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Post by jsnaecker on Oct 26, 2008 10:38:19 GMT -7
I got a red maz jr with reverb and I love it but have some questions. First, I went to get a non-reverb with an effects loop but really liked the reverb and when we ab'd them with the controls dialed the same, I really could not hear a difference in tone or gain up to about 9:00 on the dial. When is it that the gain supposedly is more in the non-reverb, does it have to be really loud. I really didn't think the non-reverb had better tone either but I know that is the general opinion around here. They sounded identical. Also the manager said in his opinion, an effects loop would suck more tone than a reverb anyway and he was an electronics guy. Which would really steal more tone being in the circuit. Thanks.
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Post by bfarrow on Oct 26, 2008 10:43:55 GMT -7
Hey jsnaecker, my new Maz jr head 20th anniversary model w/verb came with the effects loop standard but I haven't used it so I cant comment on any tone sucking? I can tell you it sure sounds great through a Z-Best!
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Post by bluzman on Oct 26, 2008 12:05:17 GMT -7
I think you are thinking that with the reverb shut down on the reverb model you think you will get the extra gain that is available with the NR model (no reverb pot, tank or circuit). The amps are exactly the same only different. The NR Maz Jr's internal circuit has a little more gain on tap. Shorter signal path if you will.
So if you're looking for that extra gain that everybody talks about it'll be close enough with what you have.
The Reverb and non reverb Maz Jrs are two separate models. I have both and while there is more gain on tap with the Maz Jr. NR, I've easily made due with my Maz Jr. Rev Combos too.
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Post by jsnaecker on Oct 26, 2008 12:37:10 GMT -7
I am fine with the gain on tap. I just couldnt hear a difference with the volume dimed and the master up to about 8 or 9:00. Does the gain difference become more obvious at higher volumes. And which would truly take more tone from the amp. A reverb circuit or a effects loop circuit?
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Post by smolder on Oct 26, 2008 14:54:04 GMT -7
I find that everything between the guitar and the tubes seams to zap tone. Its one of the reason single knob tweeds (and of course the Carmen Ghia) are such great touch amps. That includes cords, effects, loops... everything.
The gain difference would not be noticable with the master down. If you were to dime the master on both... and manage loudness with the volume you would likely notice the difference. I am not an expert, but I thought I read the doc say that the circuits have more difference than just a reverb loop because of the way the reverb is designed...
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Post by T-R☼CK ♫ on Oct 26, 2008 15:01:59 GMT -7
I find that everything between the guitar and the tubes seams to zap tone. Its one of the reason single knob tweeds (and of course the Carmen Ghia) are such great touch amps. That includes cords, effects, loops... everything. yep........
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Post by jsnaecker on Oct 26, 2008 16:01:43 GMT -7
So is an effects loop also something that could be in the way of the signal path and therefore suck tone?
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Post by smolder on Oct 26, 2008 16:20:58 GMT -7
yep... I run a delay, chorus and holy grail through mine at times. I use a cut off looper that bypasses all of them when not in use. I still hear the difference. If you are going to use these types of pedals they are much better in the effects loop than out front (IMHO). The thing is, Dr Z's have such great tone when your guitar is plugged straight in, you get spoiled. It's hard to give up which is why a lot players on this board won't use pedals. Most other amps I have played through it did not really matter, partly because you weren't starting with the same pure tone.
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Post by jsnaecker on Oct 26, 2008 16:57:44 GMT -7
Let me re-state my question and see if I can explain what i'm asking a little better. If you take a maz with reverb built into the circuit and a maz with an effects loop built into the circuit, which of these 2 options would rob more tone from the circuit. I mean without using any effects. Which option built in takes more tone before you plug in effects. Is one of the two more complex and therefore take out pure tone? Because thats what the store guy was telling me, that a built in effects loop for whatever reason will mess with the amps pure tone more than a built in reverb option.
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Post by Jan on Oct 26, 2008 17:07:46 GMT -7
jsnaecker, anything you plug into the circuit anywhere changes the signal. I do not mean to belabor the obvious point but if you are not used to amps as articulate as Dr Z amps are this may be a revelation for you. I bought a Maz Jr NR because I heard a noticeable difference between the two. Yes, it gets more apparent when you crank it. Dr Z amps are designed to be played LIVE and LOUD. If you are home in a small room, the gain does not become noticeable until you are in serious hearing damage decibel range.
Any mention of "it is only 18 Watts" should be followed by maniacal laughter. And then there is my Galaxie, which feels louder than my Maz dimed with channel two at about 3 or 4. Galaxies go up to 12. ;D
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Post by jsnaecker on Oct 26, 2008 18:16:12 GMT -7
Thank you guys for the replies. I have played a mesa lonestar special for a few years and i ab'd it with the maz before i bought it. At first I honestly thout the lonestar sounded just as good until i started to turn up the maz. Then, what a diffference. Not to say the lonestar didnt sound great, just different. More of a warm, dickey bettes type tone which i use alot but I wanted something more natural, raunchy, gritty like the black crowes or a perfect example, the guitar tone in all right now by free, which the maz seemed to deliver perfectly. Now I need an attentuator. However, if the Non reverb can get me a better gritty, raw sound with just minimal help from a fulldrive or ocd, that is more important to me than the headroom a reverb may deliver because I only occasionally play totally clean. I may have to trade.
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