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Average Price: $1,612

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$300

$801+

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Description

The Dr. Z Maz 18 Junior NR is a versatile and dynamic guitar amplifier head designed for the discerning musician seeking exceptional tonal quality. With its 18-watt Class A tube power, this amp head is perfect for both studio recording and live performances, providing a rich, full-bodied sound that musicians crave. The Maz 18 Junior NR is renowned for its responsive and articulate tone, effortlessly adapting to different styles and genres.

This amp head features a straightforward control layout with Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Cut, and Master Volume, allowing musicians to sculpt their sound precisely to their liking. The absence of reverb in the NR model gives it a pure, uncolored tone, making it an ideal choice for players who prefer to use external effects. Its compact and rugged design ensures it can withstand the rigors of the road while delivering consistent performance every time.

Whether you're chasing shimmering clean tones or gritty overdriven sounds, the Dr. Z Maz 18 Junior NR stands out as a reliable and inspiring choice. Its ability to maintain clarity and warmth, even at higher volumes, makes it a favorite among guitarists who value both quality and character in their gear.

Key Features:

  • 18-watt Class A tube power
  • Controls: Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Cut, Master Volume
  • Compact and rugged design
  • No reverb for a pure, uncolored tone
  • Suitable for both studio and live performances

Product specs

Brand Dr. Z
Model MAZ 18 Junior NR 18-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Various
Year 2002 - 2017
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects No Built-In Effects
Electronics Tube
Impedance 4 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 18
Power Tube Type EL84
Reverb None

FAQs

What type of music genres is the Dr. Z Maz 18 Junior NR best suited for?

The Dr. Z Maz 18 Junior NR is versatile and excels in genres like blues, rock, and country, offering rich, dynamic tones with its EL84 power tubes.

Does the Dr. Z Maz 18 Junior NR amplifier head include built-in reverb?

No, the Dr. Z Maz 18 Junior NR does not include built-in reverb, allowing you to use external effects for customized sound.

Is the Dr. Z Maz 18 Junior NR loud enough for live performances?

With 18 watts of power, the Dr. Z Maz 18 Junior NR is suitable for live performances, especially in smaller venues or when mic'd for larger settings.

How does the Dr. Z Maz 18 Junior NR handle pedals?

The Dr. Z Maz 18 Junior NR is known for taking pedals well, making it a great choice for guitarists who rely on a variety of effects.

What is the tonal character of the Dr. Z Maz 18 Junior NR?

The Dr. Z Maz 18 Junior NR offers a warm, articulate tone with excellent clarity and responsiveness, making it ideal for expressive playing styles.

Dr Z Amplification

Dr Z Amplification

Dr Z Maz 18 NR vs. Maz 18 with Reverb Demo

Video thumbnail for Dr Z Maz 18 NR vs. Maz 18 with Reverb Demo by Dr Z Amplification

Dr Z Maz 18 NR vs. Maz 18 with Reverb Demo

Dr Z Amplification

Dr Z Amplification

Video thumbnail for Dr.Z Maz 18 NR Demo by Dr Z Amplification

Dr.Z Maz 18 NR Demo

Dr Z Amplification

Dr Z Amplification

Video thumbnail for Dr. Z Maz 18 NR Demo and Review - New Version by Humbucker Music

Dr. Z Maz 18 NR Demo and Review - New Version

Humbucker Music

Humbucker Music

Video thumbnail for Dr. Z MAZ 18jr NR | Demo by Taylor Schlupp by Taylor Schlupp

Dr. Z MAZ 18jr NR | Demo by Taylor Schlupp

Taylor Schlupp

Taylor Schlupp

Video thumbnail for Dr Z Maz 18 Jr NR Demo by ShuLorMakesMusic

Dr Z Maz 18 Jr NR Demo

ShuLorMakesMusic

ShuLorMakesMusic

Reviews

PROS

  • Dynamic feel with a unique "growl" at stage levels

  • Versatile tone range from Fender Blackface to Marshall Grind

  • Rich harmonics that enhance sound complexity

  • Exceptionally loud for an 18-watt amp, with great control options

  • Highly effective "Cut" control for adjusting tone

  • Excellent master volume control for precise sound management

  • Handles both humbuckers and single coils with ease

  • Ideal for country gigs with Telecaster guitars

CONS

  • Volume may require attenuation due to its loudness

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dr. Z Maz 18 Junior NR.

