Probably the best tube amp I have ever played...

[@keeferhazlewood6918]

Beautifully detailed demo! Really shows off the characteristics and moods of the amp in various settings. BRAVO!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@drzamplification898]

Great playin' Steve. Thanks for the Demo.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you Z! Its an honor to play your creation

[@mikezaite1335]

Great and accurate amps history presentation, as well as excellent playing . Superb video Steve, thanks .

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you Mike! Coming from the legend himself, that means a lot. Would love collaborate some time !

[@steveliberty]

If I am not mistaken. the Z-Wreck is Z's take on the Trainwreck Rocket which was Ken's take on the AC30. I built a Rocket clone, and it was fantastic. It hurt when I sold it, but I needed to move some stuff. Enjoy the Z-Wreck. Awesome sounding amp for sure.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Steve! I didnt know you built amps!

[@steveliberty]

@@SteveSterlacci It was a hobby for about 10 years. Probably built and sold about 30 amps. Still have a Bassman and a few Princetons that I built. Tons of fun playing through an amp you built :)

[@-Atmos1]

Amazing , you're achieving a sound that some players need a pedal board to get . The warm sound of valves doing what they're meant to .

[@StephenSpelman]

Wow, great demo. I happened to listen through my ATC studio monitors, and having been working all day through two 6L6 amps (a Fender and a Mesa Boogie), I could really hear the tone from those EL84s in the Dr. Z. Sounded awesome. And your Les Paul sounded great, too. Congrats on your new addition!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you SS!

[@TheRoadwing]

Excellent demo Steve. 👌 think I'll save up for a Z Wreck now! Totally my style.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Barry! I think everyone needs one!

[@SjaakShirly6559]

Great amp Steve! Thanks for this video.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@hangtite87]

Holy sh/T ! When you plugged in that Les Paul! Suddenly it doesn’t seem so expensive😎 Thanks for the demo.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for checking it out!! Such a great amp

[@hangtite87]

@@SteveSterlacci if you fall out of love with it, I’ll buy it from you.

[@Mgalacticable]

I'd have to change that typeface-that's all. Man, with the harmonics and touch sensisitivty, this must inspire a lot of resets/creative breakthroughs.

[@scottbrady4472]

Sounds awesome, love to hear with a strat.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Scott!

[@mikewolfe9458]

Heck yeah. Great demo! I’m jonesing for one of these, but the junior with the master volume would make a lot more sense for me. Ever played the junior?

[@nigeldaddyo]

Given that the Derailed Ingrid is probably my favorite Helix model, I’m in love with what I heard. Simply killer sounding. I’d own one if not for the fact that I’d have to spend around another grand for a Fryette Powerstation (so that I could add an effects loop because I love delay…oh yeah, and to attenuate) I’d like to hear a side by side of Z Wreck/Derailed Ingrid, please and thank you.

[@mikeflanders1292]

Hey man, you should definetly get the fryette powerstation. Even if you've gotta sell off a guitar or amp, the powerstation is worth it. They're probably the best piece of gear someone can own. But, I kind of assume you already know that. Lol

[@SteveSterlacci]

I want a Fryette too!!!

[@josephfemoyer7218]

It is a good sounding amp but Dr Z’s 2 greatest circuits are The Fender Vibro King AND The Beast,The Fender Dual Professional 212 100watt.I have both,play in stereo with extension cabs.Heavenly. 2 Each his Tone

[@willdenham]

The sound is more round and smooth on 'comfort', which I'm guessing is just a switch for going between tube and non-tube rectified.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Not sure off the top of my head!

[@willdenham]

@@SteveSterlacci If the rec tube is glowing only on that setting, you'll know.

[@jgsintx1402]

There's some serious mojo going on with this amp design. Why is it the most simple amp designs sound the best but cost the most, lol. Thanks for the great demo, I love your channel.

[@SteveSterlacci]

There def is something extra about this amp! Thanks for watching and for the kind words

[@incognitoguitars9999]

Great job

[@graaf33]

Please you got to put out some captures for quad cortex, quad cortex I lacking z wrecks.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Eventually, yes!

