FAQS

Where are Dr. Z Amps made?

All Dr. Z amps are made in Cleveland, Ohio. The amps are all hand-wired right here at our shop. All cabs are assembled and loaded here too. We bench-test and play-test each amp and cab before it ships to one of our fine dealers.

Do you sell direct?

No. We have an excellent network of dealers that are very knowledgeable on our line.

Click here for a list of our dealers.

Do you repair used Dr. Z Amps?

We build our products to the highest standards, but even the best-built equipment and components can sometimes fail. If you are experiencing issues with your Dr. Z product, please contact our support team at:

(216) 475-1962

(7:30AM-4:00PM EST, Mon-Fri)

or

repairs@drzamps.com

Please have the following information ready or included in your correspondence:

• MODEL
• HEAD OR COMBO
• COMPLETE SERIAL NUMBER INCLUDING FIRST LETTER(S) FOUND ON THE BACK OF THE AMP
• APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE
• DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM
• APPROXIMATE LENGTH OF TIME THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING
• IF THE PROBLEM INVOLVES A NOISE PLEASE SEND A RECORDED CLIP (Video or Audio)
• NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE TUBESTORE

We’ll be happy to help you troubleshoot your product*. You can also check our FAQS and troubleshooting tips.

*Dr. Z Repairs Dept. only services Dr. Z branded amplifiers and accessories. Repairs for other manufacturers’ products will not be accepted. Warranties are valid in the contiguous 48 United States only.

What year was my amp made?

We use a lettering system in our serial numbers for the year of manufacture starting with A for 1990. When we reached Z in 2015 we re-started the alphabet with AA (2016). To determine the year of your amp follow this guide.

Is my MAZ amp an MK II version?

The MK II updates to the MAZ series started in 2017 with the 18, 18 NR, and 38 models. These model serial numbers starting with BB will have a rectangular MK II logo on the back panel. In 2018 we began shipping MAZ 38 NR MK II models, with serial numbers starting with CC and the MK II sticker.  Earlier models that were sent back to the shop for a factory update will also have the sticker. On the end of the amp chassis inside the cabinet, updated MK II models will also have a date listed on the day they were updated.

Where can I get slip covers for my amp?

Dr Z Amps recommends Studio Slips. Studio Slips are made in the USA and feature outstanding craftsmanship and are an excellent value. They have dimensions ready to go for all our models. We include Studio Slips on our Z-Wreck combo and the Z-Wreck quantum silver set.

Where can I get new tubes for my Dr. Z Amp?

We have a list of recommended tubes listed for each of our amplifiers here. It is highly recommended to use the suggested tubes types and brands for optimal performance and reliability. If you have any questions on tube availability or substitutions, direct them to repairs@drzamps.com. ASK BEFORE YOU BUY OR TRY! WE ARE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE TUBE STORE OR ANY OTHER ONLINE TUBE RETAILER. THIS INCLUDES ANY RETAILER SELLING PREPACKAGED “DR. Z BUNDLES” OR ANY LISTINGS REFERRING TO DR. Z OR ANY OF THE AMP MODELS.

***We DO NOT recommend using any other 6V6 power tube other than the JJ 6V6. THIS INCLUDES NOS 6V6.***

Do you sell unloaded cabs?

No. All of our cabs are play-tested before leaving the shop.  If they don’t have a speaker in them we can’t do our job!

Do you retolex amps?

No.

Do you sell grill cloth?

No.

Are you in compliance with California Proposition 65?

As a small business with under 10 employees we are legally exempt from CA Prop 65, and our products are not required to carry any labeling. Read more about Proposition 65 by clicking here.

I bought a used/open box/demo/floor model amp from a dealer at a discounted rate. Does this amp include a warranty?

No, but we offer repairs and updates to all models at a fair rate. Please email repairs@drzamps.com to schedule service on your amp.

How do I bias my amp?

Most of our line is cathode biased and does not require re-biasing after replacing the power tubes. Amplifiers that are fixed biased should be re-biased by a knowledgeable technician. The bias information for all Dr. Z amps is located here.

I have an amp that is no longer listed in your product line. Do you still support these amps?

Yes, amplifiers that we have ceased production on are still supported by Dr. Z amps as Legacy Models. You can find information on them here or the Z-Talk Forum. If you need service on your Legacy amplifier, please contact repairs@drzamps.com.

Do you have an artist program?

Not at this time.  Our artist program has been suspended.  Our production is limited and we appreciate all players supporting our network of dealers.  You will get excellent information and service from any of the fine dealers listed here.

How should I use my stand-by switch?

Dr. Z covers the do’s and don’t’s of the stand-by switch in this blog.

How do I run an extension cab with my combo or hook up 2 speaker cabs to my head?

This is an easy procedure.  First thing to do is get a quality Y Cable like the ones offered by Procables N Sound.  These cables are available in series or parallel wiring.  Always match the ohm rating of the extension cab to the ohm rating of your combo speaker.  The same goes for running 2 cabs.

Here’s an example for parallel (the most common) connection:

1. Disconnect your 8 ohm combo speaker from the back of the amp chassis and plug it into the Y cable.
2. Plug the extension cab into the Y cable.  You now have two 8 ohm loads in parallel to make a 4 ohm load.
3. Plug the Y cable into the 4 ohm speaker out on the rear of your amp.

Series connection is the same except that two 8 ohm loads make a 16 ohm load.  Not all Z amps have 16 ohm speaker outs so be sure to check your specific amp.