"It took me 70 YEARS to FINALLY pick one up!"

[@fivewattworld]

Loved this video Mike. I think it’s time to make that “Dr Z Amps, A Short History” video.

[@troymoss4515]

Yes please!

[@philf4086]

Yes please!

[@MrWetrock]

But of course👊

[@bddmhopp5]

Looking good Dr….lost some weight, impressive. Can’t believe you are over 70. Keep charging!

[@cwness4587]

I have a similar story. Waited until I was 64 66 now to get my first Dr. Zwreck Jr. Thank you Sir. CW

[@tomfoolery2082]

Cant be much any cooler than to build and play a good amp or guitar . Good for u .

[@rstuartcpa]

The parallels between you and Leo Fender are astonishing. I don’t know if you have any accounting background but Leo did as well as engineering (self taught) and he didn’t play guitar and by God he made some of the best as do you. I have an early Carmen Ghia and I will never part with it. It is my favorite app by far. It’s got volume, touch, tone, dynamics… everything! it’s genius and like Leo you too are a genius.

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

Like ol Jim Marshall. Cool story man. I still need to buy one of your amps. I own a2nd gen z28 camaro so a z28 Dr Z seems fitting

[@tone-talk]

Nice video, Dr. Z! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@JHKNVY02]

Leo Fender was a Sax player and self-taught. Americans like you are what make America amazing. Keep that Greatest Generation mentality and desire to take feedback and improve your designs going. Example for others to follow!

[@stanesposito2664]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. 👍👍

[@gwbenites]

I'm with you Dr. Z, I'm 67 yrs. old and still trying to learn! I can see why Joe Walsh and all of the other guys were drawn to you. You're enthusiasm and love for what you do shines through, and you seem to really love to pass on your knowledge.

[@randalshirley8006]

Much respect for you sir!

[@johnmarshall3903]

I enjoyed doing the guitar shows with you back in the late 80's. You were always very helpful and you were the original boutique amp builder!

[@G5Hohn]

Doc, so happy for you and this is one of the coolest videos you've ever done. Congratulations and you're an inspiration to all of us. (Z talk: Hohn)

[@rich0545]

All my Z's are great pedal platforms! Keep up the playing!!!

[@Tonetwisters]

LOVE the sound Brad Paisley gets through your amps!! And good on you for playing guitar. I've been at it for 61+ years and it has gotten me through a lot of life ...

[@michaelgarrison361]

Great video my friend..im hoping to own a z by the time im 70 and ive been playing guitar for 40 years..keep up the great work building amps...

[@Spidouz]

Well, fun fact, Jim Marshall was also a drummer, and Leo Fender didn’t even play any instrument at all as far as I’m aware of, so it’s all good to build an amp company even if you don’t play guitar. I also started on drums, and then I moved to Keyboards, mainly to program sequence in my DAW. Guitar is “only” a hobby for me, I suck at playing guitar, and yet I love to buy guitars and amps. I love my Dr Z EMS that I got few months ago…

[@JHKNVY02]

Leo played Sax. It’s in several Fender history books.

[@GoldtopDude]

Great video and story! Diggin my Jetta, now I must get a Ghia PPIMV , thanks Doc!!

[@DrZAmplification]

Great combo!

[@jgreat4785]

Doc, welcome to the club! It makes me so happy to hear you're taking lessons! I taught guitar full time for 20 years and the secret to getting better is to play everyday! The one thing every guitar player who started playing as a kid has in common with each other: we played on the crappiest amps imaginable! You won't be able to say that! I've been playing the Z-28 mk II live and love it so much. And now this? I've got to get a Ghia!

[@reverendg5937]

Inspiring Story!!!! Mad Respect!!!

[@BrianVallotton]

Rock on Dr. Z!

[@mgiliberto]

Nice, Z. Keep up the playing, but please don't neglect amp designing due to excessive rockin' out 😀

[@michaelgregory2231]

❤ How excellent! My Stang Ray is my voice - thank you for creating such wonderful amps!

