Fender Bassman 300 VS. Genz Benz GBE 1200

[Nsmccarty91]

Okay, I own a Fender Bassman 300 Pro bass head, and am considering selling to pick up the Genz Benz GBE 1200. I really like the Bassman, but my main cons are that it's unbelievably heavy and it costs $300+ to change all 10 tubes. I have heard very good things about the GBE 1200. I know they're both great amps, and I've really loved the Fender. What are your thoughts on these amps? Let me know your opinion. Stick it out with the Bassman or sell for the Genz Benz?

[CrUiSeR]

let me first start by saying that i have only played the fender.
you said it will cost $300 to replace the tubes.
I say those tubes may last you another twenty years!?
you said you really like and also love the fender.(I also do)
I say you may be a little underwhelmed going to a solid state head.
you said you have read good reviews of the GB and you know that it's also great.
I say try one first as you may not like it.
when i sold a tube head that i really liked
a couple of years ago, it was because i
knew for sure(as in experience/not something I read) I liked what was replacing it.
good luck and all imo of course

[Nsmccarty91]

I definitely plan on trying one before I buy. I just wanted to know the opinions of those who already have played the GBE or both.

[CrUiSeR]

oh,ok
well i takemit all back then!

[Sartori]

Originally Posted by Nsmccarty91

Okay, I own a Fender Bassman 300 Pro bass head, and am considering selling to pick up the Genz Benz GBE 1200. I really like the Bassman, but my main cons are that it's unbelievably heavy and it costs $300+ to change all 10 tubes. I have heard very good things about the GBE 1200. I know they're both great amps, and I've really loved the Fender. What are your thoughts on these amps? Let me know your opinion. Stick it out with the Bassman or sell for the Genz Benz?

Er, why would you be replacing 10 tubes? Doesn't the Bassman 300 only have 6 power tubes?

[John D]

The better question is why would you be replacing six tubes? I've got forty-year-old tubes that still play well.

[eyeballkid]

Try this.. track down a used Sunn1200s rackmount head.. its the same amp as the fender 300 as a solid state/tube preamp amp with 1200 watts.. much lighter, same GREAT TONE... and used can be found for the $600 ballpark..

I used tons of amps, and the Sunn 1200s and the Fender 300 pro have been keepers for years!....(look thru my previous gear list on my profile for an idea)

[Giraffe]

Originally Posted by John D

The better question is why would you be replacing six tubes? I've got forty-year-old tubes that still play well.

Modern power tubes wear out much more quickly than old US manufacture. Most guys I know whose ears are not blown out will start to hear appreciable wear on current manufactured power tubes after as little as six months of heavy use. Try it, you'll see.

The GBE1200 is a killer amp in every respect, in my experience, but it is pretty heavy! I'd check how much less it weighs before I got too excited.

[Nsmccarty91]

I said 10 tubes because I was including the 4 pre amp tubes as well. Weight aside, how does the GBE 1200 stack up tone and power wise?

[John D]

Originally Posted by Giraffe

Modern power tubes wear out much more quickly than old US manufacture. Most guys I know whose ears are not blown out will start to hear appreciable wear on current manufactured power tubes after as little as six months of heavy use. Try it, you'll see.

The GBE1200 is a killer amp in every respect, in my experience, but it is pretty heavy! I'd check how much less it weighs before I got too excited.

It's your money, waste it as you see fit.

[Giraffe]

I'm not suggesting the use of vintage glass in power amps for electric bass in a live setting, I'm merely pointing out that comparing the life expectancy of vintage glass to current production is apples to oranges.

Personally, I prefer solid state power sections to tube for live use with electric bass, for reasons of reliability, convenience, and cost. If your ears tell you the tone of the tube power amp is superior, that may be another matter, but for purposes of the OP's query, I would say the two amps he's looking at will sound different, but neither is objectively superior, for most folks in a live setting. The Fender will certainly growl and feel much different, but the GB is a proven performer that covers a great deal of tones with minimal fuss. Naturally, the GB will not sound exactly like the Fender, but for most players it is a very viable alternative.

[Mastermold]

It's up to you but I'd think if you like tube amps the GB Streamliner ought to be looked at too.

[Sartori]

Originally Posted by Nsmccarty91

I said 10 tubes because I was including the 4 pre amp tubes as well.

Why?