Tell me about Dr. Z.............

[troublehead]

I am really close to pulling the trigger on a Maz 18 Non-Reverb head. I will be using it for blues/alt. country/classic rock using a custom shop strat and sometimes a LP. Cab will be an oversized 1x12 with a WGS ET-65.

Am I making the right choice with the Maz 18 or should I be looking at some of the other models ? I really haven't looked into the other models so I know nothing about them.

I'm not real interested in a pristine chimey clean but rather a real dirty Hendrix clean. I also want big overdriven chords with my LP. Only pedal I will use is my Barber Direct Drive as a boost.

Thanks !

[smolder]

If you only have one amp... and you want cleans and dirt... start clean and get the dirt with pedals. For the range of stuff you listed I think you will really like the Maz. You can get some gain and the MV gives you some flex as well.

I am a big fan of the doc... having owned four now. The Maz was not for me... but it was a great amp. You can pick other flavors of Z that lean towards Marshal/Vox/Fender/etc. BUt the Maz is likely the most versatile.

[Flyin' Brian]

As an owner of two Z models, a Carmen Ghia and the 18 Jr., I think it's a really good choice for you.

[bobcs71]

I think it will serve you well. I like the Z28 best but I gravitate towards the Fender sound.

[69strat]

Originally Posted by bobcs71

I think it will serve you well. I like the Z28 best but I gravitate towards the Fender sound.

I have a Maz and love it.. How different is the ghia? I want one but dont want it to be redundant...

[coldfingaz]

The Ghia is a monster. Great all around rock & blues amp. Just don't expect much clean headroom, otherwise it's phenomenal with every guitar I've run through it. Two knobs, volume & tone = no BS rock 'n' roll.

The Maz Jr. is a great amp, too. I'd try them both before buying if you possibly can because they're quite different. The Maz is more versatile, but the Ghia is just awesome at what it does.

[thenewpollution]

I love my z-28, as far as im concerned Dr. Z makes the best amps out there, and I've played pretty close to everything.

[smolder]

Having both the Maz and the Ghia is the way to go.... but I am getting ahead of yourself. You'll see...

[Groberts]

Originally Posted by smolder

Having both the Maz and the Ghia is the way to go.... but I am getting ahead of yourself. You'll see...

Yeah, but if history follows suit, get the first Dr Z ....and then you'll want another. I just gigged with my brand new DR Z Maz 18 Reverb 1x12 Combo for the first time last night. It was just exceptional. Does it have the chimey, glassy sweet Fender highs? Not really. But it is so balanced and musical that it didn't matter. The Maz 18 is extremely versatile, has KILLER clean tones, is a LOUD 18W's and it takes pedals better than a lot of amps I compared it to. I did a lot of research and the consensus was; if you want one DR Z amp for the ultimate in versatility, go with the Maz.

I read that the Ghia tends to break up a bit earlier. Might work for you if that suits your style and needs. For me, I need great cleans and I use Pedals for most of my OD needs.

Here are a couple pics from my gig last night;

[smolder]

The Maz 18 is the lady you want to take to office events and introduce to the parents. The ghia is the gal you want to party with.



.

[dhdfoster]

Very topical thread for me. I just got my Maz 18 shipped to me after 2 1/2 years of it being in my old city. I had forgotten how freaking awesome it sounds. I'm more country/roots/rockabilly than rock/blues, but this amp sounds great doing anything. I've owned a lot of amps that I liked, my Maz is the first amp I fired up in the living room and was utterly blown away by its tone at low volumes and it only gets better when it's wound up.

[Chadley]

I have owned a ton of Z's including a Maz 18 NR, Carmen Ghia (twice), Z28, Route 66. I have also spend a lot of time with friend's rigs including a MAZ38 and Mazerati. I currently own the EZG-50. This amp is serious....a real pro rig. I have never owned an amp that sounds this amazing. I love all the Z amps I have tried but nothing compares to the EZG-50. It is worth checking out.

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

I didn't like the Maz18, but I did like the Prescription ES !! That was a killer amp!

[GoofyDawg]

Don't have one, but I've played one a few times. VERY nice amp, and the Doc rocks! You should give him a call directly. He'll rap with you! He's a great guy!

[tiptone]

I've owned a Carmen Ghia and a KT-45 and have had my Z28 for 3 years now. I've still yet to play a Maz, so I can't comment on it, but I'd like to add to the current Z28 lovefest.