Route 66

“It makes other amps sound thin by comparison; like drinking skim milk rather than a milkshake” – Dr. Z

Specifications

Power Output32 Watts
Output Tubes2 – Gold Lion KT66
Preamp Tubes1 – EF86 (NOS), 1-12AX7
Rectifier1 – 5U4
ControlsVolume, Treble, Bass
ConfigurationsHead
Dimensions & WeightHead: 17 3/4″ W, 10″ H, 9 3/4″ D; 35 lbs.
Owners ManualDownload

General Information

The Route 66 is an all original Dr. Z design based on the incredible KT-66 tube originally built by Genelex. This tube generates the “Milkshake Thick” tones, as heard on John Mayall’s “Bluesbreaker” album featuring Eric Clapton (the “Beano Album” as it is known to many).

This is not a duplicate of the Marshall JTM-45, but completely original spin with new tonal end results. The Route 66 has an EF-86 front-end. For those not familiar with this tube, it is a 9 pin pentode that offers incredible gain and input dynamics. It is normally used in high-end stereos, most often for its accurate transfer of input signal, balance, and headroom.

The Route 66 features a deceptively simple tone stack, consisting of Volume, Bass, and Treble, which feeds a non-negative feedback Phase Inverter, for true harmonic content and full output tube dynamics. It has a 5U4 Tube Rectifier to complete the round enveloped tone. The amp has piano-like clarity with endless sustain, even at low volumes. Its 32 watts truly sing when driven hard in a focused, thick distortion, with the tightest bass response you’ve ever heard.

Magazine Reviews

Guitar Buyer magazine provided us  with a review of the Route 66.

The Route 66 received the first ever “Editors’ Pick Award” from Guitar Player Magazine.

Testimonials

“Hey Doc,
When Jeff Jourard brought this Route 66 over I was semi-disinterested…..simply because, frankly, I’ve never played an amp made after 1971 that I could stand. So he plugs it in and $%#^…..immediately the jaws drop, and we start busting out old Strats, old Les Pauls, old SG/LP’s …didn’t matter, they ALL sounded great, no, spectacular!. So much compression, sustain, harmonics, touch, AND when you turned down the guitar, that damned amp cleaned up without losing apparent volume to 50 fabulous shades of dirty to semi-dirty to clean.

Anyway, thanks for making the best New amp, period…certainly the Best amp made in at least the last 30 years, and one of the best amps I’ve ever heard!”
                           –Mike Fuller, Fulltone

“Hi Doc,
Received my new 66 (the black in black I ordered). Plugged into your 1×12 with Celestion Gold. Pure sweet beautiful tone. Still gotta try the more creamier 90W Creamback AlNiCo, but it’s gonna be super, I can tell.
Now proud owner of a Ghia, a Wreck, and a 66 (with numerous “Z” cabs -1×12 w/Gold, 1×12 w/AlNiCo Creamback and a 2×12 with Greenbacks-). I got all the tones I want or need! Needless to say, I am absolutely 100% satisfied beyond expectations with you, your company, and your products. If I can help you beyond recommending your amps, just let me know.
Thanks again.”
                                            –Rudolfo N.

Sounds

Single Coils - Clean

Single Coils – Clean

Route 66 recorded with a Tele, SE VR 1 ribbon on a Z-BEST 2×12

Humbuckers - Dirty

Humbuckers – Dirty

Route 66 recorded with a PRS DGT, SE VR 1 ribbon on a Z-BEST 2×12

Humbuckers - Edge of Break-up

Humbuckers – Dirty

Route 66 recorded with a PRS DGT, SE VR 1 ribbon on a Z-BEST 2×12

HSS Strat - Dirty

Humbuckers – Dirty

Route 66 recorded with a HSS Strat, SE VR 1 ribbon on a Z-BEST 2×12

ROUTE 66 LEGACY EDITION starting at $1999!

  • LEGACY ORDERS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES ONLY. SHIPPING PRICE IS NOT INCLUDED.
  • LEGACY AMPLIFIERS ARE BACKED BY A LIFETIME WARRANTY TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER (NON-TRANSFERABLE, 90 DAY WARRANTY OF TUBES).
  • ALL LEGACY ORDERS REQUIRE A $500 DEPOSIT TO INITIATE THE BUILD. AN ESTIMATED SHIPPING QUOTE WILL BE INCLUDED WITH THE DEPOSIT INVOICE. THE INITIAL DEPOSIT CAN BE MADE BY PAYPAL, CHECK, OR MONEY ORDER.
  • ALL PAYMENTS AND DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-TRANSFERABLE, AND NON-NEGOTIABLE.
  • LEAD TIME IS 6-8 WEEKS (DEPENDING ON WORK LOAD AND PARTS AVAILABILITY).
  • THE REMAINDER OF THE PAYMENT IS DUE UPON COMPLETION AND A FINAL SHIPPING CHARGE WILL BE QUOTED BEFORE SHIPMENT OF THE AMPLIFIER.

Disclaimer: while the information contained on this page is correct at the time of publication, due to our policy of constant improvement and development, Dr. Z Amplification reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice.
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