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Post by baddaddy on Dec 26, 2009 15:34:37 GMT -7
Hello everyone, I'm a newbie, here, and looking for some honest help in sorting my sound out. I own a Maz 38 and think I may need something different. My story in short is this:
I recently (last Spring) sold the Fender Twin that I played for ten years. Great amp in many ways, great headroom, incredible breakup, creamy drive tones, sparkling highs, kinda loose lows, but generally we all know why these are so well loved. I eventually got really sick of some of Fender's poor quality and never-ending quirks. This amp had all kinds of little personalities that drove me nuts, and most of them due to cheap construction and bad circuit boards. Never mind the weight and the mind-boggling volume!
So off to the Z I went--finally. Hand wired beauty. I got right into a Maz 38 with the Z-Best cab, thinking that I wanted to find the same sounds but with a much higher quality build and a special sort of pedigree. I have played this amp for five months, now. This amp is really impressive, yet I find that it's a bit different than I really expected or what I am looking for. I liked it when I tried one out in the showroom, and thought I would take the chance.
I do like most of what I get out of the Maz 38 playing my Es-335. I have found, though, that it's a little too edgy for my taste when really driving it. I play the blues/blues rock, performing on all kinds of stages large and small. But I feel like I am looking for something a little different. I also, kinda missed the boat a little when I didn't realize that the Jaz was coming out. I do miss the tremolo in the Twin. So verb and trim are very compelling, but I have not played one and live about 3 hours from the nearest Z dealer, so it's a little tough to go out for trials.
I guess I am asking you guys for some insight and psycho- therapy, here. I am new to the Z world, and I am committed, I just may have been over zealous in jumping into the Maz. What will I find different about the Jaz? Is there another head that may grab me? If I bought the Jaz, how would it sound with the Z-best? or a single 12?
Does Z do anything such as a trade in? I want to look into moving into something different, but I am thinking that I ought to explore this a little harder--as we all know, these amps aren't cheap. If there is a good arena for the resale for these amps, please advise.
thanks for hearing me. Happy Holidays everyone. Best, baddaddy
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Post by zombieZ on Dec 26, 2009 22:22:56 GMT -7
Good resale,...especially to other Z owners that know these amps. If you liked the twin, you will definitely be impressed with the EZG-50.... Lots of headroom, but it stays warm and alive without getting brittle...... Not a lot of gain from the amp but it takes pedals flawlessly. The reverb is the best I have heard. Best of all the bottom never loses itself,..it stays nice and tight and focused,....the mids are nice and gooey and the top end is brilliant,....think of this as a much improved twin with a lil bit of a super reverb mixed in,...all around gorgeous amp and solid as a rock. As far as a cab goes, I like it best with the 4x10, but Ive heard good things about the Z-best with this amp....the 1x12 might allow for a lil speaker breakup,...the EZG really likes single coils but Im sure that 335 will be nice and warm and drive the amp real nice,..just dont expect tons of breakup unless you running pedals,...this amp gets mighty loud before breakup,....definitely a good gigging amp, ...for home use better get a brake or your neighbors will give ya funny looks.... As for the JAZ, I havent had enough experience with it to tell you, try the Jaz section, the guys will lead you better than me,...but if you want an all aroung great clean tone with a verb to die for m you might find that the EZG is the ticket,..I sure did..
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Post by baddaddy on Dec 27, 2009 17:34:55 GMT -7
I am all ears! And I am hearing lots of great stuff about the EZG. Having the Maz has led me to know what to expect out of these amps--it's really great sound, top notch. So, yeah, thanks for the words, man. I need to get in and audition some amps...It's just travel time for me!
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Post by zombieZ on Dec 27, 2009 20:36:48 GMT -7
Its definitely worth logging the miles. Not only are the amps top notch and go far and above the reviews ratings and expectations,... The Doc and staff are superb and stand behind the products 1000% with the best customer service in the biz. Not to mention the low numbers compared to mass produced products guarantees a tone all to your own. Ive had the priviledge to own and play many rare and coveted amps, but time and time again I find myself coming back to the EZG for that sweet clean tone and reverb. Welcome to the forum baddaddy, this place is packed with info and experience that is gladly shared.
