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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Jan 11, 2020 20:30:05 GMT -7
So I've always know I would be getting another Ghia at some point and had price point that I would go for it one came up. Excited to say that happened here on the forum this weekend and I have a CG head coming my way. The first nicer amp I ever bought was a CG 112. It sounded amazing, unfortunately UPS threw it out of a plane or something so the cab was cracked and the chassis bent so bad it was 1.5 half off center. Never got things worked out with the seller on a repair so it went back. A while back I picked up a CG 210. That amp was just blah. Knowing what I know now, I'm pretty sure it had crap tubes in it. What it did help me decide is that that I don't want the weight of a 210.
Curious to know what different configurations float your boat with the Ghia. I have a Maz 18 NR 112, and will probably keep that set up (althought I would consider swapping the combo/head between them). I will be in the market and would love to know what you like and don't like for both cabs and speakers. I would prefer to match a Z with a Z, but if you have a cabinet from another manufacture that does the job please share.
My Ghia head is a blond, which I'm a sucker for, and it has a tolex face plate instead of grill cloth. I prefer this because it makes it easier to match a blond cab regardless of the cloth.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jan 11, 2020 21:17:13 GMT -7
A 1x12 Gold sounds great in it! I have the shorty Z cab
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Post by John on Jan 12, 2020 5:35:54 GMT -7
The 10" gold sounds great too. While I never used a greenback with my Ghia, I would speculate it would sound good with the Ghia. Golds and greenbacks are not that far off in tone. Also, over the years, there have been some on the forum who have said they like the Ghia with a V30. Although I've never tried one, it's popped up enough times to warrant mentioning.
My Ghia originally came with EL84s....but one of them burnt up and I replace the pair with 6n14n...those robust versions of el84. They were definitely firmer and more dynamic. I'm not saying they're better, just different. But normally I can't tell a difference in a lot of tubes, but this time I could. They also scared me the first time I fired up the amp, as they took considerably longer to heat up.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Jan 12, 2020 7:51:40 GMT -7
Given that its chassis size lends itself to the 1x10--and the fact that Doc's 1x10 isn't tiny & wimpy--my opinion is that the ideal Ghia is a 1x10 combo, sporting either a Gold 10 or Greenback 10 and maybe even a Brake Lite mounted back there. Hard to imagine that little powerhouse not being extremely versatile.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2020 8:31:04 GMT -7
Having owned the stock Z 1 x 10", a custom small sized 1 x12" and Doc's latest 1/2" ply lightweight full sized 1 x 12" combo I have to say the full sized lightweight 1 x 12" is my favorite.
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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Jan 12, 2020 8:34:35 GMT -7
The 10" gold sounds great too. While I never used a greenback with my Ghia, I would speculate it would sound good with the Ghia. Golds and greenbacks are not that far off in tone. Also, over the years, there have been some on the forum who have said they like the Ghia with a V30. Although I've never tried one, it's popped up enough times to warrant mentioning. My Ghia originally came with EL84s....but one of them burnt up and I replace the pair with 6n14n...those robust versions of el84. They were definitely firmer and more dynamic. I'm not saying they're better, just different. But normally I can't tell a difference in a lot of tubes, but this time I could. They also scared me the first time I fired up the amp, as they took considerably longer to heat up. My 112 had a V30 and maybe that was part of the magic. I have a G12H, GB clone, and a alnico that falls between a blue and a gold. Those are all 12" so I'll see what I like tone wise. I'm liking the feedback here, because once I settle on the speaker I'll need to find a cab. I like the idea of a 10" cab, it's good to know that the Ghia doesn't suffer with a single ten. The head is coming to me with newer Mullard EL84's. I have the 6n14n in my Maz, so I'll probably do some testing with the tube set as well.
