mcole
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Posts: 24
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Post by mcole on Dec 14, 2021 7:34:21 GMT -7
Hi,
I have been reading through the forum here and everyone has great feedback. So I thought I would ask; is the Z-Master too much amp to use at home?
For context and to give everyone a bit of my background, I am starting my 5th year of playing the guitar coming from no background with any musical instruments. When my son was 12 he wanted to learn how to play guitar. Long story short I quickly got hooked right from the beginning and we practice together several nights a week. Our skill levels have grown over the years and it has been great to have something that we both dig and can bond over.
That said, I play at home 100% of the time. I don't gig...at least not yet...until my skills improve to where I feel like I could. I will never rule that out. I picked up my first Z amp earlier this year. A used Mini-Z head and got a 1x12 Z cab with a Celestion Blue. This got me hooked on Z amps! I play single coil Fenders (a '52 tele vintage reissue and a MIM strat). The styles of music I gravitate towards are blues, classic rock and Americana. I live in a single family home and my neighbors are within 50 feet of either side of my home. I play in the my basement home office/guitar haven. I have a Two Notes Captor-X that has the capability to attenuate the amp.
I love the tone of the Z-Master but wonder if I can still get those great tones without disrupting my neighborhood or would I be better served at looking for a lower wattage amp such as the Z-Plus. The thought of those 3x10's to get that 3 dimensional tone just appeals to me but I don't know if I can get the full tone capabilities without blasting my ears.
I appreciate any thoughts and feedback.
Thanks!
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Post by nmz on Dec 14, 2021 8:06:38 GMT -7
I’m going to go with too much amp. Something with a MV would be be a good start. You mentioned a Zplus, that’s what I would go with between the two in your described situation. But it’s your money man!
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Post by pcns on Dec 14, 2021 9:40:53 GMT -7
I’m going to go with too much amp. Something with a MV would be be a good start. You mentioned a Zplus, that’s what I would go with between the two in your described situation. But it’s your money man! I agree with this in regard that the Z Master is too much amp and that the Zplus is a great amp . . . however, tone wise they are very different amps. if you really dig the tone of the Z Master you might want to just go for it and figure out how best to keep the volume in check. Dr Z makes very good brakes and the bigger Air brake has a bed room level setting too. If you love the tone of the plus and the master then the plus might be your best play and you won't have to battle volume as much. my 2 cents, Todd
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Dec 14, 2021 10:03:30 GMT -7
I’ve not played the Z-Master, but I have a Therapy. Z-Master is 30 watts and the Therapy is 35. I couldn’t really drive the Therapy to the sweet spot at home until I used a fryette Powerstation with it. The brakelite was good, but taming 30 “Z watts” at home is hard (my living arrangement is similar to yours). And with the Z-Master’s 3-10” configuration those 30 watts are pushing a lot of air.
I also have a Z Plus and it is phenomenal - my favorite. Perfect for home.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Dec 14, 2021 10:41:35 GMT -7
Just throwing this out there--is the Z-Master even suited for use with the Air Brake or Brake Lite? I know those attenuators are suitable for use between 4-16 ohm outputs (ideal = 8 ohm), but doesn't the Z-Master run an odd mismatch down below 4 ohms? One wonders if it would be "safe" for extended playing(?).
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Dec 14, 2021 17:04:51 GMT -7
Another vote for the Z-Plus.
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Post by adam on Dec 14, 2021 17:32:22 GMT -7
Love your story! I haven't tried the amp, but in short, I say go for it. Talked to Z the other day and he said he designed another completely new model and was considering pairing it with that cabinet and speaker configuration because it sounds so good. It's not the first time I've heard him say that about that amp (Z-Master), and many others have said the same thing in that the cab and speaker config is just kind of magic in the room. I trust him with all my heart. That is in part why I say go for it. Regarding the "too much amp for home", and I'm going to say to say no because I have a number of Z's and none of them sound wimpy or bad at low volume. Think of it like you are driving a Ferrari at the speed limit. It's still going to be awesome even if you aren't going 200mph. If you want to unlock the other tones available at higher volume, you already have an attenuator and you can explore that too. My Remedy non-master feels like that, like it's a sports car and I can only drive so fast, but it's glorious regardless, and it's so fun to have that available horsepower under your hands. A lower power amp can be fantastic too, but it's not the Ferrari. The Ghia comes to mind in that you can play really quiet and there's just something about it that feels complete and satisfying. That's my fave Z just playing quiet and clean. But muscle cars are pretty fun too, even at the speed limit.
