jtw
Junior Member
Posts: 90
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Post by jtw on Jun 2, 2021 11:16:55 GMT -7
Hey all, I’ve been out of the Z camp for a while now but have an opportunity to trade for an older Ghia head and Z 1x12 cab with a Z 12”branded speaker in it.
It’s been a while since I owned a Ghia so I need some thoughts on how bright it inherent is at lower levels on the Volume knob. I’m looking to use it as a pedal platform with and old orange Fulldrive (read: thick mids) and a strat. I have some concerns that it might be too bright at lower volume levels. I need a thick clean tone as a base for the strat.
Thanks fir any input!
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Jun 2, 2021 17:01:00 GMT -7
The tone control will dial that right out. No worries.
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Post by John on Jun 3, 2021 3:52:33 GMT -7
I had my strat modded so the lower tone control works with both the middle and bridge pickup. Any brightness I would have experienced with the bridge pickup is now controlled with the guitar's tone control. The amp's tone control will take care of 90+% of the tone, but if someone still thinks the tone is a little bright...use the guitar's tone control.
As I understand it, the mod is incredibly simple. The mod can probably be found with 12 seconds on the google machine, but mine was done 20 years ago by a tech who suggested it while the strat was in for a refret. If I remember, it's one small wire added to the pickup switch. If you're handy with a soldering iron, you could probably do it yourself.
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Post by G'OlPeachPhan on Jun 3, 2021 11:02:03 GMT -7
While the Ghia is fairly flexible and non-fussy about cabs and speakers, especially since it’s a head you’re considering, also taking the time to pair it with the right speaker for your tastes is a very worthwhile investment in getting the final tone, response, and volume you desire from the amp.
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Post by jhen86 (jordan) on Jun 3, 2021 12:15:15 GMT -7
I was going to say the same. A speaker would be a quick cheap way to dial in top end brightness. I don't think the Ghia has a bright cap on the volume pot, which may be what you are fearing. Bright caps are strongest at the lower settings on the volume pot. As you turn up the volume, the brightness decreases. Ala a Blackface Vibrato channel, or Marshall super lead. But again, I don't think the Ghia has a bright cap.
Even if it did....that's a 30 seconds solderless clip job if you absolutely couldn't live with it.
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Post by spencer096 on Jun 3, 2021 16:31:50 GMT -7
Playing an EJ strat thru my CG w a v30 rarely sees the tone knob past 1:00. Typically it’s at noon. Played an EJ, original Jeff beck strat and silver sky thru it and all of them are PB&J. You can’t really go wrong w a fender into a Ghia imo.
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Post by LT on Jun 14, 2021 8:43:57 GMT -7
I used Fenders with my Ghia also. I agree with the speaker recommendation.
You might want to consider an EQ pedal. Check out the XTS modded GE7. It's very good.
Also, my Strats all have the EJ wiring. It's similar to what John describes above, but puts the bottom tone knob strictly on the bridge PU. I roll it back to about 7 and it sounds so much better IMO.
Let us know what ends up doing the trick!
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Post by 2Cents on Aug 11, 2021 10:58:46 GMT -7
URGENT? Sorry. Better late than never, eh? Anyway, my recipe for a Clean Ghia is:
1. Highly efficient speaker(s) — ≥ 100db.
2. High Power speaker(s) — 75-300w — e.g., EV-12L/Legend EM12/Mesa Boogie Black Shadow 12 or similar.
3. Either a 5751 or a 12AY7 tube/valve in the PI (phase inverter) position.
Note: The phase inverter is generally the preamp tube closest to the output tubes (in most amps).
4. Use the pick-up selector, tone & volume controls to taste.
5. The audience ain’t as discriminating as the musician is.
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