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Post by Abandoned on Apr 23, 2020 15:51:16 GMT -7
I’m having trouble deciding between the Z Lux and the Z Wreck Jr.
Would someone be able to adequately compare and contrast these two for me? I’ve been listening to demos a lot and they sound similar to me. The Z Wreck Jr. seems to be smoother, and with more sparkling/ shimmering high’s which I love.
Any insight into the shortcomings of each would be helpful to so I know what I’m getting into.
I play a lot of clean, edge of break up tones with my Strat (PRS Silver Sky) and White Falcon. I play overdriven as well and I mostly use neck pick ups or a combo of the neck and middle pickups.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2020 16:36:32 GMT -7
Pedals or no pedals?
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Post by Abandoned on Apr 23, 2020 17:10:25 GMT -7
WITH Pedals: 1 overdrive pedal 1 boost Delays Reverb
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2020 20:07:40 GMT -7
I ask because I really think the Z-Wreck Jr is at its best with maybe just a slightly dirty boost for solos and a touch of reverb and/or delay. It takes OD pedals well, of course, but it's such a dynamic amp and its natural breakup is so stellar that it's kind of a shame to put a anything but the world's most transparent OD pedal between it and your guitar, and even then the pedal's natural compression could squelch some of the Jr's dynamics a bit. That's maybe not a bad thing for the country chicken-pickers, who like things smoothed out, but for me those dynamics are one of the great things about the amp.
If you're used to running pedals as an integral part of your rig, and if, like me, you've maybe got a favorite OD that's gotten to be important to your sound--then I'd maybe go with the Z-Lux. I've been gigging mine for a few years now and I've never been disappointed, never felt that I wasn't getting "my" tone. Plus, lots of compliments on my tone from other players, so there's that. It takes pedals beautifully, and its natural cleans are also really rich. It's maybe a bit smoother than the ZW Jr., and at 40 watts especially it's got power to burn--a very big sounding amp that can easily keep pace with a hard-hitting drummer, etc. I've run mine with drums, bass and a 9-piece horn section, no problem. The reverb is subtle-ish but very nice, and the tremolo is one of the best I've heard.
Really you can't go wrong either way--a lot depends on the kind of music you're playing, whether you're mostly a single coil or humbucker player--the usual stuff. In my case, I'm looking forward to running them both on stage, though now that all of our spring/summer gigs appear to be canceled, I'm not sure when that will happen.
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Post by Abandoned on Apr 23, 2020 20:53:06 GMT -7
I ask because I really think the Z-Wreck Jr is at its best with maybe just a slightly dirty boost for solos and a touch of reverb and/or delay. It takes OD pedals well, of course, but it's such a dynamic amp and its natural breakup is so stellar that it's kind of a shame to put a anything but the world's most transparent OD pedal between it and your guitar, and even then the pedal's natural compression could squelch some of the Jr's dynamics a bit. That's maybe not a bad thing for the country chicken-pickers, who like things smoothed out, but for me those dynamics are one of the great things about the amp. If you're used to running pedals as an integral part of your rig, and if, like me, you've maybe got a favorite OD that's gotten to be important to your sound--then I'd maybe go with the Z-Lux. I've been gigging mine for a few years now and I've never been disappointed, never felt that I wasn't getting "my" tone. Plus, lots of compliments on my tone from other players, so there's that. It takes pedals beautifully, and its natural cleans are also really rich. It's maybe a bit smoother than the ZW Jr., and at 40 watts especially it's got power to burn--a very big sounding amp that can easily keep pace with a hard-hitting drummer, etc. I've run mine with drums, bass and a 9-piece horn section, no problem. The reverb is subtle-ish but very nice, and the tremolo is one of the best I've heard. Really you can't go wrong either way--a lot depends on the kind of music you're playing, whether you're mostly a single coil or humbucker player--the usual stuff. In my case, I'm looking forward to running them both on stage, though now that all of our spring/summer gigs appear to be canceled, I'm not sure when that will happen. Thanks so much for the help and info. I’ve ran a Honey Bee overdrive for over 10 years, it’s definitely my main OD sound. In fact it’s the only OD pedal I have and it’s the only one that’s stuck around. I play modern praise and worship music. I like dynamic amps but I’ve gotta be able to play fast, clean funk rhythms without it overdriving. I’m not sure if the Z Wreck Jr. will stay clean enough for this. I also wanna be able to get edge of breakup and overdrive tones. And again. - I mostly using neck pickup selections / combinations. I only use single coils (strat, white falcon with TV Jones). Do you own both ZWRjr and ZLux? I am still very much tempted by the Z-Lux. I also want an amp that still sounds great and balanced when switching pickups from bench to bridge. Some amps don’t do this well.
