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Post by Tycobrahe on Oct 7, 2005 11:08:40 GMT -7
I bought a used MAZ-38NR that is in great shape. A question for you MAZ-38 experts: I am not able to get a good amp-only overdriven sound unless the the amp is really cranked. The non-master volume is set up there about 4 oclock. I did need to replace a few dead tube when I got the amp. Any suggestions or ideas? I know that the Air Brake would be helpful, but was wondering if the amp should render some good OD sounds at reasonable levels. Thanks for any feedback!
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Post by charlienc on Oct 7, 2005 11:48:34 GMT -7
if you want overdrive at reasonable volumes try this:
turn the master all the way down and the volume all the way up. the volume, to me, functions more like a gain knob. then bring the master up to a reasonable volume. for eq start out with your controls around 12 o'clock and dial it in from there. i like to crank the bass. hint: try decreasing the e.q. as well as boosting, especially in the treble frequencies. these amps are not anything like other common amps' e.q.'s. as far as the cut goes, i'll use it anyware from 9 oclock to 11 oclock depending on how loud i can get the amp to compensate for the high end loss.
good luck. the overdrive tones are there, you just have to leave all your knowledge from dialing other amps at the door and approach the amp differently.
have fun with it.
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Post by Tycobrahe on Oct 7, 2005 12:18:53 GMT -7
OK. I will give it a shot. Thanks so much for the advice. I may pop into True Tone Music in Santa Monica to check out another MAZ-38 just to see what it is like. I have lsitened to to MP3's at Dr. Z's site, and I am not getting that type of overdrive. Could be that the amp needs a bit of a checkup.
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Post by guitarboy02451 on Oct 8, 2005 7:50:24 GMT -7
The amp proivdes a very nice tone when it's blowing your pant legs with the Volume dimmed and the the Master Volume set about 9 o'clock to 12 o'clock. I made several sound mp3's with pant legs blowing. If your going to record, this is the way to go...However, for bedroom use, it's not something that always is best. Here are a few options.
One, the Z-Break... I haven't tried it yet, but I have one coming in next week. I'll let you know what I find. This will allow you to crank the amp where you want it and then clamp it down with the attenuator.
Second, Xotic AC Boost. This is not a distortion pedal! This is will take your amp to nice breakup but from a comfortable level. It's loud... but not as overbearing as cranking the Volume up all the way. Remember,
MAZ is not a hi-gain amp. It's a one stage amp, that just happens to have a pre and master volume... Kind of like, Volume and More Volume. All distortion comes from tube and speaker breakup, no circuit board producing distortion here! The pre is just really to heat up the 12ax7's... And for recording, this is perfect!!!!
Give either the Xotic or Z-Break a try. I just saw a Z-Break on ebay going for like 250...
pg ;-)
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Post by lizard on Oct 8, 2005 12:00:51 GMT -7
I use both a Z-Brake and a Fulltone OCD with my Maz-38. The Z-brake is very natural sounding to my ears down to about level 3, then it starts to sound like a master volume but this is generally true with all attenuators. The OCD is so far my favorite transparent overdrive pedal. As others have said the MAZ-38 is NOT a high gain amp, but no such amp will ever give you such dynamic sparkling clean tones. For the price of this amp as well as the above mentioned pedals, buying a Z was still a bargain compared to similar class A amps (Carr, Matchless).
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Post by guitarboy02451 on Oct 13, 2005 8:13:49 GMT -7
tycobrahe,
Got my Z-Break last night and tested it out. This is exactly what you're looking for. Get a Z-Break, problem solved!
pg
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Post by Tycobrahe on Oct 13, 2005 9:26:10 GMT -7
Thanks to all of you for the great advice! All very helpful. I did pick up an Xotic AC Boost and is is wonderful. Very transparent and natural sounding. It doesn't really color the sound of the amp at all. I forgot about the fact about being a one stage amp; it all makes sense now. This amp is fantastic!
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Post by big ( Al Z. ) on Oct 13, 2005 14:42:27 GMT -7
I use a z airbrake with my Sr. in most situations. That combined with a Fulltone FDII or RealTube OD gives as much overdrive as I'd ever need. You sound happy with the Xotic, but I'd recommend the airbrake if possible to get those power tubes workin' for ya.
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Post by kingink on Oct 21, 2005 15:51:57 GMT -7
Tyco,
I had the same concerns about my Maz Sr. reverb when I got it over the summer. The Airbrake is probably great, but I already had a THD Hotplate. I like the Maz with the volume dimed and the master at about 2 o'clock. At this point, the EL84s are kicking in, or so it seems, but, as you pointed out, this amp is dang loud. Anyway, I feel that the Maz responds very well to attenuation. Even if it sounds "better" without the Hotplate, it's not so much of difference that I'm bummed out, quite the opposite in fact. At home, I've got the Hotplate set at the -16db "bedroom" setting, and I still have fun playing through the Maz.
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Post by kingink on Oct 21, 2005 15:54:31 GMT -7
Oh yeah, two other things:
You could try using low-efficiency speakers, like greenbacks, which helps with the volume some, or try GT EL84s with a rating of 3 or 4, rather than the 6 that comes standard with the Maz Sr. I have yet to try the tube thing, but when I do, I'll post.
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Post by billyguitar on Oct 22, 2005 8:33:26 GMT -7
You can lower the overall volume by using different rectifier tubes. Try a 5U4GB or a 5V4. Don't try a 5Y3, Z says it'll crap out.
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Post by hdahs143 on Oct 22, 2005 22:42:41 GMT -7
I've got 5751's in V1 & V5 in mine and get a heavenly overdrive sound with the master and volume cranked. It's loud but not scary loud ;D (years of jet noise) The 5751's probably tame things a bit. But if the airbrake lets you get that O/D at a sane volume, then that seems like a great option.
I've also found that the CUT control adds a certain amount of "hair" to the sound.
Experiment!!
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Post by philberto on Mar 12, 2006 22:45:53 GMT -7
HI guys! This is my second post. I just got a Mas 38 NR 2-12 combo. I wanted to get more gain, so I read your posts and did the following: 1) I put 5751's in V2&V3 (the two nearest the power tubes, right?) 2) I put a Mullard in V1 (farthest from the power tubes, right?) I am assuming that vi is the driver and v2 is the main tone. If this is wrong, I welcome information.
3) I am using an 8 - ohm Hotplate 4) I have the Master and Master Gain dimed With my Les Paul (with Patent Sticker PAF's - not T-tops) this thing kills! It lets the EL 84s cook up, and this amp just SCREAMS. I tried a 5U4 rectifier too, and it sounded good, a little softer / spongier. Anyway, thanks for the great info and pleasant atmosphere on this site! Take care, Brothers of the Z - Philberto
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Post by geddyentwistle on Dec 13, 2006 13:10:57 GMT -7
philberto
you're in nashville, and i'm in goodlettsville...
i'm also looking to get more bite out of my maz 38, something that works with the sparkling clean, and you have found what works for you..
do you play out at all?? if so, could you let me know when, as i'd like to check out your rig
alex muttscrub@yahoo.com
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