Trainwreck Amps: A Short History, featuring Jeff McErlain

TrueFire courses and all access memberships available here:
prf.hn/l/64do8vq
Enter promo code "FIVEWATT25" to save 25%
PATREON sign up (new levels available): / fivewattworld
For five watt world short history bundle and HX Stomp presets
flatfiv.co/col...
T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and tumblers
the-five-watt-...
To make a donation to support the channel click here:
www.paypal.me/...
Jeff McErlain's website for courses and more:
www.jeffmcerla...
Trainwreck Amps: www.trainwreck...
Dr. Z Amps: drzamps.com/
Komet Amps: www.kometamps.com/
Guitar Player Magazine Dr. Z Z-Wreck Jr review: www.guitarplay...
Premier Guitar Trainwreck Video with Jeff McErlain:
• Trainwreck Express & L...
"The Last Trainwreck" Vintage Guitar Magazine:
www.vintagegui...
Here's the promised history of the amazing Trainwreck Amps, some of the rarest and most sought after amps on the planet. Though we weren't able to put our hands on an original Trainwreck we've included video of Jeff McErlain playing one at Ultra Sound Studios in NYC back in 2012. We've also feature a lot of time with Jeff playing a Dr. Z Z-Wreck Jr and a Komet Aero 33 in the video. I hope you enjoy the video as much as I enjoyed doing the research and learning about these incredible amplifiers.
I'd like to send a SPECIAL THANKS to all the "friends of five watt". Your level of support continues to make the channel possible.
Thanks for watching. Until next time, thanks for being a part of the five watt world.
Keith
p.s. Holger Notzel tells me that the "gut shot" I list as a Constellation is actually a Rocket. Such are the vagaries of internet research.
***Five watt world participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commissions by linking to Amazon. In simpler language, this means that whenever you buy something from Amazon from a link on here, I receive a small percentage of its price.

[@TCMx3]

I hope everyone who watches this enjoys it. There's no more deserving amp builder deserving of having their story told than Ken.

[@williamsanderson9279]

It was such a great story - Thanks!

[@raycochrane3971]

"...deserving amp builder deserving..."

[@TCMx3]

@@raycochrane3971 thank you for the correction on this comment I made on a youtube video using my phone

[@tednugentlives]

Excellent story, I read stories over many decades on Ken and he was another level of electronics expert, entirely.

[@jordandangelo180]

Totally agree. These amps, imho, are the best ever built, right up there with Hendrix’s Marshall’s and the classic Dumble’s SRV and EJ used. If I ever fall into some money, I’m going to buy a new reissue or something based on the Trainwreck and get as close as I can. I just love the crazy high volume and insane harmonics and the beautiful sparkling cleans.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks for having me involved on this one Keith! A ton of fun!!

[@Wildman9]

Great playing Jeff , you bring out the best in these wonderful sounding amps. Being a Vox owner ,these amps sound a lot better than my gear for sure. 🎸

[@JeffMcErlain]

@@Wildman9 thank you Bob!

[@lando35mm]

That slid chord starting at 0:19 caught my ear. What is it if you don't mind me asking?

[@knifeswitch5973]

Argh such a GREAT player!

[@Shaun.Stephens]

Love your playing Jeff. Very Claptonesque around 20:30 in this video (and that's a good thing!).

[@AskZac]

I spent close to 2 hours on the phone with Ken while I walked around Las Vegas back in 2004. He told me he could make a Tele sound like a Rickenbacker with a wiring scheme he had just come up with. He sent me a pack of pure nickel strings in the mail. He was brilliant.

[@qua7771]

That's an good story. I love tech talking with those types. I just realized I had the same job in the Navy that he did, and was wondering what he may have been like. The Navy electronics work is deep. You get to work on things that others don't. I wish I had thought to build amps when I got out. I may build a replica of his circuit.

[@scottdunn2178]

I met Ken in 1988 and he taught me everything I know. I spent hours on the phone with him picking his brain, and he was always patient with my questions, and more than happy to share his expertise. He also had the most twisted sense of humor. He sent me dozens of letters and pictures... including the one of him standing in front of all those Plexi Marshall heads. He wrote on the back; "Mr Trainwreck and his practice amp setup, all are '67-'68 Plexi except for the orange '69 Metal Face, the top head is factory purple but looks black in this picture, all heads were selected for killer tone... no dogs!". I really miss him. Thank you so much for this, Keith.

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

One thing is for sure this video was not a trainwreck it was amazing!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks so much Robert!

[@chrisrowland699]

Agreed!!

[@ericbgordon1575]

You can expect at least a bare minimum from Keith Williams in the five watt world.

[@joshuataft5541]

I'm jst getting where I can appreciate and can tell the difference with great tones and especially playing dynamics....thanx to you to Robert.

[@mikepfeifer3687]

Keith Williams, the Walter Cronkite of KZbin!!!!! This cat doesn’t miss a beat!!!

