NAD: ZT Club

[Blueingreen]

Just took delivery of one I picked up on Ebay at a pretty good price.

I'm not gigging and I think this needs to be gigged (or at least used at a rehearsal) to be able to tell whether it will do the job it was bought for. So this can't be much of a review, just a few first impressions.

I hadn't seen one in the flesh and it's significantly smaller than I imagined (a good thing). A bit heavier than it looks but at 22lbs super light for a giggable combo.

Switching it on at house volume I'd describe the sound as very clean without any strong individual character. Definitely not Fenderish as I've seen some suggest - my Chubster totally blows it out of the water for Fendery beauty of tone even at low volumes (but of course it's a lot heavier and a lot more expensive). The reverb is underwhelming, better than nothing but I'd want something better on a gig. Very little break up at house volume even with the volume up full (although the gain is obviously set low).

I honestly can't see many people buying this amp because they're in love with the tone at house volume. I will probably carry on using my Microcube for house practice mainly on grounds of versatility.

I suspect this amp is strictly a practical solution for players who want plenty of clean volume on tap in a very very portable package and are happy to use pedals for anything other than a clean rhythm tone. I can't imagine I would wan't to solo with it unprocessed by any effects even for clean sounds, although I may get a pleasant surprise at higher volume.

This may all sound a bit negative but I'm actually happy with my purchase. It's the ultimate grab'n'go in terms of dimensions and weight and with my M9 in the effects loop and a good OD in front I think I ought to be able to get very close to any sound I'd want. And if it does disappoint I shouldn't have much problem getting my money back!

[BradGuitar]

Interesting observations. I'm monitoring the ZT Lunchbox and will try to get down to the shop to try it out soon. From what I've read the reverb isn't the best (although thats not an issue for me) and also that it is a very 'sterile' sound, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing and that it has huge headroom and takes pedals well.

I'm also trying to sort out a demo of a Mambo amp at some point. I've read so much love for these amps I really want to try one out.

Hmmm, I think the comment that you personally ''can't see people buying this because they are in love with the tone at house volume'' is quite telling as that would be it's main application for me (as well as rehearsals and the odd small gig). I obviously need to try them out and then decide.

Glad you're happy with the purchase though , keep us posted with any other thoughts!

Cheers

[Blueingreen]

I'm pretty unfussy about tone for home practice. My Microcube does a great job. The specific purpose for the Club would be rehearsals or informal jams where I think the extra refinement of tone I'd get from one of my bigger combos isn't worth the extra lugging involved. If it turns out to be an amp I'm happy to gig with that would be a very welcome bonus.