I've had two Dr Z MAZ18 juniors. The first one I had was the non Reverb model with a 1×12" Celestion blue alnico speaker which I like the best because it was just flat-out nasty! The gain structure was just over the top and amazing, also you can roll off the volume on your guitar and it cleans up beautifully. The one I have now is a 2×10" version and I swapped out one of the 10" proprietary Dr Z speakers for a Celestion gold alnico speaker ( the Matchless trick ) and that really improved the tone considerably but it does not have the overall nastiness of the single 12" non Reverb. If I was going to buy another one I would buy the non Reverb with the Celestion blue alnico and there would be no need for any other amplifier!!!
I instantly knew that this was a candidate for the big stereo instead of the TV speakers when I read the title. I‘d like to hear a battle between the MAZes and the Boogie you often use.
Really excellent demo. This is the best Maz demo I've run across. And, provided with a very good mic'ed sound system combined with super pleasant playing. Really well done. Hats off to Peach Guitars. Would LUV to visit your store when ever I next visit the UK.
This is a great video, and rightly done for a great amp. In order to compare the three amps to one another, I would have preferred if the same guitar was used with all three amps. Thanks!
I was going to get the Maz38 Mkii but can't decide between that and the Z-Wreck Jr. I was going to buy the 38 and Z-best cab out right BUT I'm having the same problem as you deciding so I'm just going to use the money to take out a 24 month finance deal on both. I also want the stangray and DB4 too but I think the Maz38 Mkii and Z-Wreck Jr should do...😅
I really like the cleans and slight breakup. They're really full and beefy, liike my JTM50 but I think even more tonal spectrum than that. Which is hard for me to say.
Is this the MK1? The references to the MK2 are worded as if that’s a different product and there is no MK2 sticker on the back either when showing the FX loop?
You have 3 Maz 18’s but only play the NR I think. Are you sure the Maz 18 has the Metro Zero Loss Effects Loop?? This is good news if it’s true but can’t find any info at all about the Maz having Metro loop.
I had all but written off the Maz in my new amp search. No more. Won’t buy anything until I first put an 18 through it’s paces. Great video. Amazing response from the amp to clean up so easily with the volume knob. I am shocked. And shopping. Thanks Jack! 🙏
One correction: the Maz effects loop is NOT "fully buffered". "Fully buffered" would mean a buffer on the send and a buffer on the return. This loop is only partially buffered. There is a buffer on the return, but NOT on the send. That means, for discriminating ears, that anything(cables from send and back to return, multiple pedals, etc) in the effects loop creates extra capacitance which results in loss of high end. The longer the cables and the more pedals you have in the loop with no buffer driving it, the more capacitance you add to the signal path, thus the greater the high end loss. I used it with a single pedal (a strymon delay) and modest length (10 ft each way, send & return) cables. It is a significant enough difference in my opinion, even with that very modest length loop, to adversely affect my tone to the point that the loop is unusable. The Maz has a very crisp top end, which you may decide you'd want to tame anyway, so you may be fine with the rolled off high end. For myself, the crisp, ringing high end was exactly what drew me to the amp and losing it would be a deal breaker for me. I had become accustomed to using a loop with my previous amp though, so I also tried running a short, low cap George L's cable out of the send to a quality buffer sitting on top of the amp (then out 10 ft to the loop effects and back). It still wasn't great IMO, but it would be useable this way if I absolutely had to put pedals into the loop. In the end I elected to just roll the amp gain back, put all pedals in front, and get my front end gain from pedals to keep the gain from adversely affecting my delay. The amp takes drive pedals exceptionally well. In my opinion, the effects loop is the only weak point with the Maz Mk II amps. It's still my favorite amp. I just reconcile myself to the fact that I have to treat it like the old school amp that it essentially is. The effects loop is really an afterthought on these amps anyway. It wasn't designed from the ground up with a loop in mind. It's essentially Z's take on simple old school design. The extra stuff, like the loop, was tacked on for marketability reasons. I recomend the Maz series highly, just don't buy it expecting a very useable effects loop if you are particular about tone (which probably describes anyone who would buy a Dr. Z). If you're hopelessly effects loop dependent, and have a discriminating ear, this might not be your cup of tea. Its for people who are fine with old school, everything into the front. Tape and analog delays sound great with it, as they are traditionally in front anyway and can handle hitting a modest amount of preamp gain. My Catalinbread Belle Epoch Deluxe sounds amazing with it... Just a hair of almost crunch from the amp gain, and anything more from pedals. That's my two cents worth, but once more and for all, it is NOT a "fully buffered" effects loop as described in the video here.
