|
Post by StonySparrow on Dec 30, 2019 16:04:01 GMT -7
I've had my new Maz for 6 weeks and I'm lovin' it but I'm having a peculiar issue that I can't figure out. When I engage an OD pedal, it adds significant dirt to the tone even at the lowest gain settings. Even with the Master dimed and using the Volume for level, my gain pedals are distorting with the gain set very low, including my Blues Driver. I set the pedals slightly above unity so I'm not pushing the amp very hard. I've used this same pedalboard with several amps and I've never had this issue.
I've changed the power tubes from JJ EL84's for the 6v14n's and the reverb tube (V3) to a GT 12AT7. The original tube was microphonic. I haven't changed any of the preamp tubes. Maybe I should.
Has anyone else experienced this issue? Could it be a tube issue?
Here's my board. The settings are not current.
|
|
|
Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Dec 30, 2019 16:41:40 GMT -7
Both my Maz 8 and 18NR are really responsive amps, regardless of where the amp volume is set. They're like an old muscle car that just wants to run. You could try putting in a different tube in V1 like a 5751 or a 12Ay7, but I just set my pedals up differently for different amps. I've got a Plimsoul too, and I usually have the volume set around where yours is, maybe a touch more. Much more than that and the amp gets real loud real fast!
|
|
|
Post by StonySparrow on Dec 30, 2019 16:48:01 GMT -7
Dave, the actual Sustain setting on my Plimsoul when I gigged last weekend was about 7:00, and it was still distorting.
|
|
|
Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Dec 30, 2019 17:11:44 GMT -7
Wow. With Stage II turned down too? I've got an idea. Try swapping V1 with V2 unless you've got a couple of 12AX7 tubes laying around you could sub into V1. I'm thinking (and it's kind of a long shot) maybe you have a pretty high gain tube in V1. Also try running the "Lo" input jack if that doesn't smooth things out.
|
|
|
Post by StonySparrow on Dec 30, 2019 17:46:48 GMT -7
Dave, I plugged into Lo last weekend and it was the same. I do have some spare tubes and will try a swap.
|
|
|
Post by telejas on Dec 30, 2019 21:11:12 GMT -7
just for the heck of it....Can you pull one of the drive pedals off your board and try it by itself (no other pedals in the chain)? Maybe even just running the one pedal off of batteries for the test? (to rule out a bad cable or power supply).
I had an issue, many years ago, where a cable was shorting out, but I could only tell when I stepped on a drive pedal. After I narrowed it down, I replaced that cable and EVERYTHING sounded better.... My cleans and drive pedals.
|
|
|
Post by perryr on Dec 30, 2019 22:54:25 GMT -7
^^^ Great advise, maybe even try both drive pedals, one at a time, with fresh cables to eliminate variables.
|
|
|
Post by StonySparrow on Dec 31, 2019 5:13:07 GMT -7
Thanks! I'll give it a try.
|
|
|
Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Dec 31, 2019 14:36:20 GMT -7
I recently played with a bunch of preamp tubes and settled on a EH 12AX7 Gold in V1. It didn't do a lot in terms of gain, but I liked how it smoothed somethings out. I had that tube from way back when I had a Blues Jr and I would put that in V1 of that amp and it tamed it so much I couldn't hardly get it to distort if I tried. I would start with some different tubes in V1 and if that didn't do it I would start going through my board as others have suggested.
|
|
|
Post by StonySparrow on Jan 8, 2020 19:11:52 GMT -7
Welp, I found the issue. It was the tube in V1. I'd already replaced the power tubes (6n`4n's) when I bought this amp but not the preamp tubes. Just as a test, I replaced the existing JJ ECC83S in V1 with a spare one that I had tested. It brought back a lot of clean headroom and warmth to the amp.
I'm going to order a new preamp tubes since I don't know the age or condition of the others. Based on several recommendations, I may try the Tung Sol 12AX7's.
|
|
|
Post by purpletele on Jan 8, 2020 20:07:41 GMT -7
Welp, I found the issue. It was the tube in V1. I'd already replaced the power tubes (6n`4n's) when I bought this amp but not the preamp tubes. Just as a test, I replaced the existing JJ ECC83S in V1 with a spare one that I had tested. It brought back a lot of clean headroom and warmth to the amp. I'm going to order a new preamp tubes since I don't know the age or condition of the others. Based on several recommendations, I may try the Tung Sol 12AX7's. SS, Make sure you get a Sovtek 12AX7 LPS for the PI. That tube makes a difference in that PI position, check the Z web page for tube specs on the 18 Reverb. I just changed one out on my 38 and it is significant.
|
|
|
Post by StonySparrow on Jan 8, 2020 20:14:13 GMT -7
Thanks! I wanted to clarify if the tube specs on the Z page are for the MKII, or does it still apply to my 2005 Maz?
|
|
|
Post by StonySparrow on Jan 8, 2020 20:23:44 GMT -7
One more question... Is it recommended for V1 and V2 to be matched?
|
|
|
Post by purpletele on Jan 8, 2020 20:48:43 GMT -7
One more question... Is it recommended for V1 and V2 to be matched? No need for matching pre-amp tubes.
|
|
|
Post by purpletele on Jan 8, 2020 20:49:40 GMT -7
Thanks! I wanted to clarify if the tube specs on the Z page are for the MKII, or does it still apply to my 2005 Maz? Yes the current tube chart applies to the 2005 model.
|
|
|
Post by StonySparrow on Jan 9, 2020 8:30:24 GMT -7
Thanks!
|
|