From Dr. Z

When the original Route 66 came out over 25 years ago, it became one of Dr. Z’s first critically-lauded designs. Winning the very first “Editors’ Pick Award” from Guitar Player Magazine in Jan. of 1999 from there it graced the stage with the likes of Doyle Bramhall, Boz Scaggs, and David Grissom. The first Z Amp to feature the EF-86 pentode preamp that the company subsequently became known for, its success spawned many design iterations (Stang Ray, KT-45, etc.) with the very popular Z-28 Mk. II being one still in current production.

In the earlier days, many people came to Dr. Z amps for their simple vintage-inspired designs, and with the Route 66 there were three knobs: treble, bass, and volume… no master volume control. Producing gloriously huge sounding tones, the term “milkshake thick” became the de facto descriptor of the Route 66. Yet as volume restrictions crept their way into the clubs by the 2010s, this style of amp was out of vogue. Even still, those players who had an original Route 66 and may have moved on where chirping in Doc’s ear: “if you made a lower powered version, I’d be in for one!” After a year of prototyping, Dr. Z believes he has more than satisfied their call.

The Route 66 Jr. features the same time-tested EF-86 preamp, featuring a large, hi-fi pentode tube that delivers unmatched clarity, dynamic response, and headroom going beyond it’s smaller, more common 12AX7 sibling. This preamp is married to a Class A, single-ended Genalex Gold Lion KT66 power tube, cutting the tube complement of the OG Route 66 down from 2 to 1 and delivering 12 watts at full output. Quite a step down from the original’s 35 watts, the Route 66 Jr.’s output is enough to handle the stage but won’t have the patrons running for the door at full tilt.

With the experience derived from the recently released Reactive Reducer attenuator, Dr. Z added two additional steps of volume attenuation, seamlessly knocking the power down to 6 watts for the “studio sweet spot,” and 3 watts for at-home, conversational volumes. Plus, a first for the EF-86 based amp line: a buffered FX loop for the player with who prefers to keep their delays and modulation pristine and clear of any coloring.

Also a first, the Route 66 sound is in a 1×12 combo emblazoned with checkered basketweave grill cloth with it’s complex, rich overdrive being pushed through the brand-new Eminence Platinum 40 Alnico 12” speaker, a debut from Eminence. The Route 66 Jr. is the first amp to exclusively feature this stunning speaker, a perfect blend of vintage American tones, with a dash of British bite. The Route 66 Jr. will be offered as a head with matching head/1×12 ext. sets are available at customer special order.

• Watts: 12
• Tubes: 1 - KT66, 1 EF-86, 1 - 12AX7
  
• Rectifier: 1 - 5AR4
• Speaker: Eminence Platinum 40 Alnico
• Weight: 42 lbs
• Dimensions: 22″ W, 21 1/2″ H, 10 5/8″ D
• Accessories & Misc: Buffered Effects Loop
• Controls: Volume, Bass, Treble, Wattage (12w, 6w, 3w)