jd3
New Member
Posts: 20
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Post by jd3 on Jun 20, 2010 14:45:34 GMT -7
I've had my KT45 for a couple of years ... love the thick 'chewy' tone when cranked up ... problem is, most of the places I play can't handle the volume ... and turning it down or using my Z Airbrake attenuator just doesn't give the same kinda tone .... I'm mostly gigging with my MAZ18 dimed .... and it is plenty loud !
What to do.... anybody have a similar dilemma ? Anybody interested ?! ;D
thanks, Jd
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Post by timford on Jun 20, 2010 19:19:39 GMT -7
How is it set up, and what speakers are you using? It is plenty loud all right. To bring it down (if not already done) use tube rec, standard el34's (rather than el34LS), inefficient speakers (sounds great with 210 celestion 10" greenbacks @ 95db, and also a lot of weber speakers are lower efficiency). I find it great with a 335 style guitar also, as I have to use the volume knob and can only wind up to the point of feedback if the settings are really high. Sounds great. Was reading some stuff about Roy Buchanan the other day and how he set his amps volume and tone at or near max and used the guitar volume and tone to get his sound. Think he used a vibrolux from memory. But I suppose at the end of the day if it is a work tool and not doing its job as well as the maz, then it might be time to move it on. I am a hoarder, so don't ask me what to base that decision on
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jd3
New Member
Posts: 20
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Post by jd3 on Jun 21, 2010 5:18:45 GMT -7
How is it set up, and what speakers are you using? Hi Tim, and thanks for your response -- I'm currently using it with a Z-BEST cab running a G12H30 and a Tone Tubby 50 watt Alnico ... and I am running a tube rectifier and regular EL34's .... it sounds really good -- just way more volume than is usable or desirable.... I bought the Dr. Z attenuator, but it just castrates the tone (IMHO).... side by side with the MAZ18 at wide open throttle, it's no comparison... the 18 wide open kills ! If i played bigger venues it would be a keeper... smaller rooms need smaller amps I guess....
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Post by mtlrecords on Jun 21, 2010 12:49:44 GMT -7
Keep swapping components and then decide. Selling it may be the way to go if you already are happy with the MAZ Jr.
If you are looking for a lower wattage "Hiwatt" type sound and you do not like the Air Brake (I didn't like it on my 100 watt Marshall but it rules on my 40 watt Galaxie) you might try a Reeves Custom 50 with Power Scaling. That would get you into the tonal ball park of the KT-45 with the ability to turn down.
However, you should experiment a bit more with the Air Brake and speaker cabs/tubes before giving up on the KT-45. Maybe one more substition solves it...
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Post by eliot1025 on Dec 7, 2010 7:57:04 GMT -7
You could try a different attenuator. Alex's Attenuator, the Faustine Phantom and the Aracom are all reputedly excellent choices for preserving tone at high attenuation. The Ultimate Attenuator might do the job, but reports vary a bit on that one. The Phantom seems to always have a waiting list. Alex's Attenuator is often available quickly. I don't know about the Aracom's availability.
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Post by robb on Dec 9, 2010 6:43:56 GMT -7
The Zbest is definitely NOT a low volume cab! As said, try some more inefficient speakers. I find that the Zbest is NOT 'z best' with attenuators, to my ear the cab doesnt react the same at lower volumes.
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Post by edoetsch on Dec 15, 2010 11:19:03 GMT -7
I am on the other end of the spectrum. I am using a Route 66 through a 1x12 Weber Alnico Blue Dog @50watts. I need cleaner tones (I get my dirt from pedals). I am considering trading the 66 for a KT but have (probably smartly) been holding off considering more efficient speakers, more speakers etc.
Certainly play around with it because all of the suggestions above could keep you in a camp you are happy with.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2011 18:24:43 GMT -7
I use the Airbrake with my Z best and Mazerati I couldn't be happier.
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