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Post by brad3e on Apr 30, 2014 20:28:51 GMT -7
Hello Z experts, I'm considering a Maz 8 to mostly play at home with occasional gig with a Tele w/sc's. It seems like a great amp but after reading forum posts about louder than normal hum issues with the reverb, now I am having second thoughts. I have not played one in the flesh but would hate if I had to deal with annoying hum on an amp in this price range. Is this true, do all Maz 8's have excessive hum due to the reverb tubes?
The only previous boutique I owned was a Carr Mercury which was pretty whisper quiet. The other question is can the Maz8 play bedroom volume in the wee hours with just the Master? Would I be able to get just a little dirt at low volume? Any help is appreciated.
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Post by heynewguy (Ol’ Bill) on May 1, 2014 5:26:07 GMT -7
Welcome to Z Talk brad3e! No problems with the reverb on my Maz 8. It's a great amp! Got told to turn down at a gig. Bass player was using his 480 watt bass amp. No worries.
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Post by mpa93 on May 1, 2014 6:21:28 GMT -7
The Maz 8 has been my main gigging amp for a couple of years...great amp...I haven't noticed any excessive hum. As far as bedroom playing, a brake-lite would help.
As stated above, always a good idea to try before you buy. That being said, I highly recommend the Maz 8.
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Post by BritInvasion on May 1, 2014 6:52:33 GMT -7
Love my Maz8 , I was having hum/noise on the reverb when I first got it. Replaced the 12AT7 with an NOS tube from Doug's , now dead quiet. $15 fix and will probably last for years.
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Post by digs57 on May 1, 2014 7:06:26 GMT -7
Ditto at brits recommendation...have 18 reverb,all the same the nos jan made HUGE difference (thanks again brit).I don't look for distortion at low volume so,i can now play quiet and do the subtle stuff.
The way I look at it all the deluxe reverbs,twins I have ever had always had some hum to them.
The maz with reverb in my book is worth having...It most likely wont be your last Z.
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Post by brad3e on May 1, 2014 7:59:16 GMT -7
Thanks so much for all of your replies! Changing 1 tube for $15 no big deal, thanks for the recommendation. Would love to try one out but there just aren't any to be played close by.
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Post by digs57 on May 1, 2014 7:59:14 GMT -7
Got mine tube store...(12at7 wc jan Phillips).
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Post by BritInvasion on May 1, 2014 8:14:24 GMT -7
Love my Maz8 , I was having hum/noise on the reverb when I first got it. Replaced the 12AT7 with an NOS tube from Doug's , now dead quiet. $15 fix and will probably last for years. Where do I get one of these tubes? Got mine here , tell him you're using it for the reverb driver in a Dr.Z Maz. Doug will take care of you: www.dougstubes.com/preamp-tubes/12at7-ecc81/jan-12at7-wc-grey.html
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Post by lawliet on May 1, 2014 17:33:30 GMT -7
I'm also a noob looking at the maz 8 and Ive never heard of the reverb hum problem, thanks brad3e!
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Post by digs57 on May 1, 2014 18:48:59 GMT -7
I don't think of it as a problem...its a tube amp,not solid state.Ill say it again...I think the reverb maz models are a very worthwhile investment...played my maz 18 reverb today...best sounding amp out of the three (maz,s) I have.
The reverb in the maz amps is very nicely integrated and supremely tonefull sounding...
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Post by brad3e on May 2, 2014 7:04:57 GMT -7
Yes, I'd rather not spend to get a separate tank or have a reverb pedal either.
The other question is when the Master is set low at say around 7 or 8 o'clock, can I get any crunch at a very low volume for late night playing? (live in an apt) Or is that just not in the cards without an attenuator? I know all Dr. Z's are loud but if possible I want the ability to play quietly when practicing at home.
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Post by digs57 on May 2, 2014 8:03:43 GMT -7
You put that tube in and you should be a happy campa...(12at7wb)jan.
As far as low level playing you have your vol...3 on up, master 7-8...yeah I would think (crunch/breakup) it would be there...I was never lucky enough to get neighbors that were understanding...oh I don't miss that at all.
Im able to play very quietly...may not have breakup,(i am talkin 18maz though)...but I want cleaner tone though.
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Post by fergie on May 4, 2014 18:11:53 GMT -7
I may be partially responsible for the latest conversation regarding hum in the 8. It is noticeable without a doubt. Having said that it's not extreme on mine - I was only looking for feedback from others. All said, the Maz 8 is an awesome amp. I am really in heaven with this baby. In fact, a week after I got the 8 I sold my other low wattage boutique amp (sounded like a cardboard box next to the maz!) and bought an M12. Running them both with a Lehle little dual!
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Post by brad3e on May 5, 2014 19:11:38 GMT -7
Fergie, have you tried yet to do what the others are saying and get a new reverb tube?
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Post by Dan F"i"fe on May 6, 2014 16:43:37 GMT -7
Mine doesn't hum, I must be doing something wrong? I use the master cranked a lot.. Hmmm
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Post by chaasy89 on Jul 8, 2014 6:16:41 GMT -7
Fergie - I'll get some slight hum in my apartment when I am on the Pentatode setting due to my close range to the amp - however in triode it's silent Any update on whether or not you pulled the trigger on the purchase?
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Post by micknelson on Jul 15, 2014 5:48:23 GMT -7
I've been playing my new MAZ8 Studio Combo for about a month now. I want to share what I've learned so far about the tubes. The tube_info page on drzamps.com lists the stock tubes for the MAZ8. It was interesting to see the difference between the stock tube list and what Dr Z actually put in my MAZ8. V1 and V2 had JJ ECC83S instead of Tung Sol 12AX7. V3 (reverb driver) had a 12AU7 instead of the higher gain 12AT7 that was listed. A sticker inside the cab was pre-printed with 12AX7 for V3 but then 12AU7 handwritten next to it. So, the printed sticker shows that V3 was, at some point, intended to hold a 12AX7, the stock list shows a 12AT7 (less gain) and the amp showed up with a 12AU7 (even less gain). I'm guessing that Dr Z was taming a noise problem, as putting a 12AX7 in V3 produces a very audible hiss at all volumes. V5 (output tube driver) showed up with a Sovtek 12AX7LPS instead of the listed Mullard ECC83. V6 (power)showed up with what appears to be a Russian NOS 7189. The amp sounds great. It is detailed and punchy in a way that makes every guitar sound different and every pickup setting sound different. Just out of curiosity, I replaced the 7189 power tube with a (new issue) Mullard EL84. Big change. I lost quite a bit of gain and headroom, but I gained warmth on the clean tones and a creamier distortion. Breakup occurs earlier on both the volume and master knobs. As long as you don't need all the volume, and if you like a warmer tone, this is a good tube change. I mostly play blues with a guitar with P-90's. I'm wondering if Dr Z puts the same set of tubes in every MAZ8 or if they are all different.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jul 15, 2014 5:56:36 GMT -7
Tubes today are always a crapshoot. Sometimes what Doc does is put the best tubes available in an amp. Sometimes he gets a batch he really likes, or one that seems to have slipped in quality so he does what's right for the amp and his customer. It is amazing what a good NOS tube will do to an amp!
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Post by digs57 on Jul 15, 2014 10:05:42 GMT -7
ive got several maz 18's...ive replaced the ehx powers in days due to redplating...frustrating when all said and done throw away 30.00/appox...get a good set...your guud
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