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Post by geobull on Sept 11, 2007 10:11:56 GMT -7
First post to the Forum. Perhaps this isn't the right place for an unbiased take on the topic but actually there are folks on the Boogie Boards who swear by Dr. Z. I have a Mesa Lone Star Special 1x12. I've been loving this amp; not a ton of clean headroom but I have a Lone Star Classic 2x12 for that. I didn't comparison shop with a lot of boutique stuff because of pricing but am really hearing a lot about Dr. Z stuff. Would be willing to trade up if it really seems worth it; and obviously the only way to know is go try one out; which I should be able to do. Has anybody A/B'd an LSS vs. Maz 38 Sr.? Would you love to hear whether you think it is worth a trade up and if not or if so, why. Also, I've heard from some folks that Non-reverb is better than w/Reverb; any thoughts on that? Thanks in advance
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Post by (8^D) on Sept 11, 2007 10:23:46 GMT -7
I can't compare the two mfg's, no real experience with the Lone Star Boogie line.
But w/respect to the Z R vs NR models, the R is a bit smoother - the NR has a little more attitude, more aggressive top end. Not much, but enough it's noticable. Same with the Maz Jr amp.
So, it's not a matter of 'better', just 'different'.
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Post by szczepko on Sept 17, 2007 6:42:59 GMT -7
Hey,
New here to the forum. Picked up a MAZ 38 head a few weeks ago after spending a couple of months trying every amp I could get my hands on. I did spend considerable time with the LSS (well, about 1.5 hours), and I wasn't impressed at all. Compared to the Z, it was pretty dull, lifeless, etc.
Now the Z on the other hand...Wow. I would absolutely recommend skipping the LSC and going for the MAZ. I've NEVER been so impressed with an amp.
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gimik
Junior Member
Peace, Love & Music
Posts: 58
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Post by gimik on Sept 20, 2007 8:22:21 GMT -7
Had a LLS (1x12 combo). Got a MAZ 38. Sold the LLS! No regrets
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Post by geddyentwistle on Sept 20, 2007 11:02:24 GMT -7
it's funny you posted this topic
i have both and here are my observations:
1) the LSS clean is not as good ... plain and simple... but with a compressor in front the LSS has great "hair".... the MAZ also has great hair with the compressor
2) the LSS has a very useable distortion... i've tried a few overdrive pedals with the Maz38 and haven't found the right one..
3) the strange thing is I don't like the LSS playing at home, but it sounds perfect in a band situation... I haven't used the MAZ with the band because of the overdrive problem
4) the hardest thing tho admit is that i bought an 15 watt crate v1512 and it is far preferable than the other 2... sparkles at low volume ( but not lots of headroom), great control of amp distortion with guitar volume... i'll be looking for the 30 watt crate pretty soon
good luck
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Post by fishman on Sept 20, 2007 12:07:43 GMT -7
put the master at 9 oclock and the volume at 3 oclock...adjust bass, mid and treble to taste....if you have a les paul it will be talking to you....if you have a tele it will have fangs and if you have a strat you will get into some hendrix tones depending on the eq settings... try both imputs....and if you don;t like that, I use a barber direct drive after trying all else, the amp seems to like that pedal....also changed to a mullard GZ34...
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Post by geobull on Sept 20, 2007 13:22:52 GMT -7
1) the LSS clean is not as good ... plain and simple... Yes, it is plain and simple. Maz has much more clean headroom and a significantly better clean sound. but with a compressor in front the LSS has great "hair".... the MAZ also has great hair with the compressor I haven't tried a compressor with the LSS (nor with the Maz). I do agree: the LSS has GREAT fur; partly because for me, even on 30 watts and the gain below 12, in a band setting I've had to crank the amp enough that it just isn't super clean; but has a GREAT cranked sound. 2) the LSS has a very useable distortion... i've tried a few overdrive pedals with the Maz38 and haven't found the right one.. I agree again; I do have a Barber Direct Drive which is recommended on a post above. I don't use any pedals with the LSS but am seeing that if I want a high-gain lead tone I'll need a pedal with the Maz. Maz will do a mid-gain lead tone and rolling the guitar volume off cleans it up well. 3) the strange thing is I don't like the LSS playing at home, but it sounds perfect in a band situation... I haven't used the MAZ with the band because of the overdrive problem Again, agree; I've liked the LSS at home alone but it mostly shines in mid to higher volume settings; just don't expect it to be super clean if you're using gainy pups My current dilemma (and I'll probably start another post on it) is this; I'd love your thoughts on it. I now have Mesa Lone Star 'classic' 2x12 (really like it). 6L6's so fairly different sound from the Maz (or even LSS). I also have LSS. I just bought the Maz 38 Sr (NR) and it is KILLER. So, I really need to dump something to justify my outlays. Options (all assume keeping the MAZ): 1) Keep everything - Not so realistic although not out of the question. But actually maybe not necessary nor best. 2) Keep the LSC - Use it for different cleans and for its gain channel 3) Keep the LSS - Use it for smaller things (jams etc) where the easy form factor and power switching is hefpful (although I found I was getting great sounds a all volumes last night with MAZ). A/B it with MAZ for the cranked ch 1 sound and hi-gain ch 2 sound. 4) Dump the Mesa's and get a Maz 18 Jr. - I'll lose a little money (but not too much) on the switch over. Use the Maz 18 for jams etc. where again form factor is, er, a factor. A/B Jr and Sr and crank the 18 for my gain sound. Use my Barber when using only one. Any thoughts on this?
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Post by szczepko on Sept 21, 2007 6:37:45 GMT -7
A good dilemma to have.
If it were me, I'd keep the Lone Star Classic and dump the Special. I'd be running the Classic and the Maz together. Should be an excellent setup.
As for the "right" overdrive for the Maz - my board consists of a TS808 clone (MIJ) an TS9 (both set to boost with drive at "0") and an MXR GT-OD (with everything at noon). Combinations of any of these three get me from Brad Paisley to Ozzy Osbourne...With a Tele!
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Post by geddyentwistle on Sept 21, 2007 8:48:22 GMT -7
hard situation, huh?!?
for me its a balance between tone, volume and portability.... as a 40 y.o with a desk job, i don't want to have a back spasm lugging some big 2x12 amp, and spend a week whimpering in pain because of a back spasm...it's nice being able to go plug and play, not having lot of cables and pedals...
also, micing the guitar amp can really help with stage volume and finding the sweet spot
LSS is the best compromise so far, but the crate SHOCKED me.... the 15 watt has 2 of the 3, so maybe the 30 will be it...
and i have no affiliation or financial interest with any of the above
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Post by remocity on Sept 21, 2007 15:08:38 GMT -7
G2D Creme-Tone pedal sounds amazing with max 38NR. Good for low gain all the way up to very marshall like jcm800+ gain.......especially with a boost pedal in front. I happen to use a Klon which is rediculous (good) with it.
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