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Post by Rockerfeller on Jul 11, 2015 6:12:04 GMT -7
I am seriously considering purchasing the Maz Jr. It would be my first Dr. Z amp and I am looking at getting one used. I know the newer ones have the EQ Mod and I am wondering what you guys who have owned both think about it. Is the overall character/tone of the amp different with the EQ mod? (I am not talking about the EQ mod itself, obviously the tone is different when you disengage the EQ) Rather, it is the overall tone I am asking about. Does the addition of the EQ mod alter the amp at all? Those of you who owned both, do you prefer the model with or without the mod?
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Post by Eddie on Jul 11, 2015 7:35:46 GMT -7
EQ bypass mod doesn't alter anything unless it's engaged.
I personally love the feel of the MAZ with the tone stack bypassed.
Be aware that it isn't so much like a 2 channel amp, though. To me, it's either/or. Not so much a tool you'd switch in and out during a gig, although some use it that way.
I say get it. If you don't like it, just leave the tone stack engaged and enjoy the stock sound.
Best, Eddie
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Post by doctorice on Jul 11, 2015 8:00:59 GMT -7
I had my older model MAZ retrofitted with the bypass. There is no tone difference. Eddie's comment about "either/or" raises a good point. MAZ eq controls (B, M, T, not Cut) are passive. When the knobs are maxed, full signal is running through the tone stack. As you dial down, say, treble, the volume of a range of high frequencies is reduced relative to other frequencies. But even with all the tone knobs maxed, there's still some signal attenuation; I assume it's due to those controls still being in circuit. The bypass gets the tone circuit out of the signal path effectively. As a result, there's a volume jump, even with all tone knobs at max. When eq is set to less than max, the volume increase is greater. As a result, it can be challenging to set up the amp to run with the bypass as a solo boost. It can be done, but not everyone digs the result. However, you can run in bypass mode and still get great sounds using volume, master and cut. There's a thread that shows how to add a "volume" control for the bypass function ztalk.proboards.com/thread/56642/cool-easy-make-bypass-usableI agree with Eddie that having the boost is a nice option. But if you find an older MAZ at a good price and decide you want the bypass it can be done at the factory for $150 plus shipping (both ways).
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2015 9:53:23 GMT -7
I think I got my first Maz JR NR in '01 or '02? I had the Tone Bypass mod done on one of mine. I like it. I don't use the tone bypass that much (only in the studio) but it's a cool thing.
The amp is a superlative amp with or without the mod.
It's a really great, versatile, rugged guitar amp.
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Post by Eddie on Jul 11, 2015 9:56:15 GMT -7
Good point, Mike, on the volume control for the EQ bypass. Thanks for linking that mod.
Another thing (and I recommend this only if you are buying used, the MAZ you get doesn't have the bypass option, and you are fairly savvy with amp mods) is that the mod itself isn't difficult to do. I won't detail it here, but you could do an online search for something like "guitar amp tone stack bypass" to see how it's done. As always, be careful anytime you are going to poke around inside a tube amp, and use all the precautions for doing that kind of thing.
Best, Eddie
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Post by rckline on Jul 15, 2015 16:03:42 GMT -7
The EQ mod is like having another amp. Not so cool if you set-it and forget. WAY cool if you record, or want a sweet boost for solos. If I trusted my soldering ability as much as I trust my fingers, I would also build and use the "volume mod" for the EQ bypass. What a great idea.
I believe the EQ mod is worth every penny.
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Post by coachmoe on Nov 25, 2015 23:17:16 GMT -7
I did the EQ mod several years ago and I don't use it much. It's nice to have and possibly in my new band I may have more of a call to use it.
IMHO, It's like having all the tone controls wide open, I've found that I lose articulation using the bypass. I prefer to work my volume controls and rely on my OCD and my Brake Lite to get me where I want to go.
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Post by digs57 on Nov 26, 2015 7:54:13 GMT -7
I don't use it at all...might give it another shot...but maz without is a very worthwhile investment imho.
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Post by Baconator on Nov 26, 2015 8:05:22 GMT -7
Mine doesn't have it so I don't know what I'm missing, but then I'm a set-it-and-forget-it kinda guy and don't even bother with switching between high and low inputs. The amp is plenty versatile as is IMHO.