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Post by lowbudget on Dec 14, 2021 18:02:04 GMT -7
Love your story! I haven't tried the amp, but in short, I say go for it. Talked to Z the other day and he said he designed another completely new model and was considering pairing it with that cabinet and speaker configuration because it sounds so good. It's not the first time I've heard him say that about that amp (Z-Master), and many others have said the same thing in that the cab and speaker config is just kind of magic in the room. I trust him with all my heart. That is in part why I say go for it. Regarding the "too much amp for home", and I'm going to say to say no because I have a number of Z's and none of them sound wimpy or bad at low volume. Think of it like you are driving a Ferrari at the speed limit. It's still going to be awesome even if you aren't going 200mph. If you want to unlock the other tones available at higher volume, you already have an attenuator and you can explore that too. My Remedy non-master feels like that, like it's a sports car and I can only drive so fast, but it's glorious regardless, and it's so fun to have that available horsepower under your hands. A lower power amp can be fantastic too, but it's not the Ferrari. The Ghia comes to mind in that you can play really quiet and there's just something about it that feels complete and satisfying. That's my fave Z just playing quiet and clean. But muscle cars are pretty fun too, even at the speed limit. While I know nothing about the Z-Master I couldn’t agree more with Adam. Sometimes I have to shake my head when folks are hesitant to play a big amp at low volume, almost as if they don’t understand what the knob with the “V” is there for. I’d rather hear a Twin Reverb on 2 than many other lesser amps screaming. There’s just no substitute for big iron, lotsa glass and multiple speakers-at any volume. It just seems we are obsessed with trying to avoid throttling back big amps. I say turn the thing down as you need to and enjoy it!
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Post by John on Dec 14, 2021 18:17:26 GMT -7
Playing in the basement with neighbors 50 feet away? Z master is most likely too much amp. It's a 30 watt amp with no master volume. My opinion is that guitar amps need to be pushed. They need to be run hot enough to get the power tubes cooking a bit. Yes, it could still sound 'good' at a low volume, but it will lack some of the magic that comes from a pushed power section. A cranked smaller amp is almost always going to be better than a bigger amp barely running.
If you want the amp to give you overdrive, then you're going to have to turn it up...and that will be loud.
Z-Plus is a MUCH better choice.
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Post by Ridgeback on Dec 14, 2021 18:18:59 GMT -7
+1 on the preference for bigger amps at lower volumes. There is something about big iron and big bottles that crouches in the corner of the room regardless of where the volume knob is set. Choose the amp for the tonal character that inspires you.
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mcole
New Member
Posts: 24
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Post by mcole on Dec 14, 2021 18:40:03 GMT -7
Thank you all for your thoughts, opinions and suggestions. I value them all and I don’t think any of them are wrong. They have all help me look at it with different perspectives.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Dec 14, 2021 19:54:12 GMT -7
Z-Plus is a REALLY nice amp, though...
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mcole
New Member
Posts: 24
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Post by mcole on Dec 14, 2021 20:00:44 GMT -7
Mark had a good comment about the ohm rating on the Z-Master. I have a Two Notes Captor X which are only 8 ohm or 16 ohm. I have the 8 ohm model. The specs on the Z-Master show it at 4 ohm so using my existing device to attenuate is not so hot of an idea. Last thing I would want to do is blow up a great amp. I have plenty to think about here.
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Dec 14, 2021 22:45:10 GMT -7
Adam makes a great point. I think the Z-Plus is still my nod for the basement, but having said that I’ve had a RT 66 in the basement and found it wonderful at low volume. Similarly my Antidote at low volume sounded wonderful (I did trade that out as I felt I was struggling in the basement and my ears already ring too much). You may find the Z-Master to be great for you, but as John said, to get the amp cooking the volume comes up. The Z-Plus with it’s half power switch can get you into that zone easily. You’re going to have to decide which great amp you want. Any way you go you will get great tone for your money. Just know when you decide and buy that Z, it will be the first of several.
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Post by djcakadave on Dec 15, 2021 9:20:03 GMT -7
I have a Z-Master and it has only been used at home. My neighbors are closer than 50 feet outside my studio/office and I have never had a complaint!? Adam makes a very good point there is a three D sound from the 3 10's that none of Doc's other amps can achieve at any volume! Also if you love some clean, nothing better than the Z-Master at low volume.....Just my opinion for what that's worth?
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mcole
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Posts: 24
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Post by mcole on Dec 15, 2021 9:58:43 GMT -7
Thanks for sharing djcakadave. This puts my mind at ease a bit about bothering my neighbors. They are pretty easy going and haven't complained about some of the loud volumes I have played at so far.
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Post by LT on Dec 18, 2021 12:57:40 GMT -7
Lots of great answers here. I had a Z Master and the guys are right about those 3-10's. They sound wonderful, at any volume IMO. Whether to buy one or not kinda depends on where you fall on amp overdrive. If you need some grind out of the amp, I think the ZM is too much amp. It needs to be pretty loud to get there. If however, you're ok with keeping it clean and using a pedal to get the drive, you'd be fine. Again, nothing sounds like those 3-10's!
