Carmen Ghia 2 x 10" combo opinions.

Dana · March 8th, 2004, 12:57 PM

I just love my Carmen Ghia head through a 2 x 12" cab. I'm thinking of picking up a 2 x 10" Ghia Combo as a backup. Anyone currently have the 2 x 10"? How do you like it?

eksfiles · March 10th, 2004, 01:02 AM

Hi man...I don't know if you remember my other thread...it was Ghia/Mazerati opinions. Anyway, I too am looking for a 2x10 Ghia, so I was wondering if you could tell me a little bit about your Ghia head???

What does it sound like if you had to loosely relate it to another amp?

Around when on the dial does the amp start to break up (ie. 9, 10 Oclock)?

I wonder why no one is responding to your thread..? Must be a slow week.
Cheers!

MJ Harnish · March 10th, 2004, 07:27 AM

I've got a CG head that I've run through both a 2x12 (loaded with a v30 & a greenback) and a 2x10 (loaded with Celestion vintage 10's). Overall I like the tone of the 2x10 best; it's punchier with a bit more definition. Keep in mind that speaker selection plus the cab design (my 2x12 is closed back, my 2x10 open-back) also influence the role.

I guess my question is if you have a CG head that you love through your 2x12 and you want a back-up... why not just buy another head? It would save you some money. Personally though, I would opt for some other amp as a back-up because I like a little variety: A Maz Jr. or a GDS 18w Marshall is a great alternative amp that's still in the same realm.

As far as what a CG sounds like: Hard to characterize but I would say that it comes closest to a low-powered Plexi. It's much more aggressive and in your face than a Vox. It's closest comparison is probably the 18w Marshall. It starts breaking up about 10:00 but stays reasonable "clean" (hot clean) until around 12:00.

Dana · March 10th, 2004, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ Harnish

As far as what a CG sounds like: Hard to characterize but I would say that it comes closest to a low-powered Plexi. It's much more aggressive and in your face than a Vox. It starts breaking up about 10:00 but stays reasonable "clean" (hot clean) until around 12:00.

eksfiles, this is a pretty accurate definition of the sound of the Ghia. I like it cause you can crank it up in small clubs without getting too loud. I've never had any problems being heard with this amp. I can't imagine using a Mazerati unless I was playing much, much larger places.
Dana

eksfiles · March 10th, 2004, 01:02 PM

Thanks for the replies boys. Just a quick question or two;
The tone knob on the Ghia....does it have a big sweep? I know on my AC30, the Cut knob's sweep isn't that big, so I was wondering, does the amps tone knob really take a dark to bright tone, or is the amp already dark or bright, with the tone knob offering little variation?

I like the simplicity of the controls....thats whats so attractive about these amps.

Also, why isn't there a standby switch on the amp? Doesn't this burn out tubes faster? How long does it take for the amp to warm up, and do you have to leave it on in between sets when you play?

Thanks again for your input...
Cheers!!

Dana · March 10th, 2004, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eksfiles

The tone knob on the Ghia....does it have a big sweep? I know on my AC30, the Cut knob's sweep isn't that big, so I was wondering, does the amps tone knob really take a dark to bright tone, or is the amp already dark or bright, with the tone knob offering little variation?!!

The tone knob has profound changes. I was amazed by that. I usually keep mine around 2 O'Clock cause I like that real full, in your face rock sound. I'm not real up on how it works, all I can tell you is that there is a huge difference between 0 and 10, and it has more to do with just being bass and treble. Sorry I can't be more specific.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eksfiles

Also, why isn't there a standby switch on the amp? Doesn't this burn out tubes faster? How long does it take for the amp to warm up, and do you have to leave it on in between sets when you play?
Cheers!!

I haven't a clue why this is. I may email Dr. Z and ask them. If it burns tubes faster I'm willing to deal with it as it sounds so killer. I usually turn it on about 15 min before the gig starts, and it's on till we're done for the night. I figure that puts less wear and tear on the tubes than turning it off and on all night.