[@mikepfeifer3687]

@@CarsInDimension Good point!! However, people in America referred to him as “the most trusted man in America” That was really what I was thinking of. Thanks for the reply. 👍👍

[@scottfrost6698]

If you are debating wether or not to watch this, you need to set aside the time - this is incredible on so many levels. Besides being a genius amp designer/builder/philosopher, Ken was obviously one of the most caring, kind people around. His story is an inspiration to all players - keep seeking to be better, from the soul.

[@KleyDeJong]

I built an Express clone a few years ago. While the circuit isn't crazy complex, it was the most challenging build I have completed to date. It required a lot of post build tweaking. Paying close attention to detail really paid off. Now it is a true cut above any other amp I have ever played in terms of harmonic content, touch responsiveness, and the range of tones from sparkling cleans to roaring crunch. I have great respect for Ken and his work.

[@kevin2960]

Yes. Everything in his design matters, parts and wire dress.

[@pCeLobster]

None of this sounds the least bit eccentric to me. This is just a guy who actually gave a shit, knew his shit, and wanted things done right.

[@davidking2835]

Passion will always sound better than greed.

[@TempoDrift1480]

The thing about a smart person is that they always look like a crazy person through the eyes of a dumb person.

[@limpindug]

Jeezus Keith, I nearly choked when you said the price of these amps, not good for a Scotsmans heart. 😱 Thanks for another great school day. Keep them coming bud. Respect and stay healthy all.

[@mister-LA]

"Great school day" is an excellent metaphor for Keith's channel!

[@legatomodi3522]

You can be sure this video is gonna make them worth even more.

[@limpindug]

Am thinking with the first klon up for sale at half a million dollars they might make a good match for giving it lallday down the local. pub. Before Keith jumps on me I'll stay minimalist by trading in my micro terror. 🤔Respect guys.

[@SixStringHarmonies]

Holy grail boutiques. Thank god we have modelers. One of the nicest things about having Fractal modelers is the ability to try many of these classic amps. Furthermore, you can adjust a number of circuit fields, tubes, cap values, bias, etc. To clean up some of the flaws inherent in some designs, or just try different flavors. Like cleaning up the PI blocking distortion in the Express and Liverpool. Interesting that he worked for Ampeg in NJ. One of the more underrated competitors to that Fender-clean/Jazz sound. 60's/70's Ampegs were outstanding PTP handwired amps.

[@qddk9545]

And then you think you get the real sound of the actual amp ????

[@SarahRWilson]

I'm sorry, but we'll have to agree to disagree. As an example, the phase inverters (coupling actually) blocking distortion contributes to the overall sound of the amplifier as overdriven. To "improve" on it changes the character of that sound. Being the nitpick purist he was, I can imagine Ken saying, "Better change it back."

[@SarahRWilson]

Addendum to my last... If Ken Fisher wanted to eliminate or at least reduce blocking distortion, he would have added a cathode follower between the PI and the output tubes, directly coupled to the control grids of the latter.

[@DennisJPolson]

What a wonderful story about Ken Fisher, his amps and legacy. Kudos to you and all that helped with this video, Keith.

[@guppybill]

Howdy Keith. Jeff's look of satisfaction tells a story, don't it? I'll catch the other half of this video this afternoon. Looking forward to it!

[@cpk313]

Thanks Keith, a lot of Ken's sensibilities are more aligned with the highend stereo world, he just applied them to a realm where you are inviting distortion instead of banishing it making what he did all the more amazing. The idea that same spec'd parts from different manufactures sound different really upset some people but the builders of the most prized amps followed that mantra. In a past life I designed stereo cables for expensive systems and listened to the same interconnect made with seven different brands of silver bearing solder. They all sounded different.

[@SarahRWilson]

Hearing about the changing of different branded components is reminiscent of the story of Mark Levinson.

[@RiffsAndBeards]

Damn that ZWreck Jr. sounds insane

[@ravenslaves]

For what it's worth. I've never played a Dr. Z amp that I didn't totally fall in love with. I've never cracked one open, so I can't testify to how they're built. But each model I've played through was magnificent on every level.

[@MAC100PROOF]

@@ravenslaves i have 3. A Carmen Ghia, Maz 38 and, Mazerati LE. I've used all 3 everywhere between barely on and wide open. The Maz was my amp when I played a house gig 6 nights a week in myrtle beach about 200 yards from the water. The gig was about 6 hours a night. I was there for almost 5 years and in that time, I dont recall ever having a single problem with the Maz other than tubes wearing out. The quality of Z amps simply can't be beat.

[@ravenslaves]

@@MAC100PROOF I'm jealous beyond jealous. I love those things, and I'm not one who's easily impressed with most things modern. Especially amps. But Dr. Z is one of them to be sure.

[@robertprice5039]

I would trade my Dr Z Remedy for one.

[@guitrr]

I've owned an early Maz Jr, a Z-28, and an EZG-50. All were outstanding.

