Dr. Z takes a 2008 MAZ 18 and demos it against a new 2018 MAZ 18 Mk. II to show the sonic differences and upgrades available in the latest models of the MAZ series.
How do you know an Amp is a Mark II version? Are all the Maz 18s with the "newer" style logo the Mark II version, or it is by year and some with the newer logo are still the older design? Thanks...
Front panel will not give you a clue. The back panel will have either a screen printed "MK II" designation near the serial or a sticker if it is an older model that was modified here in the factory.
@@DrZAmplification Thanks much, it's great you've taken the time to make those improvements, clips sound so good. Great Lead Guitar Amps, really cut through the mix in a band setting.
The new Maz 18 amps have some cool things going on. But my old 2001 Maz has a beautiful clean and a character when the drive is cranked that I'm not messing with. If I want a little more dirt I just push it with a clean boost and it delivers. I may buy a new Maz at some point, buy I'm not giving up my old one. Thanks Doc.
Can’t throw enough praise your way (and tx). I just got a Luxe and my mkII should be her this week. Very appreciative for your contributions. I think I’ll enjoy great ‘tone coverage’ among the two. Tx again!
I have the new mk II maz 18 and I am tickled to death every time I turn it on. I’m so impressed with this amp. I have managed to get the perfect “Allman brother” live tone except with my own sound infused if that makes sense. I’ve gone from using 3 drives, massive delays, and massive reverbs with my 73’ bassman to nothing but my guitar, Timmy drive, and maz 18 mk II. No need for all of those non essential pedals when you have amazing tone. I want to thank dr z for giving me this amazing experience and freeing my mind from tap dancing pedals to just playing and my style of playing. Definitely making me a better player!
Love your stuff, Doc. I have a '02 Maz 18 NR. still has the masking tape with the sign off haha. Also NOS Sylvania's. Running it through an Avatar 2x12 loaded with Hellatone's. I can't put into words how much I love that amp. It's just the truth. Thats the best way I know to put it. I run straight in with a Paul or a Tele and I can get every sound I need from my fingers and guitar controls. It's just pure, man. Pure. Thanks for making such choice amps, sir!
When Peavey ran out of Sylvania tubes to put into their 5150 amps, everyone swore the amp was changed for the worst! When in reality they only changed output tubes
The maz 18 mkii may be the best amp for a strat, positions 2 and 4 are just superb sounding on clean or dirty tones also the bridge and neck just absolutely sing like SRV and even into rock territory especially with the e.q bypass boost it's like adding your favourite dirt box.
I have two Maz 18 Jr's. One is a 1x12 no Reverb with the Celestion blue alnico and that amp is literally unbeatable! The organic tones and the break up is to die for. My second amp is a Maz 18 Junior 2x10 Mark 1 with Reverb and I did the Matchless trick of trading out one of the speakers for a Celestion 10-in gold al Nico and it just sounds superb. My only complaint with the amp is with the Reverb the gain structure is different and it's not quite as edgy but with my other amp they're a perfect pair! I also have a Tone King Mark 1 Imperial with a gold celestion alnico speaker in it and if you want the perfect Fender Deluxe Reverb tone with just a little bit more oomf look no further! But truly I prefer the Dr Z amps opposed to any! And I've been playing for over 50 years so I've had my share of amps and feel like I've got a pretty dang well informed opinion.
Convinced me to put some 6N14's in my Mk I. Mine is NR, don't care about that and the master volume is not a problem for me. Definitely not worth taking a hit. I appreciate the comparison being made available.
@Ricky Reid Sorry just saw this. Yes. I also tried the low output JJ's and didn't like them. This keeps the feel very similar but a little less agressive volume wise. A bit more refined as well.
Just to put the mkii into perspective, I bought 2 super high end amps 6k price range from reputable builders thinking it would end my tone quest but the Maz 18 blows them out of the water any day for any style. Now my other "boutique" amps are for sale and for once I feel satisfied with my sound.
@@Junterhack 1. Carr slant 6v and a Fuchs triple overdrive I think it's called, basically an overdrive special with 3 channels. This is in AUD so they are a lot more expensive due to import costs and tax. Great amps.
@@Junterhack the MAZ 18 MKII has a lot of attitude but can get a great deluxe reverb tone. With the adjustable footswitchable it could be used as a kind of 2 channel amp.
I have a slightly older MAZ 18 NR (2014) and I like it. That said, I really, really like the changes in the Mk 2. I'll be sending mine in ASAP. Great work Doc!
I've got an original Maz "Junior" that I bought new about 17 years ago. It's my favorite amp. I prefer the more open and less forward sound of my old Maz to the new ones, but it's just a taste thing. It came with Sovteks, not JJ's. I don't recall JJ's even being in common use at the time, but you could get them through Eurotubes.
I agree and am keeping mine. I can get bigger sonic differences by changing speakers. I think the update is nice but not a reason to change out, in my view.
