k2
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by k2 on Jan 1, 2019 11:32:38 GMT -7
Hi - Brand new member - And New to Dr Z Amps - I need help to find best fit for my 1st Z...... Intermediate Player at Home..... Guitars: Strat, Tele, Les Paul std and 335 - Amps: Vox AC15 (for Sale), Fender DRRI w/Weber (my favorite), and a new new Mesa 5:25 Plus with Scumback (very versatile, musical - and can get VERY Dirty - probably a keeper, depending on the new Z) - I play Clean to Blues to Dirty Rock - Can't / Won't play metal (hurts my ears). Clapton / Joe B / CCR / to ZZ top - Yes, I am very old. I have never owned a hand wired amp - But if Dr Z is good enough Joe Walsh....I want one. So, I have listened to a lot of clips and I am leaning toward The Cure / or The new Maz 18 / or the Z Plus - I really like the Cure's 6V6 sound and the Level control for home use - (I might miss the Verb and Trem but the DR isn't going anywhere). So, please let me know recommendations / experience - Thanks - K2 in Carolina - BTW, Go to Hell DOOK - Just say'n - Is that OK to say ?
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Post by Russell B on Jan 1, 2019 12:16:00 GMT -7
I have many Z amps and I thought about recommending to you the Cure because of the Level Control. BUT, the Maz Jr. is a great representation for Z. It will do Blackface, Vox, and Marshall. The new version with the new Master Volume allow bedroom levels as well. So, I recommend the Maz Jr.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jan 1, 2019 12:37:47 GMT -7
First off, welcome to Z-Talk. It's probably the best forum on the web, full of information and good, helpful people. Second, what/who's DOOK?
I have all three amps you're talking about, and I have a 1967 Blackface DR as well, so hopefully I can help you. All three amps are keepers in my opinion. They can all get you into the tone range you are talking about; the Z's have much more gain than the DR. I'm sure you already know that. They also all clean up nicely as you roll back the guitar volume controls. My Maz 18NR VII gets a little dirtier than the other two but not much. There's the Maz 18 with reverb too, and I've never played one but I understand that they have a little less gain. Not a lot, but a little less. I'm leaning toward recommending the Cure for you, it's very versatile. The Maz would also be a very, very good choice!
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Post by John on Jan 1, 2019 14:23:25 GMT -7
If you like the big bottle sound of the DR....I'd go with the Cure. Especially when you say you're an at home player. The level control will be worth it's weight in gold keeping the volume down.
However, the Z-Plus...with it's 1/2 power switch could be very nice too.
Both amps have 6V6 in the power section. Maz Jr's have el84...which have some different sonic/tone characteristics.
You cannot make a mistake with either of the three.
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Post by rickyp on Jan 1, 2019 14:57:48 GMT -7
You can’t go wrong with any of those. I personally wasn’t fond of the Cure...lots of people love it, but it’s just not for me. I’ve had every amp in the Maz series, and can’t say enough good things about that lineup. But the Z Plus...it’s in a league of its own. I’ve never played such a versatile amp. It really does it all very well...and the eq boost is very useable. Love the reverb, love the full/half power switch...everything about it is great.
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Post by John on Jan 2, 2019 5:56:24 GMT -7
I don't know how loud you play at home, but you should also consider the Ghia. Don't be fooled by 'only' two knobs...it's great.
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Jan 2, 2019 6:41:16 GMT -7
Seems with a DRRI the Cure might be a bit of overlap (but an awesome overlap) in the American 6v6 tone. Seems like you also have very good amps in the EL84 camp.
So I’d 2nd the ZPlus. It’s my 3rd Z amp and it’s got a different character than all the others, and the Class A design just sounds differently awesome. It’s power switching and MV setup allow you to get tone you want at any volume.
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Post by Stephen on Jan 2, 2019 17:16:19 GMT -7
I’ve got the Cure and the Maz 18 MKII. If you have a Deluxe Reverb, the Maz will give you a different flavor and a great master volume.
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Post by thatstatuemoved on Jan 2, 2019 17:16:19 GMT -7
I would recommend the Cure as that level knob is what makes that amp. Cannot go wrong with the Maz 18 either. A bit different sounding than the Cure as it an an el-84 based amp. Cure has 6V6's in the power section and it is a very versatile great sounding amp. Don't have a Z-plus so cannot comment there. Both the Cure and the Maz 18 take pedals very well. My two cents worth.
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Post by digs57 on Jan 2, 2019 18:09:26 GMT -7
had both cure and maz 18's...maz stayed...for my strats,teles im hooked...yet to get at a Plus though so...
