Macthless C30 vs MAZ Sr. NR

[hardys]

I've been using a MAZ Sr. NR and while it's a nice amp, I'm looking for similar tones, but with a lttle more gain on tap. Even with the volume control (pre-amp gain) dimed on the MAZ, I can't get much gain using my medium output Tele & Strat.

I played a DC30 briefly a few years ago and loved the cleans, but I didn't get a chance to test out the gain channel. So, is there more gain available on a C30 than there is on a MAZ Sr. NR?

[jtw]

I had a MAZ 18 Jr for a while, and have an HC30, so similar amps there to what you're asking about.

I'd say the DC30 you'd be looking at on the EF86 channel will definitely give you more gain and grind. That preamp tube in that channel is just the bizness if you ask me. Be aware though, I find that much up past 6 or 7 on the volume (it's LOUD here), it sorta just gets mushy to my ears. Pleany of gain available though up to that point, and especially with a light booster to slam it with, I think you'll get lots of cool gain. I think probably more than the MAZ Sr gives you.

jtw

[rburkard]

I owned two MAZ-18 and one MAZ-38 as well as an SC-30 and a Phoenix. I liked the Dr. Z's very much, but have to say that the C-30 is in another league. You will also get more gain out of a C-30. Incredible amp. No need to look any further. The Dr. Zs were sold a long time ago, while the Matchless amps are an integfral part of my sound and playing and will most likely never be sold.
Rene

[stoob0t]

Which input are you using on the Maz? I find i get a fair bit more gain out of mine by going into the low input, and cranking the volume up. I've some experience with a DC30, and it does have a bit more gain than the Maz Sr. though - but you really have to get it pretty damn loud to squeeze it out.

[jumpnblues]

I've had a MAZ 38 Sr. NR and you'll need a pedal to increase gain or obtain overdrive with that amp. I've also had a MAZ 18 Jr. 2x10" combo (with reverb) and it had more gain on tap vs the MAZ 38 Sr. NR. Both amps take pedals very well though.


Tom

[hardys]

Since posting this thread, I've been reading other C30 threads and found that a couple guys mentioned that the low end on the C30s can get flabby/farty/loose sounding. Is there any merit to this? One thing I LOVE about the MAZ Sr. is it's BIG, tight, controlled low end. Also, can the C30 get a big low end?

[jtw]

I'd say it's "fartier" (is that even a word?) than the Zs in general, yeah.

[sickboy79]

Originally Posted by hardys

Since posting this thread, I've been reading other C30 threads and found that a couple guys mentioned that the low end on the C30s can get flabby/farty/loose sounding. Is there any merit to this? One thing I LOVE about the MAZ Sr. is it's BIG, tight, controlled low end. Also, can the C30 get a big low end?

HC-30 owner here. I don't experience any flabby or mushy bottom. I've read it just like everyone else but, I don't experience it at all. Granted, I usually run the amp through a closed back Marshall 1960BX w/GBs - and all NOS tubes including the GZ34, which may contribute to a more solid bottom end.

I haven't played the Dr Z but, the C-30 series has plenty of gain for my needs. It's truly an amazing amp.

[rburkard]

I have been running my SC-30 for years now and run the preamps on both channels wide open and just take a little bit of the master volume. But even with the master bypassed it does not get farty if you know how to play with dynamite and can control your attack. This amp favors single coils, but I like it with ES-335s and Les Pauls as well.
Rene

[BIGGERSTAFF]

If you like the basic tone of the Maz Sr and just want more gain, I'd suggest trying some good boost pedals, before selling. Nothing against a Matchless as they're fantastic amps, but it's lot cheaper to get a pedal, than the difference in price for a Matchless. I have a Maz Jr, and it's a pedal whore. I typically use a FD2, and it sounds amazing. I've also had good experiences with the AC/RC/BB pedals from Xotic.

[hardys]

Originally Posted by BIGGERSTAFF

If you like the basic tone of the Maz Sr and just want more gain, I'd suggest trying some good boost pedals, before selling. Nothing against a Matchless as they're fantastic amps, but it's lot cheaper to get a pedal, than the difference in price for a Matchless. I have a Maz Jr, and it's a pedal whore. I typically use a FD2, and it sounds amazing. I've also had good experiences with the AC/RC/BB pedals from Xotic.

I dislike pedals tremendously. I want to like them, and have tried & owned dozens of them, but they always screw with my tone in a bad way. To my ears, the FD2 is a serious tone sucker...nasty!

[BIGGERSTAFF]

Hmm, my FD2 is very transparent sounding, the way I set it. It just sounds like the amp, but louder. I do dial the amp in differently if I'm using it though, than if I were going without a pedal.