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Post by DRZ on Apr 1, 2020 17:23:08 GMT -7
Worked on the Z 28 MKII the past couple of lock-out days. Very promising , more info to follow.
Z
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Post by bubs42 on Apr 1, 2020 17:57:07 GMT -7
Just stop, I can't take it!
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Z 28 MKII
Apr 1, 2020 20:35:34 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by goodez on Apr 1, 2020 20:35:34 GMT -7
I had this sliver of inclination that’s what you might be up to.
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Post by trojanhov on Apr 1, 2020 20:56:30 GMT -7
Gonna have to start making funds for one.
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Post by DRZ on Apr 2, 2020 2:43:55 GMT -7
OK guys I'm up early ,( as always ) and feel like posting, so here goes. First ,I must say many might not be happy with the direction of this MKII has taken. But it sure is fun for me to explore variations in my older designs, if the outcome is great tone.
The master Volume upgrade to the Z 28 MKII wasn't to my liking . My unique Dual Ganged PPIVMV circuit works best in a self biasing , cathode biased amp setup. I won't go into the details of why , but if you study the Ken Fischer Master Volume Mod #1 you'll understand . With that being said I changed the Z 28 to Cathode Bias and improved the effect on the MV. That wasn't the only major change. To maintain the 28 watt output Cathode Biased I installed Tung-Sol 5881's , wonderful sounding tubes, rich in early Americana tone. To support those tubes I swapped the Output Transformer to the original spec'd Triad wound unit, such a great OT. I installed the chassis in a 2X10 combo cab loaded with my custom built Alnico , paper former, split cone 10 inch speakers, rich and smooth are words that come to mind. Something about a 2X10 that I have always liked in a combo. Be it the twenty inches of combined cone, or the special beat note that is generated by two speakers mounted to the same baffle, or the immediate response of 10 inch speakers.
I also tweaked the EF 86 circuit for a touch more gain, to accommodate the Master Circuit, but didn't lessen the wonderful clean tone. All in all the the Master Volume makes for much more useable and flexible amp. The 5881's are full and stout with all that early Fender style output. The Triad OT is unlike any other in it's vintage reproduction of Guitar tone. The two Alnico tens make for a light big sounding sound source . The EF 86 is much more lively . And the self biasing circuit is a welcome addition to most.
Now all I need is a couple critical testers to suss the design out, maybe add a few tweaks and we'll have a nice new addition to the Z line. More info will follow, but I must say this is not going to be an upgradable mod, way too many changes as well as a new larger chassis.
Z
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Post by Deleted on Apr 2, 2020 4:28:08 GMT -7
Sounds awesome! Loved the Z-28.01. I knew there was a reason I was still hanging onto all those EF86's I'd bought online...
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Apr 2, 2020 6:16:07 GMT -7
Wow, sweet! (My mind is thinking maybe a "brown-faced" evolution of the "tweed" Z-Master. I could be entirely wrong here, though.) DRZ, I've heard you say before that you had always loved the 2x10 Z28, so this new development seems to make sense. Can you comment on whether you're aiming to put this in your "standard/lightweight" MAZ-sized combo cab? This could be a killer versatile amp.
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Post by bubs42 on Apr 2, 2020 6:20:17 GMT -7
I'm still digging it even with all the changes. Doc, can't wait til you can get some ears on that amp. I'm a fan of 10's but I have to say the Z28 into a 1265 variant is pretty darn tasty!
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Post by lowbudget on Apr 2, 2020 7:01:08 GMT -7
Cathode bias?
Awwww man, I thought I had all I needed for a while...
This changes everything for me since I’m not much into amp fiddling nor trips to my local tech. Guess I better start making some room for a newbie!
