Dr. Z Guitar Amplifiers - How They're Made

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Sweetwater's Mitch Gallagher heads to Cleveland, Ohio for an inside look at how Dr. Z guitar amplifiers are made.
After you watch, check out Sweetwater.com today for all your music instrument and pro audio needs! 👉 www.Sweetwater.com/?...
#Sweetwater #DrZ

[@sweetwater]

Enjoy seeing how Dr. Z makes his awesome amps? Like, comment, and subscribe to see more tours like this one!

[@kebotrans]

Seems like a great business owner. Super real and humble.

[@c.s.8941]

I agree, makes me want to buy one more.

[@yetanotherbassdude]

I love how Dr Z feels like he should be a supporting character in Groundhog Day or something. Just a super humble, small town American guy running a family business that just happens to make internationally renowned guitar amps. Awesome stuff!

[@jerryhorton5708]

Guitarists everywhere, RUN, don’t walk to order your Z from Sweetwater now!!! These amps are, bar none, the best sounding, best value on the market and Sweetwater is, beyond doubt, the best online purveyor of fine music gear. Worth every cent you pay and you will get the best customer service ever.

[@Rooster7six]

You don't get any more American made than that! Now that's hand wired! Definitely need to add one to the stable.

[@luckyno888]

Z makes me think of what Fender may have been like when it was under Leo.

[@Shadowcruise99]

You might be surprised regarding Fender amps. Leo was all about saving a buck.: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp-kZmqkn92Aq8k

[@jamiemascola6614]

Fender was a larger scale, more rigidly structured operation from day one. Think along the lines of dozens of employees vs a dozen. Likely with a much higher turnover rate for said employees, and a far broader product line. And I agree with the post above. Fender was always more value- proposition than strictly quality focussed. Given what we saw here, I would consider Dr Z to be of the opposite stance.

[@nickoneal4151]

when i plugged my guitar into my maz 18 for the first time, it was like a life long journey for the right tone finally was complete.

[@blizzbee]

It sounds like a super duper american complex velvet sound. ..And when cranked, oh my... It's the amp that makes me wanna play more.

[@dharleyfan1]

I have two of Z's amps, a Maz 18 Jr 1X12 combo, with a 1X12 Ext. Cab, and a Maz EZG50 Head with a 1X12 Cab. I love them both, and they truly are works of art. Dr Z is THE MOST HANDS ON owner I've ever known, he really reaches out to his customers, ALL OF THEM, not just the famous ones. Several times he has helped me personally trouble shoot a problem I had with My Maz, and we came to find out it was outside RF interference. He's just a really humble, down home, kind of a guy, who really cares about what he builds and about his customers. Great company and a Great owner. Dr Z and Sweetwater are a perfect partnership, they both have the same philosophy of making absolutely sure THAT EVERY CUSTOMER is happy and made to feel like the most important customer they have.

[@MFKR696]

For those of you who don't know, the reason why Russian tubes are so good is that they were pretty much the last major nation to stop using tubes in consumer and military hardware, which means they developed the tube further than anyone else.

[@twintriode]

Except they are NOT good. I've gotten new Russian tubes out of the box that test right at minimum mutual conductance. Russian tubes are just about all that is left other than China and Slovakia....but Western Electric in the US is gearing up to start making guitar and audio tubes again. They will certainly smoke the shit out of everything on the market today, and they will actually last like good tubes should. To be honest I don't think Russia makes anything good.

[@CerealDust-nStuff]

@@twintriode - I thought Mesa Boogie made all their own tubes in-house. Is Western Electric making tubes yet?

[@twintriode]

@@CerealDust-nStuff NO they don't. They use all the same Russian, Slovakian, and Chinese tubes you can buys yourself. They just take the logo's off test/match them and put their logo on them. In terms of WE they made an announcement they would be producing some of the more guitar related tubes, but I see that as pure vaporware. Reason being is that WE CLAIMS they already have the tooling in place to make 12AX7 6L6 etc, OK so where are they? That announcement was a long time ago.