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k2
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by k2 on Jan 3, 2019 7:26:59 GMT -7
I’ve got the Cure and the Maz 18 MKII. If you have a Deluxe Reverb, the Maz will give you a different flavor and a great master volume. Thanks to all for the help !! I am still leaning toward the Cure - mainly because of the level control - But I will need a reverb pedal...and suggestions here ? I may end up going with the Maz 18 mk2....but I am a little concerned with the volume - I play at home and I need an amp that I can dial up tone 1st and then adj output volume to keep out of trouble..... Does the old Maz 18 have this capability ? How does the Mk2 Maz 18 do at reducing volume without losing tone ? As always Money is a concern - I have found a used Cure and a Used Maz 18 in my price range - The New Maz 18 is a little pricey for me - may have to wait for a used one to show up.....
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Post by digs57 on Jan 3, 2019 9:14:49 GMT -7
Get the cure and down the road maz...first foray into dr z amp usually! "the bag of chips is open"
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Post by Stephen on Jan 3, 2019 10:05:59 GMT -7
In my opinion, the Maz 18 MKII master volume works like the level on the Cure. The older master volume on the Maz was good, but not as good as it is now.
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Post by John on Jan 3, 2019 15:23:30 GMT -7
If you have found a used cure....get it!
The master volume on the new Maz Jr's if far better than the older models. Doc made a nice upgrade. But there aren't any used because the MkII model is so new. So the only used Maz Jr's out there are the older models.
Again...if you've found a used Cure...get it. It's got the front end (overdrive and eq) of the maz...with 6V6 instead of el84....plus the level control. If you're worried about loud volume at home, get the cure!!!
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Jan 3, 2019 21:47:53 GMT -7
Sounds like you're set on the Cure. I'm sure you can't go wrong, however I'll put my vote in for the Z-Plus. I traded my Maz 18 for the Z-Plus. My Maz was the older style 2x10. I did A/B the Z-Plus against a new Maz and bought the Z-Plus. I'm not sorry I went with the Z-Plus at all. My Maz had something special going on, and I was reticent to part with it, but I feel like I made the right choice. This Z-Plus is an incredibly versatile amp and is special in so many ways. No matter which way you go, you will certainly be rewarded with great tone.
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k2
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by k2 on Jan 4, 2019 7:41:40 GMT -7
If you have found a used cure....get it!
The master volume on the new Maz Jr's if far better than the older models. Doc made a nice upgrade. But there aren't any used because the MkII model is so new. So the only used Maz Jr's out there are the older models.
Again...if you've found a used Cure...get it. It's got the front end (overdrive and eq) of the maz...with 6V6 instead of el84....plus the level control. If you're worried about loud volume at home, get the cure!!!
Hello All - And thanks for your Help !!! - I really struggled with this - But, in the end, I think John's advice above got it right - I found a used Cure and it's on the way !!! - Really Excited to hear it live - I still need a verb pedal - Recommendations ? (or not - DR is still sitting beside me - hard to let it go - can't imagine a pedal that replaces the DR tube verb) - If the Cure meets exceptions, The big question is what's next: Z-Plus or Maz 18 mk2 - once they start hitting used market - Already Dumped my AC15, Could the Mesa 5:25 Express be the next Dr Z victim ? Once again, Thanks for all the advice and guidance - It's a great forum thanks to the people on it - And even the Doctor makes guest appearances - How cool is that ! Dr Z, if you listening - Congratulations on building a Great American Company and a loyal following ! I'll post my experience once I'm Cured -
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Post by John on Jan 4, 2019 9:34:36 GMT -7
We look forward to hearing about the Cure. As for reverb pedals..... It depends if you want to stay with something that's just in the Fender camp, or of you with to branch out and have long and dynamic 'space' reverbs. There are a lot out there to choose from and they're pretty cool. They might not be appropriate in a rock band setting, but for playing home alone...they're a lot of fun.
Here's an example of one that goes way beyond a typical Fender reverb:
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k2
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by k2 on Jan 4, 2019 10:57:13 GMT -7
Hey John - Thanks for Verb clip - Pretty amazing - I guess you can get almost anything in the Digital World, huh? - Some of those effects reminded me of P Floyd - Never really considered a Verb Pedal - But, I see now why a lot of Z Amps are NR - I couldn't quite understand it - Every amp I have ever owned (fender, Mesa, and Vox) had on-board verb - Thanks for the Amplifier 101 lesson - I guess I've got some shopping and learning to do - I only own one pedal - Kelly Mod TS - Thanks again !
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Post by John on Jan 4, 2019 14:47:34 GMT -7
I only own one pedal.....
Only ONE pedal? I dunno...I'm going to have to check the regulations. You might be breaking 'guitar/amp forum' rules.
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Jan 4, 2019 14:58:17 GMT -7
I only own one pedal.....
Only ONE pedal? I dunno...I'm going to have to check the regulations. You might be breaking 'guitar/amp forum' rules.
