diff --git a/usbtmc/usbtmc.py b/usbtmc/usbtmc.py
index 93b7d55..5be887b 100644
--- a/usbtmc/usbtmc.py
+++ b/usbtmc/usbtmc.py
@@ -487,7 +487,9 @@ def open(self):
 
         self.connected = True
 
-        self.clear()
+        # DS1000Z (and DS2000, from eevblog forum) fails with INITIATE_CLEAR
+        if not self.rigol_quirk:
+            self.clear()
 
         self.get_capabilities()