Dr. Z DB4 Head - Blonde - Tan Grill

The Dr. Z DB4 is the latest collaboration between Dr. Z and Brad Paisley.

When Dr. Z and Brad Paisley get together on an amp concept, you can count on it to be a road worthy workhorse that can dish out the goods night after night. The DB4 is certainly no exception.

Like most all other Dr. Z amps before it, the DB4 is an all original design with it's own voice, not at all a clone or knock off of something else. It also features a couple design enhancements for an all new Dr. Z experience. Instead of the standard Tone Control, an impressive Rotary Frequency Filter provides you with a wide range of available tones. This control selects between a more jangly brilliance to deep, dark and thick resonant tones and everything in between. This also helps maintain a minimal signal path which in turn increases the DB4's dynamic response. Incorporating a 5879 pentode tube in the preamp creates a full bodied and balanced tone helping even the lightest Tele stand up in a mix.

How does it compare to the Z-Wreck?  Great question!  First of all, this amp is in no way designed to replace the Z-Wreck.  Quite the contrary, actually.  Brad wanted an amp to supplement the Z-Wreck, not to take the place of it.  The DB4 is not as brilliant and stark as the Z-Wreck, and is definitely warmer, darker, and thicker, so because of that it's not that bright sound you associate with a Vox.  By design, the breakup comes on a bit earlier than the Z-Wreck.  It's a little more "rock-n-roll" you could say.

The DB4 also comes standard with a half power switch taking the 38 watt output down to 18 watts, which is perfect for switching between multiple gigging environments.

The Dr. Z DB4 will be available as a Head, 1x12 "Classic Lite" Combo (with a Celestion Alnico Gold), and a 2x12 "Bluesbreaker" Combo (loaded with dual Celestion Alnico Blues).

Front panel:

Input: Input jack for your guitar. Hi is for normal use. LO has 3 dB less gain. Use LO with Humbucker equipped guitars for a cleaner sound.

Volume: Controls overall gain. Set over halfway for overdriven sounds. Set below halfway for cleaner sounds.

Tone: Rotatory tone switch. Controls full range EQ for the amp.

Cut: Controls overall tone/presence of the amp. Turn clockwise for chime.

Stand-By: 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: Switch up to turn on amplifier. Switch down to turn off amplifier.

Power Indicator: Lights up when power is switched on. If bulb fails replace with type T47

Rear Panel

AC Inlet: (Class I Wiring). This device is used for disconnection from power mains and must remain readily operable. The power indicator light does not indicate connection to power mains. The power cord must be disconnected to disconnect amplifier from power mains.

Fuse: The fuse protects the amp from electrical faults. Replace only with the same rating and type stated below fuse holder. If the amp repeatedly blows the fuse contact your dealer or Dr Z Amps.

Half/Full Power Switch: This switch allows you to play your amp at half (18 watts) or full (38 watts) power.

16 OHM Speaker Jack: Plug in 16 ohm speaker here. Always have a speaker plugged into the amp when it is powered on. Always match the speaker impedance to the proper speaker out jack. This will allow the amp to sound its best and avoid damage.

8 OHM Speaker Jack: Plug in 8 ohm speaker here. Always have a speaker plugged into the amp when it is powered on. Always match the speaker impedance to the proper speaker out jack. This will allow the amp to sound its best and avoid damage.

4 OHM Speaker Jack: Plug in 4 ohm speaker here. Always have a speaker plugged into the amp when it is powered on. Always match the speaker impedance to the proper speaker out jack. This will allow the amp to sound its best and avoid damage.

Specs:

Extra Stuff:

Dr. Z DB4 Manual: Click Here to Download (pdf file)
Amp too loud? Read our article: Guitar Amp Attenuators
Need a cover for your Dr. Z Amp?: Dr. Z Amplifier Accessories
Read from our Dr. Z FAQ
Sign up for our Dr. Z Newsletter