[@CerealDust-nStuff]

@@twintriode - Ah, well that's a bummer. You would think that someone here in America would step -up and make some great tubes and fill the market need for them. They would make a lot of money!

[@klocke-hx3xl]

@@CerealDust-nStuff There's little money in American tube manufacturing. It's highly skilled assembly, and no one wants to pay what that's worth. That's why tubes are only being produced in areas with cheap skilled labor.

[@Sir_Dickbag]

Mad respect to the doctor. Z is one of the most impressive amp companies out there!

[@davidespinosa1910]

Mitch -- GREAT job letting Z do the talking ! Really, really appreciate it.

[@ebeep]

That level of quality, organization, and integrity takes great vision, focus, intelligence, worry, creativity, and commitment. Beyond impressed with Dr. Z and his operation. Can't wait for the Z-Wreck Jr.!

[@hkguitar1984]

Friend and myself met Mr. Zatie back in 2005 and recieved the full tour of his company. We were there half the day talking and playing through all his different amplifiers. My friend went home with a new Dr. Z amp and I went home with an early 50s Gibson Amp Mr. Zatie sold me from his room full of vintage research amplifiers! A genuinely nice Man who designs, builds and sells a truly amazing American amplifier.

[@marknorris3769]

dr z seems like an incredibly nice guy

[@DeanDavidson]

This is seriously amazing. Dr. Z is the real deal.

[@Spidouz]

19:30 Yep, I can confirm, when I got my Dr Z EMS head, I had to get it shipped to me because it was too far from my home, and it arrived in perfect condition, the whole expanding foam system is great and there was no air gap between the head and the box. Good job Z

[@patrickcarroll1754]

Mitch is so cool. Great tour, Dr. Z.

[@jamiemascola6614]

Great to see the operation behind the amps. It's always gratifying to see devoted manufacturers who commit so strongly to the details of what they build. And mad props to the Doc himself for being so up front about how they do what they do. Legitemate pride comes from knowing that the good you do today will only get even better with time.

[@PaulMatthewMusic1]

Dr Z needs a radio show. He just has that personality.

[@toro514]

If I ever have the opportunity I will buy one of these products, simply because Dr. Z seems like the real deal. He doesn't questions his Ukrainian contact. Love this!

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

Not only, in my humble opinion are Dr Z the finest handmade amps on the planet but their customer service is second to none! I've had three Dr Z amps over the years and I currently own a Maz 18 Jr Mark 1 no Reverb with the celestion blue alnico speaker and a 2007 Maz 18 Jr with 2x10" in speakers. With the 2x10" speaker amp I did the Matchless trick of swapping out one of the speakers for a Celestion gold 10 inch alnico and the tone is just glorious! I also have a Tone King Imperial Mark 1 which I love for that Fenderish Deluxe Reverb kind of sound and it's wonderful but definitely a different Beast than the Z amps. I have to say that I love my Dr Z's more than anything! I've spoken to Dr Z on more than one occasion and his repair guy Ron or Don I've forgotten his name now but I've spoken to that guy at length just shooting the breeze kind of thing. These are some really genuine cool people that put out a product that I think is second to none!

[@BoyajianDon]

I love my Dr. Z for its sound, but every time I watch him in a video, I feel even more loyal to the brand, because he is such a wonderful, passionate, and humble guy. Truly inspiring

[@HBSuccess]

I’m in! Now I get why people love these amps so much. Thanks Doc Z for using local USA suppliers and thanks Mitch for a great interview.

[@jasonprice9823]

This was simply awesome, eye opening and incredibly sweet to see. A true family business doing things the true way. I'm currently saving for a Jetta head and cabinet and feel that rare feeling that my money is going to a good business.

