|
Post by garrettcz on Feb 17, 2019 13:48:10 GMT -7
Hi everyone,
I recently picked up a used Maz 38 Sr NR Mk.I 2x12 combo with a Celestion G12 H30 & Celestion Blue and Brake Lite attenuator installed.
The problem I'm running into is that I can't seem to EQ it in a way that I'm happy with it. I'm not sure if it was modded or if the speakers have thrown things off or something, but there is an enormous amount of mids if you put the mids knob anywhere except zero. It feels more like a mids boost knob than a normal boost/cut, and the mids go from zero to 100 instantly if you turn the mids knob up at all.
I've owned Fender, Orange, and Vox amps, and I've never had any issues getting them dialed in, so this is really confusing for me. I've watched several videos to see where people had their knobs, and read several threads on here, but when I try those same settings, they don't sound anything like the sounds I'm getting out of mine. I know it shouldn't sound the exact same because of the speaker differences, but it's not even close, and trying to tweak things from there doesn't seem to help.
I've also tried several guitars, including a Jaguar, SG, Tele, and Reverend so it's happening with single coils and humbuckers. At this point, I'm thinking about buying a set of Greenbacks and installing them to see if that makes any difference, but I'd rather not spend the money if at all possible. I'm hoping y'all can help me out with this.
Thanks so much! Sorry this is so long.
|
|
|
Post by garrettcz on Feb 18, 2019 8:33:57 GMT -7
Ok, I think I got it figured out. I was running it only at my house at low to medium volumes. Yesterday I took it to a jam and was able to crank the volume up, and when I did the EQ issues disappeared. Unfortunately, even with the attenuator going that's way too loud for home use for me, so I'm going to have to figure something out, but the amp sounds absolutely incredible cranked.
|
|
|
Post by pcns on Feb 18, 2019 8:40:03 GMT -7
Maz 38 has some authority to it for sure!!
I do believe there is a half power switch available to for the 38's now. 1/2 power plus attenuator should get you real quiet.
|
|
|
Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Feb 18, 2019 8:47:46 GMT -7
Maz 38 has some authority to it for sure!! I do believe there is a half power switch available to for the 38's now. 1/2 power plus attenuator should get you real quiet. You are correct, oh wise one!
|
|
|
Post by pcns on Feb 18, 2019 8:48:38 GMT -7
You may want to try playing around with the volume and master volume. Sometimes running the master wide open and controlling your volume with the volume can change what you hear too. Lots of knobs to turn, feel free to be generous with turning them
|
|
|
Post by doctorice on Feb 18, 2019 12:23:39 GMT -7
Z amps need some "love" a/k/a volume to really come alive.
|
|
|
Post by garrettcz on Feb 18, 2019 14:21:12 GMT -7
Yea, I was absolutely blown away with how good it sounded when I cranked it! It was funny because I was really nervous to show up with this super muddy amp to jam, but as soon as I turned it up all the mud washed away and was replaced by a really beautiful breakup and a hell of a lot of punch and clarity. I barely had to EQ it from noon. There's still quite a lot of mids to it, but in a good way. I'm in love. I just have to figure out what to do with it when I'm at home because it's louder than all hell even with the attenuator going.
|
|
|
Post by zpilot on Mar 1, 2019 4:28:06 GMT -7
My first Z was a 2003 MAZ 38 w/G12H30 and I went through EXACTLY what you have experienced. It was a great amp but for me it was too much amp. I eventually got a MAZ 18 (same speaker) and had a chance to play them side by side at a gig. The 18 was all I needed and would fill any stage I played. The only place I could possibly need the 38 was on an outdoor stage. The 1/2 power option was not available at that time on the 38 and I sold it to buy a JAZ 20/40 which has one. I think you'll be much happier with that and a Master volume update. Don't even think twice about it. Do it. I would still have my 38 if I could have done that at that time. Changing to a less efficient speaker like a Creamback would be another option. Chances are you will like the tone better than the G12H30 also.
|
|
|
Post by 63fenderman on Mar 2, 2019 10:48:44 GMT -7
I've always found that speakers want to be hit hard to give up a full and round tone. That's hard to do with a 2x12 38.
|
|
|
Post by daveyk on Mar 5, 2019 10:53:39 GMT -7
I always felt like the mids came in fast on my 38 NR, but I happen to like a lot of mids so i think they sound great. If i turn the mids knob all the way down, it's deffinitely a scooped tone, but as soon as i get the knob up around 9-10, the mids are very present. One thing for sure, you will never have a hard time cutting through the mix, but at the same time, the amp is not overly harsh. My favorite z amp for sure!
|
|