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Post by lowbudget on Jan 12, 2020 8:51:12 GMT -7
Given that its chassis size lends itself to the 1x10--and the fact that Doc's 1x10 isn't tiny & wimpy--my opinion is that the ideal Ghia is a 1x10 combo, sporting either a Gold 10 or Greenback 10 and maybe even a Brake Lite mounted back there. Hard to imagine that little powerhouse not being extremely versatile. I really agree with Mark here. I have two Ghia 1x10s that kinda describe a “louder/quieter” theme. The louder one is running a 10” Red Fang (none louder!) and the quieter one will soon have a lower dB (likely alnico) speaker for more home friendly volumes. I personally gravitate toward alnico speaks for the Ghia, and have a recent thread going on the subject you might want to check out. You’re lucky to have picked the Ghia as the amp with which to do a deep dive regarding configurations. There is such a tremendous wealth of information on these pages about the Ghia and most of it surrounds configurations, i.e., speakers, tubes and the like. Just pop in the search terms that interest you and read for days! Hint: don’t be afraid to look at older threads; it’s all relevant!
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Post by John on Jan 12, 2020 9:09:54 GMT -7
I'll add I very much did NOT like the 10" red fang with my Ghia. However, there are some on the forum that do.
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Jan 12, 2020 11:56:34 GMT -7
At present I am really enjoying the 1x10 combo with a Gold. It’s size, portability and tone combine to make a truly portable little powerhouse. Previously I was using it as a head into a Z 1x12 convertible with a WGS Blackhawk (WGS’s answer to the Gold). The 1x12 was great. I might prefer the 12 slightly tone wise over the 110 combo, but it’s really close, and currently I’m digging the portability.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jan 12, 2020 14:10:27 GMT -7
Another +1000 for the 10" Gold. It's a great sounding partnership.
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Post by doctorice on Jan 12, 2020 14:37:28 GMT -7
I'll add I very much did NOT like the 10" red fang with my Ghia. However, there are some on the forum that do. I did that for a while after swapping the Monza, which came in the cab, out for a CG, which I got as a head. Pretty decent combination for me, but I think I was mostly using humbucker guitars. The Red Fang is very efficient, so I usually had to run with an attenuator.
I might have a recording made with that combo. If you're interested I can try to dig it up.
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Post by GuitarZ on Jan 12, 2020 16:26:27 GMT -7
I'll throw another option. A Tone Tubby 12. I have a Ghia head. My favorite speaker has been putting it on top of my 1x12 open back JDesign cab with the Tone Tubby. I like some overdrive and get it out of the Ghia wide open with an Airbrake to adjust volume. That Tone Tubby combination just provided a tone that felt like it was 'singing' on leads.
Personally, I'd probably factor in size, weight, and what I was planning on doing with it. The fact that my Ghia is a head gets it a lot more use vs my Maz Jr 1x12.
Finally, all in all, since I now have the UA Ox, I've had my Ghia plugged into a lot of different types of speakers. It's hard to not get a sound that works with a Ghia. So, you'll be good to go whatever you choose. Have fun!
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Jan 12, 2020 17:19:31 GMT -7
I'll throw another option. A Tone Tubby 12. I have a Ghia head. My favorite speaker has been putting it on top of my 1x12 open back JDesign cab with the Tone Tubby. I like some overdrive and get it out of the Ghia wide open with an Airbrake to adjust volume. That Tone Tubby combination just provided a tone that felt like it was 'singing' on leads. Personally, I'd probably factor in size, weight, and what I was planning on doing with it. The fact that my Ghia is a head gets it a lot more use vs my Maz Jr 1x12. Finally, all in all, since I now have the UA Ox, I've had my Ghia plugged into a lot of different types of speakers. It's hard to not get a sound that works with a Ghia. So, you'll be good to go whatever you choose. Have fun! Hey, Z--which Tone Tubby? Alnico red, green ceramic, or..? (There's a LOT of TT models these days.) I've generally been really impressed with most Tone Tubby's I've tried. They're all a little different, though--alnico red seems more like the Gold to me, and the green ceramic is like a G12H-30 that won't slice your head off with hi-presence.
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Post by GuitarZ on Jan 12, 2020 20:13:14 GMT -7
Hey, Z--which Tone Tubby? Alnico red, green ceramic, or..? (There's a LOT of TT models these days.) I've generally been really impressed with most Tone Tubby's I've tried. They're all a little different, though--alnico red seems more like the Gold to me, and the green ceramic is like a G12H-30 that won't slice your head off with hi-presence. Whoops! True. Alnico Red. I think I'm also a fan as to how it tames the high end.
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Post by meanslide on Jan 12, 2020 21:08:17 GMT -7
Hands down best tone I ever had was a Ghia straight in to a ZBest. Stock speakers, well broken in. P-90 equipped guitar.