[@robertpratt8196]

Once again, a new "Short History" hits and makes me late for work! Always worth it. I knew almost nothing about Trainwreck amps and still found this video fascinating. You know you're hooked when you immediately go to Reverb searching for prices on Trainwreck, Dr. Z, and Komet amps! (And Jeff McErlain videos!)

[@brianstrawser5695]

One man can use a soldering iron and fix a toaster. Ken Fisher forever revolutionized sound with his. Thanks so much for sharing his story with so many Keith.

[@sportswolf1]

I was on that list for 3 or 4 years and sadly he passed away. I still love my early 60s AC-15s but would have loved one of his amps. I've talked to him a little on the phone, what a great guy.

[@aaronwilkinson]

I used to hang out with Ken in his basement in Colonia. He was a very interesting guy. He actually moved me up on the list when a guy from Philly didn't return his calls to tell him his Express was ready. I think it was named Amanda Lynn. I went to the bank and took a CD out early and bought the amp with a white Calzone case for just under $1500. I am still looking for the receipt. He was very chill, but knew he was good. Just a wealth of knowledge. I have a couple tunes recorded with it. I was playing with Skid Row's original lead singer, Matt Fallon. When I wasn't playing live any longer I sheepishly called Ken to ask if he minded me selling it. He was super cool and sold it for me for like $3,600. He took a small consignment fee. It was gone in less than a week. His basement was the coolest place. we hung out for hours, he would tell stories and have me play an amp here or there to check some of the rock tones. He had like barrels of tubes to pull from. His legacy lives on, but I miss him as just a cool guy as well. May he rest well!

[@mattharrison4238]

Thank you for this Keith, a wonderful tribute to a sweet soul, we need more people as generous as Ken in the world today. It seems that he gave his time, knowledge and tones to those who sought them out, no matter their age or experience level. Thanks again for this amazing tribute.

[@scottdunn2178]

I met Ken in 1988, and picked his brain like a woodpecker for years, but he always was patient with my questions and happy to share his knowledge. Like you said he respected you if you were trying to learn about circuits, tubes, transformers, etc. Anyone who knew him knew that output transformers were the bane of his existence lol... he was never satisfied. He was talking about building a metal amp for awhile around 1990-ish but gave up on the idea because he couldn't find anyone who could build an output transformer to his standards. He was truly a kind and wonderful man. I really miss him. Regards 🎸

[@robnamowicz8073]

Thanks Keith. In my closet there is a three ring binder made for me by my friend and amp builder Dave West. Between working on new circuits and laying out chassis punch-out patterns Dave would download pictures of Trainwreck amps, put them in a binder. He knew Fisher by reputation only, but was a great admirer. Having worked for Dave , part of the job was circuit testing, speaker testing, and general cab design and assembly. When the shop was still in downtown Flint, the layout of production would change weekly, and then artist players would arrive with service requests . Not unlike Mr. Fisher, Dave was a constant change agent for the process. Even when Dave's' health was faltering he had new stuff on the bench, perfection was only the next soldering step away. Wire jockeys are a different breed, fascinating intellects chasing delight for the senses of man. Thanks for the glimpse into genius.

[@rkoblues24]

Always loved the Trainwreck woodworking and extraordinarily fine craftsmanship. I had a friend, a doctor, who had one back in the late 1990s. Thanks for the great video.

[@reggiemoses2508]

Trainwreck & Dumble. HOLY GRAIL AMPS.

[@shawnbell6392]

Glen Kuykendall still has youtube videos up of him playing his Trainwreck and are a pleasure to listen to. At this point I am pretty sold on getting a Dr. Z Z Wreck Jr. when I save enough couch change.

[@donewithmodernlife]

I was about to comment the same thing. Glen gets some excellent tones, so fat & chewy. I’m with you on the Z Wreck as well, this video brought up the “why don’t I already have one of these?” thoughts. Dr. Z makes great amps, I already have a Maz 18nr & it’s my favorite amp I’ve ever owned. I think it’s time for a Z Wreck to stack on top of it.

[@MarkFromHawaii]

GMTA lol! Cheers.

[@literallyshaking8019]

I remember seeing Glen’s videos which seems like forever ago. I knew the amp was special because I came across it while going down a Trainwreck/Dumble rabbit hole to see if the hype was real, but for some reason I didn’t appreciate the fact he was playing an original 59’ Les Paul. Can you get a more dream rig than that? One guitar, one amp and a cord and it’s worth literally 3x my house.

[@alexperez3651]

Such a great story and such a great script. These videos remind me of why I love music, the musicians and the people behind the gear that we love. Thanks for putting these histories together

[@ungnome1]

Oh man What a pleasure it was to watch and HEAR this remarkable story. And Jeff’s playing is so tasty!! Brilliant!! Thanks as always.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!