Use cases and applications

  • The Maz 18 Jr excels in delivering a chimey, clear, articulate edgy tone, ideal for those who play on the edge of breakup into rock.

    Source
  • Pairing with Telecasters can yield bright tones, but the cut knob effectively moderates brightness.

    Source
  • Works well as a dirty amp alongside a Roland JC50 for clean tones, reducing the need for additional drive pedals on larger stages.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Maz 18 Jr NR offers a responsive clean boost, and users suggest dialing in settings with the boost on for optimal tone stack adjustments.

    Source
  • Owners highlight a hidden feature: using the low input with a foot switch in the high input acts as a 3dB boost for lead playing without pedals.

    Source
  • The Dr. Z Z-28 Mk.II combo is praised for its fantastic master volume, being a simple yet spectacular amp that’s hard to make sound bad.

    Source
  • The EQ bypass feature can result in a significant volume increase, making it challenging to use live without adjustment.

    Source

User experience

  • Maz 18 Jr NR is described as delivering a "3D tone," a unique characteristic not commonly found in other amps.

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  • Owners who sell the Maz 18 often express regret, highlighting its unique sound quality that is hard to replicate with consumer-grade amps.

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  • Owners find the Maz 18 Jr NR to be the loudest dual EL84 amp they've played, even when compared to other high-end boutique models.

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  • Known for exceptional touch sensitivity and dynamics, contributing to its standout performance in live settings.

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Comparisons

  • Some users find a G12H30 speaker paired with a Celestion Blue creates a magical tone, contrasting with Greenback preferences.

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  • The Bad Cat Cub V is noted to break up earlier and be quieter compared to the Maz 18, providing a glorious breakup sound.

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  • The Maz 18 is preferred over the Vox AC15 for its tighter, less saggy tone, which some users find harsh and bright in the AC15.

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  • The non-reverb version offers slightly more gain and includes a loop, deemed more useful than onboard reverb for some users.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Dr. Z offers a post-phase inverter master volume upgrade for early Maz models, priced at $259, enhancing control over volume levels.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The current pricing of the Maz 18 is much closer to high-end brands like Matchless and Bad Cat than it was 15 years ago.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Dr. Z Maz 18 Jr NR Review | Humbucker Music

humbuckermusic.com

The Dr. Z Maz 18 Junior NR is a standout amp that combines simplicity with exceptional tonal quality. Lauded for its rich, pure tones and versatility, it caters to a wide range of guitars while maintaining their character. The intuitive EQ controls and unique "Cut" knob enhance its adaptability, making it easy to dial in the perfect sound. Despite its 18 watts, it delivers impressive volume, suitable for both small gigs and larger venues. While it may not achieve crystal-clean tones, its blend of Fender and Vox-like qualities offers a smooth, bold bite that's both authoritative and warm. This amp is a joy to play, though its true quality is best experienced firsthand.

positive

Dr. Z MAZ-18 NR Review

justguitaramps.com

A boutique amp that doesn't break the bank, the Dr. Z MAZ 18 Jr. NR impresses with its hand-made quality and versatility. Its EQ controls are responsive, delivering a range of tones from clean with character to rich bluesy warmth. Although it requires a pedal for classic rock drive, it pairs excellently with various guitars and pedals. The smartly designed 1x12 cabinet adds to its appeal, making it a future vintage must-have for blues and rock enthusiasts.

positive

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