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Post by crazy4blues on Oct 21, 2005 22:30:27 GMT -7
;DSo I have many questions:
1. 1x12 vs. 2x10 (2x12 probably too big a cab) 1a. which speaker(s)? 2. Reverb or no 'verb 3. Buy new or used 4. Where to buy (I'm in Cali)
I have always wanted a Maz Jr. ever since I learned about them. I used to have a Carr Hammerhead and I developed a taste for better amps. Right now I have a FBJ with a Celestion vintage 30, and it just ain't cuttin' it.
My axes usually consist of single coil guitars (G&L ASATs) and an occasional hb-equiped guitar. My style is blues and chanka-chang-chang funk.
I just need to sell a couple more pieces of audiophile gear, and I'll be ready.
I am looking forward to your leaned responses, all!
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Post by charlienc on Oct 22, 2005 6:55:54 GMT -7
first of all, welcome to the forum!
now as far as the options are concerned, you will probably find here every possible confinguration you have listed but FWIW here is what i have.
Maz Jr. NR head and Z-best 2x12 cab-
in general, the NR models have a little bit more gain available. i just add a holy grail pedal if verb is needed. however if you're a reverb kind of guy, then by all means, the Z-verb on the regular models is outstanding.
also, i highly recommend the Z-best 2x12 cab (thiele ported). it is absolutely huge sounding, hands down my favorite cab ever made, regardless of speaker confinguration.
but if you really don't want to haul it around (although it sounds great with the band) my preference would be for the 2x10 over the 1x12. Dr. Z is now making his own 10's and those little cabs rock and sound far beefier than any other 2x10 cab i've ever heard. there is a lot of technology which i don't really understand that goes into them but the point is that they sound good.
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a42
Full Member
Posts: 130
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Post by a42 on Oct 22, 2005 11:23:10 GMT -7
I've got a 1x12 w/ Reverb that I've had for about 2 months. The amp sounds so good that I hardly ever turn the reverb on; I just don't need it. If I had it to do over again I'd buy the NR head and Z 2x10 cab.
Whatever you get you're gonna love it.
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Post by rclemmer on Oct 22, 2005 14:30:33 GMT -7
I own and highly recommend the NR head. I own 4 cabs right now... 3 Dr Z's (2x12 Z-best, 2x10 open back, 1x12 open back) and a Bogner 1x12 Cube. It is a blast to experiment with different cabs, so although the head/cab is a little more expensive up front, I'm sure it will save me money in the end because I'm not buying and selling as much. FWIW I also own and highly recommend the Carmen Ghia - head of course.
My hands down favorite cab is the Z-best 2x12 (closed back, thiele ported) cab. For occasions where size, weight or volume are considerations, the 2x10 and 1x12 are also very cool, just different. The open back character of those cabs can also add another dimension to your tone.
My local dealer is Fat Sound (www.fatsoundguitars.com). They are one of the top Z dealers and are awesome to deal with. Highly recommended.
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Post by crazy4blues on Oct 22, 2005 22:06:51 GMT -7
Hey, folks. Thanks for the very informative answers. Right now, I might just go with a 1/12 or a 2x10, probably with no reverb. What are some of the differences in sound between the 2x10 and the 1/12? I will probably be using it mostly for jamming with friends and playing in the ole living room (my regular gigging days seem to be a distant memory), but if I do hit the bar circuit, I suspose I can always get a separate 2x12 cab.
Anyway, it looks like I'll be able to get one in the next few days, as I'm selling some other gear tomorrow.
I'll keep everyone posted.
Cheers!
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Post by m1911 on Oct 23, 2005 5:35:27 GMT -7
Hey Crazy.... A 1x12 or 2x10 Combo will sound GREAT.....but I wouldn't rule out Reverb though. It sounds like with either of these combinations, you will have plenty of sound too. Also, for most Bar situations you will have more than enough volume....that will slice through about any mix you have. My kid frequently plays small to medium sized bars with a MAZ Junior and a 1x12. I have the luxury of moving around listening to the mix. For example, I can be downstairs, in the bathroom, and hear every note of his guitar. I do think however, you may get more "perceived volume" with the 2x10 model. No science to back that up....just that when I switch Cabs from a 1x12 to a 2x10....the 2x10 seems louder at the same amp settings. One Alnico 12" weighs less than two Ceramic 10's too...if that is means anything.....and I would NEVER buy a 2x12 "Combo". I'm a large framed guy, but I HATE lugging gear....so if you are leaning towards a 2x12, get a HEAD and a Z-Best.
I completely understand if someone hates Reverb....then get an NR Model. I could never understand the logic behind, saving $200.00 on the Reverb model....then buying a (Holy Grail) unit and having to carry THAT around too....(wires, batteries, etc.) I actually really like Z's Reverb WAY better than any Fender style I've heard. It's more subtle and not tinny sounding at all....VERY nice. You described playing small places too. I think Reverb is MORE useful at those places than larger ones. Don't wanna use it...roll it off. Bottom line is....we're splitting hairs here, and if you like the MAZ Junior platform....You will love ANY combination. Mark
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Post by greenmachine on Oct 24, 2005 19:45:47 GMT -7
I like having the head so I can use different cabs. Lately I have preferred 1x12 with Eminence Wizard in it because of a nice bottom end thump. I personally wouldn't go NR because although I sometimes turn it down, the reverb is nice to have.
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Post by rclemmer on Oct 25, 2005 5:21:09 GMT -7
Try to A/B the Reverb and NR if you can. I was amazed an the tonal differences. Even when "Off" the Reverb circuit alters the tone - less 'open' sounding. In addition, there's a little less gain. And since the NR comes stock with an effects loop, you can always plug a Holy Grail in the loop for those times when reverb is desired.
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Post by crazy4blues on Oct 25, 2005 8:12:25 GMT -7
This sounds like a very good idea, but I don't think that I'll have a chance to a/b the different models. However, thanks to the responses on this forum, I think that I'm going with the "NR" version. Why? Well, besides the fact that I "don't surf," I want to try to get the purest tone possible. I've been an audiophile hobbyist for the last couple of years, and I have always tried to look for products that will convey the most "unobstructed" signal. The NR seems to fit this bill. When jamming or playing live, I have NEVER wanted to use reverb. I've only used it for recording, and there's so much "on board" stuff out there already on the various home-studio products, i don't need to carry it around with me in my amp. Anyhoo, folks, I'm going to make a few phone calls today and try to get a Maz! I'll let you all know what happens . . . Try to A/B the Reverb and NR if you can. I was amazed an the tonal differences. Even when "Off" the Reverb circuit alters the tone - less 'open' sounding. In addition, there's a little less gain. And since the NR comes stock with an effects loop, you can always plug a Holy Grail in the loop for those times when reverb is desired.
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Post by crazy4blues on Oct 25, 2005 10:18:07 GMT -7
It's on its way! Thanks for all of your encouragement and advice!
I'll let everyone know as soon as it gets here!
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