I've been reading up on this amp at the Dr Z site, about the changes like the bigger transformer, more headroom, etc. Whwn exactly was the amp redesigned, and how can you tell which version you're looking at? Someone at HC alluded to the non-detachable power cord as a sign of the older Mazerati -- is this a reliable way to tell, or not?

I like the fact that people seem to think of this as the most AC-30-like of the Z's -- and I'm not sure if I'd want more or a little less headroom. I love my Ghia, but I also want a higher-headroom amp with a tone in the same neighborhood.

TIA

Hey Tremolounge,

The Newer Mazerati use a larger output transformer, and thats the easiest way to tell. The older Rati's output transformer is smaller than the power transformer and about 2.5" from outside edge of bellcap to outside edge of bellcap. The newer Rati's Output tranny is about the same size as the power tranny and about 3.5" from outside edge of bellcap to outside edge of bellcap.

Perry Roper
Dr Z Amplification
Internet Relations Specialist
Dr Z Amplification
www.howlersblues.com
Dr Z Route 66 Sounds!

Thanks, Perry -- that's the info I was looking for -- should be able to just peek in the back...

That sounds like a huge OT.... Were there any other significant changes to the Mazerati's design? Is the new one a LOT cleaner and louder than the old?

The New rati is more open, broader frequency response. Z made some circuit tweaks to accomidate the new tranny. I beleive the Bias is a bit different too.

Older Rati's vs New Rati is like comparing the MAZ 38 to the MAZ Sr. I have both the older 38 and the newer Sr... they both have their strong points and its subjective. Z likes the newer designs.. Naturally!, but there are many who prefer the older designs. I still love my older 38, been with me longer than any Z.

Perry Roper
Dr Z Amplification
Internet Relations Specialist
Dr Z Amplification
www.howlersblues.com
Dr Z Route 66 Sounds!

I just heard Brad Paisley's new CD Mud On The Tires.Damn it now I think I'm gonna have to buy a Mazerati.What A cool tone.I used to own A Matchless DC 30 and really liked the simple tone Knob.Same goes for the Mazerati.Does anyone have one with Celstion Blues?If so do they sound better in that amp than the HC30's?

If it ain't broke,fix it anyways.

Hey tremolounge, did you ever get the standby installed in your Ghia? Did you try removing the Conjunctive Filter yet? That will lift another blanket off of your amp. Lovin' mine!
Bob

Is it you or the equipment?

ToneQuest, I've not compared to the HC30's, but it's pretty tough to beat Celestion Blues, especially with amps in the Voxy camp. Blues are outrageuusly expensive anymore, but they do sound great in my Maz 38.

There are incredible guitar tones on the new Brad Paisley CD -- not to mention the playing! His compression sounds so thick -- I wonder if he uses the Emma Transmorgrifier (that's listed on his website) for recording?

Trebor, I haven't touched the Ghia's innards yet -- I have some Fender-type standby switches on order from Vibroworld, so that'll get done soon. I'll give the filter thing a try when I'm in there, but I'm still "in love", so I ain't rushin' to change anything yet...

I have an Avatar G212H cab with Weber Alnico Blue Dogs -- that's what I'm using for the Ghia, and it's what I'll run any possible future Mazerati through as well. I love the Ghia thru good alnicos...

I am trying to get details on the gear used on Paisley's new Album. I know the Mazerati's were his primary amp but I don't know what guitars and pedals were used. But I'm tryin'!

Perry Roper
Dr Z Amplification
Internet Relations Specialist
Dr Z Amplification
www.howlersblues.com
Dr Z Route 66 Sounds!

quote:

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Originally posted by PerryR:
I am trying to get details on the gear used on Paisley's new Album. I know the Mazerati's were his primary amp but I don't know what guitars and pedals were used. But I'm tryin'!

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Does Brad set one of his amps cleaner and the other dirty?You can here some dirt but he still has a lot of clarity on the double stops.It almost looks like he's got a THX style setup.I know his steel player but haven't talked to him in a long time.I'll have to find out if he knows what he's using.I have a TopHat King Royale that I love but I'm still gonna get a Mazerati.It's got a very cool vibe to it like the Ghia.

If it ain't broke,fix it anyways.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tremolounge:
There are incredible guitar tones on the new Brad Paisley CD -- not to mention the playing! His compression sounds so thick -- I wonder if he uses the Emma Transmorgrifier (that's listed on his website) for recording?

QUOTE]A lot of the compression you hear is added after the tracks are cut.A lot of players in Nashville don't use a lot of compression when they play live.I'm still looking for a compressor to give me a nice sqwash on the treble strings w/o making my bass sound dull.

If it ain't broke,fix it anyways.

ToneQuest, don't laugh, but... give the Marshall ED-1 compressor a try -- it's got an "emphasis" control that lets you compress the highs more and the bass less, or vice versa (or anything in between). It's a decent-sounding comp, as well.

quote:

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Originally posted by tremolounge:
ToneQuest, don't laugh, but... give the Marshall ED-1 compressor a try -- it's got an "emphasis" control that lets you compress the highs more and the bass less, or vice versa (or anything in between). It's a decent-sounding comp, as well.

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I'm not laughing,I've heard good things about that pedal.I wanna try one.

If it ain't broke,fix it anyways.