[@donovanhaas7315]

This was the first I've heard of Trainwreck Amps. What a beautiful story, and told be the man best suited to tell it. I believe I speak for most of us here: we really appreciate the time and care you put into these A Short History bits.

[@RalphMercuroMusic]

One of our local NJ bands back then was Xenon. The guitarist Bob Spect used Trainwrecks and recorded their first full length LP with a Trainwreck Express. The LP is called "America's New Design". Bob used an MXR chorus pedal in front of the amp but it's still a Trainwreck...

[@fivewattworld]

I think someone should build a channel or Facebook group that lists all the places people can hear these amps.

[@RalphMercuroMusic]

@@fivewattworld Another Jersey guy that's known for using Trainwrecks is Matt O'Ree. He's recorded a ton of stuff with them. He also toured with Bon Jovi with Wrecks but those were built by JM specifically for the tour.

[@indeans48]

As a native of New Jersey (grew up about 15-20 mins from where Ken's shop would've been), I never realized how rare these amps actually were until a few years back because there's quite a few shore guitarists who own them and play them frequently. I was in a cover band for a few years with a guy who had a JM reissue of one. He used it as his main gigging rig and I thought it was crazy, taking an amp that would be, to most people, a studio only piece out to crowded bars and whatnot. I believe he spent more on just the amp head than I did on the car on I had at the time! On the handful of occasions I've gotten to try one, I can confirm that everything about the dynamics and response is 1000% true. You can go straight in and hit every imaginable gain stage from sparkling clean to tear-your-head-off high gain with just the roll of the guitar volume pot. It's like the Brian May AC30 approach but on steroids .Even the newer, non-Ken build ones sound unbelievable and live up to the local hype/legend. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you ever get a chance even to try one out go for it. Anyone curious about hearing more demos and information about them, I would recommend checking out Matt O'Ree's channel. He does tons of gear demos all through his collection of Wrecks as well as a few spotlight videos about the amps themselves. There's a wealth of information over there about these amps...

[@davegallagher7428]

I didn’t really know anything about Trainwreck amps, now I do. I always leave your videos smarter and more informed thank you Keith. They seem to be truly great amps made by a great American amp builder.

[@lespaulman81]

Another great video.FWW fills a great history void on the Tube. With FWW, Beato, Pierce, and Schull I have all I need. Thank for taking the time!

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

GREAT recap of the Trainwreck story. The reason there's no "Trainwreck tone" is because all of his amps were all different. Each had its own personality. There's a great story about Billy Gibbons wanting one of Ken's amps, but Ken told him to get in line. Gibbons hounded Ken, who relented and sent his personal amp as a loaner. When Ken asked for the amp back, Billy sent a Big Fat Check from his personal bank account instead. I still have a stack of Angela catalogs from the 80s where Ken's 'Trainwreck Pages' were published. These provide really cool insight into his way of thinking about amp design, construction, and modification. He believed wires were directional, meaning they conduct voltage better one way than the other. He was a true iconoclast. Thanks Keith!

[@Terribleguitarist89]

Met a local builder who went as far as arguing different color wires would effect sound, certain colors emphasizing/attenuating different freqs, etc. Interesting dude

[@thepagnaet6361]

@@Terribleguitarist89 That sounds really bizarre and I'd love to try one of their amps.

[@aarondeshaw481]

@@Terribleguitarist89 Ken also believed that.

[@mikecamps7226]

@Muckin 4on all the vacuum tube era people have just about died off and they don't teach it in any of the schools.....its now all digital logic. SO all these people only know electronics based on what they were taught and that's the way to build for computers which are all low voltage and micro-voltage systems....that's why you see circuit boards and parallel wire ribbon cables as connectors. If you understand where Ken was from and the mention of RCA......RCA had a lot of there production plants and operations in New Jersey....hence employing a lot of the local people as a major employer.....and TV is a much more sophisticated electronic device than a guitar amplifier and a simple audio circuit.....though a TV does contain a audio circuit obviously as a sub circuit in the whole system. But everything that Ken did was in origin from RCA. They had the research and development labs and wrote the books and designed the tubes....so they taught how to use and exploit their technology.....specially when you worked for them as a technician !! But keep in mind that RCA didn't just produce TV's, they also manufactured stereo & HiFi audio products & radios...as well as microphones and recordings thus having recording studios. Meaning that RCA wrote a lot of books and those publications defined just about all of it in the industry along with Western Electric and Bell Labs...when vacuum tube technology was the original innovation in the infancy of electronics and the electronics industry. Ken wasn't really a magician and pulling rabbits out of hats.....its been hyped up, as he only was doing what he had been taught and staying true to form where he made a choice to try to carve out a living based on what he was trained to do.....plus being close to NYC and living in an area that was an electronics mecca. Ken was still grounded to the concept of his training, to be a technician....rather than to be a business mogul to create his own amplifier company and assembly line manufacturing plant/factory business...to rival Ampeg or any other. Ken knew he was getting hyped up, and he did make some wild statements as insider jokes which would differentiate those who knew the discipline from those who think they know based on copying and being mimics. Personally I grew up in a steel mills town and a good illustration would be this story: A work crew at the mill was building a shack on site and were using power tools and they had a young new guy on the crew that was green and wet behind the ears. They gave him a task to cut a piece of wood with a power saw and pointed out the tools. SO the new kid takes the extension cord and plugs it into an outlet and plugs the saw into its end......and goes to use the saw but the saw wasn't working. So the new kid was a bit baffled and they were watching him the whole time.....so they asked him what was wrong and he said the saw wasn't working. SO they told him the saw definitely works, and proceeded to tell him to look at the extension cord. They told him that the extension was all tangled up and had knots in it AND THAT was the reason that the saw didn't work......they told him to straighten out the cord and get the knots out of the extension as that was not letting the electric through the extension. SO this new guy proceeded to mess with the extension cord as he was told to do......meanwhile somebody else in the crew knew the fuse breaker was off for the outlet he chose to plug in to and went off to flip the breaker back on while the kid was messing with the extension cord and distracted. SO to the new guys amazement after he unraveled the extension cord and plugged it in again.....the saw MAGICALLY WORKED. SO what do you think this guy learned that day ???? They obviously didn't tell him as it was the big JOKE on the new guy....