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Post by baddaddy on Dec 27, 2009 21:06:04 GMT -7
That's all really good stuff to hear about the Z crew and I love the idea these are built here in the states., couple more questions: Are there any mod's to the ezg that I should be aware of?
Also, can you enlighten me on the volume controls? Do the pre and post volume control act much like a master and volume relationship?
And you know, coming from the 100 watt Fender twin venue, I can tell you that amp is loud. I found myself using a Weber attenuator most all of the time. I don't think there is a venue big enough for that amp! But I did find that it's sweet spot was really around 12 o'clock for volume on the clean channel. Still had to attenuate it, though. I'd love to hear more comments on ezg volume. You know, the Maz 38 is no library amp, either.
I appreciate you being a sounding board, here.
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Post by zombieZ on Dec 29, 2009 5:52:29 GMT -7
Well I havent seen many people modding these, as the doc has really squeezed out every drop in his circuits,...but everyone has there own style,..but these being hand made and not massed produced the numbers are quite smaller and therefore you are less likely to see one modded. However I read in the EZG section that someone here had a master volume mod done, so search the threads and see whats up with that. As for the volume controls, the EZG pre and post does not act like a normal pre and post,....dont expect to dime one of them and then set the other one at minimal range for a tube saturated tone. The headroom is really really high and even with both dimed the breakup is slight. However the controls work well together to fatten up the sound and add some warmth,... This is a very very clean 50 watts,....so most everyone I know uses some sort of pedal for their OD or distortion needs. Overall the volume controls work together and when you find that there isnt just one sweet spot on this amp, there are several IMO.... So overall a very great amp, with a very sweet clean tone and skight breakup at very very high volumes,...reverb is stunning and the eq on this amp works together to get some really smooth clean tones. I love it, however I am a huge fan of tube saturation and OD, but have found myself on a search for the right dirt box to compliment the EZG,...but dont worry she takes pedals with style and grace.
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Post by baddaddy on Dec 29, 2009 7:47:23 GMT -7
Hey, thanks for the insight, here, zombie-man! I am off to the shop when I can score a couple of hours of down time in the car. Gotta go try it--and a few others, I guess. No problem there, that's half the fun. Not a big fan fo pedals, but I can wrap my head around that. I like saturation, too. But I look for that light natural breakup first. If the amp gets into that, then I know I will be happy with it. Are you using the Air-brake with it? A lot? Where do you mostly play this thing? Thanks again for keeping track of the thread.
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Post by zombieZ on Dec 29, 2009 9:32:39 GMT -7
Yeah man it will get slight break up territory no prob.....but be prepared for the airbrake, this is a loud 50 watts. Ive been in the studio for the past few weeks with this and it has been a shining staple. Ive gigged with it about a half dozen tmes and have had no problem cutting through or getting overpowered,....the 6l6's like to be pushed and like all tube amps things jus get better with volume. I definitely have enjoyed this amp, and exploring the EQ and the pre post combinations will suprize you,...I will not say that this amp will cover every base, but I am not finding it to be a one trick pony either,...the lil subtleties and nuances that can be found in a multitude of clean tones are def where the EZG shines IMO. If ya get a chance to play it, I am most certain you will be impressed, especially coming from fender twin territory, hopefully they have an air brake or will let ya crank it,...this amp likes that. Keep me posted, and again welcome to the forum.
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Post by pintail78 on Jan 2, 2010 21:38:37 GMT -7
try to pick up a clean used one, if you want to try something else you wont loose cash. The Z's are well built and hold up so I wouldnt worry about getting a lemon too much. I go between a proreverb and maz 38 for bigger stuff, and a deluxe reverb and a maz 18 for smaller rooms. Both of my maz's are heads, it makes it easier to swith back and forth.
I find the Drz's too sound bright and a bit sterile UNTIL you get used to them when compared with the older fenders. BUT when your playing live with a band they cut though much better than the fenders.
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Post by zombieZ on Jan 3, 2010 5:06:40 GMT -7
Too Bright and sterile? Hmmm I think you might be the first person in history ive heard say that about the EZG.... Actually to me its the flip side,...the old silver and blackface fenders seem really frail and thin until you begin to push the tubes. The Ezg has never sounded too bright, the top end is always warm and stellar and the overall eq sweep on the amp never sounds sterlie its always alive and organic and never hard to dial in a great sound in any room. But to each their own, Id be more prone to say something else in the signal chain is causing any hints of sub par tone,...other than that proper eq is key, but hey what do I know!!!
