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Post by jazzmasterjonny on Nov 5, 2020 0:02:18 GMT -7
I'm about ready to go for a nicer/more useable amp than my ice-picky Fender Deluxe Reverb RI. I can't really buy a new one at full price, but I could get something used right now (around or under $2k).
Any reason against picking up a used Z-Lux? I noticed the 6201 tube requirement changes after a certain model number. Would it be better to get the later model numbers?
Any opinions you guys have are welcomed! Thanks guys!
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Nov 5, 2020 6:22:17 GMT -7
Welcome to Z-Talk, there's a lot of good people and knowledge here.
I've got one of the first Z-Lux amps built, and it's been a go-to gig amp from the start (I play jazz/rock in a big band). I am having it upgraded, but only because the opportunity presented itself and because as time goes on Doc finds ways to make little improvements (like not needing a NOS 6201). I'll just say that from the start it's been extraordinary. EVERY amp I've bought from Z has been outstanding in it's own way, so I wouldn't worry about what 'vintage' Z-Lux you get.
BTW, I have a pristine 1967 Blackface Deluxe Reverb and my Z-Lux absolutely kills it. Every so often I take the D.R. out of the closet and play it side by side with my Z amps. Then it goes back in the closet. The Fender is a great amp, but the Z amps are simply better.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Nov 5, 2020 7:09:24 GMT -7
Welcome to the Forum! A lot of good people and information here! I have one of the earliest Z-Luxs - love it!
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Nov 5, 2020 7:19:47 GMT -7
I have two comments that I hope are received constructively:
1. I wouldn't say that ANY years are bad years for Z amps. It's not like Doc's products have ever been "up and down;" on the contrary, they've been consistently high-quality all these years. And in fact--specific to the Z-Lux--that amp has never even undergone generational changes, so today's amps are effectively the same as when they were first released (and vice-versa).
2. Your ice-picky Deluxe Reverb might very well be cured by simply removing the "bright" capacitor that is hard-wired internally on the "Vibrato" channel. Many people (including myself) have done this on their own for free; however, it is dangerous to work inside an amplifier and practically any amp technician could do this for you... again, for very little time/money. It'll change the amp entirely--pedals will work so much better with the amp, etc.
Again, just a couple pointers that I hope are helpful.
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Post by jazzmasterjonny on Nov 5, 2020 8:26:54 GMT -7
Thanks for the info, guys! I appreciate the insight!
On the bright cap in my current Fender DRRI: Thanks for the suggestion on that. I actually just recently had the bright cap removed and have had SIGNIFICANT mods done to the amp a while back(replaced all caps in the signal path with SOZO cap, new OT, Eminence SC64, mid knob added on the back, different tubes, etc). Still, for some reason, even after dropping a bit more $$$ than I had intended into the amp, there's this odd harsh high-mid resonant peak that I cannot dial out to save my life.
I might have to spend a little more on it to figure that final thing out, but that's what made me realize it's time for me to stop dinking around with the Fender DRRI and get into something nicer. I had narrowed my choices to a Tone King of some kind, a Morgan PR12, or the DR Z Cure. Then, as I read about the Z-Lux and heard sound clips, thought I should attempt to stretch to this.
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Post by Ridgeback on Nov 5, 2020 9:01:29 GMT -7
Welcome to the forum. I've owned three DRRIs over the years. I bypassed the bright cap on one of them just to see what difference it would make. I could tell the before\after difference but it wasn't as big as I was expecting based on all of the comments I had read. After about 4 on the volume knob, it's a non issue anyway. I no longer own any of them but still think that the DRRI is one of the three best Fender reissue models (Bassman LTD & LPTT). Sounds like you are never going to make the DRRI work for you and you should just move on to something else. I have never played or desired a Lux, so I can't comment on it but lots of folks who have them, love them. Good luck.
PS: Didn't some Lux years have a cooling fan but others didn't? Maybe that was a head vs combo thing not a model year thing.
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Post by nmz on Nov 5, 2020 12:12:35 GMT -7
All are good but tweaks were made in 2019. If you go the Lux route buy a new one(if possible).
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Post by jazzmasterjonny on Nov 6, 2020 13:16:23 GMT -7
For those who have done the upgrade mods for older Lux models, what did that end up costing you (including shipping)?
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Nov 6, 2020 15:46:20 GMT -7
Interested in this as well. Dave (above) has his in for the upgrade now. Curious to know his thoughts when he gets it back.
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Post by JasonM on Nov 6, 2020 17:01:27 GMT -7
For those who have done the upgrade mods for older Lux models, what did that end up costing you (including shipping)? I was quoted $199 plus shipping before I sent mine in. Along with the updates your amp also gets a complete inspection of all connections and components. I still probably have another week or two before I get it back so I can’t comment on the upgrades yet.
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Post by jazzmasterjonny on Nov 9, 2020 17:48:17 GMT -7
I don't know if you guys caught it in my other thread, but I decided to pull the trigger on a Z-Lux on ebay. I think I got it for a good price! Just shipped, so I'll keep you all posted when I receive it and try it out.
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Nov 9, 2020 18:00:47 GMT -7
You’ll love the tones! Congrats!
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