Dr. Z Z-40 Head, 1x12 Cab Set

The Dr. Z Z-40 head combines the acclaimed British character of the Z-80 with a manageable 40 watts of dual EL-34 power. Developed as a half-power version of the popular Z-80, this amp offers a versatile and powerful sound for any rockstar. With its unique preamp and twin tube power section, the Z-40 is perfect for those who don't need the full 80-watt potential.

To achieve the same powerful, resonant sound as the larger amp, Dr. Z had to reconsider the technical design while keeping the key components that all musicians love about the Z-80. The Z-40 continues to feature the smooth, sliding post-phase inverter master volume to control the overall output, the distinctively cathode-biased EL-34 power tubes that give the amp its unique tonal quality, and the flexibility of the Metro “Zero-Loss” FX loop for today's pedal-using performers.

This amp features a custom output transformer from Heyboer, not a replica of any previous vintage amp. The preamp's gain-staging was carefully designed to maintain exceptional clarity and headroom, delivering crisp British cleans that transform into rich, defined saturation. A first for Z's designs, this amp utilizes TAD Hi-Grade 12AY7 preamp tubes in the first two positions, providing a balanced and punchy response across the entire fretboard. The addition of a "bootstrap" tone stack driver circuit from the previous amp increases bandwidth and gain, resulting in its distinct sonic signature. Dr. Z also included a subtle adjustment of negative feedback in the output section, reducing any unwanted noise and producing a precise amplification of the guitar's signal.

But Dr. Z wasn’t satisfied with the Z-40 being the kid brother of the Z-80; the amp had to stand on its own with its own exclusive features. A new switchable rectifier mode allows the player to alter the headroom and response. Solid-state diode rectification, as in the original amp, produces pure, lucid cleans, with a snappy response. Switching in the 5U4 tube rectifier creates compression, a smoother play feel, and a bit more grit to the overdrive as the power section pulses to the player’s touch. The “cut” control, famous in many British-style amps, reappears in the Z-40 to fine-tune the all-important high mid chime to the player’s guitar and pickups.

Finally, the Z-40 will be offered not just as a head, but also as a 1×12 combo in sleek black-out tolex with classy silver appointments. The 1×12 combo features a WGS ET-90, a high headroom powerhouse speaker that throws the sound forward, and is the same top-mounted cabinet design as the lauded Z-28 Mk. II, which produces piano-like low mids, and resonant, room-filling projection, even at lower volumes. Most importantly, Dr. Z aims to get the Z-40 in the hands of as many working musicians as possible by offering the Z-40 at a reasonable price of $1899 for the head and $2299 for the 1×12 com

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