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Post by baddaddy on Jan 3, 2010 7:50:28 GMT -7
Good talk, guys! i really do want o tryone of these out. The dealer in maine does not have one in the showroom...Other than gambling and paying up front for one, I am kind of stuck for trying one out. I might check the used circles a little. Might just need a plane ticket to Ohio!
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Post by freddieg on Jan 3, 2010 10:24:15 GMT -7
Check out the Frankie Starr EZG-50 demo on youtube.
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Post by zombieZ on Jan 3, 2010 13:29:02 GMT -7
+100 for the demos
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Post by baddaddy on Jan 3, 2010 17:20:05 GMT -7
Yeah that's a good demo... What do you all think about the whole humbucker vs. single coils and how the amp responds to those differently? Speakers? i have always thought that 10" speakers were moer readily geared for the single coil sound and the 12's allowed for a little more aural space that the humbuckers need....This all sounds like generalization, I know. Love to hear your thougths on that one.
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Post by zombieZ on Jan 3, 2010 18:43:25 GMT -7
Well this amp tends to like single coils IMO, but has no problem with the humbuckers.....My favorite guitar through this is an original '66 mustang, and the single coils are low output, but I get the most gorgeous clean tones that are very organic and blooming. Running a late 70's Gibson LP through this tends to push the amp a bit harder but the large amount of headroom never even gives a hint of breakup unil very loud volumes. Its a very capable amp and will respond well to both SC and HB guitars, but I prefer the single coils clarity and punch. As for speakers, it is very hard to make an accurate response due to the many varying factors involved. Cab construction, the room youre playing in, everything else in the signal path, even down to small differences in volume humidity, temp , number of people in the room all play a huge factor. 10s tend to get speaker breakup sooner, but as far as projection,db's and breathing there are slight differences, but the biggest problem and most commonly overlooked factor is proper EQ'ing in a room. 98% of problems stem from poor EQ,....with the proper eq I can make 1x10 sound like 2x12's or vice versa. Personally for me the 4x10 cab is the way to go with the EZG,...anyplace from home to small to large venues and back into the studio I can always EQ an amazing tone with this head and cab and well maintained gear...
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Post by baddaddy on Jan 6, 2010 17:36:37 GMT -7
Alright, man. I just ordered a used 2008 EZG from a dealer in kY. I get a 48 hr. trial with it to decide if I want to keep it. so, we'll see. I am excited with anticipation and will report on my findings. I haven't given up yet. and you know, to be honest, a couple of gear head friends have pointed me towards Victoria and their 50w Golden Melody combo. Haven't been able to try it because, again, location challenged, so I am holding off to play the EZG first. I thought this was a good gamble with the return policy, as I have a couple z cab's and I like the whole Z thang.
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Post by zombieZ on Jan 6, 2010 18:42:56 GMT -7
Congrats,...you will never look back!!! A trial period is a really cool thing, would have saved me tons of money over the years...
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Post by zombieZ on Jan 6, 2010 18:45:16 GMT -7
Oh yeah let us know how it reacts with ya,....well help ya get her dialed in ,..the EQ and volumes on this are different than most....but finding a sweet spot will be no problem.......
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Post by baddaddy on Jan 8, 2010 16:18:39 GMT -7
So, there she was, sittin on the front stoop when I got to the house today. So I ripped her out of the box and started into it, right off. I ain't wastin no mo time here! spent the last two hours playin around, different settings different speakers. I have a z-best 2 x 12 cab and a z 12" cab, no tens. I have decided I like the single 12 the best, and that's good because it's small and that is a concern, been trying to downsize a bit. But end result, I like. I like a lot. This is much closer to what I was looking for.
I can see the need for the attenuator so put my weber 100w rated attentuator in the loop and that is little too much, even on a low dial in. Are you running the air brake or anything like that? I wonder if there's an easy way to kind of incorporate the brake into the amp or mountit on the amp somehow? don't know, I am a minimalist when it comes to pedals and boxes and other accessories. But I like what I hear so far.
