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Post by 95strat on Jan 16, 2007 16:23:55 GMT -7
Been lurking around for a while and finally decided to get involved in the discussions. My fist post!
I'm looking for a new amp and have been pulled toward Dr. Z (how could I resist).
So my question is which amp to purchase...the Ghia or the Jr.
I need a little clean head room, but not a ton. I don't play real loud in order to save my hearing and not frustrate the sound guy. I usually get my OD from a moded TS-9, but sound like the Z's have a great tube crunch.
I play mostly in church and I'm always miced. So I don't need something super loud.
I understand there's more versatility with the Jr. seeing there's more control with the tone stack.
I'm used to a 1x12, but could probably dig a 2x10.
I know I just need to go play and hear what I like, but until then I wanted to hear what you guys had to say.
Glad to be in Zland!
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Post by aj1169 on Jan 16, 2007 17:20:50 GMT -7
Glad to hear you're looking at the Z amps. I currently own the Ghia and Maz Jr., both in a 1x12 combo. These two amps are quite different and really have unique sounds. I find the Ghia a little more in a ballpark all its own as far as being unique goes, while I find the MAZ more versitle. The Ghia has an amazing clean tone at low volumes and one of the best pure tube crunch tones out there in my opinion. However this amp, and the MAZ for that matter, are quite a bit louder than you might think. I know I was suprised by both when I got them. If you're going for more low volume crunch, then the master volume on the MAZ is excellent. You can get tons of crunch sounds with the MAZ by diming the volume and adjusting the master to taste. The MAZ does seem to have a little more low end growl than the Ghia from my experience, so that may be something that appeals to you. Either way you can't go wrong. Both are great amps and you should be happy with either one. Hope this helps.
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Post by guitarboy02451 on Jan 16, 2007 18:08:53 GMT -7
Hey 95 Strat, there is a huge difference between the Ghia and Jr. The ghia has a little more bounce and is sensitive on the string touch. The JR&SR don't have the same tone, but offer something else. More like a marshally meets fender type tone.
I have played gigs with my Ghia and had a need to attenuate, so unless that is one Rock'n the house church, the Ghia volume of like 8'oclock should be loud enough.
Either amp will take a TS-9 very well. The 2x10 is much tighter than a 1x12.
Just some things to consider. I know it doesn't help much, but only hearing them in person is what is really going to do the trick.
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Post by bluzman on Jan 16, 2007 18:50:28 GMT -7
I still use both amps in the same and different settings just to be sure. I love them both but for versatility the Maz Jr. has more functions... plus the reverb is great, probably the best I've heard in any combo. (strickly opinion). On the other hand, the tone pot on the Ghia... it kind of acts like a wah pot and has a wide range of tonal options for different pickups. All the way down ccw it's treble, all the way dimed cw it's bass... not like a typical tone pot, and that gives it a unique sound. If however you are in a situation where you have to play quietly, the master volume on the Maz comes in handy. I've used both in the same night, many times, swapping with the other guitar player at set break, and we both enjoy doing that. He plays mostly Les Pauls and I am more into the Teles. To me the Maz Jr. has much more useable clean headroom than the Ghia, but they are two different beasts! The Jr. with NO REVERB seems to have a little less clean headroom to me, but this could be due to tubes etcs. While I have used an attenuator (Weber) with the Maz Jr. I haven't used it on the Ghia yet... I still need to do that! Like somebody else said, you gotta play em yourself.
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Post by ruger9 on Jan 16, 2007 19:34:13 GMT -7
Along these same lines...
How about the Maz vs an ATTENUATED Ghia (using the attenuator AS the Ghia's MV)?
I know I've read on here some people don't like the Ghia attenuated...
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Post by yinielin on Jan 16, 2007 21:02:58 GMT -7
Id say u need a ghia. From what you describe I dont think an attenuator would be needed. I think u would be very pleased with the ghia.
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Post by tjstrat on Jan 17, 2007 6:22:44 GMT -7
Ghia. Excellent low volume clean platform for whatever pedals you like.
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Post by 95strat on Jan 17, 2007 8:57:56 GMT -7
Hey thanks guys. I really appreciate your input. Of course you all don't make it any easier to chose! I just have to go out and A/B them. I guess I'll head to Nashville and see what I can find.
The Ghia is a bit lower price (that always helps) and I'm all for finding something used. However, I'm not a huge fan of e-bay. Just scares me to buy an amp I've never played!
I'll keep you all posted. Any more input is welcome.
Making my way to the Z.
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Post by mrnybluesman on Jan 17, 2007 11:57:17 GMT -7
You might check the classifieds.
Richie
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Post by steveinnashville on Jan 23, 2007 1:00:56 GMT -7
Look up Rock Block guitar on Elliston in Nashville, they have some Z amps in the showroom...
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Post by steveinnashville on Jan 23, 2007 1:01:35 GMT -7
Look up Rock Block guitar on Elliston in Nashville, they have some Z amps in the showroom...
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