Dr. Z Carmen Ghia Master Volume 1x12 Combo, Black, ZW Grille

The Dr. Z Carmen Ghia Master Volume is one of the most desired amps in the boutique world, and the second most popular Dr. Z amplifier (behind the Maz 18 Jr). One of this things that makes this amp so truly special is it's practically unsurpassed longevity in the high-end amp marketplace. This was the first amp offered by Dr. Z Amplifiers over 30 years ago.  Definitely a true classic!

Some people will look at the three knobs (volume, tone, Master) and the 18 watt power rating and wonder if the Carmen Ghia will be able to deliver the goods. Of course, those of us more familiar with tube amp circuitry can attest that "less is more" applies to tube amps perhaps more than any other thing in the known universe. If you fall into the former category, sit back and read a spell. We'd like to educate you a sec if you're up to it. :)

In our physical store, the Dr Z Ghia is an amp we love to put people behind as often as we can (don't worry, we don't sell our floor demo amps on the internet). From the moment people start to play it, they can tell something more is going on. While indeed a seemingly simple circuit, the Carmen Ghia produces very complex tones and is known for being very reactive to the player. Play softer and get cleaner tones. Play a bit harder and hear the gentle overdrive and saturation. Bite into the strings with attitude and the amp will respond in kind! This kind of quality makes an amp very fun and exciting to play. You may drop into your music room, basement, or rehearsal space for a quick fifteen minute jam and find yourself tied up for hours. It's happened...

As the volume is increased, tones get thicker and fatter and sustain is increased. The Ghia has a respectable and very useable amount of clean headroom, but as with 99% of all single volume amps, it does break up nicely at higher volume settings.

The Carmen Ghia has become a favorite in recording studios around the world, but it's also quite comfortable on stage competing with a rabid drummer. This is 18 watts of all tube, point to point, hand-wired, top quality amp here... It's much louder than the norm.

Specs:

Power Output:   18 LOUD Watts
Output Tubes:   2 x EL84
Preamp Tubes:   1 x 5751, 1 x 12AX7
Rectifier Tube:   5Y3
Controls:   Volume, Tone, Master Volume
Dims & Weight:   23" Wide x 20 1/8" High x 10" Depth - 42 lbs
Speaker:   12" Celestion Vintage 30, (optional Celestion Alnico Blue +$269)