Seriously, I love mine so much I'm thinking of getting a Ghia 2 x 10" combo on days I dont' want to carry the head and cab. It's a great amp.

eksfiles · March 14th, 2004, 06:38 PM

Well I think I'm gonna take the plunge, and order a 2x10 Ghia combo myself. Now I just have to think what color I'd like. I'm leaning towards the blond tolex, with wheat grille....
I just hope its not going to get dirty.
Also, I don't know if anyone can help me with this, but if I were to hook up the combo to a 2x12 cab, would that shut off the amp's internal 2x10's??

Cheers!!

MJ Harnish · March 15th, 2004, 08:20 AM

Ok, lots of questions:

Tone Knob - It does have a pretty profound effect; it's not simply some sort of treble roll-off but more like a midrange control that moves where the peak is located. I generally just try to dial in my sound with each guitar.

Volume Level - It's a pretty loud amp; 18w is quite loud so don't expect it to be a great bedroom amp. I have used mine live plenty of times.

Standby Switch - The standby switch isn't necessary. The 5Y3 rectifier generally softens the turn on voltage a bit but not a great deal. However, standby is a myth in most amps: It got started because tube manufacturers recommended warming the tubes up before using them for high voltage applications to prolong tube life. HV was 800+V (generally over 1000). Tube amps operate at 600v or less which is a low voltage application. At that point cathode stripping is negligible; the tube is more likely to start sounding bad or fail for mechanical reasons long before cathode stripping has any sort of effect. If you want to prolong tube life use a fan: Heat is one of the top killers of tubes and amps in general and that's generally due to thermic cycling (repeatedly getting hot & then cool). Just turn your amp's volume down in between sets (only to keep it quiet).

Using an extension cab; my guess is that you have to unplug the internal speakers to plug in an extension cab. That said, it seems poor planning to buy a 2x10 that you plan on using with a 2x12; that's twice as much stuff to carry in/out. Buy yourself a head in that case and then you can mix & match cabs as you like.

zane · March 15th, 2004, 09:39 AM

I have a Red Maz 38 ,best looking amp I've ever seen!!

eksfiles · March 15th, 2004, 12:29 PM

MJ....I just spoke to my dealer, and he says that you could run both the amps' 2x10, and 2x12's so long as you use the right ohm plug for the cab. I really don't see myself needing the 2x12's....I just thought how great would it sound running 2x10s, and 2x12's at the same time. It must sound huge. Thanks for your info....
I'm looking forward to buying one.
Cheers!!

March 8th, 2004, 12:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Dana Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ashland, Ma Posts: 1,696 8 Photos	Carmen Ghia 2 x 10" combo opinions. I just love my Carmen Ghia head through a 2 x 12" cab. I'm thinking of picking up a 2 x 10" Ghia Combo as a backup. Anyone currently have the 2 x 10"? How do you like it? __________________ www.good-ear.com www.miles.be Study music and not the musicians who play it. - Lincoln Goines

March 10th, 2004, 01:02 AM	#2 (permalink)
eksfiles Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Windsor, Ontario CANADA Posts: 148	Hi man...I don't know if you remember my other thread...it was Ghia/Mazerati opinions. Anyway, I too am looking for a 2x10 Ghia, so I was wondering if you could tell me a little bit about your Ghia head??? What does it sound like if you had to loosely relate it to another amp? Around when on the dial does the amp start to break up (ie. 9, 10 Oclock)? I wonder why no one is responding to your thread..? Must be a slow week. Cheers! __________________ ...a little less conversation, a little more action...

March 10th, 2004, 07:27 AM	#3 (permalink)
MJ Harnish Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hattingen, Germany Posts: 457	I've got a CG head that I've run through both a 2x12 (loaded with a v30 & a greenback) and a 2x10 (loaded with Celestion vintage 10's). Overall I like the tone of the 2x10 best; it's punchier with a bit more definition. Keep in mind that speaker selection plus the cab design (my 2x12 is closed back, my 2x10 open-back) also influence the role. I guess my question is if you have a CG head that you love through your 2x12 and you want a back-up... why not just buy another head? It would save you some money. Personally though, I would opt for some other amp as a back-up because I like a little variety: A Maz Jr. or a GDS 18w Marshall is a great alternative amp that's still in the same realm. As far as what a CG sounds like: Hard to characterize but I would say that it comes closest to a low-powered Plexi. It's much more aggressive and in your face than a Vox. It's closest comparison is probably the 18w Marshall. It starts breaking up about 10:00 but stays reasonable "clean" (hot clean) until around 12:00. __________________ MJ Harnish Suburbs: Where they cut down all the trees and then name the streets after them.