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Post by trojanhov on Apr 23, 2020 22:22:34 GMT -7
My Z-Lux is my desert island amp. I used to own a z-28, I now have a Z-Lux and a winfield cyclone. I love the cyclone a great deal (ef86 front end vox ac15 style amp). Only reason I bring the cyclone up is cuz it’s 15 watts with el84 power tubes. The cyclone is great but it breaks up sooner and at more reasonable volumes than the z lux. That could be good or bad depending on what you’re looking for.
Do you need clean headroom? Do you use a lot of pedals? If so go for the lux. It’s an amazing amp that blows my mind every time I play it. It is remarkably great with pedals. Has a great master volume. On bird reverb and trem and a three band eq. Creme de la creme in my book
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Post by Russell B on Apr 24, 2020 3:49:50 GMT -7
Pretty much what Jon said. I don't have the Z-Lux, but I have the Cure. I love my Wreck Jr with nothing between the guitar and amp so that the amp can do it's thing. I do that with the Cure too.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2020 5:45:54 GMT -7
I ask because I really think the Z-Wreck Jr is at its best with maybe just a slightly dirty boost for solos and a touch of reverb and/or delay. It takes OD pedals well, of course, but it's such a dynamic amp and its natural breakup is so stellar that it's kind of a shame to put a anything but the world's most transparent OD pedal between it and your guitar, and even then the pedal's natural compression could squelch some of the Jr's dynamics a bit. That's maybe not a bad thing for the country chicken-pickers, who like things smoothed out, but for me those dynamics are one of the great things about the amp. If you're used to running pedals as an integral part of your rig, and if, like me, you've maybe got a favorite OD that's gotten to be important to your sound--then I'd maybe go with the Z-Lux. I've been gigging mine for a few years now and I've never been disappointed, never felt that I wasn't getting "my" tone. Plus, lots of compliments on my tone from other players, so there's that. It takes pedals beautifully, and its natural cleans are also really rich. It's maybe a bit smoother than the ZW Jr., and at 40 watts especially it's got power to burn--a very big sounding amp that can easily keep pace with a hard-hitting drummer, etc. I've run mine with drums, bass and a 9-piece horn section, no problem. The reverb is subtle-ish but very nice, and the tremolo is one of the best I've heard. Really you can't go wrong either way--a lot depends on the kind of music you're playing, whether you're mostly a single coil or humbucker player--the usual stuff. In my case, I'm looking forward to running them both on stage, though now that all of our spring/summer gigs appear to be canceled, I'm not sure when that will happen. Thanks so much for the help and info. I’ve ran a Honey Bee overdrive for over 10 years, it’s definitely my main OD sound. In fact it’s the only OD pedal I have and it’s the only one that’s stuck around. I play modern praise and worship music. I like dynamic amps but I’ve gotta be able to play fast, clean funk rhythms without it overdriving. I’m not sure if the Z Wreck Jr. will stay clean enough for this. I also wanna be able to get edge of breakup and overdrive tones. And again. - I mostly using neck pickup selections / combinations. I only use single coils (strat, white falcon with TV Jones). Do you own both ZWRjr and ZLux? I am still very much tempted by the Z-Lux. I also want an amp that still sounds great and balanced when switching pickups from bench to bridge. Some amps don’t do this well. I'm fortunate to own both, yeah. I think if you're after clean headroom then definitely go for the Lux--get the master volume past 11:00 or so and you'll really like the clean tones. Just to complicate things for you, I also recently bought a Jetta, and that amp has some of the boldest, richest cleans you could ask for, and it's a stankin' bargain at the current price point. Takes pedals great, compact and relatively lightweight, and maybe the easiest amp to dial in I've ever owned. So that's something to think about, maybe.