i just maz 18 mkii reverb and I don't think any video on youtube demonstrates the maz's full capabilities, for example I get my sounding like a super reverb, very blackfacey and it does it very well. However I can crank you gain roll back the tone and it has a super creamy, harmonically rich overdrive tone especially on positions 2 or 4 on a stratocaster. The WGS ET65 speaker is a very good upgrade, trust me!
Have you thought about sending it back to Mike bring it to MkII specs? I’ve read a couple forum posts where people talk about how they sent theirs back to have then updated, and they rave about the results. Especially the post-phase inverter master volume. Apparently it takes the amp to a whole other level. If you ever do this, I’d love to hear what you think.
I almost moved nearby to Leigh-on-Sea/Southend-on-Sea, some ten years back. If I had, I would work with you now. But Eloise is a fickle Eastender with a fake west side accent, and I was a little too unrefined for her pretense.
The problem with this amp is It only starts sounding this good with the master 11 to 12 o'clock. And then its loud, really loud. Don't expect to use it in your bedroom, it sounds awful at bedroom volumes. Harsh, raspy and thin. I wish I hadn't bought mine.
@@daviddorrian5349 lol! No one from Peach ever responded. Kind of annoying if memory serves. I have no plans to sell any of my Z amps. Like a woman and her shoes, it’s fun to pull out a different amp, fire it up and enjoy the glitter! Did you ever finally make a purchase?
@@joepeezy4sheezy haha I love it! Do you have a fave now you've had them a while? I still haven't got one, no. Peach are the only shop in the UK that stocks them and they still have 8 weeks to wait on re stocking. I've been mulling over the choice between the 2 for way over a year now. Another 8 weeks wont hurt, haha!
@@daviddorrian5349 well, my fave is probably the Stang Ray. It’s just loud and clean. Then the wreck jr, then the Maz I guess. What about used on reverb?
I much prefer the Gibson guitar(s) through DR Z amps. I feel that the Fender guitars - which I love - sound rather brash and grainy. The Gibson tone blends better with the EL84 (and variant) power section.
Would you happen to know which speakers were used in the speaker cabinet for this brilliant demo???
Excellent demo, Jack. May well be the best one on YT for the MAZ series. I look forward to the Jetta demo.
Check back at noon (GMT) on Saturday 16th Nov...you might be in luck!
@@PeachGuitars Is that Strat still for sale? Custom Shop? Where can I buy it/one?
I've had two Dr Z MAZ18 juniors. The first one I had was the non Reverb model with a 1×12" Celestion blue alnico speaker which I like the best because it was just flat-out nasty! The gain structure was just over the top and amazing, also you can roll off the volume on your guitar and it cleans up beautifully.
The one I have now is a 2×10" version and I swapped out one of the 10" proprietary Dr Z speakers for a Celestion gold alnico speaker ( the Matchless trick ) and that really improved the tone considerably but it does not have the overall nastiness of the single 12" non Reverb. If I was going to buy another one I would buy the non Reverb with the Celestion blue alnico and there would be no need for any other amplifier!!!
Man I love your vids, makes me wanna spend millions !!! Great player as always Jack.. !
Really great demo, thx. My Mk 1 Maz 18 NR with a Tele is my go to. Gotta try the low input with pedals. Thx again.
I instantly knew that this was a candidate for the big stereo instead of the TV speakers when I read the title. I‘d like to hear a battle between the MAZes and the Boogie you often use.
Really excellent demo. This is the best Maz demo I've run across. And, provided with a very good mic'ed sound system combined with super pleasant playing. Really well done. Hats off to Peach Guitars. Would LUV to visit your store when ever I next visit the UK.
Brilliant playing indeed. Those amps sound killer
This is a great video, and rightly done for a great amp. In order to compare the three amps to one another, I would have preferred if the same guitar was used with all three amps. Thanks!
Great review! Maz 18 Jr 2x10 combo owner here...pretty slick playing!
