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Post by gotmojo on Aug 23, 2010 15:23:17 GMT -7
I have read the description of all the other Z amps over and over, trying to decide if they were for me. Never read the blurb on this Jaz 20/40 before today cause I thought this was an amp for jazz players! What a fool I've been! Sounds like a groovy amp! Anybody have experience with the Jaz gigging? Anybody own this amp and a Remedy or Galaxie or a Maz 18NR? Can you campare the Jaz to these amps for us? Thanks.
jj
as usual, first impressions can be deceiving
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Post by pmpgator on Sept 6, 2010 19:51:45 GMT -7
I was told that the "JAZ" were the initials of one of Dr. Z's kids or relatives. I've played those other amps, and I would say to my ear it is closest to a cross between a Remedy and a MAZ. It has 6V6 output tubes, which to me are a little more "bassy" than the MAZ's EL84's, plus it has the option of 40 watts so you can crank it a little louder without it sounding as overdriven as the MAZ would at the same volume. These amps (including the MAZ) are capable of really amazing volume levels. In fact, I would say the MAZ is capable of massive volumes - more than most playes would ever need in any situation. The JAZ has a really fat sound, with the gain down low and the volume cranked up think "Rock'n Me" from Steve Miller and you're right there tone-wise. It really seems to like overdrive pedals (I use an Ibanez Turbo Screamer almost always on the + setting) and can really get a classic rock vibe. I think the Remedy more naturally moves into the hard rock category (even without a pedal in front) and has the same bloom that the JAZ has. I would almost say that if you had a JAZ and a Remedy you could get just about any sound from jazz, country, rock, hard rock, blues, etc. Maybe not so much metal but I doubt many metal players are going to fork over a couple large for a hand-wired Z. Oh, can't neglect the tremolo which can go from a subtle 3-d to almost an on-off effect. It's really useful. The reverb is really broad, it can give you a nice slight echo all the way to a massive surf-guitar effect.
One thing I really like about the JAZ is that it never has a harsh treble sound, even with a telecaster, even when it is really cranked up it never loses its bloom and fatness. I'm not sure if I'm using the term "fat" correctly, but that is how I can best describe it. It just has a nice meaty bottom end that doesn't seem to want to get all flubby on me. I'm probably no better than an average player and, as many Z owner will attest, these amps can really bring out the best - and worst - in your playing. The JAZ seems to be a very kind amp, it almost seems to want me to sound better. I almost can't get a bad sound out of it. I guess you can tell I really like it and feel it was an excellent investment.
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Post by JasonM on Sept 7, 2010 10:41:27 GMT -7
Great post pmpgator! Love the Jaz
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Post by pcns on Sept 14, 2010 12:03:26 GMT -7
the JAZ was named after the Doc's father
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Post by gotmojo on Sept 20, 2010 6:32:01 GMT -7
I'd forgotten I'd written this post! Its my age showing! Thanks for the review pmpgator. Now I want one, of course.