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Post by DRZ on Apr 2, 2020 7:15:35 GMT -7
Wow, sweet! (My mind is thinking maybe a "brown-faced" evolution of the "tweed" Z-Master. I could be entirely wrong here, though.) DRZ , I've heard you say before that you had always loved the 2x10 Z28, so this new development seems to make sense. Can you comment on whether you're aiming to put this in your "standard/lightweight" MAZ-sized combo cab? This could be a killer versatile amp. Yes that is exactly what I'm thinking. But let's not jump too far ahead as I have couple of releases earmarked before this one, and the Z Wreck Jr. still needs some time front and center. Did you see the new Z Wreck Jr add in GP this month ? Z
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Post by Deleted on Apr 2, 2020 7:40:16 GMT -7
OK guys I'm up early ,( as always ) and feel like posting, so here goes. First ,I must say many might not be happy with the direction of this MKII has taken. But it sure is fun for me to explore variations in my older designs, if the outcome is great tone. The master Volume upgrade to the Z 28 MKII wasn't to my liking . My unique Dual Ganged PPIVMV circuit works best in a self biasing , cathode biased amp setup. I won't go into the details of why , but if you study the Ken Fischer Master Volume Mod #1 you'll understand . With that being said I changed the Z 28 to Cathode Bias and improved the effect on the MV. That wasn't the only major change. To maintain the 28 watt output Cathode Biased I installed Tung-Sol 5881's , wonderful sounding tubes, rich in early Americana tone. To support those tubes I swapped the Output Transformer to the original spec'd Triad wound unit, such a great OT. I installed the chassis in a 2X10 combo cab loaded with my custom built Alnico , paper former, split cone 10 inch speakers, rich and smooth are words that come to mind. Something about a 2X10 that I have always liked in a combo. Be it the twenty inches of combined cone, or the special beat note that is generated by two speakers mounted to the same baffle, or the immediate response of 10 inch speakers. I also tweaked the EF 86 circuit for a touch more gain, to accommodate the Master Circuit, but didn't lessen the wonderful clean tone. All in all the the Master Volume makes for much more useable and flexible amp. The 5881's are full and stout with all that early Fender style output. The Triad OT is unlike any other in it's vintage reproduction of Guitar tone. The two Alnico tens make for a light big sounding sound source . The EF 86 is much more lively . And the self biasing circuit is a welcome addition to most. Now all I need is a couple critical testers to suss the design out, maybe add a few tweaks and we'll have a nice new addition to the Z line. More info will follow, but I must say this is not going to be an upgradable mod, way too many changes as well as a new larger chassis. Z read this post in a thrilled state like finding a great new book.
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Post by bubs42 on Apr 2, 2020 8:48:21 GMT -7
I just went and crank my Z28 into my Z2x10, those speakers just need a good push. They like it loud! LOL
Are we still thinking FX Loop? The MKII would just be another reason to not have to get rid of my Z28. There will be room for both!
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Post by Ridgeback on Apr 2, 2020 8:54:11 GMT -7
That's a lot of pretty basic changes to the original design of my favorite Z and I'm sure the MkII will appeal to a lot of folks. Can you describe the similarities to the character\tone of the original Z-28 or is it still too early in the tweaking process to tell? Just curious.
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Post by DRZ on Apr 2, 2020 8:55:33 GMT -7
No loop. EF86 frontend don't need no stinking loop.
EDIT : I went into the shop today to check Mail and messages . I played the new Z 28 again, it does have the Metro loop in it, sounded nice , so the jury is still out on the loop. A nice option but I don't feel it really needs it personally, but others may disagree, I know Jimi wouldn't.
Z
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Post by DRZ on Apr 2, 2020 8:57:14 GMT -7
That's a lot of pretty basic changes to the original design of my favorite Z and I'm sure the MkII will appeal to a lot of folks. Can you describe the similarities to the character\tone of the original Z-28 or is it still too early in the tweaking process to tell? Just curious. Little early to tell. But once its done my friend Ray , who is an avid Z 28 user will do a demo comparing them . Z
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Post by Ridgeback on Apr 2, 2020 9:08:55 GMT -7
Looking forward to it. Thanks Doc. I'm especially interested in the comparison of the cleans as that is pretty much all I use and how I judge an amp these days. Stay safe.
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Post by detuned on Apr 2, 2020 9:16:25 GMT -7
First ,I must say many might not be happy with the direction of this MKII has taken. Z All I heard was "awesome tone" - what's not to like? :-)
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Apr 2, 2020 9:44:10 GMT -7
Did you see the new Z Wreck Jr add in GP this month ? Z No.. but you're making such intriguing amps that I can't keep up with buying all of them!
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Post by Dan F"i"fe on Apr 2, 2020 9:44:37 GMT -7
Will 3-3-3 still be the magic setting I wonder?
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Post by DRZ on Apr 2, 2020 10:51:56 GMT -7
Did you see the new Z Wreck Jr add in GP this month ? Z No.. but you're making such intriguing amps that I can't keep up with buying all of them! I'm just starting to my stride, so look out....... Z
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Apr 2, 2020 10:57:07 GMT -7
No.. but you're making such intriguing amps that I can't keep up with buying all of them! I'm just starting to my stride, so look out....... Z Forewarned is forearmed. In other words time to save my pennies.
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Post by bubs42 on Apr 2, 2020 11:36:40 GMT -7
The MKII was the only reason i've held out on the last couple of releases. I love the Z28 and 6v6's so It will be interesting to see how the 5881's sound in this amp.
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Post by Ridgeback on Apr 2, 2020 11:38:42 GMT -7
Keep building all those new designs and MkIIs. Eventually, someone is going to want to sell their post-mod EZG-50 to fund the next new thing. I'll be waiting in the wings.
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Post by detuned on Apr 2, 2020 13:18:04 GMT -7
Doc, how similar or dissimilar is it to your other EF86 front end amps? I have an M12, which I love, specifically because it's clean tones are so beautiful - how do these compare? Because I have to say, I'd love that kind of front end paired up with some more "grunt". Or is it more like one of your KT-type amps?
