Genz Benz 3.0-8T - WOW!

[AJ Brown]

I've been looking for a smallish combo for use on three-piece acoustic gigs and practice. This week LeonD allowed me to use his Genz Benz 3.0-8t and get a feel for it. Well, I gotta tell you I was more than blown away. This little combo sounded incredible in practice. Way more pronounced, fat and plenty loud enough. Everyone noticed the positive difference immediately when compared to my usual practice combo of a MarkBass LMII + TC Electronic RS112.

Needless to say I bought one, being able to find a new one @ $579 on eBay. I can't wait to gig this thing. Now I'm wondering if this could replace my RH450 when used with my RS210.

[cirrusb2002]

Hi AJ, I'd like to offer a thought....I work for a dealer for both GB & TC, & also love the 3.0-8t/3.0-10t.t. Putting it up against the RH450 is an apple & orange comparison. The Genz(& I love Jeff's stuff!) is a lightweight against the TC. I agree, for small gig/rehearsal considerations, go with the Genz(yep, I don't like dragging big stuff around after 40 years of playing) but sometimes the horsepower is needed for the bigger stages or larger groups. A/B the 2 rigs at equal settings & see what you think.
Hope this helps.

[dalkowski]

What about just going up to a GB 6.0 combo?

[AJ Brown]

Originally Posted by cirrusb2002

Hi AJ, I'd like to offer a thought....I work for a dealer for both GB & TC, & also love the 3.0-8t/3.0-10t.t. Putting it up against the RH450 is an apple & orange comparison. The Genz(& I love Jeff's stuff!) is a lightweight against the TC. I agree, for small gig/rehearsal considerations, go with the Genz(yep, I don't like dragging big stuff around after 40 years of playing) but sometimes the horsepower is needed for the bigger stages or larger groups. A/B the 2 rigs at equal settings & see what you think.
Hope this helps.

Yes, I do understand they are entirely different beasts. My choices will be based solely on the overall tone and cut-through at gigs. Since my full-band gigs are lower volume than the typical cover band's 300W may even be viable with an extension cab (RS210 or RS112). However, I predict that I'll keep both the GB (small gigs / practice) and TC (full-band gigs) and live happily ever after.

[AJ Brown]

Originally Posted by dalkowski

What about just going up to a GB 6.0 combo?

Originally, I was looking for a low-cost, high portability solution. The 6.0 was just a little out of my price range. Now... if I find that I'm digging the GB tone more, that changes everything.

[dalkowski]

Originally Posted by AJ Brown

Originally, I was looking for a low-cost, high portability solution. The 6.0 was just a little out of my price range. Now... if I find that I'm digging the GB tone more, that changes everything.

We're in similar situations, it would appear. The 3.0 would be perfect for me right now, but I wonder if it'd be smarter (when I have the coin) to just go for the 6.0 and be set for anything.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by dalkowski

We're in similar situations, it would appear. The 3.0 would be perfect for me right now, but I wonder if it'd be smarter (when I have the coin) to just go for the 6.0 and be set for anything.

Remember, the 6 and 3 are quite different in addition to the power amps. I greatly prefer the 3.0's solid state preamp to the tube preamp in the 6 (IMO).

[dalkowski]

Originally Posted by KJung

Remember, the 6 and 3 are quite different in addition to the power amps. I greatly prefer the 3.0's solid state preamp to the tube preamp in the 6 (IMO).

Riiight. Forgot that little tiny detail. More coffee!!!

What do you prefer about the SS pre?

[Fretlessboy]

Both preamps sound good but it depends what you like as Kjung said. I prefer the tube but friends of mine prefer the FET. My catchall for small to medium is the 6.0/12t. The 3.0/8 is a great sounding little amp but you may need the extension to make do everything

[KJung]

Originally Posted by dalkowski

Riiight. Forgot that little tiny detail. More coffee!!!

What do you prefer about the SS pre?

I have a general preference toward solid state pre's, so pure IMO, not 'better or worse'. The SS Genz pre, to my ear, has more midrange punch (especially low mids), and doesn't seem as bright in the upper mids, and feels just a touch quicker and punchier. Again, pure IMO and personal taste there.

I REALLY like the Shuttle Max amps, which give you far superior EQ than the regular Shuttles (IMO) and the ability to use either/both solid state/tube pre's. Also, the hi pass filtering is lowered compared to the 3 and 6 (which are voiced to optimize their performance with the small Shuttle cabs), so the Max (and the new 9) sound fuller and fatter right out of the box with larger, full range cabs. Nice stuff. Of course, you pay the price for the extra features with the larger box, but they are still featherweights.

If/when the Shuttle Max 9 comes out... I will be taking the plunge!

[StuartV]

Or there's always the Ibanez Promethean 1x10 combo.... 500W with an extension cab. No amp sitting on top of the speaker to get in the way or be exposed to random whacks. Easily removed to use with 2 external cabs. Mine sounds really good with just the 1x10, but really, REALLY good hooked up to my Aguilar GS210 and GS115....