Wow... that volume roll on the neck pickup of that les paul... that sells this amp, alone.
The four downers must just hate guitar in general. Absolutely stunning masterful demo. Grail tones abound.
Great demo, Jack. Really shows these amps ..., and of course I want one.
Your playing is top notch !
Great playing and demo .
I have a Cure and it’s a wonderful amp. I can see a MAZ in my future too!
The harmonic tren was lovely. 👍😁👍
Now I can’t decide between the Z Wreck, DB4, or Maz. Or going “cheaper” and getting the Jetta. Paralysis by analysis.
I was going to get the Maz38 Mkii but can't decide between that and the Z-Wreck Jr. I was going to buy the 38 and Z-best cab out right BUT I'm having the same problem as you deciding so I'm just going to use the money to take out a 24 month finance deal on both. I also want the stangray and DB4 too but I think the Maz38 Mkii and Z-Wreck Jr should do...😅
Great touch. The amp sounds great, as do you. Thanks.
I really like the cleans and slight breakup. They're really full and beefy, liike my JTM50 but I think even more tonal spectrum than that. Which is hard for me to say.
Please do a closer look at the new Dr Z Jetta, thank you
Come back tomorrow (Saturday 16th November 2019) at 12pm GMT and you'll be in luck!
Hi Jack... What microphone did you use for this video? Sounds amazing!
Is this the MK1? The references to the MK2 are worded as if that’s a different product and there is no MK2 sticker on the back either when showing the FX loop?
With the right pedal it'll do metal as well. I mean maybe not EVH, or Diezel, but passable. Amazing amp!
I have the mk1 maz 18 and its unreal!!! actually couldn't see why I'd need a newer version.???
Jack you are monster of a player and the best at demoing!🎸👏👏
Killer playing!!!
Great amp, but Jack's playing kind of stole the show. Nice work!
You have 3 Maz 18’s but only play the NR I think. Are you sure the Maz 18 has the Metro Zero Loss Effects Loop?? This is good news if it’s true but can’t find any info at all about the Maz having Metro loop.
Sounds great!
Jack and Z... What's not to like?
I had all but written off the Maz in my new amp search. No more. Won’t buy anything until I first put an 18 through it’s paces. Great video. Amazing response from the amp to clean up so easily with the volume knob. I am shocked. And shopping. Thanks Jack! 🙏
Thank you Barry! Make sure to check out our stock of Dr Z amplifiers on our Peach Guitars website here: bit.ly/34AducP!
One correction: the Maz effects loop is NOT "fully buffered". "Fully buffered" would mean a buffer on the send and a buffer on the return. This loop is only partially buffered. There is a buffer on the return, but NOT on the send. That means, for discriminating ears, that anything(cables from send and back to return, multiple pedals, etc) in the effects loop creates extra capacitance which results in loss of high end. The longer the cables and the more pedals you have in the loop with no buffer driving it, the more capacitance you add to the signal path, thus the greater the high end loss. I used it with a single pedal (a strymon delay) and modest length (10 ft each way, send & return) cables. It is a significant enough difference in my opinion, even with that very modest length loop, to adversely affect my tone to the point that the loop is unusable. The Maz has a very crisp top end, which you may decide you'd want to tame anyway, so you may be fine with the rolled off high end. For myself, the crisp, ringing high end was exactly what drew me to the amp and losing it would be a deal breaker for me. I had become accustomed to using a loop with my previous amp though, so I also tried running a short, low cap George L's cable out of the send to a quality buffer sitting on top of the amp (then out 10 ft to the loop effects and back). It still wasn't great IMO, but it would be useable this way if I absolutely had to put pedals into the loop. In the end I elected to just roll the amp gain back, put all pedals in front, and get my front end gain from pedals to keep the gain from adversely affecting my delay. The amp takes drive pedals exceptionally well.
In my opinion, the effects loop is the only weak point with the Maz Mk II amps. It's still my favorite amp. I just reconcile myself to the fact that I have to treat it like the old school amp that it essentially is. The effects loop is really an afterthought on these amps anyway. It wasn't designed from the ground up with a loop in mind. It's essentially Z's take on simple old school design. The extra stuff, like the loop, was tacked on for marketability reasons.