[@BillyMcGibbons]

Doc! What a great story!! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@cockysonuvaB]

And Someday, you'll be good enough to buy one of your amps

[@eddiecrews5128]

Your drum chops will serve you well on your new guitar adventure.

[@therecordfable]

Looking great Doc. Thanks for the upload.

[@JamesOnGuitar]

What an amazing journey! 🙌

[@schlep4730]

Jim Marshall was a drummer too ! : )

[@rstuartcpa]

Do guitarists secretly want to be a drummers? I’ll never tail.

[@philf4086]

As a drummer, you've got a leg up to be a great guitarist, because you have the timing down. Good luck! I didn't realize this was going to be a history lesson about the Ghia. That was super, really entertaining. Thanks!

[@paulg1897]

Thank you Doc, my Z's are still inspiring creativity and sound amazing. Got my Maz 38 / Z-Best in 2005, and CG 1x12 in 2006 and both are still going strong. I've had amps that have come and gone, but my Z's aren't going anywhere.

[@josephambrosio1250]

Rock on Doc!!! Nova and EMS owner here. I could easily use a Carmen Gaia too they are awesome Amps, first time I heard one I was completely in blown away!

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

It still haunts me having to sell my beloved max 18 making during lockdown! Using a start in pos 2 & 4 the maz 18 Mikita has the most amazing crystalline clear sound that's well defined especially in the midrange. I've owned all of the best high end amps and they don't have that clarity in positions 2 & 4 on start. That adjustable foots witch also is like your most favourite dirt pedal!

[@guitarman430]

Dr.Z, I’m 64 years old and been playing since I was 12. I’m still taking lessons and learning new techniques! Keep up the good work and RE-issue the Route 66!

[@mikezaite1335]

Thanks for the support, and yes I'm thinking about bringing the RT 66 back next year.

[@ampgent]

@@mikezaite1335 so wonderful to treat us to the history of this glorious amp design! Can you share how you decided to call it “Carmen Ghia”?

[@mikezaite1335]

@@ampgent It's named after my grandson Carmen.

[@DjTroublemaker]

Thanks for inspiring me on my amp journey.

[@DrZAmplification]

love to read this!

[@bradh6185]

Fascinating! I really enjoyed this!

[@scottygraybill352]

Awesome video my friend, took me back to the good old days! My red half stack is stil going strong 30 years later and just gets sweeter with the passage of time. Thanks for all the years of tone!

[@mikezaite1335]

My pleasure Scotty, Miss you man. We sure had fun back then.

[@mcraeaudioconcepts9757]

Great story Dr. Z!

[@MintStiles]

You should think of yourself as the Leo Fender of the Boutique Guitar Amp world! Keep the great amos coming Doc.

[@GypsyLane]

Play mine every weekend show…can’t be beat! Just add a little reverb….

[@fredmiller1358]

Hallelujah Brother!!!😎😎😎

[@stipeur]

Great video Doc, thx!!

[@GiacomoRavioli]

I miss my Z28. Gotta get another one. Killer amps, my dude.

[@AdamGotheridge]

Walter Becker with an Antidote on 10. 😎How cool is that!

[@BHJ7115]

It's never too late!

[@dougmishoe1336]

Hell yeah dude!

[@scottcurry4116]

I recently finally got a Carmen Ghia and it is a terrific amp.

[@1Batt]

I have to say I am still loving my amp after owning my Stangray for nearly 4 years that I am with the 3 dimensional tone that is produced. They really are great amps. Now about getting a set of those Russian EL 84’s 🤣.

