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Post by dewiecox on Aug 31, 2023 8:23:17 GMT -7
Can’t decide between a Cream and a Creamback. Hell, I’ve checked into about everything…Scumback, WGS, ASW etc etc Have a hard time imagining any speaker sounding bad. Running it around 1-2:00 with bass at 3:00 and treble at noon and use pedals to up the dirt to not quite metal tones…think dirtiest crunchiest STP or Tool.
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Post by frankie on Aug 31, 2023 8:25:09 GMT -7
Can’t decide between a Cream and a Creamback. Hell, I’ve checked into about everything…Scumback, WGS, ASW etc etc Have a hard time imagining any speaker sounding bad. Running it around 1-2:00 with bass at 3:00 and treble at noon and use pedals to up the dirt to not quite metal tones…think dirtiest crunchiest STP or Tool. The Creamback will be better for a dirty signal. The Cream is a bit too smooth for hard rock, you won't get that upper mid sizzle and harmonics quite as well with the Alnico.
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Post by DocMartin on Aug 31, 2023 11:12:08 GMT -7
I have the combo and really like the creamback it came with, but I had an austin speaker works KTS-70 laying around and decided to try it with this amp. I absolutely love it and will not be changing it out. It has similar characteristic to the stock creamback, but it has a bigger and bolder sound. To me the creamback lacked a little bit lower end thump if you will, and I believe the Kts 70 gives more of this. But this is just kind of like my opinion Man.
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Post by dewiecox on Sept 1, 2023 16:26:14 GMT -7
Went ahead and snagged a Creamback. Sounds nice and can run a little hotter compared to the Scumback I was running.
Might snag a Cream too, if I come across one for a decent price. Will have an extra cab. Is that the best AlNiCo option?
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Post by markT on Sept 3, 2023 9:06:05 GMT -7
Went ahead and snagged a Creamback. Sounds nice and can run a little hotter compared to the Scumback I was running. Might snag a Cream too, if I come across one for a decent price. Will have an extra cab. Is that the best AlNiCo option? The original Creamback was a little to bright for my taste. I tried a AlNiCo Ruby and a Tone Tubby Red. The Ruby sounded really really good in the MkII, but I bought from Amazon and I was able to return for a full refund. (I had previously written off the Ruby as too dark and did not like at all!!) . The TT Red now lives happily in mine. The Ruby and TT Red sounded equally as great, yet different. I've said this before about a few Z amps, but this Z-28 MkII combo is my favorite Z to date! Amazes every time I plug in.
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Post by dewiecox on Sept 3, 2023 9:36:05 GMT -7
Went ahead and snagged a Creamback. Sounds nice and can run a little hotter compared to the Scumback I was running. Might snag a Cream too, if I come across one for a decent price. Will have an extra cab. Is that the best AlNiCo option? The original Creamback was a little to bright for my taste. I tried a AlNiCo Ruby and a Tone Tubby Red. The Ruby sounded really really good in the MkII, but I bought from Amazon and I was able to return for a full refund. (I had previously written off the Ruby as too dark and did not like at all!!) . The TT Red now lives happily in mine. The Ruby and TT Red sounded equally as great, yet different. I've said this before about a few Z amps, but this Z-28 MkII combo is my favorite Z to date! Amazes every time I plug in. It’s awesome. Still in honeymoon phase but it just has the goods. Can’t wait to get the combo cab. Definitely will look into the TT Red. Also had the Ruby. Sounded ok, but don’t think I had the right amp.
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Post by bubs42 on Sept 4, 2023 5:54:44 GMT -7
I’m not a fan of the Creamback, but I have to say that the Creamback sounded fantastic with the MKII, so the Cream “if you want alnico” would be a great choice. Maybe its the cabinet wood, but I didn’t seem to ge annoyed with the aggressiveness of the midrange. When my Combo Cab comes in, first thing that is going in is the G12-65, then the Z12. I really like both those speakers for different reasons, and I think the Z12 is grossly overlooked. I really like a great sounding “American” speaker and the Z28 is an amp that strattles the line of Brit and American Styles. Still is and will probably be my favorite amp and believe me I’ve been through A LOT OF AMPs. LOL
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sanox
New Member
Posts: 36
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Post by sanox on Sept 4, 2023 7:16:02 GMT -7
I’ve tried the Eminence Wheelhouse and WGS Blackhawk HP and both sounded lifeless compared to the stock creamback. I’m interested in an American sounding speaker for more clean tones. In a vid the Dr talked about trying many speakers and finally choosing the creamback. I’ve always been interested in the runner ups in that decision process. Anyone trying to pull the cleaner side out of the Z28 and what speaker has helped you. Thanks.
