RedWire75
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the underground is overcrowded
Posts: 37
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Post by RedWire75 on Oct 3, 2006 7:20:23 GMT -7
I have been having a problem with OD pedals hitting the input stage of the MAZ too hard and end up compressing too much for my tastes...
I've tried a bunch but I'm currently using a Full-Drive II (Volume at 10:00 Gain at 10:00) and an OCD (Volume at 10:00 Gain at 2:00) for my medium and high gain sounds, respectively. I usually play an EJ Strat into the HI input on the MAZ into a Z-Best 2x12 (g12h30 and v30). Controls are set at CUT - off, MASTER - noon or higher, BASS - noon, MID - 10:30, TREBLE - 11:00, VOLUME - 3:00. Has anybody else found this issue with their Z's? Might it be tube related? The MAZ has the Svets for all 3 tube positions, GT EL-84s #6 for power and a Sovtek rectifier. It seems that I've had this issue since I got the amp though.... Also, it is more of an issue with the OCD (or any of the higher gain ODs I've tried)
Also, it seems like I've noticed a bit of volume loss in the last couple of weeks. So would that be a sign that I should be ready to re-tube shortly? I've had the amp about 10 months but I don't know how much play it got in the store either....
Help would be much appreciated!!!
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Post by countryshawn on Oct 3, 2006 8:11:09 GMT -7
If you've had it for 10 months, and play it for at least an hour a day, you DEFINATELY need to re-tube that thing.
The good part is that they are quite inexpensive to outfit with new tubes.
Before worrying any further, that's the first thing I would do, because it's probably well past due. Primarily the EL84 finals need a change out - but I do the others since it's cheap enough.
You will be surprised at the difference it makes. I just went through this myself last week.
Shawn
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Post by Curt on Oct 3, 2006 8:17:50 GMT -7
I agree, new power tubes can not hurt, after that you may consider a solid state rec plug, they are cheap at $10 to $20 , no rebias needed so it's a 5 minute test, should increase head room and lessen compression.
Curt
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Post by John on Oct 3, 2006 8:20:20 GMT -7
I have a Maz Jr and I too use a Fulldrive II. And I use the same settings on the FDII. I too have found that some Overdrive pedals can hit the amp pretty hard. You didn't say anything about the toggle switch on the FDII....if your's is so equipped. I leave mine on FM (full mids) because that gives a nice mid boost. (result: more Marshally...less Fendery) ...for when I need that sound, which actually isn't that often.
One thing I noticed is you already have your volume on 3:00. That's pretty high. You're already pushing the preamp and any more volume/input (such as an overdrive pedal) will provide much more compression.
If you can stand it, I'd try backing off the volume (not master) on the amp, and let the pedals give that crunch boost you're looking for...they will do it with less compression.
I don't know how often/long you play the amp, but I don't think retubing after 10 months is out of the question. Since this is a cathode biased amp....and therefore eats tubes, you should ALWAYS have spares laying around. Toss in a spare set that you know are good and see if you still perceive the volume loss.
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RedWire75
New Member
the underground is overcrowded
Posts: 37
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Post by RedWire75 on Oct 3, 2006 8:32:25 GMT -7
What difference would a 12AT7 make as the PI?
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Post by guitargeorge on Oct 3, 2006 8:48:28 GMT -7
I almost never use the hi input when I'm running pedals, I find they sound much better when run through the lo input, I only use the hi input when I'm running single coils straight into the amp or sometimes buckers too, and if i'm relying on the amp to give up the juice on it's own.
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Post by jessterr on Oct 6, 2006 16:02:20 GMT -7
I put a 5751 in V-1 and have never looked back. Sounds sweet to me.
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