[@Squallkicks]

I love this! I had no idea some of these great companies were from my home territory of northeast Ohio! Thanks for putting a personal touch in these videos, I’m all about supporting my local manufacturers when the budget allows. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@97guitarzan]

Have an older (about 9 years old) Maz 18 jr 2x10 and I love it!....bought it 2nd hand at a shop in Ottawa.

[@BrianVallotton]

I have one from about the same time frame. I will never let it go! God bless.

[@shiftgears211]

Love it. Seems like a down to earth manufacturer. I have many amps and I’ll be heading to buy a Z in the near future just because of this video! Thx for sharing

[@218273847562009923]

Dr Z and Don are real class acts! I've had the pleasure of meeting them and seeing the facility. They're great and their amps are absolutely second to none! I own five. Well worth every penny!!!

[@bryceyork]

Just received my Dr Z Maz 18 MKii last week! It is a great amp! I love the British vibe. I also like an amp made in the USA, and as a bonus it is from Cleveland, OH-I am originally from Sandusky, OH-so this is very sweet!

[@tbone9347]

Great idea to do a behind the scenes video. Makes the amp more human so to speak.

[@PaulMatthewMusic1]

Cleveland in the house!!!😉😉👍Im loving the metal work that's also done in Cleveland!

[@philf4086]

He is very customer focused, great to have a manufacturer like this in the USA!

[@bmcash3411]

Now I want a Dr Z amp.

[@_RLP]

Love this guy and his brand. The Ezg50 is one of my top 5 amps ever. His stance on management and product design is spot-on and the prices are pretty fair. Plus, he seems like a super nice and funny dude. Keep it up, Z

[@musicmore8315]

I love these types of videos. Thank God for Men like Dr Z. I Love tube amps. They have living characteristics just like us. Their temperamental, emotional and can be very unforgiving. They also can take a mistake and somehow turn it into something so incredible that brings so much joy. Tube amp are worth every penny and worth the lugging around. I hope this digital era that the world is changing into doesn’t make them obsolete in the future.

[@marktyson2001]

Z Wreck Jr......I think I need one!

[@colinaclark]

I've never wanted a Dr Z amp in my life. So inspiring to see what these guys are doing.

[@d.a.t.4699]

Awesome episode guys, thank you!

[@mkg28]

Can't say enough good things about Dr.Z . Great unique sounding amps and great customer service and warranty policies. I have a Z Master that needed a repair after only having it for six days. I sent it to them and they had it fixed and back to me in a week for free.

[@tmitz73]

Dr. Mike is the Man!!! -SRZ-65 #002 best amp I've ever owned!!!

[@brianbowersox8392]

Mike is such a nice guy and his amps are amazing sounding.

[@professorhamamoto]

That Vox-like chrome stand caught my attention.. I'm down to 5W these days but I have owned a Maz 18 Jr. no reverb for about ten years and nothing quite compares to it. An excellent piece of Ohio craftsmanship.

[@thephotoyak]

Love my Carmen Ghia. Keep on rocking Dr. Z. What a humble guy running a great small business.

[@krisrichardsguitar]

Some of the best amps made right there!

[@bubasknr]

Dr Z does not mess around, awesome stuff. I have an ezg50 combo, it kills, but doesn’t get talked about much.

[@DeadKoby]

I build amps too.... Each time you make a specific model, you get faster at wiring them up. It really does take 12 hours or so to hand-wire an amp and do a neat job.

[@CianRourke]

I’ve wanted a Z for years. I’m working to make my next amp a Jetta Combo. Great tour.

[@madbeanpedals]

Well, that was killer.

[@elijahlorenzo2974]

Now I want one. Thanks a bunch. :)

[@galactictravels224]

Any z fans notice the z 80 head and cab with old school vox stand ?

[@ampguy66]

I have the first Z80 built for someone other than Brad Paisley. It’s a beauty. No Vox stand, though.