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Post by dergit (Markus) on Nov 26, 2015 8:13:15 GMT -7
I wasn't a big fan, originally... but now I use it, albeit sparingly (once in our current live set). It's a healthy volume boost and the MAZ sounds pretty out of control but depending on how you set your amp, it can be fairly useable and give you something, pedals won't.
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Post by doctorice on Nov 26, 2015 8:44:14 GMT -7
I'll add that turning down the volume knob on your guitar -- while it goes against our natural instincts -- does tame the beast
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2015 10:04:26 GMT -7
Nice that this got bumped to the top.
I have a Maz 38 without the EQ bypass. A couple months back I got to play a Maz 18 with EQ bypass and I had to have it. I thought there was so much more I'd be able to do with it in a live setting. So, my new Maz 18 NR arrived Monday and I got to play my first gig with it last night. Throughout the first set, I couldn't get a good vibe on it. As has been said, there's a considerable volume jump off vs on depending on how you set your amp and it was overpowering for my band.
After the first set, the foot switch went into the high input and I plugged the guitar into the low input. Maz 18 dialed in clean, Z Drive green dialed in for slight break up, red dialed in for overdrive, high input on for solo boost over the red channel. Just like having a four channel amp, pretty much.
And that's where I sit today...
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Post by aufamily on Nov 26, 2015 18:23:04 GMT -7
My Jr. NR came with the bypass...but to be honest, I never use it! It's a great amp and you can't go wrong with it.
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Post by 1juicy1 on Dec 2, 2015 8:35:33 GMT -7
I had the bypass added and I honestly never use it. The volume jump is just too much unless I was playing a cranked outdoor gig. I think the Maz loses some magic when engaged. If you can score a good deal on one without out, go for it!
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Post by Papa Juan (lanier816) on Dec 2, 2015 19:25:59 GMT -7
My first Maz was an older version w/o the TB the one I have now has it, no difference in core tone. To be honest, I don't really use the TB other than messing around at home. It's cool and all but the first amp not having it didn't stop me from buying it and now that I own one that does nothing would change. Great amp regardless, grab it if it's a good deal and have it modded later if you like, either way you won't be disappointed, if you are, there's a Buy Sell Trade tab here where you can dispose of it properly.
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Post by dergit (Markus) on Dec 4, 2015 3:51:01 GMT -7
Put it this way... I'd never use it at home or when recording. I'll always prefer having the EQ to fine tune my sound for those applications. But live, when you need that drastic push over the cliff for the grand finale, it's a very valuable tool. Strictly for stage use, I'm happy it's there. I would prefer a switchable second master volume, however.
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Post by rbhuckleberry on Dec 11, 2015 19:47:31 GMT -7
I had my older model MAZ retrofitted with the bypass. There is no tone difference. Eddie's comment about "either/or" raises a good point. MAZ eq controls (B, M, T, not Cut) are passive. When the knobs are maxed, full signal is running through the tone stack. As you dial down, say, treble, the volume of a range of high frequencies is reduced relative to other frequencies. But even with all the tone knobs maxed, there's still some signal attenuation; I assume it's due to those controls still being in circuit. The bypass gets the tone circuit out of the signal path effectively. As a result, there's a volume jump, even with all tone knobs at max. When eq is set to less than max, the volume increase is greater. As a result, it can be challenging to set up the amp to run with the bypass as a solo boost. It can be done, but not everyone digs the result. However, you can run in bypass mode and still get great sounds using volume, master and cut. There's a thread that shows how to add a "volume" control for the bypass function ztalk.proboards.com/thread/56642/cool-easy-make-bypass-usableI agree with Eddie that having the boost is a nice option. But if you find an older MAZ at a good price and decide you want the bypass it can be done at the factory for $150 plus shipping (both ways). See, I run my non-modded MAZ 18 Jr. NR with the tone knobs maxed. I'm sure the EQ is still having an effect, but I love the sound I get this way. Now I'm wondering about having the bypass done...
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Post by dwelshmusic on Dec 20, 2015 7:24:13 GMT -7
I got a steal of a deal on an older Maz18 that doesn't have the EQ bypass. Honestly...I just crank the sucker, use OD pedals etc, and have been perfectly happy with that route. I feel like forgoing the bypass function was more than a worthy sacrifice for the cheap price I found on it. Unless money isn't an issue, I'd snatch an older, cheaper one. As mentioned above, you can always get the bypass mod added onto your amp later down the road if you decide you need it.
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