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Post by Kris (aka smalltownsongs) on Sept 16, 2010 13:00:40 GMT -7
Cause the new Z is on her way from West Coast to East! Picked up a fine 2x10 Blonde Gal. She's got her MV Mod about her, and is taking the cross-country trip now as I type. Can.Not.WAIT Updates as frequently as I've got 'em!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2010 10:17:07 GMT -7
Are you ready to ROCK!
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Post by Kris (aka smalltownsongs) on Sept 20, 2010 8:52:12 GMT -7
;D
Looking like it's this FRIDAY for NAD!
I do so sorely miss the MAZ, but I'm getting the feeling I'll be a few OD Pedals light after this new introduction...
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Post by Rich (fbb90) on Sept 20, 2010 17:41:48 GMT -7
Congrats, man! Let us know what you think when you get to spend some time w/ her.
I traded off my MAZ Jr NR head for a Galaxie head a few weeks ago. I'm digging the Gal quite a bit more than I liked my MAZ. There is a lot more dirt in the Gal. Even channel one gets real nice and gritty when you get the volume up past noon. Channel two is a whole different world. I also like the cleans on channel one more than I liked the cleans from my Maz. It's a bigger, fuller sound.
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Post by Kris (aka smalltownsongs) on Sept 21, 2010 20:20:06 GMT -7
Thanks! Absolutely WILL DO on the full review action once I tear myself away from her!
3 DAYS TO GO!
I'm seriously like a kid waiting for Christmas here.
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Post by Kris (aka smalltownsongs) on Sept 24, 2010 12:22:43 GMT -7
HERE!!!!!! Oh happy day! Ran home for a late lunch, welcomed her into the house, and started rocking out right away. Channel 1 is indeed a bit fatter than my MAZ was, and I am in serious love. It's a Golden God. I only had it up at about 9 O'clock, but it was fat, juicy, and made me sweat. Treble at noon, Bass at 1:30. Sweat I tell ya! Channel 2 on the other hand was just loud. This just had the Master Volume Mod done to it. (Seller sent it to Dr. Z for the mod, got it back, shipped it out to me) and well... I'm not so sure about it. I'll go searching the forums for some info on that first before I start talking about it here. I'll make a new thread for it if one doesn't already exist. Nonetheless the Blonde Gal is in the house, and I'm a happy boy. Now, off to do some research! K
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Post by Rich (fbb90) on Sept 24, 2010 17:35:00 GMT -7
Congrats again! That channel 1 is amazing. I'm kind-of getting my head around channel 2. I'm not much of a channel switcher, but I can see uses...
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Post by mitch8686 on Sept 25, 2010 8:04:39 GMT -7
Channel 2............. Well, it just takes time to warm up to. Some never do. It has it's uses for sure, personally I like it. I've found it to be a contrast to channel 1 instead of them being complimentary to one another. I still don't have it (channel 2) figured out just yet, either. But, the gain is awesome! Maybe not MazGT territory but it's up there for sure.
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Post by drew on Sept 25, 2010 10:58:17 GMT -7
Congratulations on a great amp. I know I've posted this in the past but it's been a while. I've not played a MV Gal and sold my Gal to purchase a my Stangray/GT. I would like another Galaxie but that's another story.
On gigs with the Gal, I'd start out using Ch 1 clean and pretty with pedals for OD and boost. And a brakelite on 1 or 2. Ch1 Volume was at about noon, treble and bass and present close to noon. Tone controls would be set +/- a hour or two depending on the environment. As the night went on and the band started rockin harder I found I would stay on Ch 2 (volume 11:00-noon) and work the guitar volume knob for the remainder of the gig, which was the typical 4 set weekend warrior types of gigs playing Rock, Southern Rock, Blues, Country and a touch of R&B. Was it the magic of ch 2, the band playing louder, the alcohol or my ears adjusting? Ch 2 was the channel of choice for rockin out. Add in a BB for endless sustain and great feedback. Umm Umm good. I miss my Gal.
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Post by T-R☼CK ♫ on Sept 25, 2010 12:44:17 GMT -7
Once you learn how to use it.....channel 2 is an OD pedal killer. You've got the MV mod, so you're good to go.