[@galactictravels224]

ampguy66 I’d love to play through one ☝️

[@johnnymcquinn6025]

Becoming a big fan of sweetwater. They helped me find celestion speakers for my Fender amp.4 10" at a great price! This was an interesting look into Z amps. Big name in amps.

[@fishpotpete]

Excellent! I'm always a bottom feeder on price... but Dr. Z seriously demonstrated the value and quality of your product. Now I can spend all that money I saved on cheap stuff for one of your amps! BTW - I'm a QA Specialist and it's great so hear about your approach to quality. It's an expensive process, but well worth the effort.

[@KenKaniff69]

I wanna hang out with this guy, this makes me itch for a Dr. Z amp bad, knowing that this is a true to the bone, good old fashioned made in the USA company.

[@brianpruett3281]

I recently bought a Morgan AC20 from Sweetwater... I would love to see a tour of the Morgan facilities... I absolutely love buying my gear from you guys... service is top notch!

[@justingarcia7722]

Look up any video touring BAD, that's where Morgan and a ton of other companies have their stuff made. Z is an exception in terms of being a true blue, all in house operation

[@CountryHitsUSA]

Very Impressive! Love my Maz 18 MK1

[@Italian_Spiderman]

What an awesome guy. Respect the pride and dedication ✊🤘

[@jakeshaw5205]

Nice video, makes me want to order one!

[@evananderson8452]

Beautiful Great Video this one

[@roscoenyc]

Cheers!

[@wearetemporary]

Wow. Just wow. These guys care A LOT and it shows.

[@MrWhitmire]

Outstanding profile of a great business and business owner.

[@2000om28v]

Cool how he sources custom OEM parts within the state, helping other Ohio manufacturers in turn.

[@jasonwright1934]

awesome video!

[@sweetwater]

😁👊

[@ravendano]

Dr. Z is the awesomely wholesome, which is the best kind of awesome! :)

[@Superjet113]

Great interview and show! Dr. Z seems awesome and totally reminds me of Steve from Boston..lol

[@Superjet113]

@Sani Anttila Haha, they could be Brothers easily..

[@MrWetrock]

Mike is the one of the finest amp builders in the world. I have four of the sixteen models and plan on selling my other amps for a few more dr z gems.

[@abradfordajb]

Nice video tour. We can now see how & why Dr Z amps have earned their reputation as some of the best amps on the planet. With all the CRAP that's offered in the amp market as worthy of our hard-earned $'s, it's really reassuring to see a builder of integrity that's still kickin' ass.

[@leejamestheliar2085]

Wow,Cleveland..... I am an X Clevelander, kinda. ( 27 years in and out of the burbs and city) Back in the good days, 70s-80s . Didn't know that anything was still happening there. Good for you. Murry Saul ? Coventry " MMS " the best radio station in the world. " You want to advertise? Make your commercials so that they fit in with the audience or, no go! " What happened? The agoras...... West side MADNESS. The piccadilly inn. " older and sadder " Most of the old bands don't even play Cleveland anymore. Public Hall. Allen theater. So many others... Spuds! From acorn..... Was it, 4 countries 2 contenants and 38 states? Something like that. 1.000.000 watts of rock. " the government and its controllers killed rock n roll because we were getting too smart. " that is my story and I am sticking to it. I miss Cleveland. The way it was. I worked in a filthy factory and I loved it. Actually, many filthy factories.

[@kmartbmx69]

This just feels like you went to your friends house and he was like yeah, my dad builds guitar amps in the garage out back. And you go out there and it's just his fun loving ol dad messing around with stuff and building world class amplifiers.

[@srh361]

Nice!

[@johnsimoes2172]

Great product made the old fashioned way

[@jazzylei143]

I really like Dr. Z amps. Especially the route 66

[@plaintigergrrr8496]

I want a dr z amp now

[@mftran]

Such a cool guy

[@jldkrank]

Holy smokes, if you close your eyes it sounds like Danny Devito.

[@cpk313]

That was great! I am good friend's with the owner of Rogue Audio in PA and they also make tube gear but for the highend audio side and his place looks a lot like that.