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Post by bubs42 on Sept 4, 2023 7:35:43 GMT -7
I’ve tried the Eminence Wheelhouse and WGS Blackhawk HP and both sounded lifeless compared to the stock creamback. I’m interested in an American sounding speaker for more clean tones. In a vid the Dr talked about trying many speakers and finally choosing the creamback. I’ve always been interested in the runner ups in that decision process. Anyone trying to pull the cleaner side out of the Z28 and what speaker has helped you. Thanks. The Z12 , and the A Type sound great, and the surprise one that sounds very good is the Texas Heat. All of them do clean to mean.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Sept 4, 2023 14:57:19 GMT -7
The Alnico Cream is really good in the Z28 MKII.
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Post by buckeye on Sept 4, 2023 17:36:55 GMT -7
I have MKii head and have tried many speakers. But my go to lately is a is a pairing of the M65 Creamback with a Jensen Blackbird 40. The ceramic/ alnico blend is amazing. They are in a 2x12 slant top cab that I built with the Creamback on the bottom.
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Post by frankie on Sept 7, 2023 12:22:20 GMT -7
I’ve tried the Eminence Wheelhouse and WGS Blackhawk HP and both sounded lifeless compared to the stock creamback. I’m interested in an American sounding speaker for more clean tones. In a vid the Dr talked about trying many speakers and finally choosing the creamback. I’ve always been interested in the runner ups in that decision process. Anyone trying to pull the cleaner side out of the Z28 and what speaker has helped you. Thanks. The two runners up where the Z-12 and the alnico Cream.
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Post by bubs42 on Sept 11, 2023 16:56:46 GMT -7
Just received a Ruby and I have to say i’n pretty surprised. I really like the RED FANG, but it’s too darn loud and the Ruby really sounds great, usable at any level.
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Post by dewiecox on Sept 13, 2023 4:05:39 GMT -7
Just received a Ruby and I have to say i’n pretty surprised. I really like the RED FANG, but it’s too darn loud and the Ruby really sounds great, usable at any level. Nice, I wonder about the power handling with the Z but it definitely ticks quite a few boxes. narrowing my AlNiCo choices down now. Ruby has entered the fray in the last few days. Kinda waiting for one of a handful of speakers to just fall into my lap.
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Post by dewiecox on Sept 25, 2023 17:46:53 GMT -7
Found a solid deal on a Ruby. Sounding pretty dang good but where I’m at volume wise, I’m a little hesitant to trust it long term. I’m assuming the Cream is the logical option here, but they’re not exactly soundalikes.
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Post by dewiecox on Sept 29, 2023 8:09:21 GMT -7
I’ve tried the Eminence Wheelhouse and WGS Blackhawk HP and both sounded lifeless compared to the stock creamback. I’m interested in an American sounding speaker for more clean tones. In a vid the Dr talked about trying many speakers and finally choosing the creamback. I’ve always been interested in the runner ups in that decision process. Anyone trying to pull the cleaner side out of the Z28 and what speaker has helped you. Thanks. The two runners up where the Z-12 and the alnico Cream. Anything beyond cost considerations that lead the decision to go with the m65?
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Post by frankie on Sept 29, 2023 12:50:49 GMT -7
The two runners up where the Z-12 and the alnico Cream. Anything beyond cost considerations that lead the decision to go with the m65? It sounded the best. Cost is never a consideration until tone is sorted out.
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Post by reverbking on Sept 29, 2023 14:07:27 GMT -7
Went ahead and snagged a Creamback. Sounds nice and can run a little hotter compared to the Scumback I was running. Might snag a Cream too, if I come across one for a decent price. Will have an extra cab. Is that the best AlNiCo option? What Scumback were you using? I'm running the stock creamback in the combo and I've been looking at the Scumback M75, SC75 and S75-PVC Alnico as potential options. Thanks
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Post by dewiecox on Sept 29, 2023 14:26:06 GMT -7
Went ahead and snagged a Creamback. Sounds nice and can run a little hotter compared to the Scumback I was running. Might snag a Cream too, if I come across one for a decent price. Will have an extra cab. Is that the best AlNiCo option? What Scumback were you using? I'm running the stock creamback in the combo and I've been looking at the Scumback M75, SC75 and S75-PVC Alnico as potential options. Thanks H55-PVC 65w
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sanox
New Member
Posts: 36
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Post by sanox on Oct 1, 2023 22:10:19 GMT -7
Hi folks. Just to add to this thread. The stock creamback is full of tone in the Mk2 but I’m thinking of exploring the American side of the amp. I’m looking at the Emi GA SC59 thinking that would work nicely. Have any here explored the American colours of the amp and what speaker has helped you get there. Cheers.
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Post by scottyc13 on Oct 2, 2023 4:13:00 GMT -7
Hi folks. Just to add to this thread. The stock creamback is full of tone in the Mk2 but I’m thinking of exploring the American side of the amp. I’m looking at the Emi GA SC59 thinking that would work nicely. Have any here explored the American colours of the amp and what speaker has helped you get there. Cheers. I have the ceramic version in another amp, GA SC64. It is a really nice speaker. It’s American voiced but doesn’t have the sharp highs that a Jensen or Weber 12A150 have due to a felt dust cap. It gives it a broken in feel. It still has lovely upper mid and enough treble though, so it’s not dull. A lot of folks replace their stock Jensen in Princeton and Deluxe Reverbs with it.