I can't understand people who don't use reverb , I will not look an amp without reverb let lone play it, reverb sounds so nice and doesn't make all your mistakes stand out lol
Hi- I have been using Maz 18’s for around 12 years. In that time I have turned various friends/ contemporaries onto Dr Z. To my ears the best amp in the world is the mk1. As a ‘just breaking up’ platform for two really good stacked over drives ( full tone Fatboost- Klon centaur) this amp cannot be beaten and it actually has its own character. Where I can appreciate the upgrades that the mk2 brings, I found this video a little apologetic for the Mk1? Anyway- thanks for the Maz18- it’s a classic.
No doubt, the Mk I is a classic, given that we have sold over 10,000 units between the 18s and 38s, and our upgrades to the Mk II are not to denigrate the Mk I, but to increase the versatility and improve the features that our customers have requested over the years and to stay competitive in today's market. When the MAZ made it's debut over 20 years ago, you must remember, the market was not as saturated as it is currently. You have clearly found your "sweet spot" with the Mk I, glad you enjoy your amp.
It's a really interesting comparison - the MkI reminds me more of my old UK AC15 with a Celestion alinco blue - it does that crushed glass thing that is absolute magic while the newer model reminds me of Voxes with greenbacks - smoother, maybe more suited for gainier tones and a little less specific.
Great description of the differences. To each their own! No shame in loving the old version, it has a specific sound! You are right, the MKII aimed to increase the amps versatility across a wider range of sounds.
I have a 2004 Maz 18 Jr. that I really really like, but the master volume and reverb are nice additions on the Mk II. I'm wondering if I can find someone local to swap to a Mk I, or I could send mine in for the upgrades.
Just ordered a Maz 18 NR MKII. My first venture into Boutique amps. This is the video that sold me on being able to play at reasonable volumes when at home. I've been playing a Bassbreaker for a while but am looking for something different. Played some Divided by 13 amps at a local guitar shop, which opened my eyes to the difference between mass produced amps and hand-wired boutique amps. After lots of research, this is the one that seems to be what I am looking for. We will see when it gets here next week!
Buy an older one or newer one! I have had two Maz 18 Jr's, both were the Mk 1, or the older models. The first one I had, was minus the reverb and had the 12" Celestion G12, alnico mag, the blue bulldog. The Maz that I own now is a 2007, with reverb and 2×10" speakers. The main difference between the two is in the reverb circuitry. If you're used to Fender amps with the beautiful reverb, do yourself a favor and buy the Maz 18 without reverb, for one, the gain structure, it's better, as it offers a lot higher gain. Yet it still cleans up beautifully. If you're reverb junkie like me, just buy your favorite reverb pedal and you're good to go! Also, those Russian tubes that Dr Z is talking about, I think they're P614N, you can find them on eBay or online dealers. I've purchased tubes from GTFBS, which stands for "great tubes for better sound". They're are very reputable outfit and I'll take care of you. Those tubes are fantastic and according to Dr Z last around 5,000 hours which in an amp like the Maz 18 that has a plate voltage of about 470 volts, and like a Vox, they tend to eat inferior tubes. Good luck in your hunt man!!
Just picked up an older maz jr 18 in a trade thinking I’d want to just move it and instead it totally hooked me! I’m curious about this amplifiers lineage. Where did you get the inspiration? It’s very interesting
Took the general power section idea from the old Marshall 18 watt amps, married it to a preamp similar to a Fender blackface but tweaked with some Vox and marshall flavor and controls. It's an amalgamation of ideas from the "big 3" and tweaked to taste.
Hey Doc. I have a Maz38 Studio Lead from the 90's I believe, and love it. However too much clean headroom. Loudest 38 watts ever. Is there a way for you to install a 1/2 power switch in it? Or............
Hell of a brand! I'm looking to get away from my super high-gain, crunch machine that is the EVH 5150 III 50w and go for a more pure clean sound with a Maz 18 myself. Think this is the sound I'm looking for, especially within this price range. I'm just coming back to playing guitar after a hiatus of 7 years and oh boy, so much new goodies out here and how things have changed. But I went with the last style amp I owned and realized not only did I get older, my tone wants have matured too 🤣
Does anyone know if there are factory tours , I know z is super busy , but I'm travelling to America next year to check out all things music . Probably buy a new amp there are too
There's a question. Is the new Maz voltmeter a global voltage? What if I want to change the voltage to 230 volts how do I do that? (PS: No voltage converter)
I have a 2012 maz 8, just acquired and love the tone. The only caveat is it seems to be extra sensitive to electrical signal interference, particular phones and such, could this be something with the circuit or maybe a microphonic tube? I notice it can increase when the reverb is up high. Let me know if I ought to send it in to you or if this is a simple trouble shoot. Thanks doc!
