Dr Z Maz 18 Jr.

 

Solid Amp. 2x10. 2x el84.  Very different. Part Marshall, part Fender, Part Vox, Part Hiwatt.

 

I bought it because there are not too many 2x10 amps with master volume and reverb and great workmanship, and 18 watts. Enough low, good definition, tone for days. Internal build quality is among the best out there. Dr. Z actually has his own transformers and caps made to his spec. It’s a beautiful thing. However…

 

The reverb sucks. Period. I love reverb. I thought mine was broken, and sent it to Dr. Z to fix. I't came back sounding almost the same. My Amp tech tells me cathode biased amps never have good reverb. Now I believe him. Surf it ain't. Also, the reverb effects the entire sound - turning it up ruins the sound, basically. Maybe its broken - but Dr. Z looked at it, told me it was fixed, and it sounds about the same - so either he lied or that's how the amp is supposed to sound. 

 

The 10's project well - too well. He uses the baffle as an acoustic lens to increase the projection. Nice idea, but in practice it makes the amp more beamy. The low end is there - no farts. This amp should not be used by idiots. It should have a warning: If your knees had ears they would be bleeding. I paid a lot for it. It is a good value. The overall tone is world class and its fat and smooth. Tone controls work wonders. The "cut" control is a life saver. This amp is a powerful tool. Just don't use the reverb. Tedrank ***. You pay premium dollar but its got some issues.