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Post by tonezone66 on Jan 26, 2019 3:50:38 GMT -7
Started the thread on CG on low volumes. Just recently watched the video review of Eric Jeffcoat (Dr Z Carmen Ghia with Tele) and loved the tone. Somehow I got the impression the video transmitted the CG's tone pretty good - am I right? Then I read the review of GuitarBuyer magazine on both Ghia & Maz 18. It was plain to see the reviewer preferred Maz big time in terms of the over all tone & the versatility.
So my question is how do you see & rate the tone of these two? Played side by side? Are they equally stout, full, nuanced etc.? Usually I don't like master volume amps or use MV. I guess I'd just about the max the MV playing Maz.
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Post by John on Jan 26, 2019 4:41:12 GMT -7
I've had both: The Ghia is more old school Marshall The Maz is more Vox Yes, the maz will be more versatile because of the mv and the multiple tone controls with the cut. Since I'm an old Marshall guy, I bonded more with the ghia. But each person can makeup their own mind. If you like to tweek knobs, get the maz. If you are a 'set it and forget it' guy, get the ghia. You can't go wrong, either amp is great. Do not be deceived by the 'only' two knobs of the ghia.
Years ago, when I started playing Doc's amps, the dynamics and lesser knobs made me a better player. When I say dynamics, I'm referring mostly to pick-finger attack. Altering your playing (loud/soft/inbetween/method) can change your tone enough that you don't need knobs and pedals. It allows for more musical expression...right at your fingertips. And after a while, you'll not even think about it, you'll find yourself playing slightly different because the amp is now a musical instrument...not a merely a 'make louder' device.
If I remember, your thread on low power...you're an at home player? I would suggest a 1x10 Ghia with a 10" greenback. Great tone and the smaller greenback will not be as loud.
(I don't know what video you're referring too) |
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Jan 26, 2019 4:59:20 GMT -7
I had both at one time. Simple answer is yes they are both full and stout. Not sure what you mean by nuanced. I believe that to be in your hands. I would say that the Maz will give you a wider palette of tone. My Maz was a 2x10 from '04. My first Z. Loved that amp, but sacrificed it for financial reasons to buy my Z-Plus. No regrets other than I couldn't swing it to just add the Z-Plus without a sacrifice. Yet my Ghia has seen a lot of playing time as well and charmed many as one of the amps in a house band at a jam last week. So simple. Authoritative. Articulate. But the Maz is all those things as well.
It has been said by several on this forum, "everyone needs a Ghia." Your real question is which one should I buy first, because you should have both. They are both great amps equal to the task. I suggest you find a way to try both if you can. Then decide who's on first. I don't think you'll be sorry either way. If i only could have one of the aforementioned two, (unthinkable) I might lean to the Maz, but then....
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Post by tonezone66 on Jan 26, 2019 5:55:20 GMT -7
Here's the clip:
I do play in small pubs, bars. MOstly in a training room at our school (work as a teacher). By nuanced tone I mean the shades & liveliness, color of the sound. Hard to express it as a non native speaker. Slightly worried about the potential brightness, treblines & compression of CG when playing Strat bridge pickup & Bogner Blue Ecstasy. Maybe Maz's tonally more balanced? Maybe using a boost pedal with a good EQ (like Mesa Boogie Toneburst or EP Booster) would balance Ghia, if needed.
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Post by Ridgeback on Jan 26, 2019 6:05:02 GMT -7
Way back in the mists of time, those were my first two Z amps and I owned them both at the same time for a couple of years. The Maz was a 1x12 NR combo with a Blue and the Ghia was a head so I played it a lot through the Blue in the combo. I very much preferred the tone and flexibility of the Maz. The Ghia was just too "set and forget" for me and found the useful range of the single tone knob to be between 11:00 and 1:00. Pretty limiting compared to the Maz. For me, it was no contest between the two. I kept the Ghia for a couple of years and the Maz for about 12 years.
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Post by Russell B on Jan 26, 2019 7:10:50 GMT -7
They are both great amps. If you need a little more versatility, go with the Maz. If you are a "set it and forget person", the Ghia is just as great. I love both. I'm amazed at the range of the Tone control on the Ghia, but the cut control on the Maz is also great!
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Post by freddieg on Jan 26, 2019 8:34:53 GMT -7
A Ghia 1x10 combo with a 10" celestion gold is the ultimate grab and go amp.
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Post by GuitarZ on Jan 26, 2019 8:53:34 GMT -7
I agree with all above. I have had both for the past 10 years or more. These days, I mostly do recording, jams at a friend's house, and the occasionally louder jam/rehearsal/gig. I've been able to dial the volume in as I need because I'm either going through my Airbrake when live or my Isobox at home and now the UA Ox. I have an older Maz Jr with the original master volume. I can't speak for the new master volume.
With all that said, my point is to not think of one having a master volume or not. To get the fantastic tone out of my Maz Jr, the master volume gets pushed up to 2:30 or so. It's not like my old Marshall master volume amp where you could get all kinds of gain from the pre-amp. The Maz Jr is more organic in that it's really the pre-amp/power amp section that creates the total sound.
So, I would just say leave the master volume out of the equation (except that the Maz 18 Mk II master volume might change my opinion). And, the descriptions above fit in terms of sound type and flexibility.