March 10th, 2004, 01:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
eksfiles Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Windsor, Ontario CANADA Posts: 148	Thanks for the replies boys. Just a quick question or two; The tone knob on the Ghia....does it have a big sweep? I know on my AC30, the Cut knob's sweep isn't that big, so I was wondering, does the amps tone knob really take a dark to bright tone, or is the amp already dark or bright, with the tone knob offering little variation? I like the simplicity of the controls....thats whats so attractive about these amps. Also, why isn't there a standby switch on the amp? Doesn't this burn out tubes faster? How long does it take for the amp to warm up, and do you have to leave it on in between sets when you play? Thanks again for your input... Cheers!! __________________ ...a little less conversation, a little more action...

March 14th, 2004, 06:38 PM	#7 (permalink)
eksfiles Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Windsor, Ontario CANADA Posts: 148	Well I think I'm gonna take the plunge, and order a 2x10 Ghia combo myself. Now I just have to think what color I'd like. I'm leaning towards the blond tolex, with wheat grille.... I just hope its not going to get dirty. Also, I don't know if anyone can help me with this, but if I were to hook up the combo to a 2x12 cab, would that shut off the amp's internal 2x10's?? Cheers!! __________________ ...a little less conversation, a little more action...

March 15th, 2004, 08:20 AM	#8 (permalink)
MJ Harnish Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hattingen, Germany Posts: 457	Ok, lots of questions: Tone Knob - It does have a pretty profound effect; it's not simply some sort of treble roll-off but more like a midrange control that moves where the peak is located. I generally just try to dial in my sound with each guitar. Volume Level - It's a pretty loud amp; 18w is quite loud so don't expect it to be a great bedroom amp. I have used mine live plenty of times. Standby Switch - The standby switch isn't necessary. The 5Y3 rectifier generally softens the turn on voltage a bit but not a great deal. However, standby is a myth in most amps: It got started because tube manufacturers recommended warming the tubes up before using them for high voltage applications to prolong tube life. HV was 800+V (generally over 1000). Tube amps operate at 600v or less which is a low voltage application. At that point cathode stripping is negligible; the tube is more likely to start sounding bad or fail for mechanical reasons long before cathode stripping has any sort of effect. If you want to prolong tube life use a fan: Heat is one of the top killers of tubes and amps in general and that's generally due to thermic cycling (repeatedly getting hot & then cool). Just turn your amp's volume down in between sets (only to keep it quiet). Using an extension cab; my guess is that you have to unplug the internal speakers to plug in an extension cab. That said, it seems poor planning to buy a 2x10 that you plan on using with a 2x12; that's twice as much stuff to carry in/out. Buy yourself a head in that case and then you can mix & match cabs as you like. __________________ MJ Harnish Suburbs: Where they cut down all the trees and then name the streets after them.

March 15th, 2004, 09:39 AM	#9 (permalink)
zane Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Panther City,Tx Posts: 1,027	I have a Red Maz 38 ,best looking amp I've ever seen!!

March 15th, 2004, 12:29 PM	#10 (permalink)
eksfiles Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Windsor, Ontario CANADA Posts: 148	MJ....I just spoke to my dealer, and he says that you could run both the amps' 2x10, and 2x12's so long as you use the right ohm plug for the cab. I really don't see myself needing the 2x12's....I just thought how great would it sound running 2x10s, and 2x12's at the same time. It must sound huge. Thanks for your info.... I'm looking forward to buying one. Cheers!! __________________ ...a little less conversation, a little more action...