mjz
New Member
Posts: 8
|
Post by mjz on Mar 15, 2023 6:42:19 GMT -7
Hi all,
I'm about to pull the trigger on a MAZ38 reverb from 2016, but I have a few questions about this amp (as I'm not able to test one before buying).
I'm the proud owner of a Therapy and a Z28 mk1. A buddy of mine has a MAZ18 mk1, which I played a couple of days ago on my greenback cab. It didn't do much to me on the Creamback cab I previously tested it on, but I absolutely loved it on greenbacks. Although I think it could need a little extra headroom and oomph (and maybe some extra volume when you need it). So I'd might like the 38 a bit more, as I also have a Z Brake lite to tame the level if needed.
I can buy a MAZ38 reverb mk1 from somebody a couple of hours away for a reasonable price. How does this compare to a MAZ38 Non Reverb? I've read that the reverb models have a little less gain on tap. That Maz18 had more gain than my therapy and Z28 and I don't miss anything when playing the Therapy or Z28, als I use pedals to boost it into overdrive. How does a MAZ38 Reverb compare to these amps gain wise? Does it also do that Vox/Marshall thing well?
|
|
|
Post by purpletele on Mar 15, 2023 8:45:49 GMT -7
Hi all, I'm about to pull the trigger on a MAZ38 reverb from 2016, but I have a few questions about this amp (as I'm not able to test one before buying). I'm the proud owner of a Therapy and a Z28 mk1. A buddy of mine has a MAZ18 mk1, which I played a couple of days ago on my greenback cab. It didn't do much to me on the Creamback cab I previously tested it on, but I absolutely loved it on greenbacks. Although I think it could need a little extra headroom and oomph (and maybe some extra volume when you need it). So I'd might like the 38 a bit more, as I also have a Z Brake lite to tame the level if needed. I can buy a MAZ38 reverb mk1 from somebody a couple of hours away for a reasonable price. How does this compare to a MAZ38 Non Reverb? I've read that the reverb models have a little less gain on tap. That Maz18 had more gain than my therapy and Z28 and I don't miss anything when playing the Therapy or Z28, als I use pedals to boost it into overdrive. How does a MAZ38 Reverb compare to these amps gain wise? Does it also do that Vox/Marshall thing well? mjz, The MkI 38 is a bold beast. You would need to use an attenuator so you can get the volume cranked to push the amp into OD. Once cranked, the 38 does the VOX/Marshall thing very well. I have the 38 MKII and that amp can get real Voxy/Marshally at lower volumes. I would buy the 38 MKI and send it in for an upgrade. You can even get a half power switch!
|
|
|
Post by pcns on Mar 16, 2023 7:55:32 GMT -7
I 2nd the thought on the MKII upgrade and getting a 1/2 power switch would be amazing. The 38 has a much bigger voice than the 18. NR model, at least in my Maz 18, is a big stet up in gain (in a very good way) but it you are after clean head room the 38 may fit the bill for you. The MKII mod adds a much improved master volume so you should really be able to control the volume well. The Therapy and Z28 handle pedals extremely well. Not sure about the Maz amps. I can't hear any difference and I have all three available. Todd
|
|
mjz
New Member
Posts: 8
|
Post by mjz on Mar 22, 2023 4:31:53 GMT -7
Thanks for the replies. Is there also any difference in tone between the 38 NR and the 38 Reverb? I mean, if the reverb is off, they should sound the same, right?
|
|
|
Post by KeithA on Mar 22, 2023 6:50:47 GMT -7
Thanks for the replies. Is there also any difference in tone between the 38 NR and the 38 Reverb? I mean, if the reverb is off, they should sound the same, right? I suspect that the NR version would have a little step up in grit simply due to the fact that the reverb circuit is in the design (whether it's turned off or not). I know this is the case with the Maz18NR vs Maz18Reverb model.
|
|
mjz
New Member
Posts: 8
|
Post by mjz on Mar 26, 2023 23:47:55 GMT -7
Well, I've bought the Maz and I'm very impressed. Never had an amp that is this versatile. Fender blackface cleans (with awesome reverb), Vox chime and drive, JTM45-ish crunch and also a great lead tone without pedals (with or without EQ bypass). The mid and cut controls are extremely powerful. I've tested it on my 2x12 with Celestion G12h30 55hz greenbacks.
Compared to the Maz18, it just has a bigger sound. The Maz18 doesn't have more gain per se(in my experience), which is often claimed, but it sags and compresses more and earlier (what low wattage amps do off course). The Maz38 has a deeper low end and is tighter, more articulate and punchier overall. It sounds way bigger than a 38 watt amp and it's LOUD. Impressive piece of engineering.
Might post some crappy iphone demo's later. :-)
|
|
|
Post by thatstatuemoved on Apr 11, 2023 10:32:54 GMT -7
Great choice on the maz 38. It has been my go to amp for many years. I have the NR version. I run a strymon flint for reverb and trem and sounds great through the maz. I got the upgrade and now have a 1/2 power switch which is like having two amps in one. I do not know if at half power it sounds just like a maz 18, but I like having the option. Nothing against the maz 18, but I like the idea of having more power than I need than not having enough power. I have had a bevy of Z models and some have come and gone, but still have the 38 and it a keeper for me. YMMV. My prediction is that sometime in the future you will get another Z amp, cause like everyone here on the forum says, it is hard to have just one. Good luck with your maz!!
|
|