DR. Z Amplification Route 66 User manual

Route 66
Owners Manual

Route 66
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:
The Route 66 is a completely original design based around the classic KT-66
output tube. The Route 66 is the first ever winner of the Editor’s Pick Award from
Guitar Player Magazine. The EF86 front end coupled to the big bottled KT-66 out-
put tubes let’s loose a thick bottom end with a clear singing top. This amp delivers
plenty of classic rock and roll crunch as well as sweet blues sustain. The Route
66 makes any pedal you plug in sound like it was built into the amp.
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.
Treble: Turning from full counterclockwise to noon you will find the normal type
of top end adjustment. From noon to full clockwise the natural gain and dynamics
of the amp come alive.
Bass: The bass control works much the same way as the treble control. Past
noon you can really dial in a thick bottom end.
Standby: Leave in off position for 1 minute when powering up the amp. Turn on
for play. Place in off position for extended break periods.
Power: Turns amp On or Off.

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 usu-
ally time for a new set of output tubes. The Route 66 is fixed biased so it is recommended
that you rebias when changing tubes. Always use a matched pair of KT66s. We use
Groove Tubes KT66-C as our standard KT66. If you purchase output tubes with
the same GT rating number as the pair you are replacing a bias adjust-
ment is not needed. If you do need to make an adjustment a qualified technician is
recommended. If you feel confident in your bias setting skills please refer to the bias notes
section at www.drzamps.com for the optimal parameters. 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 recom-
mend replacing them with the same brand/type that came in the amp. We have hand se-
lected these tubes to deliver optimal voicing.
Changing Rectifier Tube: Signs your rectifier tube (5AR4) needs changed are fairly
obvious. A bad rectifier will usually result in a fuse blowing. Power off, unplug the AC cord
and replace 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
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.
Allow you amplifier time to acclimate to drastic changes in temperature before powering on.
Remember that tubes are made of glass.
www.drzamps.com

V1 V2 V3 V4 V5
EF86 12AX7 KT66 KT66 5AR4
Route 66
© Copyright 2007 Dr. Z Amplification www.drzamps.com