Hearing an amp maker say "many times the players are right and see things I didn't realize" is immensely comforting as a consumer. Dr. Z is nearing the top of my list of prospects for my first tube amp (:
You won’t regret your purchase. I’ve had a DR Z since 2008 and I love it more everyday. I’m probably going to purchase another one. How often do you see the owner and designer of guitar amps making RUclips videos talking about their products in detail? He is still passionate about his craft. Keep making those incredible amps Z!!
One thing that's so awesome when you look at a Z-amp is how easy they are to service. Everything is in the open, everything is easy to work on - completely opposite of a mesa boogie.
I’m gonna be honest, I don’t always understand all technical details explained here, but I still love to listen to Mike Z, even if it’s for his passion alone, it’s worth the watch :)
I’m in line for one from Sweetwater! Can’t wait. I still own the original Db4 and at one time a Stangray. I’m really looking forward to this one. Dr Z, thank you for being such an amazing innovator and caring about your customers.
Amps that have a pentode preamp tube are just better, simple as that. Whether it's EF86 or 5879, they're magic. Dr. Z is the best in the biz, a living legend
You're the man! Love the total transparency with your work. The guts are always impressive. The amps are built like tanks! My old zwreck gigged so well
I really appreciate how you started to implement PPIMV's and FX loops in your recent releases. There will always be people who prefer otherwise, but for non-professionals like me who just like to enjoy guitar-playing at home, these 2 features are very often the gate-keepers of my amp purchases. I remember the day I tried a Z-Master, it made me think of creative ways to justify bringing it home but it all involved buying extra outboard gear so there's still a Z-Master-sized hole in my house ;) Ahem... I mean Z-Master Mk II -sized hole :P
Thank You Mike, providing the overview of your design is both fascinating and appreciated. Looking at the available speaker choices, I wish there was an easy way to audition each speaker type prior to purchasing.
Heard a very good demo (l believe you commented on it) of this amp just a bit ago. Looks like you've got another winner on your hands Doc! Congratulations!
I have the z28 mkii which I love! I would like to get a second Z amp to compliment this one. I basically only play at home so the PPIM volume is important to me. How would this amp compliment my z28 or would you recommend one of your other amps?
This amp would be a bit faster in response and a bit grittier on the top end and tighter on the bottom. It would be a good choice say if you run your Z-28 MKII clean and this one overdriven. If you need even more overdrive/distortion, the Z Wreck Jr. Or MAZ 18 would also be a great complement to the Z-28 MK II
The normal channel of the AC30 is the best sound in the world. Love seeing this kind of modern version of that amp getting in the hands of new players.
For me, the Stang is tied for my all time favorite amp tone with the Mazerati. I was fortunate enough to be able to acquire both of those amps on Reverb over the last three years. So naturally, of course, after I've spent all my money on those two amps, the good Doc goes and releases a great new amp like this! Aargh! 😅 Seriously though, very cool and I can't wait to hear it and hopefully plug into one myself!
I remembered when BP said in his Sweetwater interview with Mitch Gallagher that the DB4 would be renamed. I'm finally happy to see that prediction by Brad (hopefully) come to fruition with this new X-Ray! Can't wait to hear what it has to offer!
Post phase inverter master volume is choice. Have it on my oranger rockerverb and does wonders for the ears. The new x ray sounds excellent and on the short list. 😊
I’m a bit confused as to why the Z28 mkii needed to be cathode biased for a Lar Mar type ppimv. With the fixed biased amps I’ve added MV to, a Lar Mar always seems to work better than a cross line. That’s what’s confusing to me. Why not use a cross line if going with fixed bias? I added both to a Ghia and the cross line was much more open and authentic sounding at lower master volumes. I haven’t needed caps to block DC on any fixed bias amps I’ve added a Lar Mar to,either. I’m no Dr Z and I’m sure your reasoning is sound. I’m just not completely comprehending it as I’m not an engineer.Love your amps!
First William I do not use the " Lar Mar type PPIMV " on any of my designs. Each application of a PPIMV I use is designed and adjusted to work at its best with the specific Output Tubes it drives. That doesn't mean the LM won't work on some amps IMHO , and I'm glad you enjoy it on your Ghia which BTW is a Cathode Biased amp.