The ZM is in the "tweed" camp, so you might also consider the Nova. It has a great OD channel and a superb master volume. I can play my Nova at home with the OD on and dial it down with the MV. Just a thought......
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Post by Ridgeback on Dec 18, 2021 13:10:54 GMT -7
The ZM is in the "tweed" camp, so you might also consider the Nova. It has a great OD channel and a superb master volume. I can play my Nova at home with the OD on and dial it down with the MV. Just a thought...... Also in the tweed camp with a great MV is the Therapy (but it is 35 watts with 6L6s and no OD channel). Sometimes good deals on this Legacy model amp can be found. There has been a blonde one on my local CL for the past couple of months. Not selling at $1,175.
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Post by rickenbacker1953 on Dec 18, 2021 13:54:41 GMT -7
I have had a large majority of Z's Amps . I currently am using a Cure . Tubes love to cook . As good as the Level control is . My Cure sounds best when I eliminate the Level and crank it . I live in a larger home . Using in a Room that is 20 x 24 with 16 foot ceiling and an open floor plan . I can only play the cure like that when I'm the only one home . That's a smaller amp and cranked to the sweet spot It's LOUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Nature of the beast So technically what's teh difference in regards to amp wattage .
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Post by Paul (TRANE) on Dec 18, 2021 14:08:05 GMT -7
I say go for it. I run a JTM45, a 50 watter, a Mazerati, and a DC30. I can run them with the band at practice. No complaints from my neighbors. We are not quiet, but not high volume. Go for it.
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mcole
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Posts: 24
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Post by mcole on Dec 18, 2021 17:54:29 GMT -7
Thanks for the input. I have looked at the Nova and considered it also. But those 3x10’s with the dual volume controls to blend up various tones just feels like so much fun. Plus LT’s comment, “If however, you're ok with keeping it clean and using a pedal to get the drive, you'd be fine. Again, nothing sounds like those 3-10's!” sways me towards the Z-master. I have a modest pedal board with some decent drive pedals that would let me achieve this.
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Dec 18, 2021 18:11:32 GMT -7
Thanks for the input. I have looked at the Nova and considered it also. But those 3x10’s with the dual volume controls to blend up various tones just feels like so much fun. Plus LT’s comment, “If however, you're ok with keeping it clean and using a pedal to get the drive, you'd be fine. Again, nothing sounds like those 3-10's!” sways me towards the Z-master. I have a modest pedal board with some decent drive pedals that would let me achieve this. Sounds like the decision’s made. Wait no longer.
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mcole
New Member
Posts: 24
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Post by mcole on Dec 19, 2021 7:45:13 GMT -7
It should be simple (insert drumroll)…….but the beauty of posting my question is I got great feedback. I had hoped that the experience of others would point out things I may not have thought about or just relegated to the back of my mind because I am enamored over the Z-Master. Two things stick out for me:
1. Z-Master hasn’t been ruled out just because it is 30 watts and I had a fear it would be too loud. 2. Other amps have features that stand out and shouldn’t be discounted.
I am going back and reading and listening to reviews on the Nova again. I am doing the same with the Z-Plus. The master volume options on those would be great to have. I like the buffered effects loop that those have also. Finally I am goi g to take a look at the Therapy just to make sure I haven’t overlooked a gem of a legacy model.
The great thing is that at the end of the day these are all Z amps that I cannot go wrong with.
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mcole
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Posts: 24
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Post by mcole on Dec 23, 2021 7:24:39 GMT -7
I want to thank everyone for their feedback. I ended up ordering a Nova. I like the master volume feature and the effects loop. The OD channel on the Nova also looks really appealing. Eventually I will have to post my thoughts to the Nova thread here. This forum was very helpful. Thanks again!
Mike
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Post by doctorice on Dec 23, 2021 8:36:53 GMT -7
Eventually I will have to post my thoughts to the Nova thread here. Look forward to that. I generally have the OD engaged all the time and use the guitar volume to regulate the sound. That seems to suit my playing style and music, which is mainly blues-rock and classic rock.
Bass and treble controls are very powerful on this amp and influence the gain structure a lot.
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Post by adam on Dec 23, 2021 17:29:26 GMT -7
I want to thank everyone for their feedback. I ended up ordering a Nova. I like the master volume feature and the effects loop. The OD channel on the Nova also looks really appealing. Eventually I will have to post my thoughts to the Nova thread here. This forum was very helpful. Thanks again! Mike Cheers to the first of many.
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Post by bigboki on Dec 23, 2021 17:52:38 GMT -7
I want to thank everyone for their feedback. I ended up ordering a Nova. I like the master volume feature and the effects loop. The OD channel on the Nova also looks really appealing. Eventually I will have to post my thoughts to the Nova thread here. This forum was very helpful. Thanks again! Mike enjoy this video until it arrives to wet your appetite
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