[@hughrocko6791]

Wow very kool amp bro ace

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks rocko!

[@wutw.4677]

wow hi gain part is really cool

[@leehanson1416]

Have you compared it to the "Derailed Ingrid" in the HX gear?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Not yet. I do believe they are different topologies. But may be worth exploring!

[@bryan4018]

Great demo. What speaker cabinets/mics did you use with the CaptorX?

[@SteveSterlacci]

The 63 bassman pack! Thanks for checking it out

[@Prettynoise]

A fav Dr Z amp

[@SteveSterlacci]

For sure!

[@RokDAWG1]

I had a Dr Z amp that I sold off when Quilter sent me an amp. I had stopped using it because I could pretty much dial in the sound with the Quilter. This Z has such an amazing unique sound! You're definitely pulling killer tones from it! Very cool video! Ok here's a question, can you replicate the tone with your Helix?

[@SteveSterlacci]

I wonder if ill do the same if they send me one! Hook it up 🤣🤣🤣. Thanks for checking it out!

[@RokDAWG1]

@@SteveSterlacci Haha I'll hit you on Bookface and get you the contact info. At the time I had just recorded with some really BIG high profile artists & lucky to be on that hot streak. Haha

[@SteveSterlacci]

Nice!

[@RokDAWG1]

@@maxbauer1633 At the time it was their Tonw Block 200. It was (still is) an amazing pedal platform that's 200 watts of awesomeness. I could easily dial in an amazing Fender-ish tone to a very Marshall-ish tone. I never had seen anything so small create so many big sounds. The last one they sent me was their latest in the "innerblock series." I picked the Superblock UK. I'm kinda of wondering if I can dial in this particular Dr Z type of tone with it.

[@mthao1832]

Which ir you use ? You should demo it with high and low gain cabs lol and diff guitars

[@JonnyLeeguitarist]

sounds amazing !!"

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks bro!

[@paulorr7471]

I had a zwreck jr. I liked it but sold it to buy an es335. I would like to know why all Dr Z’s don’t sound like this. I owned Carmen Ghia’s, a maz 38 ands max 18. None compared.

[@SteveSterlacci]

its a great circuit!

[@gregalon]

Definitely a nice piece of kit. All of the Z amps tend to be too glassy for me. It jumps out in a mix so I get the appeal but it gives me serious ear fatigue.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I felt that way about a lot of the videos out there (guess my video is no exception! Lol). It seems different in person, but I get what you're saying. I think it does a good job being bright without getting harsh

[@gregalon]

@@SteveSterlacci That's the sweet spot though, right? Pleasantly, musically bright. I think a lot of it is in the speaker.

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@gregalon for me, here in the room, it seemed to be a good sweet spot considering how bright the tele usually is. With the LP, definitely had no brightness (towards end of the vid). Also, depending how long you watched, i dial down the cut as it goes

[@daviddorrian5349]

After everything you've said in the comments and video about this, what made you sell it?

[@SteveSterlacci]

I haven't yet! I just needed some money at the time of posting. Glad it hasnt sold actually

[@vietnguyen4312]

Beautiful sounding amp and guitars although not the cleanest clean sound. lol Great demo

[@SteveSterlacci]

Absolutely not known for its cleans! Lol thanks !

[@MrEddie-gf3yg]

I don't understand the cut knob. I get that it's used to cut treble (it's kinda in the name), but why not simply just roll the treble knob back if you want less treble?

[@SteveSterlacci]

I should've explained it better. I believe its after the preamp tone stack. So its like a "post" or overall tone shaper. Thats my non fancy explanation lol

[@graaf33]

Please, iam like a 5 year her , it’s hard waiting for you to capture this on brad settings. Quad cortex deserves a quality captures of the z wreck

[@SteveSterlacci]

I will soon! Want it to be perfect and find the perfect cabinet

[@carnivaltym]

I believe Fisher had quite a bit more to do with it than just the transformer - it was a Trainwreck Paisley lost in a flood that he needed replaced but Fisher was sadly unwell and asked Dr Z to the actual work. That's not to say Dr Z didn't have big imput.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I took the story off the Z website. Says they sent some notes back and forth but I figure the transformer is just one of the most important pieces!