@@mikezaite1335 yeah I switched it to a crossline on the ghia and it sounds a lot better on the ghia. It’s a home built ghia btw, I didn’t alter one an actual Dr Z Ghia. I’d need a LOT of incentive to do THAT ,lol! That’s what I was wondering about. I just said Lar Mar as a general reference to dual gang MV rather than crossline MV. I’ve always found crosslines work better on cathode biased amps. That’s what I was wondering about on the Z/28 Mk ii. It’s a cathode biased amp as well so it surprised me that a dual gang configuration would be used rather than a crossline. I should’ve been more clear in my question. Sorry about that. I’m not asking for inside information it’s just unintuitive to my experience. The Z/28 mk ii obviously sounds fantastic with the MV you gave it! You’re probably getting questions like this all the time from people building and working on amps so I appreciate the reply!
Mike alluded to the quality of the fx loop and I concur! This is a little sample testing a prototype with a "lifeless" TC Flashback pedal which a lot of people know the sound of. I think it sounds fantastic and is full of color in the loop of this amp, and was quite surprising to me. ruclips.net/video/qKBOc2iETtM/видео.html
After all that we don't get to hear it?! You can't say its like a DB4 and Stang Ray and then not let us hear it. This could be the perfect amp to pair with my Z-Wreck Jr!
LOVE the MAZ18!!! What a fun amp!!! Found it for 800US on the local marketplace.... What'd be ALOT cooler is if you could use a 12ax7 for the loop, so we can JUMPER it for MORE "TRACTION" 😂😂😂
@@DrZAmplification Adam's effects loop demo he posted a link to below shows off the sparkle quite well! Can't wait to hear more sound clips - gonna be on my list to add to the collection (Z-Wreck Jr, Carmen Gia 25th, Z/28 MKII). This one will be good for me as a head as all the others are combos.
I have a 63' non top boost Vox AC30 and I still want this amp just to see how the "sparkling clean sound" varies. maybe I'm just getting older, but I can't enough the clean chime.
@@DrZAmplification May have to give it a try! I definitely understand why you'd use a different preamp. I had a good friend who had the Stangray and LOVED it but he had it in a combo and couldn't keep it reliably running because of the ef86s going bad too often. All my ef86 amps are now in a head and since doing so I've not had any go bad in a couple years. You make really amazing amps no doubt, I just have an affinity for the ef86s even with all their quirks...
Hearing an amp maker say "many times the players are right and see things I didn't realize" is immensely comforting as a consumer. Dr. Z is nearing the top of my list of prospects for my first tube amp (:
Best choice out there, in my opinion.
pobodies nerfect
You won’t regret your purchase. I’ve had a DR Z since 2008 and I love it more everyday. I’m probably going to purchase another one. How often do you see the owner and designer of guitar amps making RUclips videos talking about their products in detail? He is still passionate about his craft. Keep making those incredible amps Z!!
One thing that's so awesome when you look at a Z-amp is how easy they are to service. Everything is in the open, everything is easy to work on - completely opposite of a mesa boogie.
I’m gonna be honest, I don’t always understand all technical details explained here, but I still love to listen to Mike Z, even if it’s for his passion alone, it’s worth the watch :)
As an ardent supporter of the DB4, I’m so pumped for this one!!!
I had an EZG50, a Monza 1/10 Combo, and a Carmen Ghia. I still have the CG, and it will be in my will. Great work Mike, hello neighbor from the 216.
you have some very lucky heirs
Looks like another masterpiece Doc, I can't wait!
Best of luck with the amp, and I'm sure a lot of people are going to be absolutely wowed when they hear it in person.
I’m in line for one from Sweetwater! Can’t wait. I still own the original Db4 and at one time a Stangray. I’m really looking forward to this one. Dr Z, thank you for being such an amazing innovator and caring about your customers.
I’ve got two Z 28’s…the mk ll with serial #50 combo and a ‘01 with the LS 1 in the garage. Forever treasures.
My Stang Ray is my favorite amp of my 50 year career and has been my mainstay for the last 6 years. The X-Ray has me very intrigued...
Amps that have a pentode preamp tube are just better, simple as that. Whether it's EF86 or 5879, they're magic. Dr. Z is the best in the biz, a living legend
You're the man!
