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Post by sjturbo on May 10, 2018 14:43:40 GMT -7
After several years I am looking into a new amp. Considering a Maz 18 or 38. Other than the extra el84's the preamp tubes are the same. So are they basically the same preamp circuit? Or are they different sounding amps? Can the 38 sound like an 18? I have heard and read so much about the Maz 18, they seem to be much more popular than the 38. As well as the 18 seems to hold it's value somewhat better. Hope some of the owners can help with my questions? Thanks
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Post by mickey on May 11, 2018 0:35:50 GMT -7
Welcome to the forum! I have both these amps, and I've always considered the 38 to be a bit smoother sounding and to have a bit more authority and solidity than the 18. It's a really great amp, with more clean headroom, and paired with an Airbrake it's very versatile. Having said that, my 18 was a more recent purchase, and I find myself using it more, probably because it's a bit easier to get it on the edge of breakup at a reasonable volume. Basically, they both sound rich and toneful, with the 38 a bit more refined, and the 18 a bit gnarlier, if that makes sense! Try them both if you can, and see which suits you best.
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Post by sjturbo on May 11, 2018 7:36:20 GMT -7
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I suppose the 38 is a bit smoother due to the headroom? Can they sound like each other at reasonable volumes (airbrake engaged)or is there a significant difference in the sound of the amps? Also what about the "note bloom", (fairy dust)of each?
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Post by mickey on May 11, 2018 9:04:05 GMT -7
The headroom probably has something to do with it, but also it's a more robust and refined sound. Having said that, yes they're definitely in the same territory, and it's easier to hit the sweet spot with the 18. But, on the occasions when I've been able to hit that spot with the 38, it's magnificent! If I had to keep just one though, it would be the 18, but that's because i know what I need from an amp for what I do, and nowadays I'd have to tame the 38 with an Airbrake pretty much every gig. It's all subjective really, and I have no intention of parting with either just yet.
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Post by "Z" Steve on May 11, 2018 9:11:03 GMT -7
You may not play venues like this, but this will give you an idea of what a 38, a Zbest cab, and a Strat will sound like. Starts at about 4:35
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Post by perryr on Jun 12, 2018 22:43:57 GMT -7
I have both, Mickey’s first reply nails it IMO!
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Post by jeffmp on Jan 27, 2019 10:02:23 GMT -7
Sounds great!
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Post by limenine on Jan 28, 2019 7:33:29 GMT -7
I guess, technically, the 18 is a half pint version of the 38, since the 38 came first. I've never gotten to play a 38 in person, so I can't really comment on the differences other than to say that the 18 is plenty loud for everything I need. Likely plenty loud enough for most people's needs - hence the popularity.
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Post by tp2356 on May 5, 2019 3:29:17 GMT -7
I would concur with the posts above. There is a noticeable difference in the two, 18 vs the 38 but you may find you want BOTH !
Its not really about how loud they can be, they can both do that, 38 isn't twice as loud as an 18 , its about clean gain. The 18 may growl for us earlier on the knob while the 38 has more strength . Kinda like a 40 watt Fender and a Twin reverb. Its about clean gain , its not a volume war.
I use the 38 for the bigger rooms and outdoor stages, it delivers. It really delivers. While I could use it for the small rooms, I prefer a much smaller amp, 15 or 18 watts. Typical in those scenarios it's about footprint as well. Limited space.
I find that the 18 , as stated above, has an inherent sweet spot earlier on the knob vs the 38, which is later on the knob. I believe it's personal preference at this point. Personally I will always go to the amp with more headroom as it becomes a bit more flexible.
You can't go wrong with either. OR both !
Yesterday we did an Outdoor Stage show, I used the 38 with a Single 12 cab, no issues. A second band, a trio of young players was up after us and the guitar player was in awe. "Oh My God a Dr Z" ! He asked, if he could use it for his set, I of course said absolutely ! I'm thinking another Z owner in the near future !
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Post by zpilot on May 6, 2019 10:55:12 GMT -7
My first "Z" was a MAZ 38 in 2003 and I rarely played where I could turn it up enough to where it shined. Hence the reason I moved to a Jr. I found very little tonal difference between the two other than the tricks your ears play on you with a change in volume and the fact that you are not driving 38 as hard at the same volume so naturally it appears to have more headroom. If my 38 had had the 1/2 power feature that is available now I would still own it.
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