Dr. Z Monza 1x10 Combo in Red - Master Volume
The Dr. Z Monza just got
better! Dr Z decided to begin shipping this popular amp with a
post phase inverter master volume and 16 ohm speaker out.
Even at only 20 watts (20 Dr. Z watts, that is!), customers were
complaining about the massive volume this little beast had. Well,
that's now a problem of the past! Now, you'll be able to get all
that gain on tap without blowing out the windows. But if volume
is still what you're after, this volume control is designed to be
completely out of the circuit when turned all the way up.
Three things we noticed about the Monza right off the bat:
1) It's LOUD! Whatever you do, do not mistake 20 watts for weak. As we mentioned above, this is 20 watts of Dr. Z power we're talking about. Read in the forums if you must. You'll see people who absolutely love the tone, but complain about the loudness. Of course, this is now a non-issue with the new Master Volume. Want to run this with a Z-Best cab? No problem. It'll handle it. Just bring the earplugs.
2) One of the things that sets the Monza apart from other amps out there in it's class is its ability to be so responsive to the guitar player's input, all while delivering tons of gain and sustain. Many amps with this level of gain become overly compressed and loses some of their ability to produce a nice variety of dynamics. Not the Monza. Even at higher gain settings you get back what you put in.
3) The number one complaint about amps with higher levels of gain is how chords get lost in the overdrive. Well, not with the Monza! Hit a nice, strong E minor chord and you hear every string. Want to hit a 6-string F with the gain cranked? Do it! ... Actually, on that last one I advise you be well in tune, but that goes without saying.
The Monza doesn't use a typical GAIN/MASTER circuit. On the front end, the VOLUME controls the clean to dirty range while the DRIVE adds more sustain and depth as you turn it up. Notes keep getting bigger and fatter. With Drive and Volume at 12:00 you get a brilliant gain sound that is effortless to play. Like all Dr. Z Amps, the Monza is very touch sensitive to pick dynamics, which always make an amp more fun to play. Backing off the volume on your guitar yields a nice clean sound. Turning the amps VOLUME and DRIVE up to higher settings will bring on a nice smooth fuzz type overdrive that will collapse and bloom with no need for pedals. Put simply, you’ll have a very broad range of gain sounds at your fingertips with just a guitar, amp, and cable. With the master volume control you can have your sound in the bedroom, the studio, and the stage.
Specs:
Many Configurations and Colors of the Monza are Available! CLICK HERE to see them all
Extra Stuff:
Amp too loud? Read our article: Guitar Amp Attenuators
Need a cover for your Dr. Z Amp?: Dr. Z Amplifier Accessories
Read from our Dr. Z FAQ
Sign up for our Dr. Z Newsletter
Three things we noticed about the Monza right off the bat:
1) It's LOUD! Whatever you do, do not mistake 20 watts for weak. As we mentioned above, this is 20 watts of Dr. Z power we're talking about. Read in the forums if you must. You'll see people who absolutely love the tone, but complain about the loudness. Of course, this is now a non-issue with the new Master Volume. Want to run this with a Z-Best cab? No problem. It'll handle it. Just bring the earplugs.
2) One of the things that sets the Monza apart from other amps out there in it's class is its ability to be so responsive to the guitar player's input, all while delivering tons of gain and sustain. Many amps with this level of gain become overly compressed and loses some of their ability to produce a nice variety of dynamics. Not the Monza. Even at higher gain settings you get back what you put in.
3) The number one complaint about amps with higher levels of gain is how chords get lost in the overdrive. Well, not with the Monza! Hit a nice, strong E minor chord and you hear every string. Want to hit a 6-string F with the gain cranked? Do it! ... Actually, on that last one I advise you be well in tune, but that goes without saying.
The Monza doesn't use a typical GAIN/MASTER circuit. On the front end, the VOLUME controls the clean to dirty range while the DRIVE adds more sustain and depth as you turn it up. Notes keep getting bigger and fatter. With Drive and Volume at 12:00 you get a brilliant gain sound that is effortless to play. Like all Dr. Z Amps, the Monza is very touch sensitive to pick dynamics, which always make an amp more fun to play. Backing off the volume on your guitar yields a nice clean sound. Turning the amps VOLUME and DRIVE up to higher settings will bring on a nice smooth fuzz type overdrive that will collapse and bloom with no need for pedals. Put simply, you’ll have a very broad range of gain sounds at your fingertips with just a guitar, amp, and cable. With the master volume control you can have your sound in the bedroom, the studio, and the stage.
Specs:
| Power Output | 20 LOUD Watts |
| Output Tubes | 2 x
EL84 Cathode Biased |
| Preamp Tubes | 2 x 12AX7 |
| Rectifier | Tube - 5AR4 |
| Controls | Volume
Drive, Tone, and MASTER |
| Configuration | Head, 1x10, 1x12, and 2x10 Combo |
| Colors | All are
available in Black, Blonde, Red, and Limited Surf Green |
| Head Dims & Weight | 17.5" Wide
x 9" High x 9.5" Depth - 23 lbs |
| 1x10 Dims
& Weight |
17.5" Wide x 17" High x 10" Depth - 37 lbs |
| 1x10
Speaker Config |
10" Eminence Red Fang AlNiCo |
| 1x12 Dims & Weight | 23" Wide
x 20 1/8" High x 10" Depth - 50 lbs |
| 1x12
Speaker Config |
12" Celestion
G12H (optional Celestion AlNiCo Blue +$239) |
| 2x10 Dims & Weight | 23" Wide x 20 1/8" High x 10" Depth - 54 lbs |
| 2x10
Speaker Config |
2x10" Dr. Z Custom Speakers (optional Red Fang AlNiCos +$139 ea) |
Many Configurations and Colors of the Monza are Available! CLICK HERE to see them all
Extra Stuff:
Amp too loud? Read our article: Guitar Amp Attenuators
Need a cover for your Dr. Z Amp?: Dr. Z Amplifier Accessories
Read from our Dr. Z FAQ
Sign up for our Dr. Z Newsletter
Dr Z Amps are officially UL/CSA certified! They're also CE certified for the rest of the world. To our knowledge, they are the only boutique amp manufacturer with models that are UL certified. It's a very long and expensive ordeal and rightfully so, they are quite proud to offer amps that are tested and certified for safety, reliability, and durability.
Dr. Z Amplification are tested and spot checked quarterly by ETL to insure their building methods and materials meet the strict requirements for certification.
Other than safety, why is this important? UL Certification also requires a manufacturer to build for durability and reliability. The chassis, solder points, transformers, etc have to meet certain criteria, such as:
Vibration : Such as withstanding a bumpy road in the back of your car.
Shock Resistance #1 : Shock, as in impact, not electricity. Not all amps survive a fall or accidental drop.
Shock Resistance #2 : Ok, now it's about electricity! :)
And the list goes on, but you get the picture.
The point is, it's truly rare, if not non-existant, that a hand-wired custom amplifier company puts themselves out there to be scrutinized by firms who literally spcialize in looking for reasons to shut them down. In our opinion, that speaks volumes about Dr. Z and their build quality. It gives us confidence in them, and in our opinion, it should you as well.
If you would like more information about Dr. Z's certification, please click the image below to read the report.
- Humbucker Music
