Dr. Z Route 66

The Dr. Z Route 66 is a highly regarded guitar amplifier known for its rich tonal characteristics and versatility, making it a favorite among professional musicians.

History of the Dr. Z Route 66

• Introduction (2004): The Route 66 was introduced in 2004 by Dr. Z Amplification, founded by Fred Taccone. It was designed to deliver the thick, creamy tones associated with the KT-66 tube, originally manufactured by Genelex. The amp quickly gained attention for its unique sound and responsiveness.
• Design Features: The Route 66 features a power output of 32 watts, utilizing two Gold Lion KT-66 output tubes and an EF86 preamp tube, along with a 12AX7 and a 5U4 rectifier. Its simple control layout includes Volume, Treble, and Bass knobs, which allow for straightforward tonal adjustments. The amp is built with a non-negative feedback phase inverter that enhances harmonic content and dynamics.
• Tonal Characteristics: Known for its "milkshake thick" tones, the Route 66 offers a wide range of sounds from clean to overdriven. It is particularly noted for its piano-like clarity and sustain, making it suitable for various musical styles.
• Legacy: The Route 66 has become a staple in the boutique amp market, celebrated for its quality construction and distinctive sound. It received accolades from music publications, including an "Editors' Pick Award" from Guitar Player Magazine.

Popular Settings

• Clean Tones:
  • Set Volume around 4-5 for warm, clean sounds.
  • Treble at about 6-7 and Bass at noon for balanced clarity.
  • Ideal for jazz or country styles.
• Overdriven Tones:
  • Increase Volume to 7-8 for natural tube saturation.
  • Set Treble around 6-8 to enhance brightness while keeping Bass at 4-5.
  • Great for blues-rock or classic rock tones.
• Dynamic Playability:
  • The amp responds well to guitar volume adjustments; rolling back on the guitar can yield cleaner tones while pushing it forward brings out overdrive.
  • Many players appreciate the amp's ability to clean up without losing volume when rolling back on their guitar's controls.
• Experimentation:
  • Players often experiment with settings like full Volume with Bass at 9 o'clock and Treble at 1 o'clock to achieve unique tonal characteristics.

Notable Players

• Eric Clapton: Clapton's tones on John Mayall's "Bluesbreaker" album are often referenced when discussing the Route 66, as it captures similar tonal qualities associated with his sound.
• Joe Bonamassa: Bonamassa has been known to use Dr. Z amps, including the Route 66, in his performances, appreciating its rich harmonic content.
• Mike Fuller (Fulltone): Fuller has praised the Route 66 for its dynamic range and tonal depth during live performances.
• Other Artists: Various session musicians and rock guitarists have embraced the Route 66 for its versatility and ability to produce high-quality sound across genres.

Summary

The Dr. Z Route 66 remains a celebrated amplifier known for its unique tonal capabilities and historical significance in shaping modern music across various genres. Its enduring legacy continues to inspire guitarists seeking rich sounds from a reliable platform.