|
Post by BradPaisleyFan (Pat) on Sept 29, 2021 6:12:41 GMT -7
So upon looking into it, some websites show that the m12 in its later years shipped with a 5Ar4? Mine came with a 5y3. If it did indeed ship with the 5AR4, would that not make it 12W anymore? I thought the Steve Miller mod was based around swapping that rectifier to bring it to the 20W range???
|
|
|
Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Sept 29, 2021 6:34:36 GMT -7
I believe you're right--it had been released as a 5Y3 amp, but Doc's later modified "lower-powered StangRay" version did get a 5AR4 upgrade. Strangely enough, even the "tube info" and "legacy models" pages of Dr. Z's website seem in conflict: drzamps.com/support/tube-info/ (says 5Y3) drzamps.com/product/m12/ (says 5AR4) I hadn't paid attention to this, but maybe he decided in the M12's final production runs that the 5AR4 was ultimately better? All I know is that I sure like the original M12 with 5Y3 and a Greenback-style speaker. Fantastic lower-powered amp.
|
|
|
Post by jhen86 (jordan) on Sept 29, 2021 9:30:20 GMT -7
There you have it. DRZ likes Mark’s post. ^^^
So both are true. No need to be confused. Use whatever you like best for sound and feel. Doc changed his mind because the circuit allows for either and they each have their own sonic merits. 👍🏻
|
|
|
Post by DRZ on Sept 29, 2021 10:56:42 GMT -7
I certainly do not want to confuse people. But I also do not want to stop improving the sound of my designs. When you build your product point to point you can make adjustments easily . When you build using pre-built PC boards changes and enhancements are almost impossible.
Z
|
|
|
Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Sept 29, 2021 12:41:24 GMT -7
Still such an under-appreciated amp!
At the time it was discontinued, I sort of threw Humbucker Music under the bus for not having promoted the amp as much as they could have (if indeed it was designed upon their request, as they had implied). And despite that, it's hard to believe that the market didn't appreciate the M12 being a lower-volume pedal platform--which is what everyone wanted at the time!
It's criminal, I tell 'ya. Because the M12 hit nearest & dearest to me faster than any Z-amp, I think. In fact, ironically enough, it sounded great just straight in--no pedals, nuthin' needed. Just pure musical tone.
|
|
|
Post by lowbudget on Sept 29, 2021 14:23:06 GMT -7
Mine was one of the last ones produced as far as I can figure and for sure it was the last one Humbucker ever got. It came from the factory with a 5AR4. It’s a 1x10 and came with the standard Z10 and not only does it sound great it is loud AF. When I called in to ask about the 5AR4 (since all the Z website info still showed a 5Y3) Doc happened to answer the phone. He said *exactly* what he just said above: when you build ‘em by hand you can make each one sound the best possible. I then asked if that meant I actually had an M20, he gave that Doc chuckle and said “well, an M18 anyway”.
It’s a pretty amazing little guy!
|
|
|
Post by jhen86 (jordan) on Sept 29, 2021 18:40:23 GMT -7
DRZ do you recall if the later 5AR4 models went out with the same 180R bias resistor, or was that tweaked to compensate for the higher voltage? As you may recall, I’ve tinkered quite a bit with rectifiers and messaged you on that. I love the M12 for this reason. So many variants of the great M12 tone are available. Great design and platform.
|
|
|
Post by lowbudget on Dec 14, 2021 7:33:39 GMT -7
DRZ do you recall if the later 5AR4 models went out with the same 180R bias resistor, or was that tweaked to compensate for the higher voltage? As you may recall, I’ve tinkered quite a bit with rectifiers and messaged you on that. I love the M12 for this reason. So many variants of the great M12 tone are available. Great design and platform. Just looking through some M12 threads and I’ve wondered this same thing too. Anyone know the answer or maybe has looked under the hood to check?
|
|