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Post by steamroller on Dec 22, 2022 12:09:26 GMT -7
My Z-Plus and my Fender American Ultra Telecaster are my first electric guitar and amplifier. I have always wondered which other amps sound similar to the Z-Plus. I really love playing this Tele, but honestly, I would miss my amp more than the guitar. And I say that even though the Telecaster checks all the boxes for me! When I hear members on various Z-Talk threads and posts speak of, Marshall, Fender, Vox, Bad Cat, etc. I don't have a reference for the sound they are speaking of. I understand that often they are speaking about a highly distorted sound compared to a very clean jazz sound, but that's about it really.
1. What other amp. is similar to a Z-Plus sound? If you played a Telecaster like mine, which other amp would you audition, to get what the Z-plus has?
2. I know what amps and guitars my favorite players use. Who's music can I listen to, who play with the Z-Plus vibe, that kind of sound?
-steamroller-
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Post by purpletele on Dec 22, 2022 21:33:15 GMT -7
My Z-Plus and my Fender American Ultra Telecaster are my first electric guitar and amplifier. I have always wondered which other amps sound similar to the Z-Plus. I really love playing this Tele, but honestly, I would miss my amp more than the guitar. And I say that even though the Telecaster checks all the boxes for me! When I hear members on various Z-Talk threads and posts speak of, Marshall, Fender, Vox, Bad Cat, etc. I don't have a reference for the sound they are speaking of. I understand that often they are speaking about a highly distorted sound compared to a very clean jazz sound, but that's about it really. 1. What other amp. is similar to a Z-Plus sound? If you played a Telecaster like mine, which other amp would you audition, to get what the Z-plus has? 2. I know what amps and guitars my favorite players use. Who's music can I listen to, who play with the Z-Plus vibe, that kind of sound? -steamroller- I would say a similar 'area' would be a vintage Princeton with a 12" speaker. The Z-Plus is a Cameleon that can get anywhere with a nice pedal board. The Princeton is the similar with a pair of 6v6's, however, the Z-Plus is unique because the power tubes are run in parallel. The Princeton can roar very well, the Z-Plus is like a Princeton on Steroids with a better EQ. That's the first thing that comes to mind
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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Dec 23, 2022 7:05:53 GMT -7
If you have the opportunity go to a couple local shops and play a Fender and a Vox and whatever else you can plug into. You'll get a sense for the sound, but you'll also learn how spoiled you are. More than the sound, your amp has a feel to it. You're pretty spoiled for having started with a Z-Plus. I went through a Mesa stage before settling on Dr Z's amps. Never cared for the over all feel. I could get some good tones, but they were sterile.
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Post by steamroller on Dec 23, 2022 11:11:15 GMT -7
The comments are real helpful, and enable me get a better idea of where the Z-Plus "fits in". As I have remarked, my understanding of all things electric are limited. Funny thing though, after forty some years of acoustic guitar, I realize that I really had a need to play electric, I live with this Z-Plus/Tele now, most of the stuff I want to play now is not acoustic material. Somewhere around 1995-96 I was at a Guitar Center and a clerk insisted I try a Telecaster that was already plugged in. The amp was a Fender Vibro-King. He asked me "what kid of music do you like?" I replied "rock/blues". He set-up the guitar and amp for me and walked away. I played for awhile and never forgot that sound! And that was the last time I played an electric guitar, till I bought my own three years ago. Yea, I know how fortunate I am to start off with the Z-Plus, but it was a long wait too. Pedal recommendations will be next thread maybe, but for now, I am trying to drill in on where the Z-Plus type of sound, has been heard.
-steamroller-
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Dec 23, 2022 16:11:40 GMT -7
Keep comin' back, steamroller. You're in the right place!
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Post by purpletele on Dec 23, 2022 17:13:38 GMT -7
Steamroller,
Check out The Gear Junkie YouTube Page. He has a number of Z-Plus videos that are exceptional in highlighting the versatility of the Z-Plus.
I also use my Z-Plus as my Acoustic Amp, that is phenomenal combo, add a little delay or reverb and you are in a nice acoustic zone.
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Post by steamroller on Dec 23, 2022 23:54:35 GMT -7
Can I say wow! The amp truly is a chameleon. Very nice playing!
-steamroller-
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Post by ajteleman on Jan 15, 2023 11:52:01 GMT -7
Hey, Steamroller. Welcome to the forum and the wonderful Z world. I am a longtime (ie old guy) pro player playing professionally since the 1970s. Back then there were lots of clubs to play and gear that now is unaffordable was cheap and plentiful. Working clubs I went thru 40 something Fender amps, half a dozen British Voxes and numerous Marshalls, as well as Matchless, Roland's et al. While all of them served their purpose I ultimately moved on from all of them once I started playing the Doc's creations back around 2008 or so. I have owned 13 different Zs, currently Z-Lux, a Z Wreck Jr, and a Z-Plus. Bottom line: if I were to keep only one amp it would be the Z-Plus. I am mainly a Tele guy like you. So...you're just starting out with electric gear and are right where I got after 50 years in the business. How great is that? You should try out as much gear as you can. When you find something that sounds better than what you're playing, make the change. Good luck and have fun!
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