Just stomp on that switch like you would a good OD pedal, and let the grins begin, my man.
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Post by Joey Beverages on Sept 25, 2010 13:08:21 GMT -7
Congrats on the new to you Galaxie. Very cool amp. And you got the MV mod? Cool. Am still undecided as to whether I will be doing it on my 112 combo .... Lookin' forward to hearin' how things work out for ya. cheers always, eh Joel
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Post by Kris (aka smalltownsongs) on Sept 25, 2010 21:15:05 GMT -7
Thanks so much all!
I'm not really sure if I should go to another thread or not, but since you're all here, let me dig into my Channel 2 questions.
Keeping in mind, I have a Gal with the MV Mod.....
1) I had thought "classic amp grind" and turned the master all the way up, and brought the channel up to 9, 10 O'clock expecting to hear super rock. I didn't, I just heard loud. So then, I reversed it. I dimed out the Channel 2 Volume, and slowly brought up the Master, and there was sweet OD. Two parts here: A) Is that normal? B) I'm not getting Marshall-y OD or crunch, should I be? I mean it's crunch, but not what I've heard others talk about, and certainly not what I've seen in the ZFest '09 Doc/BW Vid nor Mr. Starr's awesome vids.
2)Speaking of Mr. Starr's awesome vids, there is a great one where he's channel switching back and forth on a head that clearly had the mod done. Well, mine does something that his doesn't seem to do.. Mine goes CLACK when you step on the footswitch. As in: Real Loud CLACK through the speaker, what gives? I've seen others that have this amp (and mod) and they don't have any audible or verbal cues that something like this has happened.
Help?
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Post by mitch8686 on Sept 26, 2010 9:22:53 GMT -7
Do you know what tubes are in the preamp slots? I'm assuming it's preowned, so maybe a tube or two was changed. Some folks like to put a 5751 in V1 to tame it down just a bit. I don't have the MV mod, but depending on the guitar, channel 2 is pretty much grinding from the word go. That's with the guitar vol all the way up, though. To me, it's Marshall-esque but not a copy, either. Kind of like a Tweed/Marshall hybrid......
As far as the CLACK sound....... It could be the switch in the footswitch. Maybe if you have another footswitch laying around, try that one and see if it still CLACK's
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Post by Harvey on Sept 26, 2010 9:35:47 GMT -7
take that Gal. and point it toward Va. and crank her up so I can hear it congrats on landing an awesome amp!!!!!!!!
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Post by Rich (fbb90) on Sept 26, 2010 12:10:37 GMT -7
Thanks so much all! I'm not really sure if I should go to another thread or not, but since you're all here, let me dig into my Channel 2 questions. Keeping in mind, I have a Gal with the MV Mod..... 1) I had thought " classic amp grind" and turned the master all the way up, and brought the channel up to 9, 10 O'clock expecting to hear super rock. I didn't, I just heard loud. So then, I reversed it. I dimed out the Channel 2 Volume, and slowly brought up the Master, and there was sweet OD. Two parts here: A) Is that normal? B) I'm not getting Marshall-y OD or crunch, should I be? I mean it's crunch, but not what I've heard others talk about, and certainly not what I've seen in the ZFest '09 Doc/BW Vid nor Mr. Starr's awesome vids.2)Speaking of Mr. Starr's awesome vids, there is a great one where he's channel switching back and forth on a head that clearly had the mod done. Well, mine does something that his doesn't seem to do.. Mine goes CLACK when you step on the footswitch. As in: Real Loud CLACK through the speaker, what gives? I've seen others that have this amp (and mod) and they don't have any audible or verbal cues that something like this has happened. Help? My channel 1 gets pretty gritty a little before noon. If I set it between noon and 3:00, I can get everything I need for great tweedy rock tones. No channel switching needed... Channel 2 is getting pretty gritty a little before 9:00, and it just gets more saturated the further you go. It is "Marshall-esque," but w/ it's own sound. As stated above, it's not a Marshall copy. The more I use channel 2, the more I like it. My channel switch is very noisy, too. I have another Z switch for my RXJr OD that I need to try to see if it is an amp issue or just a switch issue. I'll let you know what I find...