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Post by Rockerfeller on Apr 24, 2020 6:25:08 GMT -7
I own and gig the Big Wreck,the Z Lux and the Jetta. I agree with Flea on this one. The Zlux can stay clean a lot longer than the Wreck. However, playing in church, volume is ALWAYS an issue. The big Wreck can stay clean and get pretty loud, especially if you're playing on the neck pup. Loud enough for everybody on the church sound team to tell you to turn DOWN. I'm sure the Wreck Jr is similar.
They're both amazing amps. The verb and the tremolo on the Zlux are stellar. You won't go wrong with either one. And the Jetta is also a great grab and go amp. If you like Matt's Music Jetta demo, you'll love the Jetta. When I play my Tele through the Jetta, the tone sounds exactly like that Demo. It's a bargain right now.
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Post by redzsrock on Apr 24, 2020 6:37:26 GMT -7
I've used the Lux at a 300 seat church for about 3 years now. I almost always used 1/2 power, and was able to easily dial in the right tone at appropriate volume level. It's just an AMAZING amp, and it's the envy of many other local guitarists.
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Post by trojanhov on Apr 24, 2020 6:51:57 GMT -7
I've used the Lux at a 300 seat church for about 3 years now. I almost always used 1/2 power, and was able to easily dial in the right tone at appropriate volume level. It's just an AMAZING amp, and it's the envy of many other local guitarists. Sounds amazing at half power. Works with a brake lite too and works well. I play this amp at home with two young kids at night and sounds great to me!
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Post by Abandoned on Apr 24, 2020 16:59:46 GMT -7
FleaWreck & Rockerfeller...
Between the Z-Lux and the Z Wreck / Z Wreck Jr. which one is smoother, and has sparkling highs and prettier cleans when using with a neck pickup? Which one sounds clearer (highs and lows)
(I play a lot of modern worship music style, if that helps.)
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Post by redzsrock on Apr 24, 2020 17:56:06 GMT -7
The others will weigh in too, but.... It would be hard to beat the Lux for those qualities you mentioned.
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Post by Abandoned on Apr 24, 2020 17:59:16 GMT -7
The others will weigh in too, but.... It would be hard to beat the Lux for those qualities you mentioned. Thanks so much for helping chime in. This is great to know.
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Apr 24, 2020 19:48:37 GMT -7
I have two Luxs, the head with 1x12 cab and the combo. It’s the richest circuit I’ve played, and that’s a quite a few. It’s a big, bold, clean sound that will definitely surprise you. If you like blackface tones like the Deluxe Verb, this is it with twice the power, all of the sparkle, and a thumping low end. And it will grind as well, but probably not like the Wreck will. I love it so much I had to get a second one, best amps I have ever had the pleasure of owning.
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Post by Rockerfeller on Apr 25, 2020 6:34:45 GMT -7
FleaWreck & Rockerfeller... Between the Z-Lux and the Z Wreck / Z Wreck Jr. which one is smoother, and has sparkling highs and prettier cleans when using with a neck pickup? Which one sounds clearer (highs and lows) (I play a lot of modern worship music style, if that helps.) I love both those amps, and they each have their place. I think they'd both work for your situation, but I'd use the ZLux. It's an amazing amp, extremely versatile and I love the Verb and Trem. If you want to hear how good it sounds with a strat and no pedals, check out BW's 2016 Dallas Guitar Show gig on Youtube. That show is what made me pull the trigger on the ZLux.