2nd would be through a 1x12 cab with a Tone Tubby Alnico Red. Same guitar.
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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Jan 12, 2020 21:10:27 GMT -7
I'll throw another option. A Tone Tubby 12. I have a Ghia head. My favorite speaker has been putting it on top of my 1x12 open back JDesign cab with the Tone Tubby. I like some overdrive and get it out of the Ghia wide open with an Airbrake to adjust volume. That Tone Tubby combination just provided a tone that felt like it was 'singing' on leads. Personally, I'd probably factor in size, weight, and what I was planning on doing with it. The fact that my Ghia is a head gets it a lot more use vs my Maz Jr 1x12. Finally, all in all, since I now have the UA Ox, I've had my Ghia plugged into a lot of different types of speakers. It's hard to not get a sound that works with a Ghia. So, you'll be good to go whatever you choose. Have fun! What's your opinion on the build of the JDesign? There is a Craigslist post that has really nice looking 212 made by them for a great price. It's a 212, but the size of a 412 Marshall cabinet. I would never need/want to carry something that size, but I might buy it and lock myself in the studio until my wife calls the cops and has me committed. Seriously, that post had me looking at their site and I like what I saw there. I might consider having them build a 110 cabinet that would be a fit under the Ghia head.
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Post by meanslide on Jan 13, 2020 10:15:11 GMT -7
JDesign is top notch.
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Post by GuitarZ on Jan 13, 2020 15:57:17 GMT -7
I 2nd the 'top notch' comment for JDesign. Additionally, I had some questions on wood type and such and they were straightforward and helpful. I pinged them a second time to ask about converting their cab to a combo and again they were nice and informative. And, given that I usually check prices, their prices must have been about 'right' for me to pull the trigger.
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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Feb 5, 2020 11:22:42 GMT -7
Given that its chassis size lends itself to the 1x10--and the fact that Doc's 1x10 isn't tiny & wimpy--my opinion is that the ideal Ghia is a 1x10 combo, sporting either a Gold 10 or Greenback 10 and maybe even a Brake Lite mounted back there. Hard to imagine that little powerhouse not being extremely versatile. I was able to grab a blonde 110 cab loaded with the RF. Looking forward to popping the Ghia in there. I’m not sure I’ll keep the RF, I may want something a little less loud.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Feb 5, 2020 18:01:47 GMT -7
I think you'll love it. The Red Fang is a great speaker, but it's gonna be loud with that Ghia! You might seriously consider a Brake Lite like Mark refers to. They work beautifully.
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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Feb 6, 2020 7:59:35 GMT -7
I think you'll love it. The Red Fang is a great speaker, but it's gonna be loud with that Ghia! You might seriously consider a Brake Lite like Mark refers to. They work beautifully. The Doc does a MV mod the Ghia that I might eventually consider, especially if I'm driving through Cleveland and can just drop it off. Curious and might eventually start another thread about this. But I really like the PPIMV on the Maz Jr, Cure, and Therapy. I've not cared much for attenuators (Weber and Swart) that I've tried with other amps (never a Z). I think cost for a used Brake Lite and the MV mod are close enough to call even. What might serve my particular Ghia well, and what if I decide to sell at some point, which "investment" will be best recouped? Brake Lites don't seem to move the cost of used Z's up too much, maybe sell quicker than one without it. But a regular old Ghia with a MV might fetch a little more than normal. I do wish the mod put the MV on the front panel and not the back.
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Post by bubs42 on Feb 7, 2020 13:33:33 GMT -7
I just bought a Brake Like and I gotta say, it works great with the Ghia. I've been using it in the house set two to three clicks down and it does a great job. Your going to loose a little low end and the movement of the speaker a bit, but its does what it does well.