[@tednugentlives]

Gerald Weber's " Desktop reference of hip vintage guitar amps" has the trainwreck pages in print. Read it 20 years ago and its life changing. I got it for Kens simple Marshall mods and tube amps theory. Its excellent.

[@skinnykarlos710]

I always feel that twinge of mournful melancholy when I hear of a true genius who works 'til their fingers bleed and their head hurts in the pursuit of their passion only to have that real success come at the very end of their days or even after their passing. This guy was a true, honest individual with the passion that eludes we mere mortals. Refusing to succumb to big $$ your dealing with the man could be guaranteed to be done on a handshake rather than a 12 page contract and nothing would change this. There area too few individuals like this and the world is poorer for both that and his passing. I've never even heard a trainwreck in the same room let alone hope to acquire one. This story was enough of a boost to my day. RIP Fisher.

[@mikezaite1335]

Another great video Keith. This video will help preserve Ken's Magic and his dedication to Sonic Perfection. Yes few recordings of his work, mostly due to his not giving special treatment to Rock Stars. His Legacy is the countless amp builders he helped and influenced in his life, and I am thankfully on that list. DR.Z

[@bigbokiptd]

Wonderfully said Dr Z. Thank you so much for... being you! (and making such wonderful amps)

[@rickyhuff]

I loved talking with Ken, and when he called, you dropped what you were doing and listened!

[@chrisanderson9374]

Hey DR.Z I don’t know if you’ll see this or not. But I’m just starting out in the tube amp repair/modification craft and if you’d be so inclined I’d like to pick your brain about some questions I have. Have a good one, Chris

[@jamestoops7228]

High praise indeed!

[@ThadBrown]

Awesome history. I played one, once. Friend in CT had it when I was living there. I have always favored super touch responsive amps and that was absolutely the touchiest I've ever played. But what I really remember about it was that after 12 o'clock the amp WANTED to feed back the note you were holding. And the feedback was high, like there was a high pass filter on it. I was playing an early Top Hat Club Royale as my main amp at that point, and it was a fantastic boutique amp of the era, but the 'wreck was playing a different game. Again, awesome story.

[@acooper8910]

I've been looking forward to this since you first mentioned it was in the pipeline a while back. Real TW's are beyond my price bracket but I did build a trio - Rocket Liverpool & Express. To my playing style the Rocket's the one - the best amp I've ever played through.

[@jtn191]

You like it more than the Liverpool? That's The one for me, based on sounds I've heard. Been working on a build

[@acooper8910]

@@jtn191 The Liverpool is a higher gain amp and knocks out a satisfying fizz. The reasons I prefer the Rocket are that it has a better response to right hand subtlety and a richer bottom end. All really depends on your style of music and the guitar you use. Fenders & Gretsches work great across all Trainwrecks; Gibsons are fussier - the amps have to be tweaked to deal with more middly humbuckers. If you're doing a build use the Ceriatone layouts as I've found them to be best for eliminating hum. A PPIV master volume is definitely worth the bother. Orange Drop or Mallory caps - both work equally well.

[@williamsanderson9279]

Keith - thank you for once again demonstrating the important back story of fabled gear is really about exceptional people like Ken where creativity, innovation and obsession collide to make something truly unique. Great playing Jeff!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Bill!

[@guitrr]

You hit this one out of the park, Keith. I laughed out loud hearing your comment about the serendipitous wisdom of having the amps shipped directly to Jeff! Of course, now we all want one.

[@anarchywon4170]

I knew nothing about Trainwreck amps before this video, as I have been a lifelong Marshall player. After seeing the passion put into them however, my respect level is through the roof.

