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Post by sparrowhawk (Bob) on Nov 11, 2005 10:08:05 GMT -7
OK, decided I'm going for the "smaller" Maz38 combo - 2x12 will be too cumbersome for my needs. Now I have to settle on 1x12 or 2x10 configuration. Nearest dealer only has 2x12 in stock, next nearest dealer is a couple of hours away, so I can't easily audition both. I've always owned amps with one or two 12 inch speakers, never lived with a 2x10 (or a 4x10, for that matter) so I have no idea how this configuration sounds in real life. Was wondering if ya'll could impart some wisdom on the fundamental tone of the 2x10, and how it might compare to the 1x12.
I'll frequently check the dealers to see when they get a 2x10 in stock and eventually try it for myself, but in the mean time I'd appreciate some opinions.
Thanks!
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Post by billyguitar on Nov 11, 2005 11:01:39 GMT -7
I've heard a Z 2 x 10 cab. I really like the way it spreads the sound around, not so beamy as a 1 x 12". Good, solid mids too.
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Post by Bill on Nov 11, 2005 11:17:48 GMT -7
Of course it's a matter of personal taste, but I've had all the Z cabs and find:
-4x10 has plenty of kick, tight bright & loud. Not TOO hard to carry.
-2x10 with lens technology is much larger sounding than one would expect, very manuverable, same tonal characteristics as above.
-1x12 is a keeper for me. Lightweight and with a Weber Blue can usually get'er done. More "wooly" than a 10.
-ZBest, loud & heavy, really projects and moves air. Closed back and can be a little boomy, otherwise an excellent and highly used cabinet. Best for large stages.
-Open back 2x12, as big sounding as the ZBest but obviously more airy, less compressed sounding. Huge compared to the 2x10...with a Marshall head sounds almost like there're 4 12's in there. Mine has the Blue/Silver alnicos wired 16 ohms. The silver is *the secret weapon ;D.
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Post by groovedr on Nov 13, 2005 0:12:49 GMT -7
Howdy, I have been playing a 1-12 combo for about 3 months and man I wouldn't trade it. This compact amp has it all. I play a lot of tele and like to spank it quite a bit, i can get it all with this amp. And w/ a strat, s#*t its killer. Can't imagine needing any more spread. Tight low end, clear but not shrill mids and highs great delineation between notes...its got it covered. Try one if you can.
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Post by sparrowhawk (Bob) on Nov 13, 2005 15:34:18 GMT -7
groovedr - what speaker is in your 1x12? JUst curious.
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Post by groovedr on Nov 14, 2005 12:24:53 GMT -7
sparrowhawk, I have the celestion G12H 30w 70th aniversary 12". Im not a speaker expert but I know it sounds grrrreat.
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Post by propellr on Nov 14, 2005 13:26:03 GMT -7
I think Madison up there just about covered it. IMHO you may be equally happy with the 1x12 or the 2x10. If I had never heard a 2x10, I wouldn't know whether or not I were missing anything, so if you can't hear a 2x10, get the 1x12 and be happy! It was worth my gas money to drive to audition both of them side by side, though. If I never had to carry my rig down stairs or fit it in my trunk, I might have chosen the 2x12, but man, is it large! I would have to say that the 1x12 sounded just like it ought to, because I had been playing through an amp with a 12" speaker. If you're used to 12s, the 1x12 might be the way to go. I chose the 2x10 combo because it sounded different. I don't think it's about right and wrong, even for a particular player. It's just choices. You could go for the sound you're looking for, or you could go for something unexpected. Either way, though, either sound could end up being "your" sound. It's all in what you do with it. My "quest for tone" began when I decided to invest in quality gear. In one sense, my quest is about to be over once my new Z arrives. With good gear like the Doctor builds, I can spend more time practicing. I'll always be seeking better tone, but I want to get to seeking it with my fingers on strings, versus fingers on knobs.
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Post by sparrowhawk (Bob) on Nov 14, 2005 14:21:55 GMT -7
Outstanding input, folks! Sounds like this amp will bring the big smile regardless of speaker configuration. I played a 2x12, it sounded incredible, right then and there I knew I wanted a Maz. But as propellr said:
>>If I never had to carry my rig down stairs or fit it in my trunk....
It'll be a while before I pull the trigger (but not too long...) and I'll check the dealers periodically in hopes of trying both configurations. In the mean time, I'll mentally toy with two great options: 1) Get the 1x12, something I'm familiar with, and expect it to sound great, or 2) Go for the 2x10, expect it to sound great, and have all sorts of fun exploring something new.