[@drzamplification898]

Not sure were you heard that story , but sadly it isn't true. Steve has it right.

[@carnivaltym]

@@drzamplification898 You'd know Dr Z! I'll find the clip for you if I can - it was a long time ago I watched it to be sure. Chinese whispers can lead to completely erroneous story's! One question, Dr Z, why is it that "using all the winding" on an output transformer, as you recommend on the ZWreck, makes such a difference? Should all amps be run at 16ohms if possible?

[@drzamplification898]

@@carnivaltym This surely isn't an easy question to answer in the contents of a you tube reply, but I'll try my best. The two major specifications of a tube output transformer are the Primary Input Impedance connected to the output tubes plates, and the Secondary or output Impedance connected to the speaker. Simply put a OT is wound to give a specific primary impedance to match the demand for the type of output tube used , every output tube has its unique impedance requirement for optimum bandwidth and max output in watts. This is calculated as a Turns Ratio of the primary windings to the Secondary windings. The secondary is wound for a specific speaker load and at it's end winding that determines the perfect reflected Primary Impedance for the tubes plates. This is calculated at the end of the secondary winding or for this example the 16 Ohm tap. The lower taps ( 8 ohm & 4 ohm ) are just a fraction of that winding and and do not match the tubes input impedance perfectly, like the end winding does. Sure the 4 & 8 ohm taps connected to the correct speaker load sound fine, but the end winding the 16 ohm is optimized for the perfect transfer of wattage and tone. There is much to designing the perfect output Transformer. Ken Fischer was the master at Output Transformer design. He graciously shared his in depth knowledge with me something I will be forever grateful for. DR.Z

[@carnivaltym]

@@drzamplification898 Thanks so much Dr Z! You are surely the master of the perfect explanation 🙏!

[@kellymartin3077]

Is this amp true or false bypass? Asking for a friend

[@SteveSterlacci]

Depends if you get a matching buffer

[@scottallen9556]

I have a Suhr Badger 35 and a Tone King Imperial and there’s something about that sizzle on the top and the transient response that would make the Z wreck work way better in a band mix. I can hear it through all your settings. I kinda feel like I may have missed the mark with my purchases.

[@JackFossett]

Came for the playing, stayed for the shirt.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you thank you!

[@aaronleone1207]

This is nothing like a Trainwreck sound wise. Grew up 3 miles from Ken Fischer even though he’s gone, the family is still producing the amps. The newer ones eclipse this by a mile. Hate to be that guy, but the people who are demoing. These have probably never had a real Trainwreck in front of them. Do yourself a favor and contact Trainwreck. Believe me, I know I played the very first Train wreck that was ever made and dozens after. And own a few.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I appreciate your enthusiasm. No one calls it a train wreck copy. Ken literally designed the transformer with Z. It was a collaboration , not a copy of anything

[@paulorr7471]

Oh wow you are right - Ken Fisher did help Dr Z with the design. For some reason I thought Alan Phillips from Carol-Ann Amplification helped out. Was it a different amp that Alan helped on?

[@daviddorrian5349]

That was the Caz 45 he helped out on, yet another amazing amp

[@daviddorrian5349]

@@paulorr7471 Sorry not sure if I was clear there it was Ken Fisher of trainwreck amps, Brad Paisley and Mike from Dr z that did the Z-Wreck and Mike and Alan that did the Caz 45

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

nice but build a trainwreck express and a ken fischer air brake attenuator its the real deal

[@SteveSterlacci]

Build one for me

[@andrewdaileychufable]

That thing has great break up

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yeah man!

[@PearHellforge]

i never agree with mildly crunch still considered as clean. i can have my opinion...

[@SteveSterlacci]

Your opinion is always welcome ! Def a preference thing

[@bradbell4022]

Priced for pros. I'd love to try a good amp in a soundproof room where no one could hear me. Shy metal head ;-) Quiet simulation is not the same. Enjoyed video despite currently boycotting the letter S. (Also stopped being grateful to Russian sub commander who refused to launch nukes a week before I was born. Just kidding, I love that guy!🤟)

[@SteveSterlacci]

Definitely not cheap! Quiet simulation is the future!

