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Post by larryz on Nov 2, 2021 8:23:36 GMT -7
I am a little nervous about posting this question, but here goes...
Maz 18NR 1X12 Combo owner (with MKII update!) and G12H30 speaker user. Single coils only, low to medium output.
LIKE/LOVE - variety of tones available using the EQ knobs - volume control of the PPIMV (living room) - great with all guitars, pedals (rarely use though)
LOOKING FOR:
- that special chime - wondering if I can get close to the ZWreck JR. complexity, harmonics - discovering more to like about the MAZ
Would a Greenback be worth a go? Another Cab with a Blue?
Thanks for any ideas!
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Post by gfreak on Nov 2, 2021 8:50:21 GMT -7
Have you tried the sample settings? docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12PqamkxVsRiTVnw3FJfHio4HyPObyazhN1UQnnP1490/edit#gid=0There is a lot to unpack with these! It is such an incredibly versatile amp. I had an 18 but eventually got rid of it because I was looking for more chime. Missed it so much I bought a 8 (figured I would try something a little different{a 38 would have been too much for me.}) My Maz 8 with a Celestion Blue is hard to beat!
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Post by DRZ on Nov 2, 2021 9:56:00 GMT -7
I am a little nervous about posting this question, but here goes... I appreciate your pre-text to this post. I will try and answer with the same sensitivity. LOOKING FOR: - that special chime OK what is that special Chime to you. please give an example of amps you have OWNED that have that quality. What is special chime to you maybe too Bright and Harsh to someone else. - wondering if I can get close to the ZWreck JR. complexity, harmonics The Z Wreck Jr. is a special amp that combines the qualities of a VOX AC 15 , and a Trainwreck base design. It is more center focused on a particular set of tones and isn't in anyway as versatile or broad as the MAZ 18 .
- discovering more to like about the MAZ Well I do have over 7000 MAZ 18's built and in use . It is a very popular amp for players looking for the Holy Grail of tones ( VOX, Fender, Marshall ). It is not exactly anyone of those but it can cover their tones and added DR.Z tone for quite a Perfecta . But though it is very popular that doesn't mean its for you, if you need to find more things to like about the very versatile MAZ 18 maybe it's just not the right for you at this time. DR.Z
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Post by larryz on Nov 2, 2021 11:26:48 GMT -7
Dr Z - Thank you for taking the time to reply and for your thoughts! My Maz18NR is very special to me and continues to be a responsive platform for playing and experiencing a lot of joy.
Chime: I purchased the Maz in 2010 new with an Alnico Blue installed. That is the amp I've owned that has that the chime quality. I may have answered my own question there!
Z-Wreck Jr. - Thanks for clarifying about the focused tones--it helps very much as I think over a purchase.
Discovering more to the Maz - this is likely a "me" problem--me being unreasonable, expecting more from the amp instead of pushing my own creativity and noticing the good things already at hand with the Maz.
Thank you again for your reply.
Larry
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Nov 2, 2021 13:37:11 GMT -7
With the MAZ 18 NR, I always thought the Celestion AlNiCo Gold was a great pairing. Mind you, it's a LOUD speaker (just about as loud overall as the G12H-30) but it definitely has what I'd consider "that special chime" to it. Of course the stock G12H-30 is also a good pairing with that amp, too--but I'd say the Gold is more chime & jangle, whereas the G12H is more crunch and punch... If that makes any sense.
In short, I think the Gold will point your MAZ in the direction of the 'Wreck (but not really get you all the way there).
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Nov 2, 2021 13:41:56 GMT -7
I use mine with a Blue and it chimes like crazy when I want it to. Humbuckers , singles, you name it.
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Post by larryz on Nov 3, 2021 7:43:25 GMT -7
Thanks to all for your suggestions--such a supportive and experienced community! I am humbled that Dr Z shared his thoughts. The tone guide is one I've used on and off through the years.
I think I will swap in a Blue - I had one in there 10 years ago-- and explore that now that I have the MKII MV update. I expect there are a lot of rich tones to discover and enjoy.
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Post by GuitarZ on Nov 3, 2021 8:25:46 GMT -7
Also, I'm guessing you've swapped your PI and/or power tubes given that your amp is from 2010.
