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Post by mikeslub on Apr 22, 2010 18:55:47 GMT -7
Got mine today. Blonde with brown grille cloth (looks very cool). This is my second Z; I have a 2 x 10 Maz 18 Jr. combo that I like. I usually play Humbucker guitars. The amp is very very loud - definitely needs the attenuator (and I am one of those people who doesn't like the tone impact of the attenuator at any setting). The tone is pretty dark (way darker than my Maz). The Red Fang had to go almost immediately - sounds way better (brighter, crisper) to my ears with a Celestion Alnico Gold. Gobs of gain on tap (almost too much). Unfortunately, there is an annoying tube rattle that I've not been able to isolate yet. And the pilot lamp started acting up as soon as I started to use the amp (blinked on and off for a while and then completely dead) - fortunately I have spares. I will play with it more this weekend and tweak the knobs some more before rendering my opinion on the amp (it took me a while to find the sweet spot with the Maz). But I must admit that I was a bit disappointed today. I know everyone's ears are different, and there are many rave reviews here, so I'll keep an open mind....
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Post by mikeslub on Apr 24, 2010 4:48:07 GMT -7
Changed tubes last night and got rid of the tube rattle. Still looking for my tone at a tolerable volume...
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Post by doctorice on Apr 24, 2010 6:27:14 GMT -7
Changed tubes last night and got rid of the tube rattle. Still looking for my tone at a tolerable volume... No Brake Lite? I wouldn't be able to use the Monza at home or even at some gigs without one.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2010 7:08:22 GMT -7
I've never seen one for sale without the BL. Weird.
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Post by mikeslub on Apr 24, 2010 7:40:23 GMT -7
Yes it has the Brake Lite. I don't really like the effect on tone of the attenuator, so I'm trying to find the right setting (maybe 1 or 2 on the attenuator) and knob settings to meet my needs.
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Post by bluzman on Apr 24, 2010 9:57:13 GMT -7
You can buy them without the Brake Lite.
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Post by mikeslub on Apr 24, 2010 18:24:01 GMT -7
Well, I am eating humble pie. I put the Red Fang back in the amp, and learned that it is indeed the best speaker for the amp, especially the lows versus the Gold. I have been twiddling the knobs a bit and have found some settings that work better for me. It's a high gain amp that lives in the midrange. You are not going to get any sparkly cleans from this puppy - that's not what it was designed for. If you're going to play at home the attenuator is a must - the amp is simply too loud! Even with the attenuator at 1 or 2 it's still really loud. I can see why the guys who gig a lot like it - it will definitely cut through the mix. I wouldn't want to push any more air than the 10" speaker that's in it, for fear of blowing out my eardrums!. Tight and punchy sound. Definitely an acquired taste.
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Post by doctorice on Apr 25, 2010 6:59:44 GMT -7
mikeslub: Good to hear you're getting the Monza working for you. I've found all my Zs have taught me to benefits of more wide-ranging explorations of the controls than what I used to do with other amp brands. I can get a decent clean and somewhat sparkly sound with a Strat with both the guitar vol and the Monza vol turned down -- and the drive off. But it's not a full-on jangle or chime. So, now what are you going to do with that Gold? Mike (doctorice)
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Post by mikeslub on Apr 25, 2010 11:50:20 GMT -7
So, now what are you going to do with that Gold? Mike (doctorice) Mike, I'm sure I'll find some good use for it.... ;D
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Post by kjv02 on Apr 26, 2010 14:16:22 GMT -7
ordered mine without a brake lite....that was a mistake on my part, it needs one
great amp tho, good to hear you're enjoying it
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jacka4699
Junior Member
Maz 18 JR NR, RIC 360-12, Strat, Lovepedal Amp 11, Dunlop Univibe and wah
Posts: 57
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Post by jacka4699 on May 3, 2010 18:59:34 GMT -7
Do you guys think the Monza would have been a good candidate for a half-power switch?
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Post by mikeslub on May 3, 2010 19:16:13 GMT -7
Do you guys think the Monza would have been a good candidate for a half-power switch? With two EL-84's for power tubes, at half-power it would either be pentode/triode (which adversely affects tone) or alternatively use of only one EL 84 as a single-ended amp which also affects tone richness/dynamics. It''s best to use the Brake Lite attenuator as suggested.
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