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Post by Kris (aka smalltownsongs) on Sept 26, 2010 22:12:21 GMT -7
Do you know what tubes are in the preamp slots?
Bear with me here, I'm not honestly that well versed in Tube-speak. Here's what's in it that I can tell: V1: Electro Harmonix 12AX7 V2: Tung Sol 12AX7 V3: Tung Sol 12AX7 V4: Groove Tubes GT6L6GE V5: Groove Tubes GT6L6GE V6: Electro Harmonix 5U4GBEH Is that good/bad/indifferent?
To me, it's Marshall-esque but not a copy, either. Kind of like a Tweed/Marshall hybrid...... Sounds perfect to me, I'm just not quite hearing it yet. I guess there is more fiddling to be done! As far as the CLACK sound....... It could be the switch in the footswitch. Maybe if you have another footswitch laying around, try that one and see if it still CLACK's I'll have to see if I can borrow one from someone. Anyone else have a horrendous POP! or CLACK! when you switch (either way)? Also, can anyone confirm if driving the channel is the way to go about getting the dirt? I'm just so used to the "crank the Master, bring up the channel way" that I fear I'm doing something wrong! Thanks again everyone for the kind words, and support! Oh, and Harvey, it's on after work on Tuesday, I'll point her Southwards ;D
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Post by mitch8686 on Sept 26, 2010 22:46:01 GMT -7
The tubes that are in there are fine. I was just curious if a 5751 had been put in there. It can make a difference, particularly if it's in V1. Again, not having the MV mod myself, I can't speak specifically about the Galaxie. But, with every other MV amp I've had, getting dirt with the channel volume and controlling volume with the master was the "right" way to get dirt and keep it civil. If you want Channel 2 to function like the MV isn't there, dime it and control volume with the channel volume. And yes, as you have already noticed, it is VERY loud like this
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Post by drew on Sept 27, 2010 22:56:48 GMT -7
I've had the head and 2x10 combo, neither of them made clicking or popping when switching channels. i've a foot pedal that's going south on my 6545 and it makes noise. When I pug in my other pedal it goes away. Oh yeah, T-Rock nicknamed Ch2 as the pedal killer.
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Post by T-R☼CK ♫ on Sept 28, 2010 9:24:46 GMT -7
Turn ch2 vol up.....MV down.
Prolly the pedal causing the noise. Mine is completely inaudible when switching.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 28, 2010 13:07:37 GMT -7
Same here.
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Post by Kris (aka smalltownsongs) on Sept 28, 2010 13:59:51 GMT -7
Amazing thanks!!!!
I wish every forum I posted at (and the 2 that I admin) could be as helpful and downright friendly as this place ;D
So it seems it's my pedal. New Question.... Any thoughts on a replacement one? Mayhaps I could solder one up?
<runs to check DIY effects sites>
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Post by T-R☼CK ♫ on Sept 28, 2010 15:00:36 GMT -7
The pedal that ships w/the Galaxie, is basically just a Marshall channel switcher.
Any on/off pedal w/a 1/4" plug will work. You can find those Marshall pedals on E-bay all day for around $10. The Switchcraft switch itself, can be bought at Radio Shack (or online) for $2.50.
But.........if you e-mail Brent, I bet he can fix you up.