My Maz Jr had seemed to lose its magic compared to my Ghia. I wasn't sure if it was because I swapped from my old IsoCab to the UA Ox for recording at home or what. And, the Ghia got more use since it's a head and easy to transport. Well, after reading a thread or two here, I realized I was way overdue for a tube swap. And, ... the Magic is back.
Speaker-wise, I'm definitely a Greenback fan. Even when I mess with my Ox and/or IRs, the Greenback's sound is for me. However, I'm never thinking much about chime. So, take my input for what it's worth. Good luck!
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Post by perryr on Nov 3, 2021 22:48:18 GMT -7
Different speakers different sounds, very personal and we are always chasing a little bit more of something. The MAZ 18 sounds great with a bunch of different speakers, and Ive messed with a bunch in my MAZ, but every time I load the H30 70th back in its like ‘whoa’ , damn that sounds good. Its a real tuff speaker to top, especially once you get to know it and how to make the tone controls get whats needed. G12H30 lacks very little, and its a big sound in that amp.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Nov 4, 2021 5:56:17 GMT -7
...G12H30 lacks very little, and its a big sound... Truth!
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Post by larryz on Nov 4, 2021 8:16:39 GMT -7
Hi again - what perryr says rings true--I'm still learning and discovering great sounds by adjusting the tone controls.
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Post by tkjrmiller on Nov 4, 2021 16:01:18 GMT -7
I am a MAZ18NR Player, though I have a head and 212 cabinet. I play a Tele with Fralin stock wind pickups. I find the Heritage Greenback to be perfect for me and the Maz. I also like that the speaker is only rated at 96db, enabling me to push the amp harder before I get the stink eye from my singer.
Good luck, Todd
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Post by hikari on Nov 5, 2021 19:17:36 GMT -7
I have a 2x10 max reverb combo with the stock Z speakers.
I’ve tried it with a vintage 12” rola greenback. Big difference. About half as loud as the Z speakers. No cleans at the volumes I like. All midrange, no bottom or top. Honestly, I hated it.
Tried a 10” Jupiter Jensen clone. It was nice. More blackface-y. Sounded pretty good I thought.
I have a 12” alnico blue. Haven’t tried it yet.
Honestly, I think the Z speakers are the best compromise. The greenback as all Marshall sounding, nothing else. The Jupiter was very fender like which is cool but didn’t have a nice crunch. The Z speakers let you do everything.
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Post by telejas on Nov 8, 2021 11:07:52 GMT -7
I can't recommend a Blue enough!
Makes this great amp, even greater IMO.
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Post by MattHays on Nov 8, 2021 15:40:39 GMT -7
I can't recommend a Blue enough! Makes this great amp, even greater IMO. ^What he said. For the record I have tried the following with my MAZes: Jensen C12N (when I wanted it to be more fendery but not a fender) G12H30 Greenback Vintage 30 Z12 Celestion Blue Weber Blue Dog Alnico The Celestion or Weber Blues are my favorite with this amp. That's where that special chime really gets accentuated. Though I didn't get a bad sound with any of the others!
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Post by nick0 on Nov 12, 2021 13:11:44 GMT -7
I run an alnico cream and blue. Sounds killer! However, either one can stand well on its own. If I had to pick only one, it would DEFINITELY be the alnico cream. It has huge round bottom with top end chime.
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Post by larryz on Nov 14, 2021 12:01:03 GMT -7
Alnico cream may be the next to try. Thanks for the information!
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Post by nick0 on Nov 15, 2021 7:14:17 GMT -7
Alnico cream may be the next to try. Thanks for the information! You're welcome! The only warning I have is that the alnico cream top end can get a little strident with some guitars. I tend to reach for the cut control and knock it back a couple in this situation. It does a great job to take the edge off when needed. However, it's nice to have that top end on tap for darker sounding guitars. I really dig it. Hope it works out well! Good luck!
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oowl
Full Member
Posts: 154
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Post by oowl on Apr 15, 2022 13:13:22 GMT -7
With the MAZ 18 NR, I always thought the Celestion AlNiCo Gold was a great pairing. Mind you, it's a LOUD speaker (just about as loud overall as the G12H-30) but it definitely has what I'd consider "that special chime" to it. Of course the stock G12H-30 is also a good pairing with that amp, too--but I'd say the Gold is more chime & jangle, whereas the G12H is more crunch and punch... If that makes any sense. In short, I think the Gold will point your MAZ in the direction of the 'Wreck (but not really get you all the way there). This! The gold is a great pairing with this amp. Chime but the bottom holds together better than the blue when you crank it. Still plenty punchy for me with th gold.
