flakmagnet

Yeah I don't agree with the MineLab statement either. I have heard a sound that almost always is gold, it's not waivery, but it has a sort of gurgle sound. If I hear a low-high signal that doesn't correspond with what I've been hearing that particular detecting session, I dig it. I pretty much dig anything I am not sure of if it's not outrageously out-of-bounds. It's a little OCD but there have been times when, to my shock, despite my misgivings about the signal, it's gold. I suppose the effect that intuition plays in detecting is a whole other thread. But I think it has a place.

Hi again Jason...no, I didn't think you were implying anything. I have talked to you and seen your YouTube's where you specifically address newcomers trying to help them with what you have experienced first-hand the hard way and knew you were putting your findings out there for them. I admire your willingness to help.

Thank you JP, it makes sense as your posts usually do. But, in the future, I will be listening hard for the Waltzing Matilda sound because whatever makes that sound is gonna be ground-breaking. Thanks for all the replies, it's why I dare to come here with my questions, even the dumb ones. And just to be clear for any newcomers reading this, I have been detecting for over twenty-five years. I am curious and asking questions is vital to learning.

"...My interest in the smaller coil is strictly for fitting it in the rocky areas. This would save much time from having to placer an area to get a few more inches. While it doesn't help much with can size targets, it helps greatly with the <1/2 gram targets, which unfortunately, account for the largest portion of my poke ? I have tested this over and over again, and I almost always get two or more extra pieces of gold that I would have walked away from..." Hi Andyy, This is exactly why I am hoping to help build a ground-swell for getting a smaller coil for the GPZ.

Jason, I have always appreciated the way you approach your detecting, dredging and prospecting...ever since you were on another forum. I agree with most of what you say which is part of why I asked the question in the first place. I hear some amazing sounds from the GPZ...(not so much from the GPX), and that got my curiosity going to research it a little..which is how I came across that MineLab quote. I don't think it was a misquote by ML either. The place I have been detecting is the closest to where I live (it's still a 285 mile round trip), and is loaded with shrapnel from a large number of AR-15 enthusiasts who, over the last five years, have decided that this detecting area is a fabulous shooting range - I don't think they have any idea there is also gold in the hillsides. The amount of weird metal particles strewn around is beyond awesome. As a result, I have been paying extremely careful attention to the varieties of sound the Zed produces.

That's a great story about your two sources of gold, the Arizona landscape and your wife. I love hunting at night although I have not done it the way you do it...using the whole night. Continued good hunting. I'm sure Mother's Day will be a good one. Best...

Everyone's input matches and clarifies what I have always done with the GPX and the GPZ - dig (mostly), everything. I have found gold with almost every sound the detector makes as well (except for waltzing Matilda) but decided to ask my kind-of-stupid question to get clarification from the forum inhabitants. Thank you all.

The sheep whisperer...

Yes on the GPX, larger and/or deeper nuggets would come in low-high. I am asking if what was stated in the MineLab statement about the GPZ, that small gold gives a low-high response, is what people are finding. I had never heard that before until I saw that description as I was looking at some older Minelab literature around the original GPZ release.

Okay, this may be a seriously dumb question but if you don't ask you won't learn. This is a quote from the original MineLab release describing the audio response on the 7000: "For example, the audio response for small gold will be a low-pitched tone followed by a high-pitched tone. A ferrous signal such as a bottle cap will produce a high-pitched tone followed by a low-pitched one, enabling the user to discriminate the ferrous target." Have you GPZ owners found that smaller gold does indeed signal with "a low-pitched tone followed by a high-pitched tone?" Thank you for any info. you can provide from direct experience.

I missed this hilarious post Condor. Dispite some misgivings about your research and planning, I am mildly jealous of your travel plans - especially living off road-kill - a true sign of being outback. Seriously, very best of luck, I hope the two of you have the trip of a lifetime.

Stocking up on popcorn awaiting the intrepid traveler's tales. Legends begin this way...

...and the drama unfolds. Looking forward to seeing what the Gold God's have in store for you Mitchel. I'm sure it will be memorable. (Fred's tip is spot on. The banks can ruin almost anything especially a good trip.)

Prospecting lambs. For a tough-sounding and opinionated gent Reg, your sensitive side compliments those traits well. A fun article to read, thanks Phrunt.

Astoundingly beautiful stones. Wow. Thanks for posting.

Nice post Mitchel. Now for the real story, your trip. Looking forward to reading your impressions. Wishing you safe and exciting travels.

Hi Andy...I agree. Dear Minelab, may we please be told one way or the other if there is a smaller coil coming?

But here is the thing. Why should I have to void my warranty in order to get a coil that was a part of the reason Minelab gave for investing in this hugely expensive detector? The onus should not be on the customer. It may be advantageous for Minelab to release a large coil as was pointed out earlier, but the terrain where I tend to work requires a coil that will get into the tighter spots. The stock coil is fantastic but it’s simply too big to work well in these rocky areas. Surely that is not difficult to understand and then simply not to address the issue in any way when they are asked.

I have owned a GPZ for a few years and, like most of us, I love it. However: based on Minelabs own statements, I have always expected that a smaller coil was going to be released. For the kind of initial investment we were asked to pay, Minelab should follow through on the statements they made, it's as simple as that. If we can not count on them to do what they stated in their initial advertising then what kind of business are we supporting? There is absolutely no excuse for no follow-through and nothing but silence to our queries. We are a loyal and vital customer base, we deserve better.

You're gonna have a great time. Take copious notes and pics. I am happily jealous.

I received a new replacement WM12 from Minelab Americas at noon today (Apr. 16). It was fully charged in approximately six hours. Pretty nice customer service wouldn't you say? Thanks Minelab and Jamie.

good find with one of the best coils ever made...best of luck going forward!

I'm gonna guess lower ... maybe 15. Nice going on the find btw.

Hi Strick, I understand your nervousness. I am not willing to wind up after a 150 mile drive to the goldfields with a WM12 that might crap out on me. Didn't want to take a chance even though I know I can just go direct into the 7000 with my speakers or headphones. BTW I never had it run down during a detecting day and I usually go for 8 hours or so. So that's good, but still just not willing to let one of the few things I can control, have a problem. Hope you're doing well.

Nice going Skate! I'm sure that made you feel good helping those folks and seeing those rare coins. Happy for them and happy for you.