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Post by Matt on Mar 18, 2013 13:10:37 GMT -7
Just curious if any of you (or how many of you) use a SS rectifier.
I play an American Deluxe Strat (Bare Knuckle Pickups, S1 switching system removed) tuned down to Drop Db (lowest string to Db and the rest a half step down) into a Maz 38 NR (set to clean) through a Port City OS 1x12 cab. I’m currently using a DLS MKIII, Reezafratzitz RF-2, Wampler Leviathan and a Dr. Scientist Elements as my gain pedals. I've had some issues with the lower range being a bit muddy on higher gain sounds. I'm trying to reign in the loose bottom end/lower midrange and get some articulation on the lower strings. I’m barely running any bass on the Maz so not sure what else to do.
I tried a SS rectifier last practice and was surprised by just how much a difference it made - neither good nor bad, just different. There was way less compression. The sound did tighten up the low end a bit and added quite a bit of high end to the sound. I actually like how it makes my gain pedals sound more modern. However, I'm still struggling getting greater clarity at higher gain settings.
Anyone have any thoughts on using a SS rectifier? If so, please share.
Also, anyone have any thoughts on getting clarity and articulation on from a guitar using higher gain settings that is also tuned down to drop Db without changing the tuning?
Thanks for reading!
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Post by muZician on Mar 18, 2013 13:18:50 GMT -7
SS rectifiers are absolutely OK but I prefer them on Class AB amps. In such Amps the power stage works almost linear and the distortion comes from the preamp. Here a SS rectifier guarantees clarity in the power stage even at very high gain. In case of the MAZ38 you have a Class A amp built to sound well using a tube rectifier. The Doc chose the tube rectifier as part of the design to create the unique voice of the amp.
The only way to have really clearer low end is to have more string tension. Db is quite low. Use a 0.52 low E-string or even thicker. It will help.
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Post by mickey on Mar 19, 2013 1:26:22 GMT -7
Didn't I read here somewhere that BW uses a SS rectifier in his Maz 38? Might be worth looking at what speakers you are using too.
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Post by Matt on Mar 19, 2013 4:40:53 GMT -7
Thanks for the responses so far.
MuZician - I'm going to look into using a high gauge string.
Mickey - Yes, from what I've read on the forum BW does use a SS rectifier as does Michael Burks. I'm currently running my Maz through a Port City OS 1x12 using a WGS ET-65, though I also own a stock Z Best (rarely use it anymore, don't need that much volume or projection).
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Post by BW on Mar 21, 2013 5:18:20 GMT -7
Howdy fellas, I have always kept a solid state plug in rectifier in both the old MAZ 38 Studio Deluxe AND the MAZ Sr, Doc sez don't try it in the 18 though. More than anything its for reliability on the road, in and out of buses and planes. I LIKE 'em w/ a 5AR4/GZ34, seems like a little less headroom w/ one installed, its all up to preference really. And I think it'll run your '84's a little hotter so make sure you get a good set!
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Post by Matt on Mar 21, 2013 7:31:14 GMT -7
Thanks for the advice BW. I actually seem to prefer the tighter sound of the SSR since I come from more of a hard rock back ground. I liked the NOS rectifier I had in there but I seem to get less overall compression and a more present sound with the SSR. Wish I could find a nice middle ground between the two. As it stands, I think I'll stick with the SSR for the time being.
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