Robben Ford Discussion

rainmkr63

My Dr. Z is making static noises, any advice?

I have a Dr. Z, Maz 38 // 2 X 12” Amp. And its making a crackly static noise when it is off standby. If I switch it to standby it is quiet but when its not on standby it makes a lot of noise.

Could this be the Tubes? Or is it something else, I would like any ideas so I don’t get ripped off by the repair dude.

Any info welcome, thank you.

Rob

PierreL · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 11:35 am Post subject:

Oddly enough, I have the same problems with my Fuchs ODS 50, and it only does that when there is no guitar plugged in.

rainmkr63 · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 1:19 pm Post subject:

People on other boards are saying it could be the preamp tubes.

I sent an e-mail to Mr. Dr Z i will let you know what he say's.

R.

JohnnyZ · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 3:51 pm Post subject:

I somewhat regularly follow the DrZ forum having a Maz-18 Jr., and from what I read, DrZ is always responsive to questions especially when it's a problem (email him direct). And, the forum community regulars, much like in here, are always willing to share experiences and provide suggestions and solutions. There's also a guy named Myles who's a resident tube expert who will work with you if it is a tube problem. I'm sure you'll get it resolved...

BTW, rainmkr, how would you rate your DrZ Maz overall? How often do you use it (I'm assuming gigs?)?

I love mine- I think it's awesome. Like I said earlier, it's the -18 Jr., 2x12 combo with 2 different Celestions. Unfortunately, my amp is a homebody since I'm not in a band, and it doesn't get much of a workout. But, when I do fire it up, usually when the wife is at the mall for a few hours :-), I feel like I'm in amp heaven... :-)

rainmkr63 · Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2007 9:26 am Post subject:

I have not used it for about 9 months since it started making that noise, I use my Boogie DC 50 head with a 2 X 12” cab witch works fine. I prefer the clarity and balls of my “Z” and can’t wait to get it fixed. I bought the Dr. Z for a living room practice amp but realized that it is WAY too powerful and loud for a house. I use it with my band when it works instead of the Boogie.

I ended up getting a small MG30 or 40 watt Marshall and it was the best $149.00 I have ever spent. I can play through it at low volumes and play along with DVD’s CD’s or the radio or just on my own without bothering anyone in the house.

I got an e-mail back from Dr Z and he said it’s probably the preamp tubes, so I think I will change those first and see if that helps. I think the tubes should last for way more then the 4 years I’ve had the amp.

I probably could have gotten away with the Maz 18 jr. but I’m an excessive type so if 18’s good 38 has to be better but it’s an atom bomb. I don’t think I have ever turned it up passed 4.

Later
Rob

rainmkr63 · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 3:16 pm Post subject:

For those keeping score, I changed the 4 power tubes and now it works just fine.

Tonealicious.

Millibobs · Senior Member Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 291

Rainmkr, if it happens again, I will send you my full postal address. You should package the amp carefully and ship it directly to me marked 'Clinical Samples - no commercial value' and I guarantee that the crackling will disappear.

It's the least I can do.............

Joe Walsh has a Doctor Z rig and I want one...........

rainmkr63 · Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 8:05 am Post subject:

Great

I have the DVD with Joe using the Z, he is so cool.

JohnnyZ · Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 9:51 am Post subject:

If I'm not mistaken, I believe I read that Joe's Z amp is a Z-28 4x10 combo. It was my first DrZ model of choice until the Maz-18 Jr. 2x12 caught my eye (I think it was the extra knobs Very Happy

)...

Millibobs · Senior Member Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 291

us Brits are obsessed with our knobs too. The Doctor Z tone is on my list to check out one day, but not until I win the UK National lottery.....why are the best things in life not free, like the legend has it?