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Post by eeyore on Feb 16, 2019 11:15:48 GMT -7
I'll update this thread as things progress.
Initial impression - it isn't what I expected. I won't draw comparisons to other amps I've had because they've all been very different animals but I probably should have done more research and taken a day off to go try one in person before ordering.
To give the amp a fair shake, I'll keep spinning knobs and trying different guitars. I love my Tele, so if my Lester knock-off sounds best, the Tele will get some new pickups.
Fingers crossed.
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Post by telejas on Feb 16, 2019 11:27:13 GMT -7
It's always best to try an amp, especially a big investment like a Z, before ordering blind..er, or deaf..... er, or without trying first. I took the leap, and ordered blind, and have been a loyal Z owner since 2006. I love my Mk.II, but not every amp is for everyone. On a side note..... I can sit in my bedroom and play a Fender Deluxe all day long and love the sounds I get out of it at low volume. Put me on a stage with a Fender Deluxe (or Twin), and I can't stand the way they sound or feel when mixed with other instruments. It's the exact opposite with an AC15 or AC30.... I think they sound thin and sterile in the bedroom (at bedroom levels), but put me on a stage with one and they sound and feel just right! Most Dr Z amps fall closer to the AC15/AC30 camp IMO..I'm not saying they sound bad at low volumes, but they really shine on a stage, with a full band (or on a recording) where you get to turn it up a little. The Maz Mk.II, to me, sounds really good in both situations....But, I can see where someone coming from a warmer amp wouldn't like a Maz 18 (mk.I or mk.II) at bedroom levels, or even cranked while not in a band situation. My suggestion.. Before you start changing pickups or changing out pedals, if you play in a band or do recordings, try it in a live situation first....You may change your opinion.... Or you may not? Just my $.02 worth YMMV
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Post by eeyore on Feb 16, 2019 11:47:34 GMT -7
He's dead Jim...
I didn't want to draw comparisons, but it makes for a better comparison. First tones at low volume in either input were very boxy like my Crate Flexwave 15R beater amp. The EQ behaved as expected except the highs were extremely ice picky. I backed off highs and the cut and it helped. Turned the MV up to 50% with the gain at 75%, it was a bit gritty but not near the amount I hoped for or heard in the videos... but I did finally get some decent-ish low end. Then I dimed the MV, with the gain at 50%... That's when the buzzy artifacts started when letting the low-E string decay. I plucked the low-E some more and the buzz would come and go.. Then the amp just started cutting out, then quit entirely.
Had to walk away from it for a minute because I have a very low tolerance for non-functioning inanimate objects.
I'll try a different cable and check for a loose tube, but at the moment, it's D.O.A.
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Post by eeyore on Feb 16, 2019 12:05:27 GMT -7
No luck with a different cable. All tubes are in place. Speaker leads are good. She powers up, but no sound.
This is heartbreaking. :-(
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Feb 16, 2019 12:06:39 GMT -7
No way the amp should sound like a Crate Flexwave. There is a reason why the Maz 18 is Doc's best selling amp. It sounds like something might have happened during shipping. Could also be a bad tube or a not fully seated tube. I'm assuming this a new amp and not a used amp. Give Don a call in the Z-repair shop ((216) 475-1962) and I'm sure he will have some suggestions.
Also, when you finally get it working, it's tone stack doesn't operate like what you are probably used to using. Use your ears, not your eyes, to dial in your tone. It'll take a little getting used to but it's worth it.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Feb 16, 2019 12:07:33 GMT -7
No luck with a different cable. All tubes are in place. Speaker leads are good. She powers up, but no sound. This is heartbreaking. :-( Could be the rectifier - my first choice for checking when there's power but no sound.
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Post by Christopher on Feb 16, 2019 12:22:57 GMT -7
I'm sorry to hear it's not working as intended. I'd also check to see if the fuse is seated (w the power OFF). That would prevent it from operating. Take your time with the amp when you do have it working. Z's don't respond like F or M style amps. The tone controls have a different EQ point to my ear than the other brands and can augment and diminish as needed in a good way. Congratulations on your new Z. I hope you can remedy the issue and get to playing it.
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Post by eeyore on Feb 16, 2019 12:32:42 GMT -7
I'll check the fuse and see if anyone has a rectifier. Would a bad rectifier have an impact on tone as well? Like making it really harsh sounding before it fully dies? The rectifier was the brightest tube of the bunch when viewed from the back. The overall tone was harsh even with the mids cut, and treble backed off... which just made it muddy.
I read about the "adjust with your ears" part and was doing just that before it died.
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Post by pcns on Feb 16, 2019 12:35:31 GMT -7
99% sure you have a tube problem. Once straightened out you find the amp to sound much better. New productions tubes arent what they used to be so try and be patient, it's not the amps fault that the tubes stink sometimes All that said, I would be super bummed too and can complety understand what you must be feeling. Hang in there it will be solved soon! Todd
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Post by eeyore on Feb 16, 2019 12:45:12 GMT -7
And yes... New amp unless Sweetwater misrepresented it. Born in September.
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Post by eeyore on Feb 16, 2019 13:08:44 GMT -7
OK, if unable to locate a 5AR4, will a GZ34 also work? They seem to be listed synonymously on various interwebs tube emporiums.
