“Do modelers have a place? Yes. Are they going to put me out of business? Idon’t think so”: Mike Zaite on the secret to the Dr Z sound, making custom amps for James Walsh’s shows at the Sphere and the enduring appeal of the tube amplifier

Dr Z Octal Six, the boutique amp and cabinet designed for Joe Walsh is photographed on location at UK dealer Peach Guitars.

In a world full of digital modelling and mass-produced amplifiers, Dr Z has built a reputation the old-fashioned way: by building hand-wired tube amplifiers that players fall in love with and never let go.

Before he was building amps for Joe Walsh and Brad Paisley, Mike Zaite – better known as Dr Z – was just a Cleveland guy chasing better tone…