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Post by gotmojo on Jul 31, 2016 6:25:18 GMT -7
Hey! I'm an somewhat experienced Z user, have had quite a few models and let some go that were great but not quite my cup o' tea. I've hung on to a Wreck, a Remedy and a Therapy and i play through them a lot and they get the sparkly tone that I love with a Telecaster. But I've never had a Carmen Ghia! And have only been able to play through one one time about a month ago on vacation in a little shop that was on the verge of closing - so I only got to play through it for 3 minutes and could not turn it up. Sounded great for low volume, but I didn't get to put it through the paces.
One of the amps I should never have let go of (we've all been there) was a StangRay. I loved the unusual tone of that amp but it was so loud that I couldn't find a lot of opportunities to use it, and it stayed so clean, even when you turned it all the way up. My 3 minutes with the Ghia reminded me of that amp, but 3 minutes was not enough time....
My favorite amps have a sparkly, glassy top end, so a mid 60's Vox AC30 s one of my go to amps. And the Wreck does a very similar thang, so I play through that amp a ton. And these amps have just the right amount of mids for my taste. Plus, both can be driven to divine distortion without the use of pedals, another requirement of mine. Hate using distortion pedals. From what I read on the Z forum, the DB4 may not be for me as it is missing those glassy highs and is heavy on midrange - though I have not played one yet.
With these things in mind I have a couple of questions of you lucky Ghia aficionados:
1). Is the Ghia kind of like a half powered StangRay but with more distortion when cranked. Does it have those sparkly highs that the StangRay and the Wreck have?
2) EBay now and then has older Carmen Ghia's - no racing stripe on the panel - do these sound the same (better/worse/no difference) as the newer racing strip ones?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated before I risk the ire of SWMBO on a new piece of gear. Thanks in advance!
jj
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Post by GuitarZ on Jul 31, 2016 6:43:33 GMT -7
I've got a older non-racing stripe Ghia. I love it. It's simple.
I've never played a StangRay or a Wreck. To me, the Ghia is more crunch, presence, and focus. It reminds me of my older Marshall. We'll see if others chime in on the sparkly highs, but I don't think of the Ghia that way. My other Z is a Maz Jr which provides more of a Vox/Fender feel and is, maybe, a little more sophisticated.
I'm also not a pedal guy. I love the tube crunch and distortion that the Ghia and Maz Jr provide.
Good luck! Don't know if all this helps.
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Post by doctorice on Jul 31, 2016 6:49:33 GMT -7
Hey jj, good to have you back posting. Someone, otherwise known as helmi, said "Everyone should own a Ghia" when he saw I didn't have one. I followed his suggestion and have enjoyed it ever since. Never having played a 'Ray, I can't compare. There's definitely some jangle in the CG with the tone knob over to the left, but I'm not sure I'd call it Voxy. I'll let some others "chime" in -- sorry, could not resist  Something to consider is "hot rodding" an M12, which Doc did for Steve Miller when Mr. Miller wanted a lower volume alternative to his 'Rays. I don't remember the details, but they should be over in the M12 section. (As I recall, it was not very extensive.) Doc brought that amp to Mini Z Fest last year and we a/b'd against a stock M12. Mark (basement enthusiast) led the charge; I think there is a video of the comparison as well as conversation. Peace, Mike |
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Post by easttexas on Jul 31, 2016 8:33:13 GMT -7
Here's a little rule of thumb concerning Ghias:
If you think you might need one...you need one. On the other hand, if you don't think you need one...you still need one. It's just a great little amp.
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Post by gotmojo on Jul 31, 2016 9:44:13 GMT -7
Thanks for the responses, friends.
Hey Mike!
"Rule of thumb .......you still need one". That's a freaking great response, easttexas!
Sparkly like a StangRay? Keep 'em opinions comin'!
jj
BTW: I just finished a lil amp run-through of the Wreck, Therapy, Remedy and a Matchless DC30 and these are great fricking amps, each and every one. Not sure why I'd need any other amps. 'Cept..... I need a Ghia. And maybe a DB4. Addiction rules.
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Post by John on Jul 31, 2016 11:51:52 GMT -7
the older ghias break up earlier. Not just pre racing stripe. but back to the lat 90's early 2000's. It's neither good nor bad. It just depends on how much headroom the owner wants/needs.
