Reference Number
ARC-0138
Level of description
collection
Title
Dr. Z Amplification Collection
Date
undated
Size
4.07 (Linear feet)
Scope and Contents
The Dr. Z Amplification Collection consists of a signed photograph from Brad Paisley, a photograph of Mike Zaite with Joe Walsh, a poster signed by John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, and specifications for a gold Bolin Stratocaster presented to Mike Zaite by Steve Miller with an accompanying handwritten note. The items are indicative of the relationship that exists between performers and specialized equipment manufacturers.
Biography / Administrative History
Dr. Z Amplification, a Cleveland, Ohio amplifier company, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2008 and boasts an impressive roster of pro players, including Texan blues ace Buddy Whittington, Nashville Telecaster master Brad Paisley, and the one and only Joe Walsh. The founder of Dr. Z Amplification is Mike Zaite, known universally as "Dr. Z," or simply 'the Doc.' Like Marshall Amps founder Jim Marshall, he's actually a drummer rather than a guitar player. Zaite began tinkering with the amplification systems through playing with numerous garage bands in the early 1960s and knowledge he acquired from his father, a television repairman, who taught him all about vacuum tubes. An engineering degree and career in medical electronics followed before Zaite came to the realization that he could build an amp to sound just as good as ones he was repairing.
Notes
Acquisition Note: The Dr. Z Amplification Collection was received by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, Inc. as a gift from Dr. Z Amplification on November 15, 2010.
Citation: [Identification of Item], Dr. Z Amplification Collection, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Processing Information: Processed by Jennie Thomas, Head Archivist. Completed December 8, 2011. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.
Separated Materials: A LP and DVD have been transferred to the library collection. Please search for the "Dr. Z Amplification Collection" in the library catalog for a list of donated titles.
Access
Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration form before using this collection. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.
Use
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
Associated Persons
Associated Subjects
Creator
