Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Also, for additional sound samples (mostly with a Fender Telecaster), check out this page with a really nice comparison of several Dr. Z models along with an AC30, a Top Hat Royale, a Genz Benz Black Pearl, and a couple of Mesa amps (use the nav bar at the top of the pages to navigate between the different amps). I've never played through a Dr. Z, but I've read lots of high praise for them.

My one and only amp is the Genz Benz that he has sound clips for on his page. It's a 30W 2x12 class A tube amp with EL84 output tubes and 12Ax7 pre-amp tubes. It's not point-to-point hand wired, but a PCB build (and, thus, not as pricey as the comparable Z's), but I love the tone with my 330/6 (and I hope with my 360/12C63 when that arrives). It's very open and chimey, but has a lot of rich, harmonic complexity.

I too, tried out a Dr. Z maz 18 at Truetone. While that particular amp is more suited for single coils, it is an amazing amp.

But then at the Amp Shop/Bass exchange, they said Dr. Z are *****, and I should instead buy a Bogner. Who to trust?

shamustwin wrote:I too, tried out a Dr. Z maz 18 at Truetone. While that particular amp is more suited for single coils, it is an amazing amp.

But then at the Amp Shop/Bass exchange, they said Dr. Z are *****, and I should instead buy a Bogner. Who to trust?

Trust the Z! All American hand made. I tried some Bogners recently at GC, nice with all kinds of bells and whistles with a price to match, and Made In China!

shamustwin wrote:I too, tried out a Dr. Z maz 18 at Truetone. While that particular amp is more suited for single coils, it is an amazing amp.

But then at the Amp Shop/Bass exchange, they said Dr. Z are *****, and I should instead buy a Bogner. Who to trust?

Did they explain exactly why they feel this way? That is the first negative comment I've heard since I started researching Z's.
I tried my Les Paul Standard w/ burstbuckers thru a Maz18Jr yesterday- I played Creams "Crossroads" - it was the head thru a 4x10 Z cabinet-
and it nailed that sound. As I mentioned before, my 370 six sounded fabulous as well.

britinvasion wrote:

shamustwin wrote:I too, tried out a Dr. Z maz 18 at Truetone. While that particular amp is more suited for single coils, it is an amazing amp.

But then at the Amp Shop/Bass exchange, they said Dr. Z are *****, and I should instead buy a Bogner. Who to trust?

Did they explain exactly why they feel this way? That is the first negative comment I've heard since I started researching Z's.
I tried my Les Paul Standard w/ burstbuckers thru a Maz18Jr yesterday- I played Creams "Crossroads" - it was the head thru a 4x10 Z cabinet-
and it nailed that sound. As I mentioned before, my 370 six sounded fabulous as well.

I have a feeling that dealer gets a higher profit margin from Bogner, hence the knocking of Dr. Z, an all too common practice, unfortunately.

Thanks for this thread. You all have really picqued my interest in the good doctor. The prices seem very sane

kiramdear wrote:Thanks for this thread. You all have really picqued my interest in the good doctor. The prices seem very sane

For a point-to -point handmade amp made in the U.S. they seem quite reasonable to me too. Small company turning out a great product made with pride and company owner involvement : Smells like the Rickenbacker philosophy to me.

jps wrote:

britinvasion wrote:

shamustwin wrote:I too, tried out a Dr. Z maz 18 at Truetone. While that particular amp is more suited for single coils, it is an amazing amp.

But then at the Amp Shop/Bass exchange, they said Dr. Z are *****, and I should instead buy a Bogner. Who to trust?

Did they explain exactly why they feel this way?

For starters, I'd guess because they didn't carry Dr. Z.

Dr. Z has been on my list for years. My friends play live and records with one, couldn't ask for a cooler tone. Whether with his tele or Jerry Jones.

Any shop that disses a product/brand they do not carry has about as much clout as that famous music exchange store in Chicago!

jps wrote:Any shop that disses a product/brand they do not carry has about as much clout as that famous music exchange store in Chicago!

I'm with you on that , Jeffrey If someone has a legitimate reason , or just states that it's their opinion because of such-an-such, fine. state a couple of facts as to why. I'm always open to hearing both sides of any gear issues to help me make an informed decision. Blanket statements that "All (name the make/model here) suck" usually make me get up and leave the store.

shamustwin wrote:I too, tried out a Dr. Z maz 18 at Truetone. While that particular amp is more suited for single coils, it is an amazing amp.

But then at the Amp Shop/Bass exchange, they said Dr. Z are *****, and I should instead buy a Bogner. Who to trust?

Aaahhh, the age-old "Beach (Truetone)--vs.--Valley (AS/BE)" dialectic. Say, shamustwin. Has anyone told you recently the pic of you in your avatar resembles Robert Zimmerman? Peace, out.....Goofyfoot.

I don't believe in Zimmerman.

What interests me about the Dr. Z amps are no bells and whistles. I mean, look at these amps. Typically just Volume, Treble, and Bass. Sometimes a couple more knobs, sometimes less. And all you hear are people raving about the tone. No need to keep tweaking this control and that control, and then the other one...... So simple. How wonderful!!! If ever I am to part with my Hiwatts, a Dr.Z would be at the top of my list to check out.

IHeartRics wrote:What interests me about the Dr. Z amps are no bells and whistles. I mean, look at these amps. Typically just Volume, Treble, and Bass. Sometimes a couple more knobs, sometimes less. And all you hear are people raving about the tone. No need to keep tweaking this control and that control, and then the other one...... So simple. How wonderful!!! If ever I am to part with my Hiwatts, a Dr.Z would be at the top of my list to check out.

Very true! This is what I found when I test-ran one at rehearsal. Deceptively simple controls that are interactive. I went from Marshall tones to really nice Vox tones to black-face fender. And not "processed" sounding, very organic. I have no stake in DrZ , btw. I just felt I needed to share what I found and see if others had the same experience. PS, I had a 100W Hi-Watt in the early 70's with one 4x12 cab. I didn't keep very long , it was **unbelievably** loud. I down-sized to a 50W Marshall half-stack - my right ear is still ringing