Love the total transparency with your work. The guts are always impressive. The amps are built like tanks! My old zwreck gigged so well
I really appreciate how you started to implement PPIMV's and FX loops in your recent releases. There will always be people who prefer otherwise, but for non-professionals like me who just like to enjoy guitar-playing at home, these 2 features are very often the gate-keepers of my amp purchases. I remember the day I tried a Z-Master, it made me think of creative ways to justify bringing it home but it all involved buying extra outboard gear so there's still a Z-Master-sized hole in my house ;) Ahem... I mean Z-Master Mk II -sized hole :P
Z-MASTER is the way it is because it is what Joe wanted, he wanted a non-MV amp. You might need to send him an email to convince him!
Thank You Mike, providing the overview of your design is both fascinating and appreciated.
Looking at the available speaker choices, I wish there was an easy way to audition each speaker type prior to purchasing.
some of our amps have clips on our website. we will be sure to update the newer models with speaker clips soon.
@@DrZAmplification Very much appreciated, Thank You.
Heard a very good demo (l believe you commented on it) of this amp just a bit ago.
Looks like you've got another winner on your hands Doc! Congratulations!
God bless you Mike. You are a good man.
You’re a star. From a proud z-master and z-28 owner.
thank you for the support
Another masterpiece from Doc! Thank much ….
Looking forward to a sound demo - looks like another killer amp Dr. Z!
subscribe and stay tuned next week
I have Wreck jr and Nova I run in stereo. Absolute tonal heaven. Thanks Doc !!
Congrats on the new amp Z! I have a les paul amp that you showed. This looks like the perfect amp 🤘🤘🤘
I have the z28 mkii which I love! I would like to get a second Z amp to compliment this one. I basically only play at home so the PPIM volume is important to me. How would this amp compliment my z28 or would you recommend one of your other amps?
This amp would be a bit faster in response and a bit grittier on the top end and tighter on the bottom. It would be a good choice say if you run your Z-28 MKII clean and this one overdriven. If you need even more overdrive/distortion, the Z Wreck Jr. Or MAZ 18 would also be a great complement to the Z-28 MK II
The normal channel of the AC30 is the best sound in the world. Love seeing this kind of modern version of that amp getting in the hands of new players.
I love listening to this guy
I haven’t a clue what he’s talking about
But it sounds really cool.
For me, the Stang is tied for my all time favorite amp tone with the Mazerati.
I was fortunate enough to be able to acquire both of those amps on Reverb over the last three years.
So naturally, of course, after I've spent all my money on those two amps, the good Doc goes and releases a great new amp like this! Aargh! 😅
Seriously though, very cool and I can't wait to hear it and hopefully plug into one myself!
The best. Thanks Mike!
I remembered when BP said in his Sweetwater interview with Mitch Gallagher that the DB4 would be renamed. I'm finally happy to see that prediction by Brad (hopefully) come to fruition with this new X-Ray! Can't wait to hear what it has to offer!
though...it's not quite the same thing... more a of a crossover between the Stang Ray and DB4.
Sounds exactly like the perfect amp .
It's on my wishlist from the way you've described it >>
Thank you very much for your explanation of stuff I am waiting to buy my first Dr Z
let us know if you need help deciding
Looks fabulous!
Post phase inverter master volume is choice. Have it on my oranger rockerverb and does wonders for the ears.
The new x ray sounds excellent and on the short list. 😊
Great to hear that!
The only amp I truly regret moving on from is my ZWreck jr. The X-ray looks killer!
I’m a bit confused as to why the Z28 mkii needed to be cathode biased for a Lar Mar type ppimv. With the fixed biased amps I’ve added MV to, a Lar Mar always seems to work better than a cross line. That’s what’s confusing to me. Why not use a cross line if going with fixed bias? I added both to a Ghia and the cross line was much more open and authentic sounding at lower master volumes. I haven’t needed caps to block DC on any fixed bias amps I’ve added a Lar Mar to,either. I’m no Dr Z and I’m sure your reasoning is sound. I’m just not completely comprehending it as I’m not an engineer.Love your amps!
