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Post by jazzmasterjonny on Nov 5, 2020 10:48:30 GMT -7
You guys have been super helpful so far, so maybe I can tap your knowledge some more with my current scenario: My amp needs are fairly complex, but the primary points would be I need a solid, character rich voicing, and a highly versatile EQ. How I will use it: - 99.5% of the time with pedals, and only the occasional recording session with just the straight amp
- In the studio often (hence the versatile EQ)
- A fender style EQ/Tone stack (for maximum versatility with dirt and fuzz pedals)
- Mostly controlled volume venues (I doubt I would ever be in the 40 watt mode)
- Sometimes with a reactive load/attenuator/impulse response rig
- Guitars that are on the brighter side: Offsets, Gretsches, etc.
It seems like the Cure is another obvious alternative option for me, so if I would rarely if ever be in 40 watts mode, will the Z-Lux be overkill? Which amp is voiced best and most versatile between the two?
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Nov 5, 2020 11:10:34 GMT -7
I don’t own either, but have you given the Z-Plus a look? I don’t mean to confuse you, but if you’re looking at some studio and rarely needing 40 watts, both the Cure and Z-Plus would fit your needs nicely. Both under $2k new which was a concern you mentioned. I can speak to the rich harmonic content of the Z-Plus. Lots of versatility and a lush reverb. Sorry to sidetrack your question.
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Post by jazzmasterjonny on Nov 5, 2020 11:17:28 GMT -7
I have also considered the Z-Plus. I kind of assumed that because it had the cut knob and was class A, it'd be more in line with my Vox style amp (I have a really GREAT sounding top boost style amp already).
I was a little obsessed with the Z-Plus when it first came out because it sounded like such a great combination of things. I've been noticing in studio settings that I arrive at sounds that sit better with dirt pedals quicker with the more scooped eq that you find in Fender style amps. That made me think it'd be good to have a Top Boost style amp, and then have a very Blackface/Fender style amp to cover my bases. Let pedals nudge me into other territories when I need it.
I'm open to any suggestions though.
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Nov 5, 2020 11:25:42 GMT -7
I don’t think the cut puts it closer to the Vox camp, I think it just adds versatility. I miss my Maz, which I traded for the Z-Plus. ( not because I didn’t love my Maz; i did) I’m debating adding a Maz or a Z-Wreck jr. And I swore I would only have 3 amps. I’m gonna break my rule and add one of the two.
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Post by nmz on Nov 5, 2020 12:07:50 GMT -7
The Cure and Zlux are very different Amps. Cure is going to get you more vintage 50s types tones and the Lux sits in the 60s black/sliverface camp. One is solid state rectifier and the other is tube. No sag vs sag.
Having owned both (kept Lux) the Lux is way more versatile. But what you described as needing the Zplus sounds like the ticket.
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Post by trojanhov on Nov 5, 2020 12:47:09 GMT -7
The Cure and Zlux are very different Amps. Cure is going to get you more vintage 50s types tones and the Lux sits in the 60s black/sliverface camp. One is solid state rectifier and the other is tube. No sag vs sag. Having owned both (kept Lux) the Lux is way more versatile. But what you described as needing the Zplus sounds like the ticket. I use the Z-Lux at home as a clean pedal platform. I use it with a brake lite with great results. The 20 watt and 40 watt settings both sound stellar IMO. I love having the horsepower if I need it. It’s been useful at certain gigs where I need more clean headroom. Records extremely well. My favorite amp. I have my eye on the z plus too. Every sound clip and vid i see sounds amazing. I also have an m12 that’s great too. I don’t think you’d make a wrong choice with either!
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Post by nmz on Nov 5, 2020 13:01:21 GMT -7
The Cure and Zlux are very different Amps. Cure is going to get you more vintage 50s types tones and the Lux sits in the 60s black/sliverface camp. One is solid state rectifier and the other is tube. No sag vs sag. Having owned both (kept Lux) the Lux is way more versatile. But what you described as needing the Zplus sounds like the ticket. I use the Z-Lux at home as a clean pedal platform. I use it with a brake lite with great results. The 20 watt and 40 watt settings both sound stellar IMO. I love having the horsepower if I need it. It’s been useful at certain gigs where I need more clean headroom. Records extremely well. My favorite amp. I have my eye on the z plus too. Every sound clip and vid i see sounds amazing. I also have an m12 that’s great too. I don’t think you’d make a wrong choice with either! Don't get me wrong i LOVE my Lux and also use it like you are suggesting (although, I do not use a brake lite).But the OP doesn't think the 40w is needed and the plus has an effects loop if needed.
