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Post by zman on Jan 29, 2018 20:40:28 GMT -7
Hi,
I'm really interested in either the Ghia or M12. Mainly because of the lower wattage is perfect for me along with the simplified controls. I 'm familiar with using the Ghia but not the M12. For those of you that have both what differences do you notice with these two models? I wish I was in the position to a/b them side by side.
I also want to add that I have been really happy with my Fender 12 watt '68 custom vintage/modified Princeton RI amp. When dialed in with the correct speaker... I now own a Z-verb and would like to get a Z amp to sound close to my Princeton modified amp. The Z-28 is just a little to loud for my setup. So I would like to select the best choice of either the Ghia or M12. This amp will be used at home and occasionally a recording studio.
My guitar of choice is a telecaster. As for effects I'm using a Z-verb and a Fulltone tape echo and a few choice mild overdrive pedals. Music styles include country, blues and more the less mellow rock.
Thank you for any input on this.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Jan 29, 2018 20:54:02 GMT -7
The Z-28 is certainly loud for being "just" 22 little watts. The Ghia is almost on-par with that (volume-wise) sounding much louder than its 18 Watts would make you think.
The M12, on the other hand, is the only Z-amp I've ever tried that actually seems as quiet as its low-wattage would imply. For instance, most other Z-amps sound like at least twice their wattage (Z-28 & the modern Ghia included), but the M12 is totally manageable for me at home--no attenuator needed (and for this, I love it). Perhaps it's just a really nice taper on the volume knob, though, because it can get ripping loud if you want--but you've got to crank it. The M12's tone is just pure sweet, until you crank it, at which point it starts to bark like that Princeton.
If I could sum it up, I'd say the Carmen Ghia is a loud, edge-of-breakup kind of rock amp. The M12 is a more manageable-volume clean-ish pedal platform or straight-up sweet, clean amp without effects.
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Post by zman on Jan 29, 2018 21:16:01 GMT -7
Very well put Mark. I have been off the Z-amp train for awhile. Since then there sure has been a nice array of new Z's to decide from. Your description of the M12 sure does sound like a great fit for my home and recording needs.
Thank you
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Post by John on Jan 31, 2018 16:37:02 GMT -7
You could get a Ghia and put a low efficiency 10" greenback in it.
The M12 is supposed to be a clean platform. The Ghia has a nice overdrive to it.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jan 31, 2018 17:18:50 GMT -7
Or you could find an Anniversary Ghia with the MV - you can cover a lot of ground with one of these!
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Post by zman on Feb 1, 2018 13:00:00 GMT -7
Great points and solutions... I'm already a huge fan of the Ghia. But you know how it is when you never tried A New Z amp! I have a little time before I decide. Thank you for the help on these two models.
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Post by zman on Feb 19, 2018 18:58:05 GMT -7
Well the time has come and I decided to purchase the M12. This new Z amp addition will go with my Z-verb. I read the above post and think for my smaller living quarters it's going to be the best option for me. Thanks for all the informative input.
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Post by 2Cents on Feb 19, 2018 20:27:48 GMT -7
Not wishing to be flippant or rude, but the comments you have already received come from long-standing, well respected, and well-seasoned Z-Amp players. However, and for whatever it’s worth, and although I do not meet your criteria, the M-12 (at least on paper—it was designed specifically as a pedal platform) is closer to your ideal souped-up Princeton than the Ghia is.
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Post by zman on Feb 19, 2018 21:16:46 GMT -7
Like 2Cents added the M12 is designed for a pedal friendly platform and that means allot to me. I really want my Z-verb, tape-echo and overdrive pedals to shine through a quality built Z amp.
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Post by detuned on Feb 22, 2018 7:05:44 GMT -7
I love my M12 - a shame it's going out of production, as I think it's one of the under appreciated amps in the Doc's pantheon.
The thing I really love about the M12 is it sounds great when you have the volume low, and the same kind of great when you crank it up to keep up with your (perhaps overly) enthusiastic bass player. Pair it with a reasonably efficient speaker, and you'll be surprised how far 12 watts can go.
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Post by thatstatuemoved on Apr 4, 2018 7:31:37 GMT -7
I think you made the right decision regarding the M-12. It is an awesome amp. I put a 5AR4 in mine to give it a bit more headroom. Great clean platform. Sounds great at low volume and great at high volumes. Takes pedals very well and I use my pedals to dial in overdrive tones. Running mine with a c-gold.
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