Dr. Z Z28 versus Rt. 66

[Luke Duke]

Ok I searched and searched, but my searches all had too many wildcards...in any case here it is.

I know they use the same tone stack and preamp design. I know the KT66 make for that thick tone....but I don't know how much bass is lost with the 6V6s. Also I'm curious if there's an audible volume difference...I'm guessing no with only a 10 watt difference.

So in any case I'm really curious how the tones differ and how the breakup chracteristics differ too.

I've played a 66, but if I want a Z28 I'm going to have to go in blind. The 66 is by far more popular and available on the used market.

So in any case....edumacate me! :)

Luke

[E-Rock]

Can't tell you about the 66, but I've had a 28 for a couple years now. No shortage of low end at all. Plenty of big, tight bass. I usually have the Bass at about 1 o'clock, treble at about 2 o'clock. With the volume set just on the verge of breakup, this amp is the ultimate small club amp. A couple o pedals and you're there.

[Curly]

Luke,
I haven't played either one, but I've read comments from several people who've said the 66 is freakin' loud.

[BBQLS1]

I think the Z28 is kind of a Fendery amp. I haven't played one though.

The 66 is kind of like a Smooth breakup JTM45.

[big mike]

The Z28 is a great amp, I think it has more high end on tap. Just because the preamp and controls are similar, I don't think it's the exact same stack.

[Bajan]

I used to own a 66 and a good friend of mine still has the Z28. We have put them together to see how they stack up. Is there a volume difference, yes. The main difference though was that the 66 had a huge low end and thick mids, the 28 had nice chime and detailed highs. For me I preferred the Z28, not as much low end as the 66 but quite frankly it had more than enough and it was nice and tight. I liked the texture and detail that the 28 had and found it a bit more balanced sounding. Plus the volume level was much more manageable to be able to ride between clean and dirty with the guitar's volume knob. Great cleans, overdrives beautifully and sounded great with overdrive pedals.

Shane

[Munga]

You know you want the Rt. 66. Be loud and proud. ;)

[Chadley]

What E-Rock said.....

Can't tell you about the 66, but I've had a 28 for a couple years now. No shortage of low end at all. Plenty of big, tight bass. I usually have the Bass at about 1 o'clock, treble at about 2 o'clock. With the volume set just on the verge of breakup, this amp is the ultimate small club amp. A couple o pedals and you're there.

Plus, I have owned the 66 as well. I prefer the Z28 simply because of my playing style. There are very different amps despite the similar schematic but both amps are stellar amps. I did have some ghost note issues with the 66 that I don't have now with the Z28 but the 66 is definitely big, fat and nasty sounding.

[strangec]

Agree with Bajan. The Z28 doesnt lack lows. I have a head and run into 1xWeber 12F150 (more vintage Fender) or Emi RW&B (more bassy). Like this amp a lot.

[Luke Duke]

Thanks for your comments thus far fellas. They are greatly appreciate.

A buddy told me the 28 sounded significantly tighter on the low end...he made a plexi/JTM45 comparison as well.


You know you want the Rt. 66. Be loud and proud. ;)

Alec you know you're not supposed to feed the animals! LOL :munch

In any case I'm freakin out here at the last minute especially after starting to price KT66s!

Luke

[bilbal]

I have got a Route 66 and I absolutely love it. All of my amps are Dr. Zs and they are all killers. My 66 is tight in the bass but also has enough highs to make anyone happy. It takes pedals incredibly well and I have never heard these "ghost notes" that are being talked about. My 66 has never acted any differently than when I bought it and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT over most other amps I have owned. You really need to go check one out in person to be able to make an educated choice. Too many times amps are either overlooked or listened to with a preconceived notion that was given at some website full of guitarists with differing styles and tastes. Go check out a Route 66 and see what you think afterwards.

Good luck,
bilbal

[Serious Poo]

I'm another proud Route 66 player, it's been my main amp for a few years now. It's a friggen' loud amp, no doubt about it. I use a THD Hot Plate with it most of the time, but it's SUCH a happening little amplifier... :D

A few months ago, I looked at a getting a Z28 to keep my 66 company, but found that I prefer the sound & feel of EL84's instead.

[Serious Poo]

which amp runs el84's?Carmen Ghia's and Maz 18's.

[Luke Duke]

I have got a Route 66 and I absolutely love it. All of my amps are Dr. Zs and they are all killers. My 66 is tight in the bass but also has enough highs to make anyone happy. It takes pedals incredibly well and I have never heard these "ghost notes" that are being talked about. My 66 has never acted any differently than when I bought it and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT over most other amps I have owned. You really need to go check one out in person to be able to make an educated choice. Too many times amps are either overlooked or listened to with a preconceived notion that was given at some website full of guitarists with differing styles and tastes. Go check out a Route 66 and see what you think afterwards.

Good luck,
bilbal

I've played the Rt. 66 twice now and and adored it both times. I'm thinking a greenback loaded Z-best would help shave some of the volume regardless which I end up with.

BTW how's the Galaxie holdin ya over?

Luke

[bilbal]

The Galaxie is another Z killer. I am liking it very much. It too is a loud llittle shit like it's sisters. I have written elsewhere that I don't care for the Galaxie in stereo with either of my others (66,Maz38) However, the 66 and the Maz is a match made in Heaven.

I don't have any experience with the Z cabs yet - sorry that I can't help.

bilbal

[jakins]

all the Z's ive played have been shockingly loud. my fav is the Z28 thru the Z 210 cab...the Z28 is a really big, warm sounding amp and i thought it paired nicely with the 10's when i tried it out for a couple hours...kinda tweedy on steroids.

[papa taco]

I miss my z28 so much I just bumped a 2 1/2 year old thread.

[surfhard]

Thinking about a Z28 but the Rt 66 looks tempting.

[Sigmund]

How loud will a Z28 be compared to a VOX AC15, Tiny Terror and Deluxe Reverb?

[Rick360]

Howdy,

Satisfied Carmen Ghia owner here. This thread has rekindled my Route 66 GAS. It's an open G thing...

[dazed1]

Stop the Z madness! I have a Remedy which I have yet to find fault with. Going on a year and a half gigging with it. Just so many good things about the 6V6s... I played the Z28 and liked it alot. I have not played the Rt 66 but would like to very much. Ya just cant go wrong... :bonk

[Killcrop]

I had both. The Route 66 was way to much amp for me, which basically made it a clean only amp. The Z28 was tighter, nastier and suits my style more. It could be played clean but really shinned when it was cooking. Its loud too though and for most smaller gigs was too much. Very Marshally to my ears. Its a stone cold rocker in my book.