Justin Garcia it’s probably a tube. Are all the tube shields on your preamps? If this doesn’t resolve the issue please contact repairs@drzamps.com and Don can further troubleshoot.
Hi Dr.Z! I'm asking myself if the Maz38 has the same tones of the Maz18, because the different valves. I need headroom but also i'm after the dirty, grumpy and clear tone of the maz18 with a tele (i'm really in love with this sound). Could you guide me please?
The MAZ 38 NR Mk. II is very similar in tone but with added headroom. You also get the additional feature of the half power switch that gets you 90% of the way to the MAZ 18 dirty tone when activated.
@@DrZAmplification Thank you for the fast response! Since i live in Spain, it is hard to test one before buying. I think i'm going for the maz 38 (The dealer's one doesn't has the half power switch) and pray for the Paisley in a box tone hahaha.
Is it possible to just get instructions for the upgrade? I live in New Zealand so sending my Mk I Maz 18 in for the upgrade is cost prohibitive. I'm confident modding my own amp, and I'd especially love to do the Reverb upgrade!
Maybe it's just me, but your voice and mannerisms are exactly like an older, more experienced version of Steve from Boston, and I mean that in the best way. "Personable" doesn't quite cover it lol.
8am in morning here in NZ and this damn video is making me reach for my guitar before my coffee has even kicked in. Nice one. I have had a Trinity Amps 18 watt turret board for over a year, plus a bunch of resistors I got from Metroamp and some of those Soviet EL84 tubes you use. I thought I could build an amp scavenging parts locally here in NZ. No chance. Can't even get the right coupling capacitors here at electronics supply prices, let alone tube sockets or transformers. All has to be imported, which makes it more expensive to build stuff. All I have ever done of mod a JCM 800 1987 and also put a Marstran output transformer in it, which did a lot to bring it back to life. Soldering was a bit scruffy though. One day I think I will just have to import all the bits to build out that amp.
Rippin' tweak evolution ... i don't have all the feedback resources, but i think if i tweak into what i like, then someone else will like it too .. i like the cranked sound, so the thought of a master volume got tossed out as frivolous ..and i could still design a master volume into the Loop option board, because i haven't started the design of that yet. a second reason to get a loop/master option board, or one, or the other, reason...pays off development that way... and i still think some people would skip the board anyway, just go whole hog and control the breakup with the sensitivity switch and panel volume ... so that's the way i am going at it.
On the MK2, the whisper level still sounded good. I am assuming this would give great sounds at bedroom levels, or would it be better to get the Max 8?
@@frankswildyear the Z Plus excels at cleaner and edge of breakup tones and has a looser distortion, like a champ or princeton. If you prefer a more percussive and tight Marshall like sound, you would be best off with a Maz.
@@DrZAmplification I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I’ve decided on the Cure, then the Z plus, then the Maz 18...I generally play pentatonic bluesy stuff on the edge of breakup. Scott Henderson has a gorgeous tone, clear and articulate but a little nasty too. Out of those three, what would you recommend? Again, thank you for taking the time to answer some random questions on RU-vid!
Is there any differences in the gain and tone in the Mark 2's when comparing reverb and non reverb models like the is in the original version? I like the whisoer volume high gain he was getting with the mark 2 in the demo but couldnt trell ig that amo had reverb or not
Zack Hoppenrath the 18, 18 NR, and 38 all have the same upgrades. The 38 NR does not as of yet, but will get an upgrade when we find the time to dial it in.
We have sold over 5000 MAZ 18 MK I to date , which is proof of it's great sound and popularity. This video just tries to demonstrate the upgrades in the newer MK II model. The improved Reverb circuit, the use of long life rattle free NOS 6n14n output tubes, and the upgrade to a PPIMV control, along with the Ultra Lite cabs make for a very nice upgraded product that has been successfully in production for 18 years.
@@DrZAmplification sounds good. How do I go about getting this update done? I see it offered on the website, can it be done locally in Southern California?
Hi Doc! Doing a demo for a new Dr Z amp, you should ask your demo guy to do some simple open and barre chords to ear the voice, the entire spec of the amp. Thanks.
Dr.Z, these power tubes, as I can see, are not 6N14N's. Its 6П14П, in russian, so in english we must say 6P14P! These are Soviet made copies of EL84. I believe Sovtek or EH made tubes are the same 6P14Ps now.
Yes, we understand the misnomer. However, when we say 6P14P to our customers, they send us emails that say, "why does my amp have 6N14N tubes not 6P14P???" So there's no winning.
Hey mate do your self a favour a buy vintage 6n14n ev or eb I think . They are proper Russian military tubes and they good and last wayyyy longer. Imo they have a bit more present or mid rangy in a good way
It's called progress. If they did it two years after the original, then I'd be upset. I didn't hear enough to be lusting for a new one and losing my butt on my existing one so I'm OK. Just going to spend 60 bucks on the NOS 6N tubes.
