Anyone have Dr. Z amps?

[JonWands]

Ok, so I've been trying many different kinds of amps to try to find the sound I want. Most Mesas are as little too 'high midrange' and nasally for my taste. I like the Lonestar the best, but I don't feel it brings the mid's out in humbuckers the way I'd like. Was thinking the Marshall Class 5 especially since its affordable. But what about the Z's? Theres no where to try them around here in NJ. I heard clips of the Monza and Carmen Ghia and was blown away. I want a simple amp thats not going to break the bank, although I'd haveta save up a bit for something like that. But are they worth the wait? Or should I get the Marshall sooner than later.

 

[beej]

Probably never been more choice in the amp world than there is right now.

The Dr Z's I've heard are a long way from the Marshall Class 5's. What kind of sound are you going for? Wattage? Loop? Channels? Reverb? Etc.

 

[JonWands]

I don't care for reverb or loops anymore. I used to like effects but after playing through better amps and getting older (I'm 26 I'm getting old haha) I like a guitar straight into an amp. Especially a great sounding guitar like EBMM. Low watt but enough to cut thru a band. I would say between 5-20. Chimy cleans most important. Not sure of the Marshall for that reason. These Z's seem to have a very fat crunch sound which I want. Really bring out the fundamentals of the guitar sound in the mids.

 

[Axis Sport]

I have had Dr. Z amps and they are great but never worked 100% for me. I searched amps for years and it seems like I have had about 1 of everything. I came across Suhr amps and purchased a Badger 18 combo, they also have a 30 watt combo as well as head cabinet combinations. This has been the very best amp that I have ever owned. Is great by itself and also handles pedals very well. It is only one channel so that might be an issue for some. It is an amazing amp and worth checking out.

 

[beej]

For cleans ... Fender clean or Voxy cleans? (Chimey makes me think more of a Voxy thing.)

With that wattage, cleans and no loop you've got a ton of options and won't need to spend a lot of dough. Something like a Peavy Classic 30 might be a solid choice in the lower price range (don't laugh).

The Badgers are great, I've had the 30 and had the 18 for a long time. Their forte is really edge-of-breakup tones. Downside is they're pricey given some of the current alternatives.

 

[JonWands]

I would say more Voxy clean. The Dr. Z is priced a little better for me I think. Around 1300 for 1x12.

 

[guitfiddle]

Try the BadCat Cub IIR. Amazing cleans and FAT crunch. Amazing amp. Sold my Z a little while after I got the Cat.

 

[Trent]

Try a Twister amp.
To my ears and hands they are some of the Best Sounding amps out there.
The Gainsville is my fav,
zCheck em out I think that you will be happy that you did.
Cheers

 

[Norrin Radd]

I'm a giant fan of Z amps! If you want voxy chime - get a StangRay. The Ray finds it's design roots in the Pre Top Boost AC30s of the 60s. It is an absolutely glorious amplifier! If you want a combo - there's one for sale right now on the Z forum with a Celestion Gold. Zs are made in Cleveland - all hand wired and built like tanks - the value for what you get is unsurpassed. Here is a pic of mine:

 

[JMB27]

Dr Z Amps? Yes. I've got some. I've had some. I will buy more when my budget permits

EBMM guitars and DR Z Amps is a combination that really can let you dial in some sweeeet sounds. So many choices, so many tones, so much fun - straight-in playin' or with effects. I have used primarily Super Sports and the occasional Silo/Silo Spec/AL thru: Ghia, Z-28, Galaxie and Remedy .... along with some time with Monza prior to release during a visit to Z Amps back in 09 (believe it was then labelled as Ghia GT). Current favorite is toss-up between running Super Sport straight into Ghia w/112 and 210 cabs or Z-28 with 112 and 210 cabs (using y-cable).

Are they worth cost and wait-time? Yes imho they are. Drop me a pm and I'll do my best to help you out as my play-time with Z Amps also includes non-EBMM content

cheers always, eh

Joel

 

[ScoobySteve]

Z's offer the simplicity. You gotta respect that. If I'm stuck on an Island with a tiny power supply. Gimme a Z C Ghia and an AL. I'm gooooooooood.

 

[JonWands]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm lucky that I've gotten to plug into a lot of cool amps. But to own one I am on a tight budget. I don't have an amp now (Champion 600 is like 1/2 an amp) and I'm thin king maybe I should just go Class 5 this time around. I figure maybe a Dr Z Airbrake in the near future to be able to possibly crank it a little in the house. I really don't know. Its tough having a sweet guitar and not being able to use any of its potential.