I recomend the Maz series highly, just don't buy it expecting a very useable effects loop if you are particular about tone (which probably describes anyone who would buy a Dr. Z). If you're hopelessly effects loop dependent, and have a discriminating ear, this might not be your cup of tea. Its for people who are fine with old school, everything into the front. Tape and analog delays sound great with it, as they are traditionally in front anyway and can handle hitting a modest amount of preamp gain. My Catalinbread Belle Epoch Deluxe sounds amazing with it... Just a hair of almost crunch from the amp gain, and anything more from pedals. That's my two cents worth, but once more and for all, it is NOT a "fully buffered" effects loop as described in the video here.
Strymon have incredibly high quality buffers. Should be no difference with a Strymon.
Great demo - never thought I'd be drawn to a Tele with a painted headstock, it sounds immense through the Dr.Z, what's the spec?!
excellent!
Really surprised how close the tone is to Malcolm Youngs rhythm tone. ie just overdriven. Glorious.
How do you replace those military spec tubes when they go?
Menudas manos tiene jack puuuuuutoooo amo
i just maz 18 mkii reverb and I don't think any video on youtube demonstrates the maz's full capabilities, for example I get my sounding like a super reverb, very blackfacey and it does it very well. However I can crank you gain roll back the tone and it has a super creamy, harmonically rich overdrive tone especially on positions 2 or 4 on a stratocaster. The WGS ET65 speaker is a very good upgrade, trust me!
Please! Make a demo of the Jetta head
My god is that tremolo from the Axe Effects?
Is that a Fender Vibratone on the left, behind the Les Paul?
Thanks! Any experience with the Z Prescription RX Es in comparison with the Maz?
Jack, I have a 2009 Maz 38 NR. What tonal differences have you noticed in the Mk II version?
Have you thought about sending it back to Mike bring it to MkII specs? I’ve read a couple forum posts where people talk about how they sent theirs back to have then updated, and they rave about the results. Especially the post-phase inverter master volume. Apparently it takes the amp to a whole other level. If you ever do this, I’d love to hear what you think.
I almost moved nearby to Leigh-on-Sea/Southend-on-Sea, some ten years back. If I had, I would work with you now. But Eloise is a fickle Eastender with a fake west side accent, and I was a little too unrefined for her pretense.
Jack, is the main 18 NR you’re playing in this video the mk1 or mkII ?
It’s MKii.
Which Dr Z cab is that? Is that the 2x12 Z Best?
Is it loud enough to play with a Rock Band?
Without a doubt. Check our "Under the Radar" series, it's a staple in our studio set up!
What speakers do they use in that cab?
Celestion H30 and V30
The problem with this amp is It only starts sounding this good with the master 11 to 12 o'clock. And then its loud, really loud. Don't expect to use it in your bedroom, it sounds awful at bedroom volumes. Harsh, raspy and thin. I wish I hadn't bought mine.
Who is this guy? Holy shit he can play
Sounds 100 times better with a stratocaster plugged into it especially in Positions 2/4.
Anyone know if you already own a maz 18 do you even need a z wreck jr??
Haha hello again, you tell us now, is there? 😅
@@daviddorrian5349 lol! No one from Peach ever responded. Kind of annoying if memory serves.
I have no plans to sell any of my Z amps. Like a woman and her shoes, it’s fun to pull out a different amp, fire it up and enjoy the glitter! Did you ever finally make a purchase?
@@joepeezy4sheezy haha I love it! Do you have a fave now you've had them a while?
I still haven't got one, no. Peach are the only shop in the UK that stocks them and they still have 8 weeks to wait on re stocking. I've been mulling over the choice between the 2 for way over a year now. Another 8 weeks wont hurt, haha!
@@daviddorrian5349 well, my fave is probably the Stang Ray. It’s just loud and clean. Then the wreck jr, then the Maz I guess.
What about used on reverb?
I’m SOLD!
By the time Jack has to shave, he's gonna be crazy good 😂
I much prefer the Gibson guitar(s) through DR Z amps. I feel that the Fender guitars - which I love - sound rather brash and grainy. The Gibson tone blends better with the EL84 (and variant) power section.
FFS, 30 secs on the Clean sound with excessive highs and that's it for the Cleans, back to OD for the rest of the Review.Wake up willya !!!