[@Ottophil]

Chris Kline it looks like literally every electronic manufacturer. Not that theres many left in America

[@cpk313]

@@Ottophil Yeah that is not my experience at all. Having owned a company for 12 years that manufactured highend audio cables and all my friends in the industry and having work for a few other's prior to my company most do not look like that. Also there is a literal shit-ton of small to medium sized electronics manufactures in the US. What is your first hand experience?

[@tylerpirc]

This guy is world class.

[@daveowens]

Are Dr. Z's among the last true boutique amps built by the original designer/owner? So many are contracted out now.

[@joshuak4372]

What a nice guy..

[@michaeltaylors2456]

I knew there were high quality ... but wow. The real deal. He knows a guy who knows a guy in Russia , awesome !

[@stepitupandgo67]

who knew dr Z was a super nerd? (I should have known) !!! Awesome!!!!

[@munafo13]

16:12 Can I buy that red head shell cab from you?!?! 😁

[@MichaelMcGlynns]

He rocks.

[@matthewmilantoni3961]

Z wreck JR is going to be dope! I couldn’t keep my Z wreck for two reasons- no master/ too F’ing loud!

[@tonyfdesign]

Don Carr left Sweetwater to work for Dr. Z? Mitch didn't even recognize him! :)

[@Jackmc2112]

Now this is a great video. I guess he’s having a hard time getting his tubes

[@officialmetalwill]

This guy seems like a Matt Groening cartoon character.

[@elisanchez7965]

Oh my Tommy Boy from Sandusky must be cousins with Dr. Z from Cleveland... He sounds almost exactly like Chris Farley

[@Jonathan-L]

Wow, 16 models is a lot!

[@tinpenny4474]

All I play is USA made gear. Love Brad Paisley's tone , not a huge country fan but I do have 2 cd's and enjoy Paisley's playing and tone. Now I know , will definitely look into these amps.

[@blakeb.8871]

I wish I could afford one, damn.

[@mynameisvisutinnadda]

"and he's working on the Jetta right now, which he blew the head gasket driving here this morning"

[@TempoDrift1480]

Id be curious to know how much he pays his builders.

[@ebeep]

I'm sure as much as he possibly can considering he doesn't charge enough for his amps. They're worth more, us spoiled guitarists just won't pay it. He has to underprice to compete.

[@jldkrank]

My Dr. Z Maz 18 Jr 2x12 Reverb was the best amp I ever owned and I was foolish to sell it.

[@tamirkeren6750]

One day I'll have the good Dr. make me an amp.

[@ebeep]

MINI-WRECK!

[@blues61]

Don? Looks like Don Carr... ;-)

[@srh361]

What is Dr.Z's hi-gain amp? Or the highest gain amp he produces?

[@mikezaite1335]

Watch for our new release which is a collaboration in design with Alan Phillips of Carol Ann Amps. Should give you all the smooth gain you'll ever need , look for it early 2020.

[@chanceterrill5346]

I'd say the ems

[@munafo13]

@@mikezaite1335 I knew it!

[@JasonChannell]

@@mikezaite1335 thanks for replying here!

[@srh361]

@@mikezaite1335 Thanks!

[@srh361]

Never saw Don's face.

[@narrvick]

I noticed that too. Wonder why such anonymity... it not like he is on SEVERAL videos in the Sweet Water lineup.

[@srh361]

@@narrvick ? Don was the tech in Dr.Zs shop that was fixing the amp, he's not in any sweetwater videos.

[@ryancrawford9894]

Don is a legend. He ran a studio here in Cleveland and has been in a couple of killer bands. Great guy, too.

[@charliebe28]

BASED ON DR. ZAITE'S PERSONALITY AND VOICE, if he had a longer beard and a red suit, he'd make a good SANTA CLAUS. OK - , maybe a Santa Claus - with Chicago-ish accent.☺