Erik
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Posts: 195
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Post by Erik on Dec 8, 2014 9:09:21 GMT -7
Hi all, I have two NOS 12AT7s to use. I currently have a 5751 in my V1 position, which I like. I already tried the 12At7 in V1 and found it to be too weak and dry. What other tube positions can I try? V2 and V3? If anyone has done so and can comment on the results I would appreciate it! I've heard that V1 is the only preamp tube that effects tone and that V2 and phase inverter are fictional only. Would putting a lower gain tube in V2 or V3 reduce output volume? Thanks!
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Post by Maddog on Dec 8, 2014 9:24:54 GMT -7
Most people find 12AT7s work best as reverb driver tubes. Many comment they are not as "musical" as 12ax7s and 5751s, tho there are still many that will argue that. 12AY7s and 12AU7s are V1 possibilities, but they are both low output. The Maz lives in "gain land," and anything less than a 5751 may suck the life (gain) outta yer amp.
What are you trying to achieve, Erik?
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Erik
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Posts: 195
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Post by Erik on Dec 8, 2014 10:26:52 GMT -7
Not interested in more gain. I don't use the amp for overdrive. Really just interested in lowering output while maintaining harmonic complexity. I've played with speakers and rectifier. I like the 5751 in V1. I agree that te at7 in V1 lacked life ad musicality.
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Post by BritInvasion on Dec 8, 2014 10:43:42 GMT -7
You might want to try a nice NOS 12AY7 in V1.
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Erik
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Posts: 195
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Post by Erik on Dec 8, 2014 11:26:56 GMT -7
Will putting the 12at7s I have in v2 and/or v3 reduce output but not change tone? The goal is less volume but same harmonically rich clean maz tone. I use a brake lite usually on two but would like it on 1 or off. I like the master at noon or more and he volume between 9 and 10 o'clock for complex cleans. I have a NR. Thanks guys!
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Post by Maddog on Dec 8, 2014 11:38:37 GMT -7
Will putting the 12at7s I have in v2 and/or v3 reduce output but not change tone? I do not know. I like Frank's (BritInvasion) idea about subbing in a 12AY7 (V1)....I would also try a 96 or 97 db speaker.
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Erik
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Posts: 195
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Post by Erik on Dec 8, 2014 12:11:30 GMT -7
I have a 96 Db greenback and it reduced volume considerably. I reported on this in the past. It's a great option. Probably 20 percent less output than vintage 30. Sounds great too. The Maz still needs to be tamed in my studio space in my house. It's a very loud amp. I play loud so it's not a huge deal but i would prefer to use less attenuation.
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Post by BritInvasion on Dec 8, 2014 12:16:37 GMT -7
V2 is where the tone stack is driven , so I think a 12AT7 there will alter your tone , not your volume. V3 is the phase inverter , which drives the output tubes. I don't think that will reduce the volume , or at least not by much , as it isn't a gain-related function there.
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Post by Eddie on Dec 8, 2014 12:29:14 GMT -7
Also… you could try a 5Y3 rectifier or even a 5U4GB. It won't make a huge difference, but it may add up with the other tube swaps to make things more manageable.
Good luck! Eddie
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Erik
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Posts: 195
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Post by Erik on Dec 9, 2014 12:55:53 GMT -7
I tried a 5y3 rectifier before and reported on that here. The 5AR4 is definitely preferable. You need it for keeping the bass tight.
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mazme
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Posts: 67
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Post by mazme on Dec 9, 2014 20:28:42 GMT -7
If you want to lower the output, why don't you try running a matched pair of EL-844's I have a set of JJ's in my Maz 18 Jr, and I love them, I don't hear any tone loss at all, just more manageable volume and output., Just a suggestion.
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Erik
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Posts: 195
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Post by Erik on Dec 10, 2014 17:05:52 GMT -7
Are good clean tones still achievable? I use single coil guitars.
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mazme
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Post by mazme on Dec 11, 2014 15:23:01 GMT -7
Good cleans are still completely intact, I play a G&L ASAT, Classic S, the amp has beautiful clean tones, and still has quite a bit of headroom, it just seems to be tamer and more mellow sounding not a sharp and shrill. I'm very glad I tried them, like I said I hear no tone loss at all, just seems less powerful and loud.
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Post by greenblues58 on Dec 11, 2014 15:54:38 GMT -7
Check out what fender did to the hot rod deluxe for the George benson model with V 1 and the change to a 100 watt speaker not sure what valve but it works. It's a very loud deep n clean amp on the clean channel though the pine cabinet helps. Recently purchased a custom shop strat and this is what they put me through when I said I had a Maz 18. If it hadn't been for a Taylor mini GS at the right price with the strat that amp would have been coming home with me. Personally find the Maz cleans very nice for EL84's with single coils especially with the master full ,volume set for a bit of hair but guitar volume rolled back a touch. Set like that it's damn loud . Personally like ECC803S in V1
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