[@HalJikaKick]

What an incredible video. I grew up in NJ and was in a studio called Lillypad in Union, NJ around 1989 and there was a resident Trainwreck amp. It was incredible to hear the sustain and infinite decay rate.

[@rexnavarro2918]

Another great History lesson to start the day with (along with my cup of coffee). At one time I was caught up like most guitarist as having multiple guitars. Then one day I realized it's not so much the variety of guitars, but the quality of Amplifier that is a HUGE part of one's tone..and different amps bring different tones as well as they can just bring the best out of your playing style and your guitar. Ken nailed it on the head with his quote ' the more stable the amp becomes, the less complex it is". Great to hear that Ken's Legacy continues at Trainwreck.

[@stevenbryan7586]

This one was just awesome. Maybe just the right story told in just the right way. Definite number one in the short history series.

[@donaldnelson8764]

Hey Keith, Don here. Having played guitar for, going on 61 years now, and having owned or played just about every amplifier you can imagine, I was overjoyed when Dr Z introduced the Z Wreck. Being familiar with Ken Fischer and Trainwreck amplifiers I immediately purchased the Z Wreck which is one best amps I have ever owned. I pair it with a '67 Fender Super Reverb and they sound glorious together. FYI, while in Sweden in 2019 for a few shows and a recording session, I got to play a Trainwreck at a music store in Stockholm. WOW!!!😎

[@AdamGotheridge]

You should do a video on Dr Z. He's designed something like 50 models that run the gamut of pretty much everything and he's just an encyclopedia of knowledge. He's not getting any younger either! I'd be happy to submit some content for the few Z amps that I own. Great video, and cheers!

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

Wow. The jam at the beginning is jaw dropping. If that is a trainwreck.....oh my !!!

[@andymelendez9757]

I love the attention to detail and passion. Sweating the small stuff leads to next level development. Thanks Ken! Warrens tones were amazing to hear at the Ryman . Blew my mind

[@LewisShieldsUS]

Dang fine amps. Love the aesthetics and engineering. Love how solid core behaves, some repair nightmares. Great show, thanks.

[@kingfisher7960]

I have a trainwreck of a life so I was interested in this amp. Now only if they come out with a guitar called Dumpster Fyre I'll be all set.

[@terrypussypower]

My first guitar was an Epiphone Dumpster Dyve!

[@mikewithers299]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Chemcaster]

Awesome closing story about Mica! Nice mix of talk and play in this episode too - Jeff’s rockin’ it.

[@drzecelectric4302]

Love the non ferric chassis/3D/shortest leads concept. Totally makes all the sense in the world.

[@BenState]

Main, thank you, never heard about this guy. What an artist.

[@periloustemple8290]

That was amazing - and any change to hear Jeff is a treat. Wow, that guy!. Loved it all and learned a great deal.

[@orenalbertmeisel3127]

I've actually never heard of them before, but I'm still watching your video because I know it will be interesting. Keep up the good work Keith

[@therecordfable]

I own a '00 version one Dr Z Mazerati. Killer tone for days. Dr Z is a master. If you're in the market. I highly recommend. Great video!

[@martinluthierking]

I used to work with Ken's brother at a guitar shop in Santa Fe, NM in the late 90's

[@georgearagon2546]

Thank you for exposing those of us who were unaware of this genius. Always learning something here at The 5 Watt World.

[@tball5677]

Here I am binge watching as usual. Great video as always, thanks Kieth

[@CarsInDimension]

"Not wanting to work for a company that was no longer being run by musicians." While that's a nice sentiment, the fact remains that Leo Fender couldn't play guitar and Laurens Hammond couldn't play keyboards. The key is having company managers who listen to musicians, what they play, and what they say about your gear.

[@fivewattworld]

I’d agree with that. But I’m not Ken Fisher, and that was what he said.

[@valentino3191]

I'd agree that an effective business manager is capable of coordinating the very best people and allow their dedicated areas of expertise to be properly unitized to the highest potential. I think where they get it wrong is they become too focused on the bottom line and it can ruin things. Investment firms are only looking to cash out and often don't care about the legacy or long-term viability of an established business. Privately held companies are so much better than publicly traded firms for that very reason. This channel is fantastic by the way. I really enjoy learning from it.

[@jimharringtonsr.2793]

@@valentino3191 pretty much nailed good vs. bad business in a nutshell. I am lucky to work for a company that focuses on customer and product quality, the bottom line speaks for itself!.

[@douglasdog1]

100%, although I think I can understand where Ken Fischer is coming from. It’s a personal choice and who knows, maybe he had some bad experience because it happens. Seen it myself in my industry, I left.