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Post by JonesKY on Apr 15, 2022 18:33:54 GMT -7
YMMV but I prefer my Maz18 (also an NR MkII) with an Emi GB128, which is Greenback-like, but with firmer bass and a little more volume. Not going for the chime, but more of a bright Marshall crunch tone like Billy Squire's "lonely is the night". Use an EQ w slightly boosted mids for solo'g. Ah, incidentally, this is in comparison to the G12H30 and the Alnico Gold (which weren't bad but required me to decrease the Cut that much more).
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Post by digs57 on Apr 16, 2022 7:46:49 GMT -7
I put v type in both maz 18...its a great in between g12h v30 some gold as someone mentioned.Price is right. There are 3 new fane speakers out if thats of interest also...choices.
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Post by adam on Apr 16, 2022 8:14:56 GMT -7
YMMV but I prefer my Maz18 (also an NR MkII) with an Emi GB128, which is Greenback-like, but with firmer bass and a little more volume. I must say that I adore the sound of the 38 with a greenback (1x12 open), so I get that. Also really like the 38 with a gold. 18nr2 with 4 greenbacks is pretty cool too. I kind of think there's so much range in the tone controls of the 18 that it's almost confusing in a way, like there is more top end bite then you would ever need, so if the H30 is too bright, you can adjust around it. I've tried a bunch of speakers in the 18 and I'm back to the H30 (again). I saw a neat interview with Al DiMeloa and Vai where he said on his 50 watt Marshalls, he put the treble and presence on 0. Then Larry Dimarzio was in the studio and saw and said "that's exactly how Leslie West set his Marshalls". Point being, just don't worry about what the controls say and move them around until you get something you like. Another forum user told me to basically don't even look at the controls and just randomly move them around, on this amp more than any other. You guys know this stuff, but just sharing anyway.
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Post by larryz on May 6, 2022 9:11:50 GMT -7
I see that this thread is getting some recent attention--many thanks for all of the wisdom! I've been enjoying the G12H Anniversary. I like the advice to not worry what the knobs say--just follow your ears.
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John
New Member
Posts: 5
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Post by John on Jul 7, 2022 15:46:39 GMT -7
I just recently ordered and installed a Celestion blue and I think the sound is incredible in the Maz. I had installed an Eminence GA SC 59 last year but found the sound seemed really muted/stifled. I re-homed the Eminence to a happy buyer on Kijiji. I’m so happy with the Blue. Highly recommend.
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Post by "Z" Steve on Jul 8, 2022 7:27:00 GMT -7
Sorry, can't help it. This is what I think of when I see Merry Go Round. (by Emmit Rhodes). Some may recall this tune. Back to speakers now.
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Post by Papa Juan (lanier816) on Jul 11, 2022 6:39:04 GMT -7
Not to beat the dead horse but the 18 comes alive with a blue. I’m on my 3rd Maz18NR:
1st - Black Head/Matching Z 1x12 cab (closed back) with a Celestion Vintage 30. Great thump, slightly dark but overall a great sounding amp.
2nd - Red 1x12 combo with another Vintage 30, this one had less thump than the previous and was a lot more “airy” if that makes since, great amp but I preferred the previous.
3rd/current - Red Head/Matching Z 2x12 open back cab, loaded with a Celestion Blue and G12H30…nailed it. The cleans are clear and bell like, a slight rounded chime so it’s not too harsh and when over driven there’s an added complexity (not ZWreck) that the previous amps didn’t have.
I hope this helps, if it were me, I’d put a blue in it and see what happens. It’s a zero risk swap, if you love it you win, if you don’t, you have an incredibly desirable speaker that’s not hard to move at all, so you’re not burdened with a loss of funds and a speaker you can’t move.
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Post by larryz on Jul 11, 2022 11:31:30 GMT -7
Hi all - this is the original poster and thanks again for sharing the wisdom on the forum. This you tube (in another post) is really helpful with Dr Z's descriptions with each sound clip. I am going to put a blue in and enjoy--an easy swap and reasonably priced option.
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