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Post by tjstrat on Mar 1, 2006 5:32:45 GMT -7
Anyone have any thoughts? Picked up a head last night... 5 preamp tubes, 4 Sovtek (Eccch! JJs already on the way!), effects loop AND reverb, Presence rather than cut, master volume and bass, mid, treble and volume controls.
Less gainy than the Maz 18 JR I have for sure. Any input here, thoughts, what I might do for tube swaps, what the history of the unit is and what sorts of experiences you all have had with this? I read it called the precurser to the Prescription, but I wouldn't be qualified for any such observations myself...
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Post by tjstrat on Mar 1, 2006 5:33:39 GMT -7
Ohhh. Those Sovteks are el-84s, sorry...
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Frethog
New Member
Dr.Z Maz 38 Studio Lead Head and Z Best 2x12
Posts: 23
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Post by Frethog on Jul 13, 2006 16:01:31 GMT -7
I have owned a 'Studio Lead' for a couple years now and I am curious about your questions as well. It's about time for a tube swap and I would like as much advice as possible. The SL is very clean for sure, which is what I was after when I sold my Marshall. But the highs can be a little shrill at times. I run the treble at about 11:30 and any pedals that are on usually are toned left of center as well. I'm no tube-junkie, and not even an apprentice electrician, so any advice should consist of few abbreviations. ...and what sorts of experiences you all have had with this? My experience has been mostly positive. I like the amp so much that I have considered getting a Maz Sr., but it’s not really necessary. Like I said, the SL can be dialed extremely clean, yet surprisingly loud. I use an Airbrake in my basement, but look forward to the rare times I can take it out and let ‘er buck.
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Post by tjstrat on Jul 15, 2006 3:06:25 GMT -7
I Put JJ EL84s in mine, and I have a Tung Sol reissue in V1 and the GT Mullard reissues in V3 and V5. I'm not enough of a conisseur to really do much mixing and matching. I need low noise and plenty of volume, and if the amp delivers I'm a happy boy. So far so good, but I have to say that over the last few months my Ghia has been getting most of the work. Thanks to a run of outdoor shows now the Maz is finally getting a workout.
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Frethog
New Member
Dr.Z Maz 38 Studio Lead Head and Z Best 2x12
Posts: 23
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Post by Frethog on Jul 15, 2006 11:34:20 GMT -7
High five for that.
I have heard the JJs mentioned a few times. It's all about low noise, but I can't see there ever being a problem with volume on this thing.
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Post by dei305 on Jul 17, 2006 12:39:08 GMT -7
TJ, I have a 8-9 year old Invasion. I sent it back to the good Doctor and it came back sounding incredible. I found the Tung-sols in V1 or V5, a bit bright..kind of reminded of sovtek 12AX7LPS. My fav is still the GT 12AX7M. The GT EL-84's #6 sound great too. Great amp. Takes pedals very well. you will aslo have the opportunity to check out different speakers, speaker combinations, and cabs. Have fun! Rick
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Post by tjstrat on Jul 17, 2006 16:27:15 GMT -7
My noise issue with the Studio was that it was used and the 5751 in either V2 or 3 had started to go... After a brief warmup, I'd get a staticy fluttering sound, like static over a fluttering piece of canvas or something. So I bought a few new tubes to try... Have a few of those TS reissues, the GT Mullard clones, and some NOS stuff. I like JJs in general... Seem to be a very good all purpose tube, at least as far as 84s and Axs go. I get 'em from Bob at Eurotubes. If nothing else they're good to have around in case of a failure at a gig for emergencies. Like I say, I'm not the tone hound that many of us around here are, but the JJs are okay. Now if I had more money and more time...
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Frethog
New Member
Dr.Z Maz 38 Studio Lead Head and Z Best 2x12
Posts: 23
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Post by Frethog on Jul 20, 2006 17:22:38 GMT -7
I have a 8-9 year old Invasion. I sent it back to the good Doctor... I read that story with interest. My reverb has always been pretty noisy and I wish I could clean it up. I e-mailed Dr.Z right after I got the amp and he seemed to indicate that the reverb buzz was indigenous to that amp. But I’ve heard others claim it was dead quiet. Maybe they had the NR. I wish I could send my head to the doctor… BTW Tj: my SL has no effects loop. I run a pretty large pedal board straight through with apparently no problems.
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Post by tjstrat on Jul 20, 2006 17:37:07 GMT -7
Zs are something, aren't they. I use the loop in my SL, but run the exact same pedal board with a little cableswapping stright into my Ghia with the same results as you. Quietest amps I've ever used.
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Frethog
New Member
Dr.Z Maz 38 Studio Lead Head and Z Best 2x12
Posts: 23
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Post by Frethog on Sept 2, 2006 9:48:33 GMT -7
Since Bob from JJ's is right here in Portland, I gave him a call and had him re-tube my Studio Lead head. Sounds great!
Also, the reverb tank had come loose and was resting on the transformer, causing more hum than normal. Much better. Things are looking up!
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