jj
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Post by Joey Beverages on Sept 20, 2010 10:41:01 GMT -7
I was told that the "JAZ" were the initials of one of Dr. Z's kids or relatives. I've played those other amps, and I would say to my ear it is closest to a cross between a Remedy and a MAZ. It has 6V6 output tubes, which to me are a little more "bassy" than the MAZ's EL84's, plus it has the option of 40 watts so you can crank it a little louder without it sounding as overdriven as the MAZ would at the same volume. These amps (including the MAZ) are capable of really amazing volume levels. In fact, I would say the MAZ is capable of massive volumes - more than most playes would ever need in any situation. The JAZ has a really fat sound, with the gain down low and the volume cranked up think "Rock'n Me" from Steve Miller and you're right there tone-wise. It really seems to like overdrive pedals (I use an Ibanez Turbo Screamer almost always on the + setting) and can really get a classic rock vibe. I think the Remedy more naturally moves into the hard rock category (even without a pedal in front) and has the same bloom that the JAZ has. I would almost say that if you had a JAZ and a Remedy you could get just about any sound from jazz, country, rock, hard rock, blues, etc. Maybe not so much metal but I doubt many metal players are going to fork over a couple large for a hand-wired Z. Oh, can't neglect the tremolo which can go from a subtle 3-d to almost an on-off effect. It's really useful. The reverb is really broad, it can give you a nice slight echo all the way to a massive surf-guitar effect. One thing I really like about the JAZ is that it never has a harsh treble sound, even with a telecaster, even when it is really cranked up it never loses its bloom and fatness. I'm not sure if I'm using the term "fat" correctly, but that is how I can best describe it. It just has a nice meaty bottom end that doesn't seem to want to get all flubby on me. I'm probably no better than an average player and, as many Z owner will attest, these amps can really bring out the best - and worst - in your playing. The JAZ seems to be a very kind amp, it almost seems to want me to sound better. I almost can't get a bad sound out of it. I guess you can tell I really like it and feel it was an excellent investment. karma to you for a good review ..... but now I've got some g.a.s. ..... d'oh cheers always, eh Joel
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Post by pmpgator on Oct 29, 2010 17:30:21 GMT -7
I wanted to do a quick follow up. I was looking to find a pedal that would really give me a more 'hard rock' sound without having to crank my amp all the way up (way way too loud) and I tried out a GT-500 from Fulltone. I'd read a few reviews - and many were quite unfavorable - but a friend told me that he'd gigged with one and it had the sound I was describing (Marshall, cranked) and I might want to give it a try. The pedal has an unusual set up - a very transparent boost side and a distortion side - but you can run them in sequence (and set them to run in either direction - boost into gain and visa versa). I'd say that it nailed the sound I wanted. It's the only Fulltone pedal I've used but the one I have seems to really work well with this amp. Even just the boost with low gain somehow adds something to the sound of the amp. If you want something that will essentially turn this amp into a two channel amp this might be something worth trying. I will say this is a VERY transparent pedal. Your basic sound comes through pretty loud and clear. That seems to really annoy some folks who want a distortion pedal to cover up the little stuff that lazy fingers let through (and I think that is the source of most of the complaints about this pedal) but if you are willing to tighten up the playing it works great. Kind of like a cranked Marshall would work if you only had a nice stadium to practice in!
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Post by argytar on Oct 31, 2010 8:13:49 GMT -7
Yep! Got the GT 500 too and it sounds sweet with this amp! Excellent!! However , a good tubescreamer works wonders too!
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Post by JasonM on Nov 1, 2010 13:45:07 GMT -7
I use a Menatone Red Snapper pedal with mine. Awesome pedal and works great with the JAZ.
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Post by BritInvasion on Nov 8, 2010 17:26:48 GMT -7
Funny , I never considered the JAZ , just happened to pop in here. Dang it. Now I want a Remedy , a Z Wreck and now a Jaz.......maybe I'll win the lottery.
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Post by doctorice on Aug 1, 2011 13:06:45 GMT -7
I'd forgotten I'd written this post! Its my age showing! Thanks for the review pmpgator. Now I want one, of course. jj Do you remember this post, jj?
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Post by gotmojo on Aug 1, 2011 15:56:59 GMT -7
Ha! Forgot about this one! Thanks, Doctor!
jj
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Post by doctorice on Aug 1, 2011 18:57:52 GMT -7
So a little less than a year and now you will have one
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Post by pcns on Aug 3, 2011 5:12:34 GMT -7
I love the title of this thread! Makes me smile everytime I see it. I have heard nothing but great things about this amp! Todd
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Post by gotmojo on Aug 4, 2011 12:23:35 GMT -7
If Lady Luck shines upon me, I'll be writing 1st impressions sometime Saturday, 3 days hence! Oh please, oh please, oh please ......
jj
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Post by doctorice on Aug 4, 2011 14:39:01 GMT -7
Fingers crossed for prompt delivery
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Post by nicholas on Aug 4, 2011 15:10:21 GMT -7
If Lady Luck shines upon me, I'll be writing 1st impressions sometime Saturday, 3 days hence! Oh please, oh please, oh please ...... jj Nice !!!! Congrats on the incoming box of awesomeness ;D
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Post by gotmojo on Aug 5, 2011 12:32:03 GMT -7
Ahhhh so. Alas, not til Monday. Patience, grasshopper.
jj
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