DR. Z Amplification Carmen Ghia User manual

Carmen Ghia
Owners Manual

Intro:
Thank you for purchasing a Dr Z Amp. This amplifier was designed to give you
years of playing and sonic enjoyment. We are proud to forge ahead and create
new tube amplifier sounds with a nod to the classics of the past.
Whether you are a touring professional, weekend warrior, or basement jammer;
we take your sound and need for a reliable amplifier seriously.
Overview:
Keep it simple…The Carmen Ghia is designed to plug in and play. Forget about
tweaking and do what comes naturally. That being said, you will find the full array
of clean to dirty and plenty of EQ adjustment available in 2 simple knobs. This is
all about fingers, strings, and tubes.
Front Panel:
Input Jack: Plug guitar in here.
Volume: Controls overall amp volume. As you turn the volume up more natural
drive will occur along with an increase in level.
Tone: Controls overall tone of guitar. Turn clockwise for lower frequency empha-
sis, counterclockwise for higher frequency emphasis. Most find a sweet spot be-
tween 10:00 and 2:00.
Power: Turns amp On or Off.
Rear Panel:
Fuses: ½ Amp fuse for DC Voltage section
or 3 Amp AC fuse.
Speaker Jacks: Plug speaker into specific jack for it’s rating (8 ohm speaker into
8 ohm jack.)

Care and Feeding:
While we hope you get years of worry free use out of your Dr Z Amp there are some basic
maintenance procedures to follow.
Changing Output Tubes: If your amp starts sounding a bit dull or lacks punch it’s usually
time for a new set of output tubes. Changing the EL84 output tubes on your Carmen Ghia is
easy. This amp is cathode (self) biased so there is no need to rebias when changing tubes.
Always use a matched pair of EL84’s. We use Groove Tubes EL84S as our standard EL84.
Always make sure the power is off and AC cord is unplugged when changing tubes. Always
use caution not to burn your fingers as tubes become very hot quickly. With moderate usage
output tubes should last 6 months to a year.
Changing Pre Amp Tubes: When pre amp tubes fail it usually results in a static type noise or
a ringing microphonic type sound. Pre amp tubes are easily replaced. We recommend re-
placing them with the same brand/type that came in the amp. We have hand selected these
tubes to deliver optimal voicing.
Changing Rectifier Tube: Signs your rectifier tube (5Y3) needs changed are fairly obvious.
A bad rectifier will usually result in a fuse blowing. Power off, unplug the AC cord and re-
place the blown fuse before replacing the rectifier tube. Use caution as these tubes get very
hot!
General Maintenance:
• If you experience intermittent crackle/static type sounds make sure the 4 screws that
secure the chassis are tight. If a bit loose, the chassis will lose connection to the RF
shield.
• Make sure a speaker is connected to your amplifier before you turn it on. Always
match your speaker or cabinet to the proper ohm rating on the rear of the amp (8 ohm
speaker or cab into the 8 ohm jack.)
• If amplifier powers on, but no sound is heard after switching off Standby check your
½ amp fuse on the rear panel ( for related troubleshooting see changing rectifier tube
above.) If problem persists contact your dealer or Dr Z Amps.
• Do not set liquids on top of your amplifier.
• Becuase tubes are made of glass be sure to allow you amplifier time to acclimate to
drastic changes in temperature before powering on.
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ECC83 5751 EL84 EL84 5Y3
Carmen Ghia
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