Dr. Z Z-80 Head - Blackout Edition
The uncanny magic of the original Vox design was also it's Achilles' heel. The AC80 had 4 individually cathode-biased EL34 power tubes, pushed to the brink of meltdown in order to achieve 80+ watts from the output section. The original cabinets were practically ovens for the tubes, providing poor ventilation and often going thermal while being pushed night after night. This caused Vox to rethink the design and supply the power section with a more reliable fixed-biased circuit in the second generation AC100 in the late 60s, but this design lost some of the harmonic response of the original, causing the company to shelve the amp soon after. Dr. Z set out to make his iteration firstly, and most-importantly, reliable enough to stand up to the rigors of Paisley's robust tour schedule. Starting with a stouter power transformer custom-spec'ed from Heyboer Transformers, he also reined the cathode values in, relieving the punishing voltages the EL34 tubes were under in the vintage design, and designed his own aluminum-welded chassis and head cabinet to allow for proper ventilation. Seeking to retain the unique vibe and distinct tone of the original cathode-biased design, but insuring it was bullet-proof, the amp now dubbed the Z-80 has been on Paisley's stage for 5+ years on the road, and has also found its way to numerous other Z artists' backline as a test of real-world reliability.
Dr. Z has never been satisfied to simply copy a design; the aim is always to bring a vintage tone into the present, meeting the demands and needs of today's player. Beyond improved reliability, refinement of the circuit was in order: a post-phase inverter master volume was tuned to control the brutal 80+ watts of crystalline, chiming power on tap. A Metro "Zero Loss" FX loop was added, allowing the player to dial up the grit and grind, but retain the clarity of their time-based effects and modulation. While the original Vox design was intended for bass guitar, Dr. Z massaged the Z-80's preamp to include a midrange control to dial in the range most important for guitar instead of the original's fixed resistor value, and ironed out some of the quirks in the tone stack by increasing gain and expanding frequency bandwidth.
Six years of relentless evolution has gone into the Z-80, having been built-up, then torn down to the tacks over half a dozen times; a testament to considerations taken for an amp Dr. Z considers a touchstone in his company's legacy. The Z-80 retains the original AC80's quad of individually cathode-biased EL34s, two 12AX7 preamp and one 12AU7 phase inverter, includes both a custom power transformer that exceeds the original's requirements and reliability, and is fitted with a replica output transformer designed around the original AC80 schematics, manufactured exclusively for Dr. Z by Heyboer Transformers. Hand-wired meticulously by Dr. Z himself, the Z-80 outperforms the original design requirements, has undergone the crucible of the road, and provides a dynamic, unmatched playing experience one can only achieve by buckling up and plugging into 80 watts of British Invasion-inspired power.
Specifications
- Output Power: 80 Watts- Output Tubes: 4 EL34 (individually cathode biased)
- Preamp Tubes: 2 12AX7, 1 12AU7
- Rectifier: Solid State
- Controls: Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Master
- Other: 8, 16 Ohm outputs, Metro "Zero Loss" FX Loop
- Configuration: Head
- Dimensions: 22 3/4 x 9 3/4 x 10"
- Weight: 40 lbs.
Q & A
Reviews
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Z-80 Head - Blackout Edition | 812188 |
