The Z Wreck tube amp from the legendary Dr. Z was born from the imagination of some of the greatest names in electric guitar: Brad Paisley, Dr. Z (Mike Zaite), and the late Ken Fischer of Trainwreck. Inspired by Paisley's vision, this vintage-style tube amp became famous for its touch responsiveness and tonal versatility. The Z Wreck amp resonates with a wealth of detail, allowing you to explore chiming clean tones or push it to that signature bloom and vocal power.
The Synergy Z Wreck preamp, born from a development partnership with Dr. Z, brings the magic of the Z Wreck amplifier to the acclaimed tube modular platform. It is the first Synergy module to feature a built-in 0-watt power amp, complete with a phase inverter and transformer. This transformative design, combined with the Z Wreck's signature Speed and Comfort settings, unlocks a vast array of expressive and harmonically complex tones. From pristine, sweet cleans to pushed tones with vocal-like sustain, the Z WRECK preamp module connects your heart, your fingers, and your sound.
SPEED AND COMFORT
When designing the original Z Wreck amplifier, Mike Zaite and Ken Fischer offered two options to Brad Paisley. The Speed setting, preferred by Mike, offered percussive note attack with excellent articulation. The Comfort setting, meanwhile, offered an initial attack followed by a slight bloom for a smoother sound.
Brad compared both settings and liked them both, which led to the Comfort/Speed switch. This switch is faithfully recreated in the Synergy Z Wreck module.
BUILT-IN PHASE INVERTER – THE MOST INNOVATIVE SYNERGY MODULE YET
A classic tube guitar amp consists of a power amp and a preamp. A power amp is made up of a phase inverter, power tubes, and a transformer. In most amps, the bulk of the sound comes from the preamp section. The Z Wreck amplifier, however, draws a significant part of its sonic signature from the power amp, which posed a major technical obstacle for designing a Synergy preamp module. In collaboration with Mike Zaite, the Synergy team solved this problem by integrating a true 0-watt power amp, a phase inverter, and a small transformer. This innovative solution allowed this module to faithfully capture the harmonic and dynamic content of the Z WRECK power amp, including the "CUT" knob, which is integrated into the power amp section.
This technical feat paved the way for infinite flexibility and tonal options for the entire Synergy ecosystem.
DUAL-CHANNEL TUBE PREAMP
The Dr. Z Synergy Z Wreck module faithfully reproduces the musical qualities of the original amp across two identical channels. Switch effortlessly from crystal-clear clean to powerful, driven tones, or customize your rhythm and lead sounds with independent Volume, Bass, and Treble controls. The Cut knobs refine the module's high-frequency detail. Meanwhile, the Speed (punchy attack with increased clarity and headroom) and Comfort (vintage feel, smoother response, and increased overall sweetness) settings define its touch response. You can also balance the channel outputs via the independent Master volume controls.
TUNG-SOL TUBES
The production Z Wreck amplifier uses exclusively Tung-Sol 12AX7 preamp tubes to achieve the precise upper-midrange punch and exquisite sparkle that set its authentic "VOX" sound apart from other amps. True to the original amp design, the Z Wreck module is equipped with two Tung-Sol 12AX7 tubes; Dr. Z's (Mike Zaite) uncompromising design philosophy would have it no other way. Tung-Sols are a bit pricey, but they are worth their weight in gold for delivering the signature Z Wreck sound. CATHODE SELECT FUNCTION
The Z WRECK module features a three-position switch on the circuit board, allowing you to configure the low-frequency response of the input tubes to match the original circuit of the selected module. These settings affect touch and precision. Each amp designer uses a specific combination of components for their input tube circuit. We have selected the three most common combinations, accessible via this switch. American modules generally use setting 1 (1.5kΩ resistor and 22μf capacitor). British modules use position 2 (2.7kΩ resistor and 0.68μf capacitor). SOLDANO and VAI modules use position 3 (1.8kΩ resistor and 1μf capacitor). You can, of course, experiment and test all positions to find the one that suits you. The modules are preset to the designer's preferred setting, which, for the Z Wreck, is position 1 (1.5kΩ resistor and 22μf capacitor).
Synergy hardware and interchangeable preamps are protected by a US patent.