The waiting, as brother Tom used to say, is the hardest part!
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Post by DRZ on Apr 2, 2020 13:36:39 GMT -7
Doc, how similar or dissimilar is it to your other EF86 front end amps? I have an M12, which I love, specifically because it's clean tones are so beautiful - how do these compare? Because I have to say, I'd love that kind of front end paired up with some more "grunt". Or is it more like one of your KT-type amps? The waiting, as brother Tom used to say, is the hardest part! Actually the front-end of all the EF 86 platform amps are very similar. That is the RT 66, KT 45, Delta 88, Z 28 and the M 12. All very close front ends just different Output tube sets. Along with different Output tubes causes different Output/Power Transformers as well as variances in coupling caps size / value. So they each have a unique sound but built on the same platform. Now I have a new one a Z 28 MKII with new 5881 output tubes, trying to cover all the bases, maybe I should have given it a new name and cause less confusion. But a moving target is harder to hit........ Z
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Post by loucardguitar (Johnathan) on Apr 2, 2020 17:15:28 GMT -7
OK guys I'm up early ,( as always ) and feel like posting, so here goes. First ,I must say many might not be happy with the direction of this MKII has taken. But it sure is fun for me to explore variations in my older designs, if the outcome is great tone. The master Volume upgrade to the Z 28 MKII wasn't to my liking . My unique Dual Ganged PPIVMV circuit works best in a self biasing , cathode biased amp setup. I won't go into the details of why , but if you study the Ken Fischer Master Volume Mod #1 you'll understand . With that being said I changed the Z 28 to Cathode Bias and improved the effect on the MV. That wasn't the only major change. To maintain the 28 watt output Cathode Biased I installed Tung-Sol 5881's , wonderful sounding tubes, rich in early Americana tone. To support those tubes I swapped the Output Transformer to the original spec'd Triad wound unit, such a great OT. I installed the chassis in a 2X10 combo cab loaded with my custom built Alnico , paper former, split cone 10 inch speakers, rich and smooth are words that come to mind. Something about a 2X10 that I have always liked in a combo. Be it the twenty inches of combined cone, or the special beat note that is generated by two speakers mounted to the same baffle, or the immediate response of 10 inch speakers. I also tweaked the EF 86 circuit for a touch more gain, to accommodate the Master Circuit, but didn't lessen the wonderful clean tone. All in all the the Master Volume makes for much more useable and flexible amp. The 5881's are full and stout with all that early Fender style output. The Triad OT is unlike any other in it's vintage reproduction of Guitar tone. The two Alnico tens make for a light big sounding sound source . The EF 86 is much more lively . And the self biasing circuit is a welcome addition to most. Now all I need is a couple critical testers to suss the design out, maybe add a few tweaks and we'll have a nice new addition to the Z line. More info will follow, but I must say this is not going to be an upgradable mod, way too many changes as well as a new larger chassis. Z Sounds like this will be an awesome addition. So will it only be a 2X10 combo or will it be coming out in head form as well? Or do you know yet?
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Post by DRZ on Apr 2, 2020 17:52:38 GMT -7
Not sure yet, but I feel a 2X10 combo and a head would sell well.
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Post by Sean on Apr 2, 2020 17:58:11 GMT -7
Great to hear the future of this awesome amp. Perhaps a name change to Z2881?
;)
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Post by bigben55 on Apr 2, 2020 18:24:14 GMT -7
That sounds AWESOME, but it sounds like a whole new amp. I think you should give it a new name. While your stuff amazes me, I cant see this new one sounding like my old Z28. It could very well sound BETTER, but with those changes(which I agree are major) its gotta sound different. Doc, how similar or dissimilar is it to your other EF86 front end amps? I have an M12, which I love, specifically because it's clean tones are so beautiful - how do these compare? Because I have to say, I'd love that kind of front end paired up with some more "grunt". Or is it more like one of your KT-type amps? The waiting, as brother Tom used to say, is the hardest part! Actually the front-end of all the EF 86 platform amps are very similar. That is the RT 66, KT 45, Delta 88, Z 28 and the M 12. All very close front ends just different Output tube sets. Along with different Output tubes causes different Output/Power Transformers as well as variances in coupling caps size / value. So they each have a unique sound but built on the same platform. Now I have a new one a Z 28 MKII with new 5881 output tubes, trying to cover all the bases, maybe I should have given it a new name and cause less confusion. But a moving target is harder to hit........ Z
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Post by loucardguitar (Johnathan) on Apr 2, 2020 18:30:22 GMT -7
Not sure yet, but I feel a 2X10 combo and a head would sell well. Thanks for the response. If it came it out in head form, most definitely I would be that meme of the Simpsons dude, "Shut up and take my money!" Ha! Still even if it was only 2X10 combo, I would probably still get it. Still miss my old '28...
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