[@Badhands55]

I’ll take that tele

[@stevewhite3753]

What Z amp is best for country/ classic rock. Clean and dirty

[@iamthenegrowhoknows]

No offense but this thing is not in the league of a Trainwreck. It’s Fizzy and harsh. Grew up 3 miles from Ken Fischer who was in Colonia NJ. Met Ken in 1980 bought my 1st Wreck (liverpool 30) in the mid 80’s. I have 6 Trainwrecks. 3 Express amps, 2 Rockets one with tremolo and a Liverpool 30. I have 3 Dr. Z amps. They sit in the corner.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Well, any time you wanna loan those out to me, I'd be glad to experience them! Im in Westchester NY. I appreciate your opinion and comment. Thanks for checking out the video

[@timhintz]

I love all of your vids but this one makes me not want to buy this amp. Don't like the shrill high end and the amp sounds like it's collapsing on itself.

[@Migler1]

A lot of that comes from mic placement. Would probably sound more full and less shrill if he placed the mic a bit more to the side.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Hey Tim. Its definitely a very specific sound. But thats the tele through EL84 thing. Its okay if its not for you! Can't all be winners

[@ivohage]

It's a nice amp for sure, but way way way too thin for me. It's so quacky it hurts my ears.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Its a tele through EL84s. Definitely a specific sound

[@ac30lifestyle]

Probably an awesome amp but this demo it sounded like any other amp demo. Needs to be going through a speaker cab,played at 95+db with a bass and drummer. Then the sound will perform properly. But like every influencer playing in their bedroom,garage or studio going through an interface it's not a real demo.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Okay dean. I look forward to you putting your money where your mouth is and showing us all how its done on your channel. I'll surely subscribe and take notes ✍️👍🤝

[@ac30lifestyle]

@@SteveSterlacci I have no interest in doing any KZbin videos. I just put my energy into where it counts, in front of an audience . That's how I like to hear amps or pedals. Just a shame that no one demo's anything in a real band situation.( JHS sometimes).

[@SteveSterlacci]

@2202dean ok 👌

[@tsymandainga9432]

‘ Z WRECK ’???? I have a feeling this might not sell too well in Ukraine!! ;)

[@SteveSterlacci]

Let's try to focus on the amp builder and his 25 plus years in the business instead of the other guy claiming Z

[@tsymandainga9432]

@@SteveSterlacci Sorry!! Just me and my stupid jokes!! I'll keep my big mouth shut ! ;). The amp sounds really good btw!!

[@Zappabain]

Oh, that Z now brings some bad memories… 🤦🏻 damned Putin.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I am choosing to acknowledge Dr Z for his own logo and not associating or giving attention to anyone else. Z works too hard to have negativity attached to his logo.

[@Timotije]

What a stupid comment!🤮

[@noelmcmahon4566]

Given the misuse of the Z in Ukraine by the Russian invaders the logo Z is unfortunate

[@SteveSterlacci]

I am choosing to acknowledge Dr Z for his own logo and not associating or giving attention to anyone else. Z works too hard to have negativity attached to his logo.

[@hootowl6354]

I follow that war religiously. I never even considered an association. It's Dr. Z, not Putin Z.

[@janbuyck1]

Will be the favourite of the Russian troops… 🙃

[@SteveSterlacci]

I am choosing to acknowledge the guy who built a career for himself over the last 25 years using this logo. Not interested in any other use of the letter

[@ericajohnson7535]

except "Z" is problematic nowadays because you know....

[@SteveSterlacci]

Ah, i didnt even think of that. I would suggest people associate this symbol with this mans brand and not the other one

[@Trivette_williams]

Best amp after a matchless DC 30

[@SteveSterlacci]

Coincidentally, traded mine for a DC 30!!! 😅🤣

[@okaytastic6691]

What are you thoughts between the 2?

[@SteveSterlacci]

@okaytastic6691 the wreck sounds absolutely amazing at what it does. The matchless sounds amazing for everything. Both are amazing picks

[@Trivette_williams]

That price tag ain’t the best tho😂

[@SteveSterlacci]

Big tone big price!