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Post by trojanhov on Nov 5, 2020 17:37:13 GMT -7
I use the Z-Lux at home as a clean pedal platform. I use it with a brake lite with great results. The 20 watt and 40 watt settings both sound stellar IMO. I love having the horsepower if I need it. It’s been useful at certain gigs where I need more clean headroom. Records extremely well. My favorite amp. I have my eye on the z plus too. Every sound clip and vid i see sounds amazing. I also have an m12 that’s great too. I don’t think you’d make a wrong choice with either! Don't get me wrong i LOVE my Lux and also use it like you are suggesting (although, I do not use a brake lite).But the OP doesn't think the 40w is needed and the plus has an effects loop if needed. Totally agreed. Can’t go wrong with either I think. I like the headroom because it makes my pedals feel like they come to life
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Post by jazzmasterjonny on Nov 5, 2020 17:44:57 GMT -7
Interesting, interesting. I guess I've got some more listening to do online. I can head over to the Z Plus thread to get some more info on it! Thanks a ton for the info. Very friendly here!
I've gone in 48 hours from planning to just wait to let's drop $2k (and sell a few extra pieces of gear to justify it). That's a lot of money for me, so I want to make sure I know all the things. I'm still leaning Z-Lux, but I'll seriously consider the Z-Plus.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Nov 5, 2020 17:48:50 GMT -7
Don't get me wrong i LOVE my Lux and also use it like you are suggesting (although, I do not use a brake lite).But the OP doesn't think the 40w is needed and the plus has an effects loop if needed. Totally agreed. Can’t go wrong with either I think. I like the headroom because it makes my pedals feel like they come to life Agree with you both, but don't forget that the 'Lux has a great Tremolo and it sounds so darn good with pedals. Plus I was really happy that I had that 40 watts a couple of times. Granted it usually runs at half power but it's sure nice to have if you need that extra shot of nitrous... The Lux just sounds so fat and big...I love both amps and it would be really hard to pick between the two. But I vote Lux.
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Post by trojanhov on Nov 5, 2020 17:50:28 GMT -7
Totally agreed. Can’t go wrong with either I think. I like the headroom because it makes my pedals feel like they come to life Agree with you both, but don't forget that the 'Lux has a great Tremolo and it sounds so darn good with pedals. Plus I was really happy that I had that 40 watts a couple of times. Granted it usually runs at half power but it's sure nice to have if you need that extra shot of nitrous... The Lux just sounds so fat and big...I love both amps and it would be really hard to pick between the two. But I vote Lux.
After owning the lux I agree. My z28 would even break up a bit too soon sometimes (and that’s a loud amp). The lux gives me the confidence to play home or on any sized stage. I have a ton of sound clips on my music IG. Hovmusic
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Nov 5, 2020 17:50:50 GMT -7
Lux all the way if you like Fender-like tone.
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Post by trojanhov on Nov 5, 2020 17:50:59 GMT -7
Almost all clips are bedroom levels. With two kids and wife sleeping
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Post by jazzmasterjonny on Nov 5, 2020 23:00:59 GMT -7
Almost all clips are bedroom levels. With two kids and wife sleeping What's your IG handle? I'll check the clips out!
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Post by trojanhov on Nov 6, 2020 0:54:45 GMT -7
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Post by Seńor Verde on Nov 6, 2020 14:37:18 GMT -7
I traded my Z-Lux for a Cure and am very happy I did. If I were to buy a higher powered Z blackface-type amp, I'd buy an EZG-50. Big, loud and clean blackface tones. I am in the minority here, but I didn't care for the 'Lux.
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Post by jazzmasterjonny on Nov 8, 2020 23:29:00 GMT -7
Well, I just pulled the trigger on a Z-Lux!
I'll keep you guys posted when I get it. It's going to be at least a week or so.
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