[@gilsanderson3275]

Thanks for this, Keith. Back in the early/mid 1990's my co-guitarist and I became aware of Ken and his Trainwreck amps. At the time, his price was (I believe) about $1700, for any of the three models offered.....the Liverpool, the Express, and the Rocket. He had a waiting list for buyers, and, if you were on the list, when your name came up, Ken would call, you would tell him which model you wanted, and he would then build it. I believe he required a 50% deposit, with balance due on completion. My buddy and I both got on his list, but some months later, when he called we were up, we both backed down.......$1700 was just ridiculously high.....remember, you could still find vintage Deluxe Reverbs and AC 30's for a few hundred dollars. Obviously, I kick myself for not buying then, knowing what we now know. From strictly an investment view, it would have been a windfall today......but we all have our "one that got away" story.

[@canucklehead0]

Thanks Keith, for telling a tale that needed to be told.

[@RobinBassett]

That was delightful. So many stories of strange/awkward manufacturers - not here though! The first KZbin video I ever "favoured" was "1959 Les Paul & Trainwreck Amp - "Can You Hear It Ring?"" - it is still up and sounds excellent.

[@alexh3153]

Wow that was some of the best tone I’ve ever heard online. That intro 🤯🤯🤯

[@kingdomtone]

Probably my favorite 5WW video so far. Well done sir. Great information... great education. That Komet sounded incredible (as did the TW’s). Very impressed.

[@AndrewRichmond-l6z]

Great episode Keith. For any that want to hear an Express- a friend of Ken Fischer, Glenn Kuykendall put out an instrumental CD "Can you hear it ring?" which is dedicated to KF and is recorded with his original Trainwreck Express and 59 Les Paul.

[@MOBontv]

Try my record, Brotherhood. Featuring Bruce Springsteen, David Bryan from Bon Jovi, and Hubert Sumlin. Whole record was done with Wrecks. Its on iTunes and Spotify and avail to purchase on our site.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks for wading in here. John M just sent me a bunch of your videos. Great stuff.

[@MOBontv]

@@fivewattworld Thanks so much. Always happy to be apart of all things Trainwreck. No other amp in the world like it!

[@MOBontv]

Loving your channel by the way

[@badtweed2087]

I appreciate the amount of skepticism that could/should/might be taken with respect to many of Ken's ideas about what "tech details" affect the sound etc. I had a couple of hour long phone conversations with Ken in 1991 which covered plenty of techie talk about tube amp design and fab. I've been building tube guitar amps since 1962 and have a good understanding of what it takes to build a variety of amp styles. I do have to say he was holding a few techie opinions that were just goofy to my understanding backed by my EE degree and experience. But my call was to explore what he required from me to take an order. He did mention he was in poor health and was keen to let me know that his waiting list was unspecifically long (a few years kinda sorta...) and that it didn't matter to him whether I was Billy Gibbons or Joe Schmoe, the wait was lengthy and no one gets special treatment. He was a very nice man. I made the decision to pass on placing an order with Ken and went ahead and purchased a 1966 Vox AC30 from Mark Sampson over at Matchless.

[@fsthomson]

Another awesome video...I was really looking forward to this video, ever since you hinted that you were putting a TrainWreck vid together. I'll think about this now every time I play my home-built tele through my (yes; loud) Z-Wreck. Thanks so much for putting this one together!

[@jasonlmusic]

Your videos are immensely enjoyable and so well done! This was particularly satisfying, having myself fallen head over heels in love with a Fischer-modified fender combo amp in a Jersey studio 8 or 9 years ago. I’ve been wading into the waters of Trainwreck myth ever since. Thanks for putting these together.

[@TheAdjacents-ABQ]

So, two things. First, this is the most likely the one piece of gear I will never be able to touch. Whew. Second, I think this is one of those history vids that are more emotional than technical. Not that it is "soft", but rather it is a really great look at the person dressed up with the amp story. One of the best you have ever done. And I have no clue what any of the electronics discussion means.

[@gtr1952]

Once again I'm speechless. I had no idea, and I think those are some of the best tones I've ever heard! As usual, I'll have to watch this a bunch more times, I'm not smart enough to get everything in one show. 8) Thanks much Keith!! I'm pretty sure you are the solder that holds this circuit together.!! We appreciate you very much!! JMHO --gary

[@mcmSEA]

could listen to to those tones all day and all night - thanks!

[@mykneeshurt8393]

Always a great time watching, listening and learning. Thank you !

[@nj1255]

It sounds like Ken was an amazing person! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and stories about him.

[@seanhershey3390]

I honestly liked the Komet the best.. both aesthetically & audibly ...as always, thanks for the history lesson.

[@artkinsmanmusic3686]

I agree. Recently acquired a Komet 29. Incredible cleans. Nasty overdrive if cranked but LOUD. You can control that with guitar volume but I use my Freyette PS2 with a band and I want that distortion. Otherwise it would kill everyone within 20 feet

[@BNGamesYT]

Man that last part where he left the parts for Mico, right in the feels.

[@Birbdup]

Truly man, emotional.