First William I do not use the " Lar Mar type PPIMV " on any of my designs. Each application of a PPIMV I use is designed and adjusted to work at its best with the specific Output Tubes it drives. That doesn't mean the LM won't work on some amps IMHO , and I'm glad you enjoy it on your Ghia which BTW is a Cathode Biased amp.
@@mikezaite1335 yeah I switched it to a crossline on the ghia and it sounds a lot better on the ghia. It’s a home built ghia btw, I didn’t alter one an actual Dr Z Ghia. I’d need a LOT of incentive to do THAT ,lol! That’s what I was wondering about. I just said Lar Mar as a general reference to dual gang MV rather than crossline MV. I’ve always found crosslines work better on cathode biased amps. That’s what I was wondering about on the Z/28 Mk ii. It’s a cathode biased amp as well so it surprised me that a dual gang configuration would be used rather than a crossline. I should’ve been more clear in my question. Sorry about that. I’m not asking for inside information it’s just unintuitive to my experience. The Z/28 mk ii obviously sounds fantastic with the MV you gave it! You’re probably getting questions like this all the time from people building and working on amps so I appreciate the reply!
I can’t wait to hear this amp! Happy owner of a Maz18jr/Stingray/6545.
Can you rewire a stang ray or an RXES from the ef86 to the 5879? Only because these ef86 are so microphonic.
You can purchase conversion sockets at go from EF86 to 5789 pinouts, find them on ebay.
@@DrZAmplification I can only find ef86 to 6sj7 conversions.
Mike alluded to the quality of the fx loop and I concur! This is a little sample testing a prototype with a "lifeless" TC Flashback pedal which a lot of people know the sound of. I think it sounds fantastic and is full of color in the loop of this amp, and was quite surprising to me. ruclips.net/video/qKBOc2iETtM/видео.html
After all that we don't get to hear it?! You can't say its like a DB4 and Stang Ray and then not let us hear it. This could be the perfect amp to pair with my Z-Wreck Jr!
stay tuned!
LOVE the MAZ18!!! What a fun amp!!! Found it for 800US on the local marketplace....
What'd be ALOT cooler is if you could use a 12ax7 for the loop, so we can JUMPER it for MORE "TRACTION" 😂😂😂
Wonder how sonically different it is from my Z-Wreck Jr?
it's not quite as gainy and has more sparkle on top and more clean headroom.
@@DrZAmplification Adam's effects loop demo he posted a link to below shows off the sparkle quite well! Can't wait to hear more sound clips - gonna be on my list to add to the collection (Z-Wreck Jr, Carmen Gia 25th, Z/28 MKII). This one will be good for me as a head as all the others are combos.
The Doctor sounds like Jon Polito (actor from Homicide: Life on the Streets and some Cohen Brothers movies.
awesome amps
Yes, but how does it sound
please subscribe and stay tuned next week
just got a Mini Dr Z, SO happy! @@DrZAmplification
I have a 63' non top boost Vox AC30 and I still want this amp just to see how the "sparkling clean sound" varies. maybe I'm just getting older, but I can't enough the clean chime.
there's plenty of it in this amp!
I get how finicky a ef86 is especially in a combo but it’s the “magic” imo and a big part/reason of similar company Matchless’ success/sound IMO.
you'd be surprised how similar the two pentodes can be sound with a few tweaks...
@@DrZAmplification May have to give it a try! I definitely understand why you'd use a different preamp. I had a good friend who had the Stangray and LOVED it but he had it in a combo and couldn't keep it reliably running because of the ef86s going bad too often. All my ef86 amps are now in a head and since doing so I've not had any go bad in a couple years. You make really amazing amps no doubt, I just have an affinity for the ef86s even with all their quirks...
Being in Cleveland you should work on an amp with Lebron James!
I don't think he plays! Guitar that is!
Damn it Mike! Stop making these amps! I can't keep buying all of them! :)
gotta keep the doors open somehow!
@@DrZAmplification I surrendered and put my order in for the head. Can't wait
@@jgreat4785 let us know how it turns out!
To many Zz’s, Xx’s, and Ray in the title. Must be what having a seizure or a Tourette’s attack must feel like .
you may want to get checked out. I see 0 Z's, 1 X, and two Rays in the title. You may have a vitamin deficiency