I scored mine in literally new condition, with the Promethean carry bag for $525, shipped, on the 'bay.

[dalkowski]

Originally Posted by Fretlessboy

My catchall for small to medium is the 6.0/12t.

A catchall is what I'm after. That, and $1,200.

[Joeykun]

Originally Posted by KJung

I REALLY like the Shuttle Max amps, which give you far superior EQ than the regular Shuttles (IMO) and the ability to use either/both solid state/tube pre's. Also, the hi pass filtering is lowered compared to the 3 and 6 (which are voiced to optimize their performance with the small Shuttle cabs), so the Max (and the new 9) sound fuller and fatter right out of the box with larger, full range cabs. Nice stuff. Of course, you pay the price for the extra features with the larger box, but they are still featherweights.

+1 Here! The Shuttle Max 12.0 is a killer amp. Very punchy, quick and can be eq'd to suit any situation. The low mid set around 200 Hz and give it a bump really punches up the tone.
The 3 signal shape controls help dial in some settings if you like a scooped sound for slap, bass boost to get more out of your B string and treble boost for added sizzle!

Plus, it is a monster with two 4 ohm cabs!! I am totally diggin' the Shuttle Max 12.0!!

[tallboybass]

Originally Posted by AJ Brown

I've been looking for a smallish combo for use on three-piece acoustic gigs and practice. This week LeonD allowed me to use his Genz Benz 3.0-8t and get a feel for it. Well, I gotta tell you I was more than blown away. This little combo sounded incredible in practice. Way more pronounced, fat and plenty loud enough. Everyone noticed the positive difference immediately when compared to my usual practice combo of a MarkBass LMII + TC Electronic RS112.

Needless to say I bought one, being able to find a new one @ $579 on eBay. I can't wait to gig this thing. Now I'm wondering if this could replace my RH450 when used with my RS210.

The thing with the 3.0-8T is....you look at it, you pick it up, you think "this thing won't be able to do much", then you plug it in and it amazes with MUCH more tone and volume than its appearance suggests. Will it stay with a loud drummer? No. Will it replace your big rig? No. Will it work at quiet gigs and rehearsals whilst making your bandmates' surprised eyes bug out in disbelief? Usually.

[chiplexic]

Originally Posted by KJung

I have a general preference toward solid state pre's, so pure IMO, not 'better or worse'. The SS Genz pre, to my ear, has more midrange punch (especially low mids), and doesn't seem as bright in the upper mids, and feels just a touch quicker and punchier. Again, pure IMO and personal taste there.

I REALLY like the Shuttle Max amps, which give you far superior EQ than the regular Shuttles (IMO) and the ability to use either/both solid state/tube pre's. Also, the hi pass filtering is lowered compared to the 3 and 6 (which are voiced to optimize their performance with the small Shuttle cabs), so the Max (and the new 9) sound fuller and fatter right out of the box with larger, full range cabs. Nice stuff. Of course, you pay the price for the extra features with the larger box, but they are still featherweights.

If/when the Shuttle Max 9 comes out... I will be taking the plunge!

I too prefer the 3.0 to the 6.0.
Between the inherent brightness the tube seems to add and the high pass setting attenuating the low end, the 2 together put the 6.0 lower on my wish list.
But the 9.0 is a big tone difference from the 6.0.

If I could choose my 9.0 features it would be... get rid of the 3 preset buttons in exchage for a separate parametric high-mid and low-mid control...and...no tube, just a FET pre = dream amp.

OK...back on track. YES the 3.0 is a real nice head! I'd love a simple higher wattage version. Key is simple . Not tube and FET. Just simply a higher wattage 3.0 would do me fine.

[AJ Brown]

Originally Posted by tallboybass

The thing with the 3.0-8T is....you look at it, you pick it up, you think "this thing won't be able to do much", then you plug it in and it amazes with MUCH more tone and volume than its appearance suggests. Will it stay with a loud drummer? No. Will it replace your big rig? No. Will it work at quiet gigs and rehearsals whilst making your bandmates' surprised eyes bug out in disbelief? Usually.

Exactly.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by AJ Brown

Exactly.

Hey AJ... sorry for the bit of derail. To bring it back to your issue at hand, if you dig the tone of the 3 and want to 'go Genz' for your bigger rig needs, the Shuttle Max 6 (into a Genz NeoX212), using the SS channel would be killer, and would be kind of a 'louder, deeper Shuttle 3'.

[AJ Brown]

Originally Posted by KJung

Hey AJ... sorry for the bit of derail. To bring it back to your issue at hand, if you dig the tone of the 3 and want to 'go Genz' for your bigger rig needs, the Shuttle Max 6 (into a Genz NeoX212), using the SS channel would be killer, and would be kind of a 'louder, deeper Shuttle 3'.

Hmmm. Something to ponder. Thanks Ken.

[Freddels]

I'll bring over my ShuttleMax 12.

[AJ Brown]

Originally Posted by Freddels

I'll bring over my ShuttleMax 12.

I thought you had the 6.0?