I've had 2 stangrays and I have a remedy. (no experience with Therapy or Wreck) I got rid of my first Stangray because it was so frickin' loud. (gold combo) I got rid of the second one because I like the tone and feel of other amps. (notably, a Remedy and Ghia!) The Ghia has more in common with the Remedy than with the Stangray. The 'ray has scooped mids and an incredible clean and firm bottom end. Those scooped mids also accent the highs as well as lows. The 'ray is in a category all it's own. REAL clean, scooped mids, firm bottom and very accented highs. For me, it was difficult to get enough mids out of it.
Yes the Ghia has great highs.
Wife just came home..I'll add more in a while...
I'm back. The tone control is sort of a mid-sweep. You get to select where you want the mid accent to be. The cleans are great, but you get to ride it up with guitar volume knob to any level of dirt you want. Very dynamic amp.
I've always said: The Ghia is 2 parts old Marshall, 1 part Vox. You NEED one!
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Post by ss "Shane" on Jul 31, 2016 13:42:11 GMT -7
I've had many amps and I have to say the Ghia has been the most fun amp for me. The CG magic comes on at around 10:30 -11, but man those cleans are highly desirable at around 9 o'clock. When I say "magic" I can only describe that as a Marshally crunch with a touch of Vox chime. Love it!
People might see 18 watts and think the Ghia is somewhere in the realm of a Blues Junior as far as power, not tone. This would be an incorrect assumption, as it's somewhere in the neighborhood of a Blues Deluxe (40 Fender watts).
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Post by ss "Shane" on Jul 31, 2016 14:05:10 GMT -7
One more thing I forgot to add; I really love how my Ghia and my Therapy have little to no floor noise. I think I'm the only guy in this camp, but loud breathing amps get on my nerves, even if it's not heard in the mix.
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Post by gotmojo on Jul 31, 2016 15:47:52 GMT -7
And 2 parts marshal one part Vox sounds like a good thing to me!
As does no floor noise.
jj
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Post by ss "Shane" on Jul 31, 2016 16:53:30 GMT -7
At about 11 o'clock you can start to hear a little bit of floor noise, but keep in mind, 11 is LOUD on the Ghia. 9 o'clock is almost too loud for typical bedroom volume and it's just about dead silent at 9 o'clock.
I think that the CG is the closest to perfect I've found in an amp and that's coming from a big bottle 6L6 lover. Before I bought mine I did about two months of research and never had a chance to play a CG first. My research consisted of the search for negative reviews. Never did I find one lol. I even googled 10 best boutique amps in the world and sure enough...the Ghia popped up on the list.
This is one of the best equipment purchases I've ever made. I'll get off my Ghia soap box now! Good luck!
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Post by gotmojo on Jul 31, 2016 19:25:16 GMT -7
 All good.
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Post by oloboy on Aug 1, 2016 11:10:55 GMT -7
I just got my 1x10 Ghia last week. I really like it. The most striking thing is that whether clean or dirty, it is always crisp with each string enunciated. Bold but not harsh. No reverb but has a 3D quality to it. I was really concerned about too much volume but it has been perfect with a NOS speaker that Dr Z had on hand and installed for me. Can't wait to hear it in a mix!
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Post by Buzz Fretwear (Ignatius) on Aug 8, 2016 6:29:20 GMT -7
I need a Ghia too!
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Post by pcns on Aug 10, 2016 16:08:00 GMT -7
I'll repeat what others have already said. You need one of these. First time I played one was at the last Z fest. I only played it a few minutes and it haunted me for years until I picked up a Ghia LE last year and then a 1x10 combo this spring. The 1x10 combo has really become my go to amp. I love my Therapy and Monza but the Ghia has a voice that really let's the guitar I am playing shine through. it has enough top end to chime a bit and cut through and it is very full sounding. The crunchy overdrive is stunning too. Every Z owner should have one, after all, it's the amp that got it all started! God bless, Todd |
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Aug 10, 2016 16:23:10 GMT -7
I'll echo the other sentiments - everyone needs at least one CG - I just happen to have two. |
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Aug 10, 2016 18:00:11 GMT -7
Todd, I'm curious...are you running a 5751 or a 12AX7A in V2?