[@darrenkenton5364]

It's funny, Jim Marshall was a drummer by trade, but his ears always signed off the tone of his amps! Maybe there's something in it 😁

[@jerryhorton5708]

Best. Amps. On. The. Planet. Seriously. I know that everyone chases this ‘D-Tone’ (undeniably a terrific tone) but if they would only try any Dr Z, they would stop looking. Proud Maz owner and would love to one of every Z there is but my wife’s tolerance has limits…

[@RambleTone]

Drumming was good enough for Jim Marshall so I think you’re fine 🥁 🎸 🔊

[@tomopie4296]

Love my Boss Katana where I have an acoustic guitar setting. Yes a Dr Z man-cave amp that can switch to an acoustic guitar setting....Wow... There has got to be way more man- cave guitar players than players that play out. So a low watt Dr Z with an acoustic side plus reverb because acoustic players live reverb. Please Doc...make this amp!

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

*MAZ 18 Mk ii, sorry for autocorrect typos

[@bluglass7819]

Following in Jim Marshall’s footsteps.

[@bluglass7819]

Hell Leo as well. Neither played. I think listening to someone else play is a very different perspective. I make guitars and love to hear others play them and get their opinions.

[@aquilarossa5191]

My Dad began learning guitar at 73. He used to joke "I learned a few new songs, but it still takes me five minutes to change chords". He stuck at until last year though. Re. Hammond chassis as basis for a guitar amp design. I saw a video a few months ago with a guy using an old film projector as the basis of a valve amp. It sounded killer. Nice break up, plus sizzle that is tasty, rather than nasty. I just gave my Marshall 2525H Silver Jubilee to my nephew. I was not using it. Seeing him playing his riffs is worth more to me than whatever I could sell it for. He's chuffed. I have never found an amp I like100% yet. That can be a distraction from actually playing guitar, i.e., tone chasing. I have a JMP 1987 build and that's it for now. It's not really my sound though, even though it's the amp on so many of my fav records. Drummer? Like the Guv'nor, Jim Marshall. There might be an advantage to that. Drummers can know what sounds good in the band. Guitar players think they do, but often the tone they think is good and like to noodle away on does not work in the band at all. Even more so if you have screaming tinnitus like me 24/7. I can never quite trust if a tone I like sounds good to others. Drummers are not shy to let you know -- and neither are wives. :D

[@Bairov]

Very insightful! That tone!❤ I think the Les Paul needs a date with a strobe tuner 😅

[@roscoenyc]

Bravo!

[@scottdunn2178]

A drummer who started a company building guitar amplifiers. Hmm.

[@GeorgeRasoulisMusic]

Is this guy in 0:49 one of the bad guys in Police academy ???? Thank you for the inspiring video 🙏

[@nyeguyxb12x]

Doc... That old 2x12 combo looks VERY familiar! is that the maple face plate that I cut out on my big pin router in Salem, Oh???

[@mikezaite1335]

Could be.

[@nyeguyxb12x]

@@mikezaite1335 I also remember the really nice piece of curly maple my pin router tossed across the room!! Glad to see you playing that guitar!! I'd love to visit the shop one of these days! I bet there's way more room than in your basement! lol! Always nice to hear from ya even on the net! BTW, I still remember a lot of what you taught me by working on my 65 Twin together!

[@curtcrosby3844]

First of all, you don't even look 70! 2nd, glad you finally get to experience the magic that we've been enjoying playing through your amps.

[@munafo13]

I don’t think Jimi is accepting new guitar battles… 😂😂😂

[@blanejohnson9045]

Mike is my dawg

[@Respecttheriff]

I'm picking up a 2005 Carmen Ghia, could it be sent in for the post phase inverter master volume and a set of new tubes, maybe a check up?

[@DrZAmplification]

absolutely! [e-mail]

[@ericskinner7355]

Being a non player may have made you more objective and less biased...✌️ No pun intended.🙂

[@babetopaz]

@babetopaz 46 minutes ago I have Dr. Z EMS head and cab, great sound when it works, it developed a low level crackle which after about 2-3 mins slowly rises in volume to a banshee like wail rendering the amp unusable the odd thing is you can hear the the guitar signal "behind" the noise (parallel to), I've had this back to an amp tech who's done warranty work for Matchless 4 times already and it is still there as I speak, everything seems to be ok on test equipment, but this problem persists, I have posted on the Z forum to no avail, any advice would be more than welcome, I have had the amp for 3 yrs and most of this last year has been spent on the bench, the tech looking at it is highly respected and a really great guy who is very puzzled by this, as I say any advice on this would be very welcome, thanks.