I simply run my Ghia wide-open with my strat. I'm starting to experiment dialing that back a little for my Les Paul. I love the tone of both. I've thought about which I would give up if I had to and still can't come to a conclusion.
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Post by digs57 on Jan 26, 2019 9:10:34 GMT -7
You just cant compare the two without experiencing them for yourself...this becomes such a fine line of what you are willing to compromise with...maz to my needs has a full plate were ghia is stripped down tone machine that could leave you for wanting maz tone stack,ect....both are worth have and I do...but maz is a must have 1st.
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Post by GuitarZ on Jan 26, 2019 9:29:04 GMT -7
I had one more thought. I don't use pedals. With my Strat, the Maz Jr gives me a little more sustain/gain when needed. Dave might be right. Start with the Maz. You can't go wrong. Here's a tune I did where the Ghia is the rhythm and the Maz Jr is providing the lead guitar: Talk to Myself I'm a fan of both tones. This one reminded me that the Maz Jr provides a little more gain which is what I wanted for the solo. But, I put the vocal through the Ghia in the bridge. So, that adds versatility which you'll probably never use.  |
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jan 26, 2019 9:44:08 GMT -7
What everyone is saying is true. Both are very touch responsive, full, vibrant amps. The tone control on the Ghia is truly amazing and the MKII Master Volume is incredible. It'll change your mind about MV.
I hope you can try them both before buying, but I agree...I've got both of them and I think that they are both "must have" amps.
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Post by GuitarZ on Jan 26, 2019 10:48:53 GMT -7
One other thought: I would be willing to bet that for those of us that have both, one is a combo and one is a head for the most part. I could be wrong. But, the Maz Jr wins for tonal flexibility, but my Ghia wins for 'grab & go' flexibility because it's a head. So, get one. You can always add later.
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Jan 27, 2019 5:30:23 GMT -7
By nuanced tone I mean the shades & liveliness, color of the sound. Hard to express it as a non native speaker. Slightly worried about the potential brightness, treblines & compression of CG when playing Strat bridge pickup & Bogner Blue Ecstasy. Maybe Maz's tonally more balanced? Maybe using a boost pedal with a good EQ (like Mesa Boogie Toneburst or EP Booster) would balance Ghia, if needed. You first sentence alone to me says Maz. As others have said Maz will give more tonal options. This seems to be what you want. No need to worry about treble in the Ghia in my experience. As far as I'm concerned the Ghia is totally balanced, the question is will it meet your expectations. My advice get the Maz first then buy a Ghia. |
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Post by ss "Shane" on Jan 28, 2019 7:05:07 GMT -7
I’ve read this entire thread and you have some great replies from guys who seem to know what their talking about. This is just my 2cents...I own a Ghia and had a Maz 18R. My buddy recently made a visit to my place with his Cure. If possible, make an attempt to play a Cure before you buy.
It sounds like for what you are searching for the Cure fits your needs. The Ghia and the Maz are great amps but their 18 Watts May be much more than you expect.
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Post by tonezone66 on Jan 28, 2019 8:42:43 GMT -7
I assume Cure's kind of a mini Z Lux which I used to have. On the other hand I liked the color of it's tone. But there was something plastic like in it's sound that bothered me all the way. Maybe due to the solid state rectifier or smt else. The nearest location I could check out Maz & Ghia is Netherlands. It'd cost some hundreds of euros to take a return flight from Helsinki plus a hotel room. Would be wise though, I know.
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Post by 2Cents on Jan 29, 2019 3:07:07 GMT -7
Ah ha, I see said the blind man. Because you cannot use your ears to decide, the ‘subjective’ opinion of other Z-owners is your most economical option.
Although words can never replace ears, in my humble opinion, you have received ample sage suggestions from a variety of knowledgeable and experienced individuals on this website, both here and on the ‘Ghia with low volumes?’ thread.
The common theme among them is that you cannot go wrong either way you choose (Ghia or Maz18), but if ya got money to blow on travel (for a hearing test), go ahead and do it for peace of mind.
Frankly, I am having trouble mentally visualizing your dilemma, because (excluding weight) my first thought was how you could not be satisfied with a Vox AC15HW. Personally, though, I’m a Ghia guy. Anyway, best of luck in your quest for the Holy Grail amp.
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Post by John on Jan 29, 2019 4:26:58 GMT -7
Just buy both...there, that settles it. My work here is done.
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Post by tonezone66 on Jan 30, 2019 11:58:37 GMT -7
Finally made up my mind and ordered Maz 18 NR Mark2 combo yesterday and will get it next week. See how we'll get along & let you know. Thought it'd be "wiser" buy the more expensive one first and get the Ghia in the autumn.
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Post by GuitarZ on Jan 30, 2019 12:13:43 GMT -7
Nice! You're going to enjoy it!
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Post by digs57 on Jan 30, 2019 18:54:03 GMT -7
Finally made up my mind and ordered Maz 18 NR Mark2 combo yesterday and will get it next week. See how we'll get along & let you know. Thought it'd be "wiser" buy the more expensive one first and get the Ghia in the autumn. Nice move...cant help but think youre gonna dig it!...nice little ghia is a good buddy for the maz... |
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Post by captainron (Ron) on Jan 31, 2019 9:43:17 GMT -7
Congrats! You can't go wrong with either.
Both together is really nice!
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