Unless maybe it’s this one:
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jan 4, 2019 15:21:20 GMT -7
Only ONE pedal? I dunno...I'm going to have to check the regulations. You might be breaking 'guitar/amp forum' rules.
Unless maybe it’s this one: I've got that pedal, it rocks...they also make the Chick Magnet which is also very cool...
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k2
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by k2 on Jan 4, 2019 16:18:56 GMT -7
Yeah - I gotta get out more....
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Post by mickey on Jan 5, 2019 1:00:03 GMT -7
Congrats on the Cure, I'm sure you will love it. I use a Strymon Flint in front of mine, sounds really good.
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Post by justjoshinya on Jan 5, 2019 19:52:07 GMT -7
A little late to the party here but welcome and congrats on the Cure! I don’t have a Cure at the moment to compare levels but have a Maz 8 and Z-Plus. I can’t say enough great things about these two amps! I also had trouble with volume control and tried everything from brake lites to modelers... the master volume on the Z- Plus and Maz 8(2016 and up) are great I’d say on par with the level control on the Cure! Maybe my bedroom level is louder than others though? So once you get the itch for another Z and you will get the itch (it’s a proven fact) consider the Maz 8 and the Z plus!
As far as pedals goi have been REALLY impressed by the Line 6 HX Effects! No tone suck that I can perceive, and the effercts are top notch!
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k2
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by k2 on Jan 14, 2019 8:43:27 GMT -7
OK - I have had my CURE for a week now - This is my 1st Z - and first hand wired - Here are 1st Impressions and a request for advice. I have a DRRI (fav) - Vox AC15 (for sale) - Messa 5:25 Plus (Interesting AMP - stays for now)
Cure Pros: Very Smooth - Musical - Dynamic - GREAT Level control (really works as advertised - a must for Home play) - Quiet - Does BF Fender very well - But Cannot Replace the DRRI - Obviously built like a Tank - It has it's own musical space - and the Z is by far the better built amp
Cure Cons for me: The Cure is very similar to my DRRI but can't replace the sound - It's not as bright the DRRI - may have something to do the the Stock Z speaker vs the Weber F150 which I really like...I may run the Cure into the Weber as a trial. So for me, it really doesn't get me further down the Tone Road as I thought it might - I thought the Hand wired "effect" would be overwhelming, the differences are there but they are subtle - Not sure what the future is for the Cure - it may be for sale, in case anyone out there needs one - it's MINT
- So, Here's the Question:
I obviously like the Vintage Fender Tone - I thought the Cure might move me closer the the 5e3 world - it didn't - So, short of buying the Fender 5e3 Trademark (Deluxe), Does the Z-Plus or the Maz 8 move me down the Tweed Trail ? Lil Dawg Amp ? - I have already spoke with Jim..... any thoughts here ? Or, do I just give in and get the Fender ? Thanks for your help....
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Post by pcns on Jan 14, 2019 8:52:52 GMT -7
If you are looking more toward a Tweed sound have you considered a NOVA?
Great master volume, has a great Tweed vibe to it.
My 2 cents, Todd
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Jan 14, 2019 10:59:45 GMT -7
I’d repeat my post from #7 above and consider the ZPlus as a different tone to add to your DRRI and Vox. The ZLux and Cure were designed to be in the Deluxe Reverb camp so I’m not surprised at your perception of the Cure. I don’t have a Cure so others will have to say what you could do to move that more to what you want - but I think it’s always going to be DR-like as that’s it’s design.
I don’t think the ZPlus sits in the 5E3 camp, but the single-ended 6V6 design is fantastic and definitely Fender-y and very different from a DR to me.
When I think of 5E3 amps I usually think of Vicky 20112 and the Fender Pro Jr (which to me is one of the most underrated amps ever built).
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Post by John on Jan 14, 2019 17:32:03 GMT -7
If you're squashing things down to quiet at-home levels....especially with the level control on the Cure....I'm willing to bet a lot of the dynamics are being lost. Live band volumes is where there could be more of a difference. (at least that's been my experience with other Z amps)
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Post by doctorice on Jan 15, 2019 17:58:09 GMT -7
If you're squashing things down to quiet at-home levels....especially with the level control on the Cure....I'm willing to bet a lot of the dynamics are being lost. Live band volumes is where there could be more of a difference. (at least that's been my experience with other Z amps) My experience too. I generally can crank amps up at home -- within limits -- and there is a point at which Z amps come to life. It is well beyond bedroom level. They sound fine played quietly, but the magic is at higher volume.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jan 16, 2019 7:35:10 GMT -7
Dynamic range needs volume by it's very definition. Doc makes quite a few amps that have good solid rock tone at low levels, but you don't get the rock FEEL without a little volume. There's really no way around it that I have ever found.
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