[@mikezaite1335]

I have read your thread many times and I to am puzzled. An authorized Matchless tech can't find a problem after 4 times on his bench is a bit strange. To me it points to an environmental issue at your home, cell phone, modem, bad power, or excessive RF. Try playing the amp in a different location, also when you pick the amp up from the tech do you play test it, no problem at his shop ? I appreciate your support and would be happy to check out this EMS head at the factory. DR.Z

[@babetopaz]

@@mikezaite1335 thanks Doc, very nice of you to reply in person, unfortunately I live in the UK, I bought the head and cab from Peach Guitars also in UK, My set up is a home studio, which I have had for at least 20 yrs, I have 4 other combos at present and none suffer from this problem, I have even moved the amp to a different location and after 20 mins or so the same thing happens. This amp for 2 yrs has been my go to, I love it and have in the past owned a bunch of Marshalls, this is better, this problem came out of nowhere, the amp tech as I say, is very well respected, even more unfortunately, the videos I had, were on a phone that went kaput just last month, the amp is still with the tech so at the moment can't film the event. To answer your question about a play test at his shop, no I haven't, any advice would be welcome, thank you again for the personal touch, it was so great in this corporate age to speak to THE guy, BTW I love your videos you should, time permitting make more.

[@MrWetrock]

❤❤

[@fredmiller1358]

Just Kidding!!!😎

[@johnanderson27]

Mike what are your amps other than your own

[@mikezaite1335]

Well John , I try to keep the first prototype of each new amp design I build. My currant list includes a Z 80, CAZ 45, Z Master, Z Plus, Z28 MKII, Z Wreck SR & JR, JETTA , and a precious RT 66. But in my small music room at home I use a 1X10 Carmen Ghia . Z

[@gecbucca4205]

👍

[@halbertking2683]

" You can dirty up a clean amp . " " You can't clean up a dirty amp . "

[@maxwellblakely7952]

Roll your guitar volume off. If it’s a good amp it’ll clean right up.

[@davidgregory7702]

I used to want one of his amps but ain't no way I'm playing an amp designed by a drummer!! LOL. Just joking mostly but I am president and founder of a coalition to ban all drummers and replace them with machines. One day we guitar players will be able to tune our guitars by ear without some monkey beating on a hollow peice of wood..

[@fredmiller1358]

Awe man!! You can't say 'Tranny'"anymore 😒😒😒!!!😃😃😃

[@jgreat4785]

🤣

[@babetopaz]

@babetopaz 1 second ago Hello Doc, me again, he of the wayward EMS, I have no idea if you even have the time to do this, but if you have I will be eternally grateful, I have Emailed my tech's Email to the Repairs Dept of your Company, hopefully you can find the time to make contact, I know it's an ask, but it's my last throw of the dice, if this doesn't work then it's the attic for the amp, I won't move this on to somebody else, thanks, Ed.

[@mikezaite1335]

OK Ed I sense your frustration. You wax poetically about your Matchless repairman, but I'm sure you know your EMS is not a Matchless. The EMS is combination of three generations of Marshall 50 watt amps, along with a switchable SS/Tube rectifier. Here in the states there is a Fender repairman on every corner, I'm sure there are many experienced MARSHALL repairman that would be better suited to repair your EMS. I do not know of any player that would take his amp to the same repairman 4 times only to have the same issue in 20 minutes of playing the repaired amp. My suggestion to you is find the best Marshall tech and give him a go. We will supply all the support we can to help get your amp to the operation it was 2 years ago. But I must say after 4 attempts I don't believe your Matchless tech is going to solve your issue. DR.Z