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Post by redzsrock on Apr 25, 2020 6:36:27 GMT -7
Buddy!!! 'Nuff said!
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Post by Abandoned on Apr 25, 2020 8:02:47 GMT -7
FleaWreck & Rockerfeller... Between the Z-Lux and the Z Wreck / Z Wreck Jr. which one is smoother, and has sparkling highs and prettier cleans when using with a neck pickup? Which one sounds clearer (highs and lows) (I play a lot of modern worship music style, if that helps.) I love both those amps, and they each have their place. I think they'd both work for your situation, but I'd use the ZLux. It's an amazing amp, extremely versatile and I love the Verb and Trem. If you want to hear how good it sounds with a strat and no pedals, check out BW's 2016 Dallas Guitar Show gig on Youtube. That show is what made me pull the trigger on the ZLux.
Thanks so much for the input. Quick thought and question... seems like most people seem to favor the Z-Lux so far - but it also SEEMS to me (I could be wrong) that most people that prefer the Z-Lux are playing who are rocking out more with it and using more overdriven tones that clean. I am much more of a pretty clean always neck pickup player. With that said - do you still think the Z-Lux is the right one over the Z Wreck?
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Post by Rockerfeller on Apr 25, 2020 8:41:22 GMT -7
That's the beauty of the ZLux...it can do it all! If you like Fender cleans, you'll love this amp. No doubt about it. If clean is what you care about most, I'd choose the Lux. That's not to say it can't do dirt. It's got great dirt. I've gigged the amp many times without using any dirt pedals.
The Wreck isn't just a country amp. Not at all. But, I associate it's killer clean on the edge of breakup tones with Brad Paisley.
For what it's worth, I wasn't initially impressed with the Z-Lux because of the early demos.
The clean is what sold me on it. The Tremolo, Verb, EQ bypass boost, 1/2 power AND master volume make this amp so versatile. You can get great tone out of it anywhere: Big and small rooms as well as an office, studio or bedroom.
Are you able to try them out anywhere?
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Post by Abandoned on Apr 25, 2020 8:46:52 GMT -7
That's the beauty of the ZLux...it can do it all! If you like Fender cleans, you'll love this amp. No doubt about it. If clean is what you care about most, I'd choose the Lux. That's not to say it can't do dirt. It's got great dirt. I've gigged the amp many times without using any dirt pedals. The Wreck isn't just a country amp. Not at all. But, I associate it's killer clean on the edge of breakup tones with Brad Paisley. For what it's worth, I wasn't initially impressed with the Z-Lux because of the early demos. The clean is what sold me on it. The Tremolo, Verb, EQ bypass boost, 1/2 power AND master volume make this amp so versatile. You can get great tone out of it anywhere: Big and small rooms as well as an office, studio or bedroom. Are you able to try them out anywhere? OK very cool! This would allow me to possibly free up some board space by getting rid of my Flint. I’ve wanted to try having true amp/tube reverb + tremolo for sure. I don’t have a place to try things out sadly.
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Post by Abandoned on Apr 25, 2020 9:00:58 GMT -7
Does the Z-LUX sound more refined (smoother) and also have more sparkling / shimmering highs than a Deluxe Reverb?
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Post by Stephen on Apr 26, 2020 8:57:32 GMT -7
Does the Z-LUX sound more refined (smoother) and also have more sparkling / shimmering highs than a Deluxe Reverb? Yes. There is no comparison. I keep a Blues Junior or Deluxe Reverb at our practice facility but always take the Z-Lux to gigs.
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Post by trojanhov on Apr 26, 2020 9:04:32 GMT -7
Does the Z-LUX sound more refined (smoother) and also have more sparkling / shimmering highs than a Deluxe Reverb? The z lux is superior in every category when compared to a deluxe reverb imo. It’s not even close.
