|
Post by bluedog on Oct 19, 2006 22:15:45 GMT -7
I'm torn between which of these amps to possibly purchase based only on what I have read. I have yet to play through either, since there are no dealers for them in my area. Can anyone offer a comparison, particularly regarding each's ability to cover a small to medium size venue. I am thinking that the "tweed deluxe" may break-up too much, too soon. We play classic rock, mostly, and some blues. Any comments regarding both amps would be appreciated. Thanks!
|
|
|
Post by kledbet on Oct 19, 2006 23:44:15 GMT -7
Hi, I own both. The Victoria is more tweed, and does break up sooner and is probably not quite as loud as the Maz 18. If you use a 5751 you can get more headroom in the Victoria. The Maz is a more flexible amp capable of a greater variety of tones, mostly from pushed clean to dirty. Neither amp is a clean monster, both have hair at most levels but the maz will stay cleaner longer especially if you turn the master volume up and the volume somewhat down. I could wish that you could get both, but if it has to be just one..... go with the maz.
|
|
|
Post by Ridgeback on Oct 20, 2006 10:12:27 GMT -7
This is not an exact comparison as I have a Victoria double deluxe (more headroom and overall more usable than the 20112 IMHO) and a 1x12 Maz Jr NR combo. I would agree with everything kledbet said above. I'm not sure which one I would keep if I could only have one. It would be hard to let the DD go.
|
|
wilzgt
Full Member
I plumb for Z-Tone !
Posts: 151
|
Post by wilzgt on Oct 20, 2006 15:56:40 GMT -7
I presently own a Victoria 20112T, and it's my main amp I take out to blues jams. It does break up at 4, but it's a clean sounding breakup. I typically play a strat with it and set the amp at 7 on the volume. The amp cleans up easily with a slight adjustment on the strat volume(I mostly use the normal channel). If I know I want more of a rock sound, I'll short the channels together. With either setting, I use an OD pedal as a volume boost for extra singing lead. The tone of this amp is very musical all the way. Plus, it's smaller and lighter to carry! I don't care for high gain pedals with this amp---sounds grainy to me.
I used to own a Maz38. I think the Jr will be similar, but it was pretty versatile. It too had a killer clean overdriven sound with the preamp volume at higher levels. I liked the Maz 38 better if I used a distortion pedal with the amp. I prefer EL84 tube amps more than 6V6's for more distorted sounds---just sounds more British to me.
I think both are really nice amps. To me it boils down to if you like 6v6 or EL84's better. For me, if I'm only boosting the signal, both are exellent. If I'm pushing the signal with a high gain pedal, then I like the Maz and it's EL84 better.
I hope this helps!
|
|
|
Post by chipstar75 on Oct 20, 2006 18:46:39 GMT -7
EL 84's are more pleantifull and many good ones out there.....6V6,s.....not so many ! more money to re-tube as well. Hard 2 beat the versitality of a Maz 18
|
|
|
Post by tele1962 on Oct 20, 2006 22:26:27 GMT -7
I agree. The 18 is quite versatile and complex sounding. The Victoria is true to a tweed voicing, but very singular as well. The Maz would be my choice if only one was chosen.
|
|
|
Post by m1911 on Oct 22, 2006 7:24:25 GMT -7
The Victoria 20112 was our first introduction to boutique amplifiers....it's a very cool little amp. We had one then parked next to a MAZ Junior for about a year. I agree with everyone's comments above. While the Victoria was a tad easier to haul around, the MAZ Junior is WAY more versatile. It's a lot tighter throughout the volume range, and because of the controls, has a lot more tones in it..... I ended up selling the Victoria and loaded up on more Z's, but that is in no way a knock on the Victoria. If you want a great practice amp, or a lighter piece to haul to a blues jam....there is NOTHING wrong with the Victoria....but you WILL get that rattier, more raw sound once you get to a certain volume. The MAZ Junior will go from pristine cleans to screamin' means and all of that louder, if desired. IMHO (while I like the MAZ Senior the most) The MAZ Junior is the ultimate "desert island" amp. Mark
|
|
|
Post by bluedog on Oct 23, 2006 17:42:21 GMT -7
Thanks to everyone who responded. Great comments, and very helpful!!
|
|
|
Post by chipstar75 on Nov 7, 2006 17:12:49 GMT -7
Service is a big part of the sale. I cannot speak on Victoria.....but one look around the forum and you know Mike backs up his stuff as well or better than anyone. Thats very important. Good luck with your quest.
|
|