This is the sweet spot so far: Pre & post at 12 o"clock, treble and mid at 2:30, bass 12 o'clock, dwell and mix about 8:30-9:00. She is bassy, wow. Maybe a little too much? I don't know, gotta keep twistin knobs, obviously. although I do like where I have it set now. But good overall BF tone, and a tight lower end. so I am just giving my ears a rest and then back out to the studio for some more EZG. Let me know if you have any other words of wisdom. You've been great ears, so far, I apprec iate it...and you called it right, I think I can work with this rig. I may have to fine tune other tonal by looking at other cab's, maybe ten's won't be so bassy, but it ain't bad. I'll keep playin, got all weekend to decide if I'm keeping it or not. Right now, I'm keepin it!
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Post by zombieZ on Jan 8, 2010 21:12:52 GMT -7
Glad to hear your getting some time to check her out. Im sure the 1x12 is good sound although I have been using the 4x10. Yep shes a beast in the low end, but its always focused and never gets flabby,...personally I havent found the need to set the bass past 9 o'clock, and most that Ive talked to keep it really low,..some have it set around 6;30 and the amp sill has plenty of low end, so play around with it and dont let the bass overwhelm the rest of the frequencies which shouldnt be a problem as the mid range is very organic and the top end is able to cut without sounding brittle...,. but different variables make for different settings so be patient the learning curve may be a bit steep at first although there arent many bad sounds you can get out of this amp.... with me treble is in the 11-1 o clock range the mid around the same and the bass from 6-9 depending on the room the volume and what Im after for the evening,....the pre and post work wonders and you will find that tweaks in different settings can allow for same volume levels but different tonal characters,..the pre likes to be opened up to allow the notes to swell and the post likes to be opened up to let it all just breath and push!!! try messing with these for a while, you will eventually get the hang of what they can do,.....and of course the reverb is hands down gorgeous,..... I know all of the docs cab are nice but for me the 4x10 is the crem de la crem for this head, but to each their own right. Keep me posted and let me know your thoughts....and congrats!!
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Post by mtlrecords on Jan 8, 2010 23:02:31 GMT -7
Congrats! The EZG50 is a great amp. I know your pain when it comes to volume- I have been thinking of picking up an Air Brake or a Bad Cat Leash. To be determined soon...Enjoy!
I think my favorite setting right now is Pre- 3:00, Post 1:00, Bass- 9:00, Mid- 12:00, Treble- 2:00, Dwell- 9:00, Mix- 10:00
I think some of the magic is going to be found through boosting and cutting the various EQ controls. Lots of tones in there.
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Post by baddaddy on Jan 9, 2010 3:43:43 GMT -7
yeah, it's a fun head. Lovin' it....and can't wait to play tonight.
biggest nuisance right now seems to be in the 1 x 12 cab. i like the sound, but there is audible vibrations coming from the grill cloth flapping away in the aural breeze. annoying...any suggestions?
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Post by pedalcr8z on Jan 9, 2010 4:23:42 GMT -7
Alright, man. I just ordered a used 2008 EZG from a dealer in kY. I get a 48 hr. trial with it to decide if I want to keep it. so, we'll see. I am excited with anticipation and will report on my findings. I haven't given up yet. and you know, to be honest, a couple of gear head friends have pointed me towards Victoria and their 50w Golden Melody combo. Haven't been able to try it because, again, location challenged, so I am holding off to play the EZG first. I thought this was a good gamble with the return policy, as I have a couple z cab's and I like the whole Z thang. I just took delivery of Willcutt's black combo EZG-50. I'm excited for you as you'll never look back!
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Post by zombieZ on Jan 9, 2010 9:01:32 GMT -7
lower the bass lol......remove the grill....hahaha does the same thing happen with your Z-best? I havent had any problems with this through my 4x10 .... maybe try thumbtacks to secure the cloth a bit more to the baffle,....we did this to an old bassman once in the studio,..ugly as hell but solved the problem.
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Post by zombieZ on Jan 9, 2010 9:03:27 GMT -7
well to the ezg-50 club pedalcr8z..... its a fantastic amp indeed.....I havent heard the combo version yet, but Im sure its great. How heavy is the combo?
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Post by pedalcr8z on Jan 9, 2010 16:31:41 GMT -7
Feels like 50-55 pounds, very manageable.
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Post by zombieZ on Jan 9, 2010 19:27:37 GMT -7
get ya a nice ata flight case and a dolly and your good to go for life....
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