huge temptations.
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Post by ineedtherapy (Stuart) on Aug 30, 2019 10:29:55 GMT -7
These are all serious considerations to take in. There is the possibility of keep the Ghia (I’ve considered swapping it into the head cab my Monza is in and making the Monza a 112 combo) and getting a third amp that isn’t the Z Master. I could just wait another year or two for someone to have some reason pop up for letting one move on to a new home. I have considered the Route 66 and they can be had fairly inexpensively now days. So many decisions!
Hearing that the Z Master is that good has me more curious though. I absolutely need to get myself some place where I can take a test drive. I’d considered the possibility of coming up for the mini z fest, but I don’t know if it’s in the books. We just sold our house (literally an hour ago), have a trip in the books for Red Rocks in a couple of weeks (Jason Isbell and David Crosby), then have a second kiddo on the way for the end of November/beginning of December.
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Post by perryr on Aug 30, 2019 13:11:49 GMT -7
Zwreck is a keeper, check, Love my Zwreck!
#2 needs to be diff And you already have an amazing EL84 amp so I’d opt for something not EL84.
I have been using a Zmaster for close to 4mo, previously was using Zwreck Combos. I still carry a Zwreck Combo as my backup, and if it’s a big room or outdoors I’ll use both. I only mic the Zmaster, but man it’s nice adding the Zwreck cause it brings that top end EL84 thing, it’s a nice blend.
The Zmaster also has those alnico 10’s which really sets it apart from the Celestion or even the 12” sound in general. It’s a very different delivery and I’m liking it a lot. It’s not as beamy, it mics nice, I can get it so it sounds loud enough to me (without tilting it), but out front it’s not as in your face as a single 12 Celestion can be. Plus the tone is great, Zmaster has its own thing, very cool.
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Post by Rhythmark on Aug 30, 2019 14:33:05 GMT -7
I have 4 zs unintentionally. I had to have a wreck again and it stays. The zmaster is a tasty beast and I dont see it going. My zlux just has a great sound too. Then my cure always surprises me and I wonder why the others? I let my ghia go cause to me its not a favorite. I wonder if mine could have had older tubes? Who knows i didnt bond. But the cure was it for a smaller amp! Love that thing. So Im selling my Super Reverb. But it’s difficult to do .
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Post by Stephen on Aug 30, 2019 15:25:16 GMT -7
I don’t know what I would do without my Z-Lux. But my Maz 18 MKII is a close second.
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Aug 30, 2019 15:57:24 GMT -7
Lux!
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Aug 30, 2019 17:46:24 GMT -7
I have 4 zs unintentionally. I had to have a wreck again and it stays. The zmaster is a tasty beast and I dont see it going. My zlux just has a great sound too. Then my cure always surprises me and I wonder why the others? I let my ghia go cause to me its not a favorite. I wonder if mine could have had older tubes? Who knows i didnt bond. But the cure was it for a smaller amp! Love that thing. So Im selling my Super Reverb. But it’s difficult to do . I had a beautiful drip edge silverface Super Reverb (with CTS alnicos too), and I sold it when I found Z. I've never missed it, not once.
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Post by Rhythmark on Aug 30, 2019 18:13:03 GMT -7
I have 4 zs unintentionally. I had to have a wreck again and it stays. The zmaster is a tasty beast and I dont see it going. My zlux just has a great sound too. Then my cure always surprises me and I wonder why the others? I let my ghia go cause to me its not a favorite. I wonder if mine could have had older tubes? Who knows i didnt bond. But the cure was it for a smaller amp! Love that thing. So Im selling my Super Reverb. But it’s difficult to do . I had a beautiful drip edge silverface Super Reverb (with CTS alnicos too), and I sold it when I found Z. I've never missed it, not once. I know one thing - I won’t miss moving it!!
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Post by ineedtherapy (Stuart) on Aug 30, 2019 18:57:26 GMT -7
By happenstance, I was doing a guitar trade this evening and the guy had a 15 watt (I think) Magnatone. I was really impressed. I’ve never considered getting anything other than a Z, but that amp has me reconsidering.
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Post by T-R☼CK ♫ on Aug 30, 2019 19:45:56 GMT -7
Man... if you own a Z Wreck & a Ghia... and you can only have two amps..............
I'm sorry, what was your question?
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Post by pcns on Aug 30, 2019 20:28:55 GMT -7
Man... if you own a Z Wreck & a Ghia... and you can only have two amps.............. I'm sorry, what was your question? my vote right there
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Post by ineedtherapy (Stuart) on Aug 31, 2019 5:47:28 GMT -7
And if I could own three amps?
