ZB Custom Amplifier

Amplifiers, effects, pickups, electronic components, wiring, etc.

Moderator: Dave Mudgett

Kevin Hatton
Posts: 8233
Joined: 3 Jan 2002 1:01 am
Location: Buffalo, N.Y.
State/Province: -
Country: United States

ZB Custom Amplifier

Post by Kevin Hatton »

I just got in an early 70's ZB Custom amplifier out of the the blue. It's in great cosmetic shape. It has (2) 12" Altec lansing speakers in it. The dynamic range of the amp is outstanding. Not quite as good as my Webb but within 90% I'd say. Very clear with no mid range honk. Good bass end. Good volume. This is a neat keep sake as I play ZB guitars. I'm going to use it as a practice amp.It's about the size of a Super Reverb. I understand that these were made by Sandel. Here's the problem that maybe some of you can help me with. Its got some crackle and fuzz on the edges at high volume. I was going to take it to our local amp guru here for posible Cap replacement. The amp is thirty years old. Also, any suggestions on where to get a schematic for this amp. I know that Standel was still making amps, but I can't find their web site. <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 03 December 2004 at 06:12 PM.]</p></FONT><FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 03 December 2004 at 07:58 PM.]</p></FONT>
User avatar
Ron Whitworth
Posts: 2161
Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Yuma,Ariz.USA Yeah they say it's a DRY heat !!
State/Province: -
Country: United States

Post by Ron Whitworth »

Hi Kevin;
Here is a link to the Standel Amps page..Just hold your mouse over the amp names across the top of the page & the menues will then drop down..Click & go where you want to from there..Ron
http://www.standelamps.com/index.html <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Ron Whitworth on 03 December 2004 at 06:24 PM.]</p></FONT>
thurlon hopper
Posts: 432
Joined: 15 Apr 2000 12:01 am
Location: Elizabethtown Pa. USA
State/Province: -
Country: United States

Post by thurlon hopper »

Kevin, one fine example of the ZB Custom amp
sound can be found on an album called Pacific
Steel Company and J.D. Mannes was using a P/P
with a ZB amp on a tune called Fat & Sassy,i
think this is one of the very best steel sounds i've ever heard. J.D. sent me an e-mail and tokd me what he was using when he recorded that tune . If you can find the album give it a listen. Enjoy your amp and
i would like to find one of them myself.
Regards TJH
User avatar
Dave Van Allen
Posts: 6161
Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Souderton, PA , US , Earth
State/Province: -
Country: United States

Post by Dave Van Allen »

Good on ya KH! a ZB Amp is the last thing I'm lookin' for; not that I'm dissatisfied, I'd just like to have a matched set Image
I just did a recording session today using my ZB D10 into my ZB Volume pedal into my '68 Twin Reverb...

Soounded like 1968