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Post by pcns on Aug 11, 2016 11:06:32 GMT -7
Todd, I'm curious...are you running a 5751 or a 12AX7A in V2? I would have to look, it's a recent build so I would guess 12AX7. Regardless, it sounds awesome. It's got some Dr Z mojo. |
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Post by simpleton on Aug 11, 2016 12:50:37 GMT -7
I never should have sold BOTH my Ghia's but that's what depression and good prices get ya......Ghia-less. Honestly I've thought every Z amp lets the guitars shine but the simplicity of the Ghia has an almost healing nature to it.....connects you to the guitar more in that if amp knobs won't get you the sound your hearing then it's just up to guitar knobs and fingers to do it, and that's what bonds you so well to them I think.
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Post by gotmojo on Aug 11, 2016 17:04:26 GMT -7
If the stars align in my favor, I may have one on the way within days. Purty excited, for an old man.
Speaking of which, and I've said it before, we are so lucky to have this gear addiction. Every now and then you get something new coming in and it's like a 10 year old at Christmastime. Trying a new piece of top notch gear has been an exciting part of my life ever since I was 10 years old, some fifty plus years ago. Can't wait to get to know this Ghia in intimate detail. I've had these kinda exciting times for fifty freaking years! Amazing.
jj
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Post by John on Aug 12, 2016 5:46:57 GMT -7
If the stars align in my favor, I may have one on the way within days. Purty excited, for an old man. Speaking of which, and I've said it before, we are so lucky to have this gear addiction. Every now and then you get something new coming in and it's like a 10 year old at Christmastime. Trying a new piece of top notch gear has been an exciting part of my life ever since I was 10 years old, some fifty plus years ago. Can't wait to get to know this Ghia in intimate detail. I've had these kinda exciting times for fifty freaking years! Amazing. jj And I'm going to have seller's remorse. I'm not even going to play through it one more time. It will only make me feel sad. |
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Post by doctorice on Aug 12, 2016 7:04:49 GMT -7
jj, if you're getting John's CG, you're getting a good one. I heard it a Mini Z Fest last year.
John, don't look back. There'll always be a CG out there if you want another.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Aug 12, 2016 7:37:45 GMT -7
Yeah, John's got a nice sounding CG for sure. It's the reason I popped for a 10" Celestion Gold...that speaker with the Ghia is wonderful.
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Post by gotmojo on Aug 12, 2016 14:52:11 GMT -7
Psyched not only to put the Ghia through the paces, but also to try that 10" combo format. Today I actually tried out a 10" combo M12 at GC (like you can actually hear there) - had a brake lite in it. Couldn't believe how great that little rig sounded!!!!!!!
and John, come on down and crank through it anytime!
jj
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Post by eggman on Aug 21, 2016 0:58:04 GMT -7
Howdy,
The Carmen Ghia-to a reasonable degree-can be seasoned to taste. Want a platform tilted somewhat to the chimey/clean side? Try a 30 watt Weber AlniCo silver bell for a walk on the Beatles tone side; especially with semi-hollow Guitars at lower volume. Want pure 'Stones raunch? Go with the Celestion blue for earlier break-up and increased tonal complexity. Yes, I know the Beatles' Vox amps had blues in them, but this is my take and I'm standing by it. Also, pay heed to what John says in any and all threads about the Carmen Ghia. The Carmen Ghia is my favorite amp.
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Post by gotmojo on Aug 21, 2016 6:36:41 GMT -7
Hmmmm. I just so happen to have an old 60's Vox cab with dual silver Celestions! Oddly enough, they are 16 ohms each, wired parallel for 8 ohms.
Have to try that Ghia through that (and all the other cabs).
thqnks.
jj
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Post by 6stringer on Aug 23, 2016 9:48:11 GMT -7
I have never heard anyone say they didn't like the sound of my Ghia... never. Buy one... enough said! |
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Post by gotmojo on Aug 23, 2016 11:11:51 GMT -7
Just got one in yesterday! And I am loving it! Spending way too much time with it. It's a 10" combo I picked up from John right here in the Z family! This thing is the perfect grab and go, and can't wait to record some tracks with it. I don't play out much, but serendipitously I have a gig this very weekend to give it the acid test! Can't wait.
jj
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All good.