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Post by Abandoned on Apr 28, 2020 14:30:07 GMT -7
Hey guys
Still workin this scenario out.
How’s the half power switch sound in the Z Lux?
Part of me is concerned about volume. I’ve been running a 15 watt tube amp for a few years and it’s the right volume for me and still sometimes too loud.
I’m wondering if the Z Lux sounds just as good / the same on half power vs full power?
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Post by trojanhov on Apr 28, 2020 15:08:21 GMT -7
Hey guys Still workin this scenario out. How’s the half power switch sound in the Z Lux? Part of me is concerned about volume. I’ve been running a 15 watt tube amp for a few years and it’s the right volume for me and still sometimes too loud. I’m wondering if the Z Lux sounds just as good / the same on half power vs full power? Sounds amazing at 20 watts.
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Post by Abandoned on Apr 28, 2020 15:30:03 GMT -7
Hey guys Still workin this scenario out. How’s the half power switch sound in the Z Lux? Part of me is concerned about volume. I’ve been running a 15 watt tube amp for a few years and it’s the right volume for me and still sometimes too loud. I’m wondering if the Z Lux sounds just as good / the same on half power vs full power? Sounds amazing at 20 watts. Does compression come in earlier for a softer feel for cleans at 20 watts?
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Post by Rockerfeller on Apr 28, 2020 15:38:54 GMT -7
The Zlux sounds amazing at low volume. There isn't a bad sound in the amp. It's sounds great at home. BUT, it sounds even better on stage. The one thing I appreciate about Dr. Z amps is that they're built for the stage. They're designed to sound amazing in that environment. So the Lux sounds great at low volumes at half power or full and it's shines on stage!
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Apr 28, 2020 18:18:09 GMT -7
Hey guys Still workin this scenario out. How’s the half power switch sound in the Z Lux? Part of me is concerned about volume. I’ve been running a 15 watt tube amp for a few years and it’s the right volume for me and still sometimes too loud. I’m wondering if the Z Lux sounds just as good / the same on half power vs full power? Here’s a consideration: It’s highly unlikely you’ll end up with just one or two Zs in the end. Based on how I interpret your requirements, I would start with the Lux as it is the best clean and edge of breakup amp out there and has plenty of headroom to boot. After that, maybe consider something hotter like the Wreck Jr. or the Maz MK II series or maybe an EMS if you like the Marshall tone. Then on to the next. Getting each new Z is like losing your virginity all over again (okay..., but close). You can’t go wrong. Cheers!
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Post by trojanhov on Apr 28, 2020 18:29:59 GMT -7
Hey guys Still workin this scenario out. How’s the half power switch sound in the Z Lux? Part of me is concerned about volume. I’ve been running a 15 watt tube amp for a few years and it’s the right volume for me and still sometimes too loud. I’m wondering if the Z Lux sounds just as good / the same on half power vs full power? Here’s a consideration: It’s highly unlikely you’ll end up with just one or two Zs in the end. Based on how I interpret your requirements, I would start with the Lux as it is the best clean and edge of breakup amp out there and has plenty of headroom to boot. After that, maybe consider something hotter like the Wreck Jr. or the Maz MK II series or maybe an EMS if you like the Marshall tone. Then on to the next. Getting each new Z is like losing your virginity all over again (okay..., but close). You can’t go wrong. Cheers! So true. Z-28 was a monster when I had it but hard to tame at home due to no mv. The lux has been a dream. The z-28 is still one of the better amps I’ve plugged into. You cannot go wrong with a z!
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Post by trojanhov on Apr 28, 2020 20:59:46 GMT -7
Z-Lux cleans (dual P90 k-line truxton special at bedroom levels with brake lite)
Z-Lux set clean with dirt from Browne protein nobels odr side:
Hope these clips help a bit
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