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Post by graybeard65 on Aug 8, 2017 16:38:35 GMT -7
Packed up the Maz18 today, so I can ship it back to the Doc for a refresh and update - it's a 2002.
Can anyone that's done the update share their impressions of the amp once it's been to the amp spa?
Weird to have an empty Z cabinet sitting in the living room, but I'm looking forward to hearing the refreshed and revised version!
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Post by GuitarZ on Aug 8, 2017 17:11:51 GMT -7
Hmmm. I'm curious. My Maz Jr is probably somewhere around 2004. I'm curious although I probably wouldn't want to change it.
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Post by digs57 on Aug 8, 2017 17:34:19 GMT -7
we will be all ears gray
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Post by graybeard65 on Aug 8, 2017 22:44:52 GMT -7
Hmmm. I'm curious. My Maz Jr is probably somewhere around 2004. I'm curious although I probably wouldn't want to change it. Picked mine up used in June, and it sounds really good - but if the Doc has updated the specs, I can only imagine that it will sound "gooder" once it's been updated. I'd love it if there was a bit more gain on tap - it seems like my last maz 18 had a bit more.
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Post by graybeard65 on Aug 30, 2017 18:13:21 GMT -7
**update** the good folks at Z are currently updating my '02 Maz18. Got a note today that they found a burned resistor, taken out by a failing multi-cap. Nice pics were sent with the note, and I'm thinking that they'll be finished soon - can't wait to hear the current voicing, and to have the refurbished Z Back in her cabinet.
Once it's back, I'll post an update! Not sure how to post pics, but if anyone is interested in what a burned up resistor looks like, I'll gladly send them along -
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Post by purpletele on Aug 30, 2017 18:48:05 GMT -7
**update** the good folks at Z are currently updating my '02 Maz18. Got a note today that they found a burned resistor, taken out by a failing multi-cap. Nice pics were sent with the note, and I'm thinking that they'll be finished soon - can't wait to hear the current voicing, and to have the refurbished Z Back in her cabinet. Once it's back, I'll post an update! Not sure how to post pics, but if anyone is interested in what a burned up resistor looks like, I'll gladly send them along - GB65, Google Photos is a good and easy place to store photos and import them here. It's not very difficult with a little guidance. It's a free service so far. You do have to create an account. Once that is established then you just upload and organize photos. Then once you have your photo up you right click on it and it gives you some options. You want to copy the address. You shift over to the forum and your thread and click on Import Photo. Erase the Http prompt and paste the address in its place. You should have a photo posted. That's one method
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Post by graybeard65 on Sept 6, 2017 14:59:57 GMT -7
Got the Maz18 back today - wonderful experience dealing with Don at Z world headquarters, and the amp arrived safe and sound. Gotta say - the packing job was the best I've ever seen. UPS could have drop-kicked it here a la Ace Ventura, and it would have been just fine.
I took my time getting it back into the cabinet, making the connections, and getting it buttoned back up - everything matched my "before" pictures, and I fired it up.
So - the "CVU", current voicing upgrade - I have to say that I am wonderfully impressed. It might be my imagination, but I hear a bit more gain, the amp feels more articulate than ever, and the Reverb seems deeper. I haven't really touched the TMB controls much - I'm running the volume dimed, and the master slightly below 9 o'clock. The cut is in a different place than before, I've got it at noon, as opposed to 8 o'clock before.
With no pedals and a les paul, the gain is really smooth and present - in my head, it's somewhere between "gimme three steps" and "Waitin' on the bus" - raunchy, full, but really dynamic and articulate. Rolling off a bit cleans it up nicely, and the tone was there in spades.
All of the tubes in it are fresh (replaced them all in late July, using just exactly what the doc puts in them) and I'm finding that the amp is easier to dial in than it ever has been. While I've always loved the feel and tone of the Maz 18, I feel like it has added shimmer and definition now - it's a sweeter, more intense version of what it was before. Frankly, it's the best I've ever heard the Maz sound - and I've always loved what the Maz brings to the party!
10/10 from me - perfect score. The experience was top notch, quality was impeccable, and everything about the experience exceeded my expectations. YMMV, but I'm certainly thrilled with my experience -
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Post by digs57 on Sept 6, 2017 15:26:31 GMT -7
Nice to hear gb...kool...
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Sept 6, 2017 16:17:50 GMT -7
In the word of Carly Simon "nobody does it better" than Don/Doc.
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Post by simpleton on Sept 6, 2017 22:15:27 GMT -7
Sounds like some inspiration will be coming your way. Nothing inspires like great tones....that's a big difference with the cut knob position.
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