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Post by scottyc13 on Sept 6, 2023 9:11:30 GMT -7
I’m looking to get another amp that’s on the clean side and lower powered. I’ve listened to tons of videos. I’ve played a Vintage 1978 Princeton Reverb and really liked its clean/on the edge of breakup sound and feel. I have not been able to locate a Z-Plus to try out. Do folks know how they compare?
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Post by ajteleman on Sept 6, 2023 10:58:09 GMT -7
Fender amps have one sweet spot. Too loud? Turn down and mojo is gone. Need more? You can't get it. Z-Plus has WAY more tone shaping with Pre,T, Mid, Bass, and Cut and Master.
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Post by ajteleman on Sept 6, 2023 11:10:56 GMT -7
Plus half/full power option.
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Sept 6, 2023 17:47:58 GMT -7
And the parallel Class A tone is something. There’s really nothing I’ve heard like the Z-Plus.
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Post by tumeniamps (Tom) on Sept 7, 2023 6:12:58 GMT -7
The Z-Plus is a brilliant amp, light years ahead of a Princeton Reverb. In fact, I sold my original 1966 PR shortly after getting my Z-Plus. There is no comparison.
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Sept 7, 2023 7:51:38 GMT -7
I’ve never had a Princeton Reverb, but I’m enamored with my Z-Plus.
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Post by pcns on Sept 7, 2023 9:23:51 GMT -7
My dad had a PR when I was growing up. It was so much fun and sounded so great. I've played thru a couple of Z pluses and there isn much to compare. The plus sounds better, has a wide variety of tone controls and power options AND is built like a tank. another vote for the plus Todd
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Post by Don A on Sept 7, 2023 10:04:50 GMT -7
I built a Princeton Reverb clone with a few small mods and a great speaker several years ago. When I'm playing alone at home or maybe with someone else playing an acoustic guitar, it's one of my favorite amps, but it's more of a "basement" amp rather than an amp that's usable in living space- the volume needs to be at 3-5 to sound its best, and that's not exactly quiet. Also, it kinda loses it in a band- there's not a lot of headroom and it's not my favorite dirty sound, or even edge of breakup sound, but the clean sound, reverb, tremolo, and portability are great! It takes OD pedals really well, too. It's my "clean palate" for testing guitars and pedals.
In comparison, my Cure can sound better at quieter and louder settings, is almost as portable, cuts through a band way better, and good reverb and great tremolo are attainable with a Strymon Flint in the loop (although it doesn't even need reverb to sound awesome). Unlike the PR, you can get edge of breakup sounds at any volume level (better edge of breakup sounds than any PR). I imagine the Z-Plus would be awesome in any situation.
Oh, and the variable boost footswitch is a really great feature!
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Sept 7, 2023 16:06:25 GMT -7
I'm not just saying this because we're in the Z-amp forum, but I would recommend going with the Z-Plus over the Princeton. [Proof that "I'm not just saying this because..." is that if the Z-Plus didn't have Reverb, I'd recommend the Princeton.]
The Z-Plus with its bigger speaker (12" vs. the Princeton's 10") and slightly bigger (but not too big) combo cabinet, would be a no-brainer "all-around" more versatile machine.
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Post by steamroller on Sept 7, 2023 20:14:43 GMT -7
You will easily get the"clean/on the edge of breakup" with the Z-Plus. And a whole lot more! I too was watching all the videos and read many forum comments. Being in California, Dr. Z amps are kinda rare. I couldn't play test because of Covid restrictions even if I had found a Z-Plus! I took the plunge, bought the Z-Plus and it has been a better amp than I could have dreamed of. I play a Fender Ultra Telecaster. Versatile guitar, versatile amp.
-steamroller-
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Post by gfreak on Sept 8, 2023 9:26:00 GMT -7
I believe the Chris Stapleton Princeton has a 12" speaker in it, but if you are going to spend that much get a Plus. The Z-Plus has so many more tonal options and power level settings. It is a keeper amp that is hard to beat.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Sept 8, 2023 11:37:26 GMT -7
I believe the Chris Stapleton Princeton has a 12" speaker in it, but if you are going to spend that much get a Plus. Meh... His is a brown Princeton, with tremolo but no reverb. So yeah, in that case, DEFINITELY get the Z-Plus instead.
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Post by scottyc13 on Sept 19, 2023 8:47:42 GMT -7
I just bought a Z-Plus. Got it locally. I’ve only played it for a few minutes and it sounds great! Thanks for all your advice gents.
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