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Post by LT on Aug 31, 2019 7:34:00 GMT -7
The ZM is fantastic and would fill the bill for your described style of music. I agree with some of the comments that you should also consider the Nova, as it has a great OD channel which will enable you to leave your OD pedal at home. Can't go wrong with either.
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Post by ineedtherapy (Stuart) on Aug 31, 2019 9:38:37 GMT -7
The ZM is fantastic and would fill the bill for your described style of music. I agree with some of the comments that you should also consider the Nova, as it has a great OD channel which will enable you to leave your OD pedal at home. Can't go wrong with either. for the price of a second hand Nova right now, I can grab a secondhand Z Lux. If I compare the two, I feel like the Z Lux would win out. Am I missing something on the Nova? I’m not sure why, but the Galaxie/Nova is an amp that has never appealed to me. Again, I don’t know why that is and it’s probably silly that I not at least give it a whirl.
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Post by trojanhov on Aug 31, 2019 10:22:25 GMT -7
I had a z-28 for 8 years as my one and only amp. When I got the z-lux in on trade, I traded the z-28 for my protocaster Tee Type. The z-28 is one of the best amps I’ve played and I do miss it, but having the tele is more useful to me and I find it one of the best teles I’ve held. The z-lux Is a special special amp. The reverb isn’t super drippy which is what I prefer anyway, the trem is awesome, and on 20 or 40 watts with an awesome mv, it’s easier for me to tame at home and at gigs. It’s the ultimate amp and my desert island amp.
I’ve played many nice amps as most of you have. Two-Rock Classic reverbs, benson monarch, plenty fender deluxe reverbs, vox, Marshall, etc etc. the z-lux just wins out for me. A close second is the z-28. Ive yet to play the other z amps, but there just isn’t a dealer close enough to me for me to make the trek.
The z lux just has this power and force about it that I love. Plenty of bass and treble on tap and the ability to tame those frequencies including a middle control as well.
Good luck making a decision!
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Post by ineedtherapy (Stuart) on Aug 31, 2019 10:32:32 GMT -7
As badly as I want a Z Master, I’m thinking I’m going to try and hunt down a Z Lux for the time being. I definitely need to visit with Don in Kentucky to give his a test drive first.
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Post by T-R☼CK ♫ on Sept 1, 2019 6:13:06 GMT -7
And if I could own three amps? Now you're set.
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Post by ineedtherapy (Stuart) on Sept 1, 2019 7:33:22 GMT -7
I had the Remedy and loved it, but I had a really hard time getting cleans I liked. It’s absolutely one of my favorite Zs to this day, but I would want to find a good clean 6v6/6l6 amp (I would even consider the z plus).
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Post by markT on Sept 2, 2019 7:57:15 GMT -7
ZMaster is my only Z amp at the moment. ‘Nuff said! Have owned all the ones you speak of. ZMaster clicks all boxes for me.
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Post by Rhythmark on Sept 2, 2019 10:06:01 GMT -7
Ive been back on my zmaster and I love it! Such a full sound!
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Post by John on Sept 3, 2019 4:49:52 GMT -7
Ghia..... and whatever else you want.
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Post by Faze on Sept 4, 2019 17:08:49 GMT -7
I have had some of the same amps you have had. the remedy the therapy and the ghia and sold them. I also had the z-lux and sold it as well. The Z-Master is the only Z amp I own as well. Its just something different and unique. The Z-Lux is an amp that I wish I still had though... I would still go with the Z-master based on your comments.
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Post by ineedtherapy (Stuart) on Sept 4, 2019 17:54:02 GMT -7
I have had some of the same amps you have had. the remedy the therapy and the ghia and sold them. I also had the z-lux and sold it as well. The Z-Master is the only Z amp I own as well. Its just something different and unique. The Z-Lux is an amp that I wish I still had though... I would still go with the Z-master based on your comments. Cash is currently holding me back, but that shouldn’t be too much of an issue for much longer. However, the real barrier is waiting to see what new amps Doc is bringing out at the end of the year. If he does a head version of the Jetta and Z28 mkii, I may be in the game for two amps instead of one.
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Post by djcakadave on Sept 4, 2019 23:15:39 GMT -7
I have a Cure and A Z28 and a Z Master I only turn on the Z Master the other two are gathering dust!
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Post by tonezone66 on Mar 14, 2021 10:45:38 GMT -7
By happenstance, I was doing a guitar trade this evening and the guy had a 15 watt (I think) Magnatone. I was really impressed. I’ve never considered getting anything other than a Z, but that amp has me reconsidering.
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Post by tonezone66 on Mar 14, 2021 10:46:22 GMT -7
By happenstance, I was doing a guitar trade this evening and the guy had a 15 watt (I think) Magnatone. I was really impressed. I’ve never considered getting anything other than a Z, but that amp has me reconsidering. What Magnatone model did you try?
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