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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Feb 7, 2020 21:11:06 GMT -7
Given that its chassis size lends itself to the 1x10--and the fact that Doc's 1x10 isn't tiny & wimpy--my opinion is that the ideal Ghia is a 1x10 combo, sporting either a Gold 10 or Greenback 10 and maybe even a Brake Lite mounted back there. Hard to imagine that little powerhouse not being extremely versatile. I really agree with Mark here. I have two Ghia 1x10s that kinda describe a “louder/quieter” theme. The louder one is running a 10” Red Fang (none louder!) and the quieter one will soon have a lower dB (likely alnico) speaker for more home friendly volumes. I personally gravitate toward alnico speaks for the Ghia, and have a recent thread going on the subject you might want to check out. You’re lucky to have picked the Ghia as the amp with which to do a deep dive regarding configurations. There is such a tremendous wealth of information on these pages about the Ghia and most of it surrounds configurations, i.e., speakers, tubes and the like. Just pop in the search terms that interest you and read for days! Hint: don’t be afraid to look at older threads; it’s all relevant! You all talked me into looking for a 110 set up for the Ghia and was really happy to find a blonde combo 110. I've only had a few minutes with it once I got the chassis in and I don't think I'm going to bond with the Red Fang. I definitely need some time with it. I found an THD 20 w 10" for a great price (I guess they blew out a ton 10-15 years ago). It's a ceramic so it will absolutely be a different flavor we'll see what it does.
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Post by lowbudget on Feb 7, 2020 21:34:51 GMT -7
I think you'll love it. The Red Fang is a great speaker, but it's gonna be loud with that Ghia! You might seriously consider a Brake Lite like Mark refers to. They work beautifully. The Doc does a MV mod the Ghia that I might eventually consider, especially if I'm driving through Cleveland and can just drop it off. Curious and might eventually start another thread about this. But I really like the PPIMV on the Maz Jr, Cure, and Therapy. I've not cared much for attenuators (Weber and Swart) that I've tried with other amps (never a Z). I think cost for a used Brake Lite and the MV mod are close enough to call even. What might serve my particular Ghia well, and what if I decide to sell at some point, which "investment" will be best recouped? Brake Lites don't seem to move the cost of used Z's up too much, maybe sell quicker than one without it. But a regular old Ghia with a MV might fetch a little more than normal. I do wish the mod put the MV on the front panel and not the back. Are you sure the Doc is currently doing the MV mod on the Ghia? I know he’s done one or two a long while back but last time I checked he was no longer doing it. If he’s started back up I’ll sure send mine in.
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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Feb 7, 2020 21:56:17 GMT -7
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Post by aslerjack on Feb 8, 2020 0:07:48 GMT -7
[/quote]Are you sure the Doc is currently doing the MV mod on the Ghia?
I know he’s done one or two a long while back but last time I checked he was no longer doing it. If he’s started back up I’ll sure send mine in. [/quote]
I sent my Ghia in for the master volume over a year ago, love it. The MV knob is located on the back of the chassis. They used a chicken head knob so you can just reach behind and turn by feel. They also added a toggle switch in the back to switch from original circuit to newer ghia circuit.
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Post by Ryan (shorty) on Feb 8, 2020 12:35:29 GMT -7
I had the mod done to mine. Totally worth it. I've had several Ghias over the years and my favorite combination is a head running through Doc's 1x12 loaded with a Creamback.
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Post by bubs42 on Feb 8, 2020 17:51:29 GMT -7
Are you sure the Doc is currently doing the MV mod on the Ghia? I know he’s done one or two a long while back but last time I checked he was no longer doing it. If he’s started back up I’ll sure send mine in. [/quote] I sent my Ghia in for the master volume over a year ago, love it. The MV knob is located on the back of the chassis. They used a chicken head knob so you can just reach behind and turn by feel. They also added a toggle switch in the back to switch from original circuit to newer ghia circuit. [/quote] Huh, sounds like I need to send mine in for that. Also what's changed about the Ghia circuit I didn't know if went through any changes from what i've read?
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Post by runninwiththerevil (Matthew) on Feb 8, 2020 20:58:16 GMT -7
Totally guessing, but if we're talking about a flip of a switch I'm going to venture that it is a minor change (addition) in the circuit. Not saying it doesn't impact the tone or the feel, otherwise I don't think Doc would mess with it. But if a toggle can engage or turn it off it must be a additional cap or resistor. If it were a matter of swapping in a new value or a completely different cap or resistor in the circuit as it stands it wouldn't be something that you could switch one way or another.
I would love to hear from someone in the know what the change does.
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Post by aslerjack on Feb 9, 2020 1:01:45 GMT -7
It’s a very minor change, I’ll take a look for the email that Don sent me describing it.
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