Dr. Z M12
Specs
Format: 1x12 combo
Watts: 12 (cathode biased)
Preamp Tubes: One EF86, one
12AX7
Rectifier: 5Y3
Controls: Volume, bass, and
treble knobs with a hi/lo switch
Speaker: Celestion Alnico Blue
Price: $1,738 street (Also available
as a head for $1,249 street, as a 1x10
combo for $1,399 street, and as a
2x10 combo for $1,499 street.)
drzamps.com
Dr. Z’s associations with high-profile players and
knack for simple, sweet-sounding circuits keeps
the company near the top of many boutique amp
nuts’ wish lists. The cathode-biased M12
is the very picture of Dr. Z design economy, and
makes a lot of noise for just 12 watts.
Locke: For only 12 watts, this amp has
a surprising amount of headroom. With
a Stratocaster, I can stay totally clean and
there’s not really a bad setting
on it. I preferred the hi
input, and all five positions
of the Strat really spoke when
I cranked the volume. With
P-90s, it sounds really smooth
and compressed in a way that
you want from an EL84 amp,
and it has great note separation
for more complex chords.
I like the simplistic layout.
And what it might lack in
features it makes make up for
in spades with tone. The simple
EQ controls—bass, treble,
and volume—it’s all you need
with an amp like this. You
use different guitars, different
pedals, and explore different
amounts of gain on the volume
knob and you can do a
lot with a really simple, good-sounding,
well-made amp like
this. Really well done.
Derrico: The Dr. Z is
badass. I just cranked it all
the way up and actually didn’t
really even touch the bass
and treble. I love the fact that
it only has three knobs, it’s
killer. Brad Paisley uses these
[Dr. Z amps] and gets great sounds out of
them, but this amp right here—the way
it’s set—would be great for rock. It’s really
milky, but it sounds like it will cut through
a mix really nicely, too, which is always a
big thing. Nice mids and highs—boom!
Trovato: The first thing I noticed
was a robustness and a sparkle and a tightness
to this amp. It’s got plenty of volume,
too. It has such a natural, transparent sound
that I can hear the delicate nuances and
subtleties of the instrument and each pickup.
This amp brings out the best in a guitar.
It doesn’t have any reverb, which would
be a great addition. The other thing is that
when I’m looking at this amplifier from
a seated position I can’t even see a knob.
I wouldn’t even know this thing had any
knobs or controls on it. I have to go way
down in front to see what these things are
and what they do. So, of course, when
you’re onstage you have to bend down or
reach under there and hope you get the
right knob. I like when the top is recessed
a little so you can look down and see where
you’re going. The best thing is that I don’t
get option anxiety with this amplifier—
there are only three knobs: volume and the
tone controls. Simple, to the point, and
great sounding.