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Post by gfreak on Oct 2, 2023 9:37:05 GMT -7
I love the Z-12 for American Tones. It sounded incredible with the MK 1 version of the Z-28. I am going to have to try it with the MK II!!
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sanox
New Member
Posts: 36
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Post by sanox on Oct 2, 2023 10:25:33 GMT -7
I’d like to hear your thoughts once you give the Z a whirl. It would be interesting to hear from the Dr about the runners up when selecting a speaker for the Mk2 combo. Somewhere I read he went through many before he settled on the creamback. The creamback is an affordable and a great all rounder but I imagine there must have been some highlights in the selection process.
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Post by gfreak on Oct 6, 2023 12:46:52 GMT -7
I had a chance today to try the Z-12 in with the MKII. I sounded really nice, just the right amount of top and bottom end. Very full sounding. It is in my Z-Plus with its large LT Combo. I decided to go back to the MKII combo. The cabinet really makes it sound 3-D! Liked the Z-12 but the cabinet with the creamback is hands down the winner.
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Post by dewiecox on Oct 26, 2023 5:42:50 GMT -7
Finally settled with a AlNiCo Cream…has plenty of zing and just responds to my playing better than the others. Must be an alnico thing. Keeping the Creamback for my convertible but the Cream is going in the combo cabZ
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Post by cfidave on Jan 1, 2024 13:54:01 GMT -7
I’ve tried the Eminence Wheelhouse and WGS Blackhawk HP and both sounded lifeless compared to the stock creamback. I’m interested in an American sounding speaker for more clean tones. In a vid the Dr talked about trying many speakers and finally choosing the creamback. I’ve always been interested in the runner ups in that decision process. Anyone trying to pull the cleaner side out of the Z28 and what speaker has helped you. Thanks. The Z12 , and the A Type sound great, and the surprise one that sounds very good is the Texas Heat. All of them do clean to mean. I agree with the Celestion Type A being a great fit with the z28. The mid range isn't nearly as aggressive as the Creamback and the highs sound smoother . I think it is a very neutral speaker and lets the amp character really come through.
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Larry
New Member
Posts: 27
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Post by Larry on Jan 1, 2024 16:54:42 GMT -7
I have been running the Alnico Cream in mine for about 3 months now. No complaints and sound glorious!
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Post by tumeniamps (Tom) on Jan 1, 2024 18:15:06 GMT -7
I haven't found a speaker or cabinet that doesn't sound great with my MKII and MK1 heads. Among my favorites, are my 2X12 loaded with 2 Alnico Creams and another 2X12 with a V30 and G12H-75 Creamback. Both oval open back cabinets.
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mjz
New Member
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Post by mjz on Jan 4, 2024 0:28:05 GMT -7
I've been trying different speakers with my Z28 MKI and I've settled with Celestion Neo V-Types in my 2x12 cab. They sound more broken in than the regular V-Types and they are half the weight. I also have a set of Neo Creambacks, which sound really awesome, but isn't a great match with the Z28.
The Neo V is a big sounding speaker and fairly neutral. The Z28 has a fat midrange and with mid forward speakers it can get to honkey with certain pedals and guitars like a Les Paul imho.
M and H creambacks didn't do it for me, and regular Greenbacks and Heritage H30 (55hz) didn't work with al guitars either. I personally hate V30's and don't like H30 anni's either. Neo V-types are a perfect fit for my Z28 and my Therapy. For my Ghia and MAZ38 I prefer different speakers.
Note: I only play dirty stuff :-)
I haven't used this combination in the studio yet, but it has been my live rig for the last 1,5 years.
For whatever it's worth, here is a video of us live with the Z28/Neo V type setup (opening for Dirty Honey, reasonable quality):
Edit: I came across another video someone made of one of our gigs. This might be a better showcase for the amp on Neo V types (and Lollartrons...):
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sanox
New Member
Posts: 36
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Post by sanox on Jan 23, 2024 9:10:26 GMT -7
I suspect your decision has been made but this is a follow up to my earlier reply. I installed an Eminence GA SC64 yesterday. I’ve been enjoying the stock cream back, but found the mid forward aspect of it a bit dominating for my ear. Seems all my drive pedals are adding mid frequency, and I was always fighting with too much of a good thing. The SC64 seems to have solved this with a more balanced frequency response and extended, lows and highs. My drives now deliver the boost and mid push I’m after and the speaker allows me to sit back in the mix when needed. It’s early days for sure but this is a good start. In addition, the clean tones are now more favourable to archtops and solo finger work.
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