|
Post by kdridnour on Aug 13, 2020 10:24:27 GMT -7
I started playing guitar in the winter of 1965! A year later I got a 66 Vibrolux! I had that amp for a few years and then just stopped playing guitar! And sometime after that I stated to play again but then sold the Vibrolux! Over the years I’ve stayed with Blackface amps Super Reverb , Deluxe...ect! I’m now selling a 65 Pro reverb because it’s too heavy! I sold the best Les Paul I’ve ever owned i couldn’t take the weight anymore! So which brings us to now! I’m 68 and I’ve heard about DR Z amps. I’ve watch some videos on some models and was impressed with DR Z himself! So I’m looking for a good Dr Z amp and thought here I could get some good suggestions! Thanks KDRidnour
|
|
|
Post by nmz on Aug 13, 2020 11:47:31 GMT -7
Sounds like a Zplus. Really depends on what you want to use it for personal/band. But either way Zplus would work for both.
|
|
|
Post by kdridnour on Aug 13, 2020 12:12:18 GMT -7
Thanks nmz , that’s an amp I’ve been thinking of! I should of posted a Dr Z amp that’s close to a Deluxe Reverb! I’d did buy one of those hand wired Deluxe Reverb but it was to bright sounding and it hissed! I want something new and something I don’t have to work on or have somebody work on for me! I heard these Plus amps are quiet and that's a big deal to me because I play mostly in the living room and I play along with songs from Music Choice on the TV and the hiss can be a problem!
|
|
|
Post by nmz on Aug 13, 2020 13:40:51 GMT -7
Well you’re going in the right direction Zs current line up is dead silent. Don’t discount a Cure the level control is super helpful in small rooms. But it sounds like you are used to reverb which is why I thought of the plus.
|
|
|
Post by kdridnour on Aug 13, 2020 13:51:45 GMT -7
Your right about the reverb!👍
|
|
|
Post by j4gitr (John) on Aug 13, 2020 14:46:52 GMT -7
I second the Z-Plus. Great versatile amp.
|
|
|
Post by Rockerfeller on Aug 13, 2020 15:26:02 GMT -7
Have you considered the ZLux?
|
|
|
Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Aug 13, 2020 15:35:59 GMT -7
Have you considered the ZLux? My thoughts exactly. If you like Blackface Fender...
|
|
|
Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Aug 13, 2020 16:37:42 GMT -7
Either the Z-Lux or the Z-Plus are going to scratch that itch. Can't go wrong with either one.
|
|
|
Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Aug 13, 2020 18:54:20 GMT -7
I'm going to suggest Z-Lux here. It's rooted very strongly in the Blackface Fender tone, but it still has Dr. Z's magic touch on it. And if you're used to Vibroluxes, Pro Reverbs, and Super Reverbs... well then the Z-Lux 1x12 in Doc's custom lightweight combo cab would be a dream to carry around when needed. Possibly one of Doc's most versatile amps too, I'm not afraid to say.
|
|
|
Post by nmz on Aug 13, 2020 19:12:59 GMT -7
Agree, on the Lux just thought it might be too much for the need.
|
|
|
Post by bryan0418 on Aug 13, 2020 20:14:52 GMT -7
Z Lux or EZG 50 would be great.
|
|
|
Post by Seńor Verde on Aug 13, 2020 20:23:22 GMT -7
I've owned a few blackface and blackfaced silverface Fenders, as well as the Z-Lux, EZG-50 and Cure. If your selling the Pro, the EZG and Z-lux are pretty similar, so I wouldn't go that route. I have a Cure and really like it, but have to use pedals for reverb and trem, or whatever modulation you would want. The Cure works well at home and fits the bill for gigging, even moderate sized venues without using a PA.
|
|
|
Post by DRZ on Aug 14, 2020 1:42:54 GMT -7
Well, first welcome to the forum KD. I must agree with all the suggestions being made above. Your actual need will help dial in the amp for you from my line-up. Let me try and summarize a couple of models :
EZG-50 - My interpretation of a Blackface Fender amp. It is not a direct clone but Super reverb owners sure love it. Maybe a bit strong for at home use. Available as a head and will defiantly feed your Blackface hunger.
Z-Lux - Again I looked at the venerable Deluxe Reverb and tried to add/improve on a near perfect amp design. It too is not a clone but my design. By adding 2 more 6V6's to the output with an excellent unique 1/2 power circuit it will ramp up to a tight sweet 40 watts , or the more conventional two 6V6 20 watts. It has a great tube driven Tremelo circuit if you in to that, and a strong Reverb. As Mark stated it is my most versatile amp design.
