Dr. Z Mini-Z Combo in Surf Green
The Dr Z Mini-Z used the
same circuit as the original, but this time they added a built-in
attenuator to dial back the output. This allows you to use it as
sort of a "master volume", yet you still get to keep the tubes running
at full plate voltage for that thick sustain and rich tube harmonics
that only a tube amp can give when cranked, but at lower volumes.
Now, if you're looking for clean headroom, the MiniZ is probably not going to do it for you. This little amp is meant to be used the same way you would use a old school Fender Champ. Crank it up, and let it rip! Some cleaner tones can be had by backing down the volume on both the amp and your guitar, but let's face it... That's no fun with an amp like this!
With the typical guitar, you'll start to hear it overdrive at around 9 o'clock, so it comes on early. Naturally, it'll be a little later with lower output pickups, and a touch earlier with hot. As you crank the dial it thickens up a bit as the overdrive and gain increases.
Dr. Z says: "Want a nice & crunchy rhythm tone? It's at about 10-11 o'clock. Want a nice, sustaining tone for leads? It's at high-noon. Want ZZ-top? It's at about 2-3 o'clock. Want over the top saturation? Crank it all the way up. The amp gets both louder AND more distorted as you turn it up, so it's quite a ride. Most will find a happy setting between 12 and 2 o'clock and control the volume and tone with their guitar."
Specs:
Power Output: 5 Watts
Output Tubes: 1 x EL84
Preamp Tubes: 1 x 12AX7M
Controls: Volume, Built-In Attenuator
Head Dimensions: 17.5" W x 17" H x 10" D
Head Weight: 18 lbs
Combo Speaker: 1x10 Legend Alnico (Optional Red Fang Alnico - $139)
Combo Dimensions: 17.5" W x 17" H x 10" D
Combo Weight: 32 lbs
Configurations and Colors: The Dr Z Mini Z Amp is available in Black, Blonde, Red, and Limited Surf Green. It's also available in both head and combo form, and we stock them all. CLICK HERE to see Humbucker Music's selection of Mini-Z heads and combos.
Now, if you're looking for clean headroom, the MiniZ is probably not going to do it for you. This little amp is meant to be used the same way you would use a old school Fender Champ. Crank it up, and let it rip! Some cleaner tones can be had by backing down the volume on both the amp and your guitar, but let's face it... That's no fun with an amp like this!
With the typical guitar, you'll start to hear it overdrive at around 9 o'clock, so it comes on early. Naturally, it'll be a little later with lower output pickups, and a touch earlier with hot. As you crank the dial it thickens up a bit as the overdrive and gain increases.
Dr. Z says: "Want a nice & crunchy rhythm tone? It's at about 10-11 o'clock. Want a nice, sustaining tone for leads? It's at high-noon. Want ZZ-top? It's at about 2-3 o'clock. Want over the top saturation? Crank it all the way up. The amp gets both louder AND more distorted as you turn it up, so it's quite a ride. Most will find a happy setting between 12 and 2 o'clock and control the volume and tone with their guitar."
Specs:
Power Output: 5 Watts
Output Tubes: 1 x EL84
Preamp Tubes: 1 x 12AX7M
Controls: Volume, Built-In Attenuator
Head Dimensions: 17.5" W x 17" H x 10" D
Head Weight: 18 lbs
Combo Speaker: 1x10 Legend Alnico (Optional Red Fang Alnico - $139)
Combo Dimensions: 17.5" W x 17" H x 10" D
Combo Weight: 32 lbs
Configurations and Colors: The Dr Z Mini Z Amp is available in Black, Blonde, Red, and Limited Surf Green. It's also available in both head and combo form, and we stock them all. CLICK HERE to see Humbucker Music's selection of Mini-Z heads and combos.
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