sales@drzamps.com
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Post by Kris (aka smalltownsongs) on Sept 29, 2010 5:18:05 GMT -7
Muchos Gracias! Dropped Brent a line yesterday, and I'll try to mosey on over to the Shack after work today. Progress reports as they happen, and pics once the Gal gets a little love on it's way from VA
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Post by doctorice on Sept 29, 2010 9:01:14 GMT -7
All these posts are reminding me that I've been neglecting my Gal while concentrating on configuring the Z-28 for gigs. Gotta Remedy that ;D
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Post by Kris (aka smalltownsongs) on Sept 30, 2010 17:17:23 GMT -7
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Post by Kris (aka smalltownsongs) on Oct 19, 2010 7:45:59 GMT -7
Hey all, back with some updates (and a thread name change to better reflect the innards of said thread).... -Thanks to T-R☼CK ♫ and his informative posts I've been able to really start to dial in Channel 2, especially with the Bass/Treble. I'm now fully converted, people HAVE to futz with them, and learn first-hand how much those 2 seemingly innocuous little knobs have SO much to do with the gain structure. I've read enough about those with Galaxie's that take it out of the box try it for a few gigs, then trade it out. Tsk Tsk. -My Channel switch CLACK is still there, but I'm getting another pedal to try to tame that issue. Not really an issue, just a slight nuisance. It kinda goes away at full band volume, but at lower volumes, it's there. -I got a Brake-Lite, and the amp's been sitting in Pentode with the click at 3 or 4 depending. Haven't really messed with Triode yet. I may, or may not, as to be seen. -As I don't really play country or blues (True story), I've not been able to replace my OD pedal setup per se.... but I've definitely been able to amend it. I'm currently keeping my Plexitone for some shred-raunch fun, but have been able to dial out the Les Lius, and the others that I've tinkered with. The rest of the pedals (delay/modulation/etc) are here to stay -Did I say Pedals? Mayhaps I meant Pedalboard! I've acquired some dead-on matching Tolex, and even some pretty-damned-close grille cloth, and we're making me a matching pedalboard. If that doesn't say "I Love My Amp This Much", or "I've got OCD issues", I don't know what does... I'll have leftover materials if anyone will be in need! That's the new from me. I'm actually going to try to get some video/audio of the setup soon. You'll have to suffer through my playing, but it might be nice to capture this kind of happiness.
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Post by slartybartfast on Oct 19, 2010 9:00:51 GMT -7
After reading some of the theads on this forum I looked online for a Gal in my area in Canada. Drove for miles to some guy's apartment and could not even crank her up since he didn't want to disturb the people living below. I put my trust in the great feedback from these threads, paid the cash, wrapped her in blankets, buckled her in and could hardly drive home I was so excited.
As soon as I got home, I cranked her up and have been on cloud-9 ever since.
Great thread! Great forum! There's just something about these Gals that makes me feel all warm a fuzzy inside.
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Post by T-R☼CK ♫ on Oct 19, 2010 10:24:43 GMT -7
Kris,
Mod/Delay pedals are cooo, if you like the sound. I usually keep an H2O hooked up to everything(live), just for some space when needed.
Glad you're diggin' on the Galaxie tones...after some "tinker" time. Get you one of those Marshall footswitches. Same thing Z uses.
But...I bet if you go inside the one you have, you can find the problem. Just an on/off switch from Radio Shack shud fix you up.
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Post by mtlrecords on Oct 19, 2010 20:15:26 GMT -7
Galaxie with a brake lite (and a pedal or two) could cover almost any sound in rock/blues/country. Plus, with the BL around, you can do it at any volume! I usually stay on Ch. 1 when I use it.
And I agree with many of the points on this thread, particularly with the idea that Ch. 2 is a Marshall/tweed hybrid and very unique. Sometimes, too unique and it just doesn't work for certain things. Again, that's where Ch. 1 comes in and just rules- it's all I need and is INCREDIBLY FLEXIBLE and TONEFUL!
The Galaxie really bridges the gap for me- the SRZ is super Marshall sounding and getting good low volume/clean with hair tones can be tricky AND the EZG-50 with a touch of dirt can be too loud for certain gigs. Galaxie, especially with the BL or Airbrake is a perfect compromise of the two tonal ideas, at least for me. Gal rules! (BTW- not getting rid of any Z amps- hoping to get more!)
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Post by Kris (aka smalltownsongs) on Nov 2, 2010 5:28:08 GMT -7
It's interesting, I just picked up my first PRS, a Singlecut from 2001. It's Hummies sound bee-yoo-tee-full on clean (clean-ish) Channel 1, and I really need to tweak the gain structure for Channel 2, it's either a little hair, or Wooly Mammoth Mountain Man Fuzz-O-Doom. Crazy! Fun times, It's a learning experience for sure!
I'm really thinking about snagging an AirBrake for it, so I can rock out in my basement. Anyone have good/bad experience with an AirBrake and a Gal? <heading to check the AB forum now..>
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