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Post by Christopher on Feb 16, 2019 13:19:15 GMT -7
Yes, the GZ34 is the same as a 5AR4 to your amp. Drop it in and see if you're back in toneville.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Feb 16, 2019 13:21:21 GMT -7
OK, if unable to locate a 5AR4, will a GZ34 also work? They seem to be listed synonymously on various interwebs tube emporiums. From the manual: "Changing Rectfier Tube: Signs your rectifier tube (5AR4/GZ34) needs changed are fairly obvious. A bad rectifier will usually result in a fuse blowing. You might want to have a spare fuse just in case. The fuse protects the amp from electrical faults. Replace only with the same rating and type stated below fuse holder (1.5A 250v SLO BLO)." Good Luck!
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Post by purpletele on Feb 16, 2019 15:30:54 GMT -7
OK, if unable to locate a 5AR4, will a GZ34 also work? They seem to be listed synonymously on various interwebs tube emporiums. where are you located?
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Post by eeyore on Feb 16, 2019 18:16:27 GMT -7
Found a 5AR4 (Tung Sol) in Columbus. Swapped it in, no change. Thanks everyone for the suggestions and keep the Z faith. Just bad luck on my part. Out here.
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Post by Christopher on Feb 16, 2019 18:35:17 GMT -7
Sorry no change. I would use Sweetwater's awesome customer service to get it right and on point. I know Dr. Z has a great record of incredible customer service, too. There's a chance something happened in shipping. It may seem obvious but take the fuse out, again when powered down, and verify it's got the filament intact. If it is check to see if all tubes have a glow when the power is on and standby is in the down position. Lastly, check to make sure the power cord is seated fully in the IEC socket. Hope this helps, man
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Feb 16, 2019 18:54:43 GMT -7
I would replace the fuse whether it looks like it is burned out or not - just to rule one more thing out.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Feb 17, 2019 3:56:14 GMT -7
Click this link to go to Dr.Z's troubleshooting guide. There's a video and a set of steps that are recommended. The fact that the amp sounded like you said, and then quit suggests a bad tube. You can count on Z customer service. It's the best in the industry. Please let us know what the root problem was when you get it sorted out. Good luck!
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Post by eeyore on Feb 17, 2019 15:40:09 GMT -7
I took it back to Sweetwater today. Nice little road trip despite the cold and snow, three hours one way, uphill both ways :-P
I hold grudges against things and politely told them they could keep it.
I refused to give up on Z Amps though. Through the magic of intranet computer summoning, he conjured and unboxed an EMS. We plugged into an Orange 4x12. As great as the MAZ probably is (no first hand knowledge on that, lol), I don't think I'll miss it too much. The EMS has some serious cajones. So I walked out with it and the matching 2x12.
Won't get a full test until tomorrow.
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Post by pcns on Feb 17, 2019 15:52:25 GMT -7
A Maz to an EMS! Two different worlds but both are awesome amps!
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Feb 17, 2019 16:16:28 GMT -7
The EMS is a killer M-style amp. We were A/B-ing the EMS with a Marshall 1987x when the EMS first came out. Using a Radial box to switch back and forth using the same cab. When we finished we all agreed the Marshall sounded better than the EMS. When we went to breakdown the set-up, we realized we had switched the wires - what we thought was the Marshall was actually the EMS - it sounded better than the Marshall!
Let's hope you have a good experience with this one!
BTW - which speakers did you get? We were using a EVH 4x12 with Greenback-styled EVH speakers.
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Feb 17, 2019 16:22:48 GMT -7
Wow, glad you got it sorted out! Don’t own an EMS, but it’s on my list. Let us know your thoughts after a sufficient rippin’.
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Post by eeyore on Feb 17, 2019 17:00:46 GMT -7
which speakers did you get? We were using a EVH 4x12 with Greenback-styled EVH speakers. It's the one with a Celestion Creamback 65M speaker and a Celestion G12 H30 70th Anniversary. The Orange test cab was their downsized 4x12.
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Post by Christopher on Feb 17, 2019 19:16:16 GMT -7
Congratulations on the EMS. While it's in a different tone camp than the Maz it's a Z and a very versatile M sound powerhouse, too. Enjoy it and make sure you wear plugs. ZWatts are LOUD!
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Post by DRZ on Feb 24, 2019 1:50:57 GMT -7
That amp ( MAZ 18 MKII ) is on its way back to the shop. Will be very interested in what failed. I'll post my results.
Z
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Post by eeyore on Feb 27, 2019 4:53:25 GMT -7
That amp ( MAZ 18 MKII ) is on its way back to the shop. Will be very interested in what failed. I'll post my results. Z Hope it is just a tube and she can quickly find a home.
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Post by eeyore on Mar 23, 2019 19:41:11 GMT -7
That amp ( MAZ 18 MKII ) is on its way back to the shop. Will be very interested in what failed. I'll post my results. Z Did the patient get operated on? Tube swap and out?
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Post by DRZ on Mar 24, 2019 2:08:00 GMT -7
That amp ( MAZ 18 MKII ) is on its way back to the shop. Will be very interested in what failed. I'll post my results. Z Did the patient get operated on? Tube swap and out? Yes it returned with a faulty Celestion H 30. There was a chip of metal in the Voice Coil gap. This chip worked its way from under the spider , to inside the gap. Was undetectable here during QA test, but chip moved , due to transport to a bad spot.
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Post by perryr on Mar 24, 2019 9:28:18 GMT -7
Wow, now that is a freak.. bet it sounded downright nasty as well!
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Mar 24, 2019 16:14:48 GMT -7
Good night! That’s a new one, for me anyway. Glad that all was resolved and it sounds like the OP is really happy with the EMS and 2x12.
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