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Post by paulski on Jun 8, 2008 7:46:40 GMT -7
Hi there! I just bought my first Dr Z - Mini Z Head. I have been a big fan of a lot of low wattage amps for the past 6 years out of frustration of not getting that cranked up tone w/in reasonable volume. I was able to try out a mini z combo but before a bit but for a 5 watts it is still loud! ;D So when the head with the attenuator came I knew this was it. I run it through a 1 x 12 closed cab with an alnico tone tubby. My impressions? Simply awesome. I set the volume at noon mostly with my guitar as the master volume (for lack of a better term) but the sweet spot is around 7. At that point I could get a sustaining fat sound with the neck pick up on my SG67 reissue. The middle p/u sounds very punchy with some sparkle in it. I also use a deluxe strat, also at 7 and I do get that slight break up with some chime in it. the fact that the mini z has no tone control (and no other controls at all) is a plus for me. I like how the tone of my guitar comes through. Sometimes I use an Analogman King of Tone and I should say a perfect match. I instantly get 3 more channels of overdrive/ boost and with the volume knob, oh boy I think thats all i need! Anyway, I am happy with the purchase. Its the BLONDE one. I plan on experimenting with low wattage speakers like the G12H30 or the Celestion Blue. I hear good things about these speakers in this forum.
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Post by Rik on Jun 8, 2008 19:03:21 GMT -7
Welcome aboard the Z Forum. I have a Maz Jr and a Mini combo and they are both the best tones I have ever had!
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Post by paulski on Jun 8, 2008 21:05:55 GMT -7
Thank you. I have been playing the mini Z head a lot lately and I have been getting these classic tones I hear on the records/cds. I wanted to ask for your feedback on the G12H30 (hellatone) as the speaker for the mini z. How is the low wattage-15 watt speaker rating affects the tone? Earlier break-up? Chunkier?
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Post by paulski on Jun 8, 2008 21:06:53 GMT -7
OOpps. The hellatone is 30 watts isn't it? My mistake.
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Post by Rik on Jun 8, 2008 21:58:37 GMT -7
The Hellatone is a great combo with both the Mini and the Maz. It has great tone and you can't beat the price or service that I have received from Dave at Avatar speakers. I would highly recommend it. Someday I would love to have some Z cabs but for my budget these are pretty darn nice.
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Post by bluesdog on Jun 9, 2008 11:48:59 GMT -7
I use the G12M with my Mini and it really nails the classic rock/blues stuff I like. It's rated at 20 watts and the Mini really drives it well. Cabinets are another thing to consider is cabinet material. I am using a Jdesign 112 made from 3/4" pine, it has a really sweet sound with the lower wattage amps compared to birch ply alot cabs are made from.
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Post by paulski on Jun 11, 2008 6:53:23 GMT -7
I did order a Hellatone G12H30 from Dave yesterday and I am really excited to get it. I will definitely post a review sometime soon next week when it arrives. Does anyone know the thumb rule for low watt boutique amps and low watt speakers? which combo should be a good match? low watt head and high watt speakers or low watt head with low watt speakers? Thanks!! as far as efficiency and tone is concerned.
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Post by Rik on Jun 12, 2008 10:14:35 GMT -7
Low watt speaker will give you early break-up, High watt will give you more headroom. You will have plenty of speaker with the Maz and Hellatone. The Doc puts the G12H-30 in the production models. You just do not have to worry about breaking the speaker in. You'll have some great tone IMHO
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Post by paulski on Jun 13, 2008 0:46:04 GMT -7
I just got the hellatone G12H30 today and it totally blew me away. I was so impressed that I didnt even change my guitar when I played for hours. Thats a good sign. I played with volume on 12 mostly attenuated at 4 and I am just getting that classic overdrive. The hellatone is surely a best match for the Mini Z for under $100! Warm, punchy, smooth break up. Thanks for all the advice!! Dave at Avatar is just awesome and very professional. Shipping was cheap and fast too!
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