Z-Plus - Very unique Parallel Single Ended 6V6 design. This amp was a collaboration with Joe Walsh and his insistence for a rich True Class A design with the added wattage of an extra stage. Very Princeton Reverb like IMHO, but much more Harmonic . The variable Power settings along with Master Volume make it a great Studio/Home/Small Gig amp, along with it's warm Americana tone.
CURE - This amp was designed with the home player in mind. It has a very unique LEVEL control that works better then an Attenuator allowing great tones at whisper levels. It too is a 6V6 design but doesn't have Reverb, it is a more reasonable priced hand-wired amp with a nice Effects Loop that handles say a Stryman Flint for your Trem/Rev needs. Don't let its size and price fool you it will fill a stage or a bedroom with great rich tone at the right volume level.
Z
|
|
|
Post by Russell B on Aug 14, 2020 4:52:40 GMT -7
I love the Cure. Like Doc said, don’t let it fool you. It’s a loud 15 watts! I was able to be loud enough in a 2000 seat hall last year without micing it up! It is the amp I use for blackface tones. Plus, it can break into smooth overdrive with the volume up, and back to clean with the guitar volume turned down.
Oh, did I tell you it’s light weight? How about a cool 33lb? Grab and go without the back ache!
|
|
|
Post by LT on Aug 14, 2020 6:40:13 GMT -7
Welcome to the forum!
+ 1 on the Cure. It's been my #1 gig amp since I bought it the first year it came out. The Level control is excellent.
|
|
|
Post by Don A on Aug 14, 2020 9:42:47 GMT -7
I've had a '66 Vibrolux Reverb since 1990 and bought a Cure about a year ago. The VR is an awesome amp, but I can't even turn it up loud enough to where an overdrive will get the sound I want so it stays home.
I was looking to kind of capture some Fender blackface sounds, and to have some dirty sounds on tap. I ended up falling in love with the Cure's dirty sound. It has replaced my tweed Deluxe clone more than the VR. The amp is about as "grab and go" as you can get. I don't even need an overdrive with P90s and humbuckers. Sometimes I use a Flint in the loop and sometimes I don't. I use the amp at home and with a band.
I have a pretty good collection of awesome amps (I love amps) and the Cure gets a lot of use.
|
|
|
Post by kdridnour on Aug 14, 2020 9:44:08 GMT -7
Thanks DRZ for chiming in (I was hoping you would) and all the other folks as well! I’m looking at the Plus , I like reverb and that’s something I’ve always had in a amp! I could get a Cure and a week later I’d wonder where the reverb was! Knowing myself I think the Plus is the way to go! Thanks KDR
|
|
|
Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Aug 14, 2020 13:30:45 GMT -7
I have the ZPlus and it’s my “desert island” amp. It’s the only true Class A amp I’ve ever owned, and that design just brings out all the harmonics and provides a great, great tone. With a MV and switchable between 7 and 15 watts, you can dial in whatever you need at any volume.
|
|
|
Post by kenjazz on Aug 14, 2020 19:35:52 GMT -7
The cure is my favorite ever amplifier, and I have had blacface fender, tweeds etc. it’s like the best vintage amp without the headaches
|
|
|
Post by kdridnour on Aug 17, 2020 7:18:11 GMT -7
I just bought a Plus , I should get it in a week and I`m excited about and I`ll let you know when I get it!
|
|
|
Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Aug 17, 2020 10:13:53 GMT -7
I just bought a Plus , I should get it in a week and I`m excited about and I`ll let you know when I get it! Can't wait for pics and sound bites! Let us know how you like it!
|
|
|
Post by DRZ on Aug 17, 2020 11:01:34 GMT -7
I just bought a Plus , I should get it in a week and I`m excited about and I`ll let you know when I get it! Good for you, and thanks. You made a great choice it is unlike any other amp of it's kind on the market. I hope it gives you years of inspiration . Z
|
|
|
Post by kdridnour on Aug 21, 2020 12:13:48 GMT -7
Just got my ZPlus! It’s great! It’s new to me so I’ve got to get used to it but sure glad I got it! I bought it from a guy who had it about a year and wanted something smaller! I tried to buy a new one but no one had a Studio model that would ship it. Sweetheart and Humbucker didn’t have any in stock! This ZPlus look and smells new so it worked out! Thanks for all of you who chimed in and helped me decide! Keith
|
|