Thanks again, and any other comments will be appreciated.
Edit to add: Just noticed the -1 karma. Did I annoy someone? If so, sorry...
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Post by kingink on Nov 14, 2005 20:38:05 GMT -7
The first Z I ever tried was a Maz 38 Sr. reverb 1x12 combo with the G12H 30. This is what got me hooked. To me, the 1x12 did not lack for fullness or low end. It was really rockin' combo. At home, I've got this crappy closed back Crate 1x12 cab with a Celestion 65 in it, and my 38 Sr. head sounds great through it. Again, there's no lack of "bigness." Point being, I really think you could get away with a 1x12 combo. That said, I've never tried the 2x10, and the lens technology seems really cool. I hope this helps.
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Post by sparrowhawk (Bob) on Nov 15, 2005 10:33:54 GMT -7
Thanks, kingink.
Dumb question: What exactly is lens technology? I checked the Doc's site and couldn't find an explanation. Thanks!
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Post by Bill on Nov 15, 2005 11:00:44 GMT -7
When the 3/4" baffle is cut for the 10" speaker, its done so with a bevel on the router. The bevel extends the cone out considerably more along the same plane as the speaker. The result is a larger sounding 10.
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Post by sparrowhawk (Bob) on Nov 15, 2005 12:53:27 GMT -7
When the 3/4" baffle is cut for the 10" speaker, its done so with a bevel on the router. The bevel extends the cone out considerably more along the same plane as the speaker. The result is a larger sounding 10. Wow - cool. Sorta like a megaphone.
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Post by Bill on Nov 15, 2005 13:04:59 GMT -7
quote] Wow - cool. Sorta like a megaphone. Yes!
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Post by Buzz Fretwear (Ignatius) on Nov 15, 2005 14:37:48 GMT -7
I had a 2x10 Maz Jr and it sounded pretty darn huge considering it had 10's in it. I got rid of that and now I have a 1x12 Mazerati. It does sound a little more open and wide-ranging, and maybe this is psychological because I "know", but I do sense a little less airyness due to the single speaker. Or better put, it's a little less 3-D sounding. Overall, however, I think I do like that added "oomph" of the 12. Another upshot to consider is that it seems like 12's are more of an accepted standard for guitar speakers, and therefore there are more choices for aftermarket replacements so you can dial in the tone you're after (Weber makes great speakers, there are always the other Celestions, and the newer Eminence lines are pretty impressive and a good value to boot).
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Post by propellr on Nov 15, 2005 19:34:47 GMT -7
I've never changed a speaker in a guitar amp, but I read about mods all the time. Great ideas here-- some of you players love to mix and match. If I were into different speakers, I'd probably get a Maz 38 head and several different cabs, but I'm the plug-and-play sort, myself. I bet some of you out there are street rodders, aren't you? Always getting that new mod and up all night in the garage changing the old one out! Great fun! I dig that about this forum, but I'm much more likely to stay up writing... (don't bleep me, Mr. Moderator--) lyrics! There, my secret's out! I'm (gasp!) a songwriter in guitar player's clothes! Hey, guys. Go easy on me. That doesn't mean I have to sacrifice good tone.
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Post by sparrowhawk (Bob) on Nov 16, 2005 6:46:51 GMT -7
There, my secret's out! I'm (gasp!) a songwriter in guitar player's clothes! Hey, guys. Go easy on me. That doesn't mean I have to sacrifice good tone. Sure wish I could call myself a song writer.... And good tone is a good thing no matter how you choose to make your music! I'm at best an average soloist (usually below average) and like playing solos, but what I really love doing is painting the sonic landscape - what some might call rhythm guitar. I used to struggle with the concept of whether or not I "deserved" a really good amp, but I'm way past that. Good tone helps you play better, which helps you sound better, which improves your techniqe, which helps you sound better....
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Post by jwr on Nov 17, 2005 9:31:30 GMT -7
Hey Sparrowhawk: I've had a hard time figuring out what configuration I want my Sr. to be as well. I've played the 2X10 and the 2X12. For me the amp really shines with 10's. Still has lots of low end. It seems to be a little more of a focused or refined sound I guess. Lot's of guys on this forum seem to be loving Z amps with 10" speakers. I'm not trying to talk you out of the 1X12 because I haven't played it. But if you get a chance, make the trip to play it with 10's. I drove all over to try different Z's, with different speakers, and they all have a unique voice. I think it will be worth the time invested. Make sure that you ENJOY the search!!!!!!!!!!!
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