[@battmanvonrichtoven]

Once again Keith your work with the team of people you work with is keeping me inspired and wanting to grow. I am at this point of my life a hobbiest at best, but I feel fortunate to have found your chanel on You Tube. Thank you,

[@tomgross1953]

I've played three real Expresses & a Liverpool, as well as a KF modded Marshall. Besides the incredible sound, the feel is amazing. Cranking a Les Paul thru an Express is like holding a wild animal on a chain.

[@alohamark3025]

The output transformer is so critical to the sound of an amp that I wonder why other designers do not go over the process of handpicking the best for a given speaker. My second question is about the amount of time Fischer used in picking the preamp and output tubes for his amps. Great job as a musical equipment historian, Keith.

[@TCMx3]

money, time, you need to be good at playing the sort of music your amp is made for. Bartell does it, and charges 4k+ for a 30 watt amplifier. He's the absolute pinnacle of wiring jobs too so from that perspective they're a bit of a deal.

[@smeercat]

That has to be the best sounding amp I have ever heard. Thanks for presenting it.

[@knifeswitch5973]

Hands down the best guitar sound demo I’ve seen/heard on you tube. Great show as always

[@NickSomethingSomething]

This was really interesting. But with 5 watt world you know it will always be interesting. Thanks Keith for all the awesome content.👍

[@samwarren5025]

This is such an underrated channel! Very informative and interesting to watch

[@donnyhall2535]

Well, another amazing video Keith. Thank you for all the work and research you put into all of the short history videos. Only problem I do have with the short history videos, is the GAS issues that I tend to have. Have a great day Keith and keep the videos coming. Can't wait for the next one

[@billhaugh6918]

Great video Keith! You might want to look into the collaboration of Ken Fisher and Gerald Weber of Kendrick Amps. Gerald offered a "kit" amp that was developed between Ken and Gerald, called the "Climax". I bought and built one a couple decades ago. May be of great interest with your viewers.

[@tootiegrigio713]

This channel is true treasure for us all, thank you!

[@Zatoichi8106]

I was so enthralled with the story from Brad Paisley‘s rig rundown right after the flood. I remember it like it was yesterday. The junior made it possible for me to maybe be able to get one one day! Thanks for the videos y’all

[@RSCphoto-Savannah]

Hey Keith- I love you videos. I’ve seen them all, but you really raised the bar on this one. Impeccable research and a story well told. Good stuff!

[@windowsoflife]

I live my Dr Z Maz 38 watt w an 18 watt switch in the back. The Z Wreck Jr sounds amazing too! Thanks for this video!

[@justdave9783]

Just foundyour channel and have been eating it up. I LOVE Trainwrecks and actually encountered one in the wild decades ago in NC. I was hooked. What an amazing singing tone. Thanks for the history lesson.

[@MattyK-USA]

Just a terrific episode, Keith. Those amps sound amazing, and I was not aware of Ken's story. Keep on keepin' on, my friend - it just gets better and better 👍

[@etherboy3540]

I upvoted before the video started as I always do, but I wanted to mention how much better these videos are getting. The script is the same high quality as always but the presentation is smoother and more confident. Thank you for putting these videos out. I really enjoy them.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Etherboy. This was my 65th video. A photography channel I watch occasionally has the tagline, "learn, make, repeat". Nice someone noticed.

[@wtipton]

You can build your own. The folks over at Amp garage have an excellent write up on this.

[@markhammer643]

A buddy who had teched for a number of A-list bands and toured the world with them, told me that he had had the opportunity to hear and try many different great amps in that role, and when he had the chance to try out a Trainwreck (in Chicago, I believe), he decided then and there that he would start saving up for one as his must-have. He described it as being incredibly touch responsive. All you had to do was work your guitar's volume control.

[@sammyrabon7736]

These are so great. You get immersed in the story and it’s like for 30 minutes that’s all that matters

[@brainsplosion3000]

this was the vid that brought me to your channel, and i am glad it did. Great stuff!

[@jamesflack8624]

Thanks Keith. Great video, of a great amp, with a great Playa, and a glimpse into the amazing Mad Genius of Ken Fisher. Almost ordered one in '94. Cheers 🍻

[@charlesleone9549]

I owned a reworked a 100W Fender Twin Ken wired like a Mesa Boogie. The clean sound was amazing. The overdrive was also fantastic. I even had him install a 1/2 power switch because it was so loud. A friend of mine had a Fender Twin wired like a Marshal. It too was incredible. I sold it back in the early 2000's because I didn't play as much as I used to. He lived near me. I remember going to his house in Colonia. He was a true master at his craft.

[@johnreilly9748]

Very cool! You are doing some great content on deserving subjects, Thanks again from a former upstater!

[@dboblues8778]

The quest for tone never stops... Thank you!

[@lordviewer7305]

I love this channel. Very educational, enjoyable and the fact that does not try to sell us stuff. Peace

[@MartinCliffe]

Fascinating stuff, Keith. Not something I knew a lot about before this video. Some lovely tones on display here.