Genz-Benz, Aguilar, or Ampeg?

Demonator · #1 04-06-2010, 03:08 PM

Im sure this has been asked, sorry I didnt search. But, when I get out on my own I plan to buy a head with cab. Although I'm not sure which. I have played Ampeg before, very solid amp, but I like the practicality of Genz-Benz, like the Shuttle 6.0-12T, but I also hear that Aguilar has very versatile amps. Help please.
thank you.

AxtoOx · #2 04-06-2010, 03:14 PM

I've played all 3 and own 2 of them and just can't justify owning the 3rd.
What do you play, they are all great.

Demonator · #3 04-06-2010, 03:17 PM

I mostly play rock, which is why I was thinking of Aguilar if they are as versatile as they say I can play rock, metal, jazz, and funk.

RHCP250 · #4 04-06-2010, 03:33 PM

You can play any style of music with any amp. What Aguilar head/cab were you looking at?

Demonator · #5 04-06-2010, 03:40 PM

A Aguilar AG 500 head, with a Aguilar DB115 cab. I'll be in the military making E 3 pay for whatever MOS I get stuck with, my main MOS was going to be military band if I made it and I figured I would need some pro gear to stay with the big dogs.

noahw1 · #6 04-06-2010, 03:43 PM

I have a Genz Benz 6.0 Shuttle and love it. I play in a neo-soul, hard rock, and jazz bands and it works for all of them. It's pretty great being able to carry my amp in my gig bag.

Demonator · #7 04-06-2010, 03:48 PM

Thats why I was looking at a Benz Shuttle 6.0-12T they seem very portable.

EricF · #8 04-06-2010, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demonator

A Aguilar AG 500 head, with a Aguilar DB115 cab.

Yes!

The DB115 is a very nicely balanced sounding cab with plenty of low end fullness to work well as a stand-alone cab. Although I'm a fan of the DB750, the AG500 is a great amp and should suit your needs very well.

AxtoOx · #9 04-06-2010, 04:07 PM

I've gigged Rock on all 3. Right now I use a GB 6.0 and Mesa 212 for smaller gigs and my Ampeg refigerator at big ones. They are different but I really like them both. If I were still in the AF, for portabiliy, I'd go GB.

EricF · #10 04-06-2010, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AxtoOx

I've gigged Rock on all 3. Right now I use a GB 6.0 and Mesa 212 for smaller gigs and my Ampeg refigerator at big ones. They are different but I really like them both. If I were still in the AF, for portabiliy, I'd go GB.

If portablility is a primary concern, GB is probably the best choice.

waleross · #11 04-06-2010, 04:33 PM

I own Ampeg . . the SVt tube CL is the best in that class. . My all around Ampeg is the SvT 4-Pro. I'm sure you already know this. If I wasn't invested in Ampeg, I'd try out the Genz-Benz heads and their speaker cabs. Great looking stuff

Demonator · #12 04-06-2010, 04:34 PM

Portability would be nice, but would I be dropping volume, sound, and tone just to haul an amp easier? Or would it be a fair exchange? Like small in size but big in sound?

noahw1 · #13 04-06-2010, 05:34 PM

The GB 6.0 is pretty loud to me and I love the tone.

Igital · #14 04-06-2010, 05:44 PM

I gig the GB Shuttle 6.0 regularly and love it. When I feel for that good old Ampeg sound I use a VT-pedal. Portable +90% SVT.

LightGroove · #15 04-06-2010, 07:01 PM

If customer service is a factor as well then def. +1 to Genz benz... Prob. One of the BEST in the business.

I currently play a GB Shuttle 6.0 -> Ampeg 210 (smaller) or Neox 212 (larger)

I leave the settings at high noon and get asked to turn down regularly at church when the volume goes above 8 o clock. The venue is typically a 600-700 person auditorium/sanctuary and the 6.0 and 212 fill it nice

Oh I can toss the GB in a bag over the shoulder, my bass over the other and push my cab = 1 trip and done

I say go with Genz and dont look back.

Pickebass · #16 04-06-2010, 07:06 PM

I've own/owned/played all three. Genz Benz and Aguilar have stellar customer service. I'm an Aguilar junkie... so I'll state that upfront and say I'm partial. For the price and quality it's hard to beat the Genz Benz stuff. I've owned a shuttle and the NeoPak 3.5 Tonally VERY different from aguilar. But great pieces of you can get the sound you're looking for.

Oddly, I did not like the AG500...

naturalkinds · #17 04-06-2010, 08:19 PM

I've owned the GB Shuttle 3.0 and the Aguilar DB 750. I love the Aguilar stuff, but I seriously miss having that little 3.0 around. I found it easy to dial in a tone a liked, and all of the features on that tiny little thing are really pretty irresistible. The DB 750 is kind of the opposite of that: barely any features, e.g, no aux in. But it kills in a different sort of way.

JimiLL · #18 04-06-2010, 08:42 PM

I put together that the Aggie stuff is mainly a one trick pony..... if youre looking for versatility, the GBE with the two preamps is the way to go.

I have a GBE 1200, FWIW

bluesbass99 · #19 04-06-2010, 08:56 PM

I own a Genz Benz Shuttlemax 12.0. Portablility is a great feature. Very versatile with the dual FET and Tube channels. I've had mine a little over a year and could not be happier. I am sure, however, you would be more than happy with any of the three you are considering. Ampeg and Aguilar are great choices, as well.

Double Agent · #20 04-06-2010, 09:06 PM

I'm not sure where you could go wrong between Aguilar and Genz-Benz. I was considering the AG500 vs a GBE600 a few years back and went with the Genz because of the affordability. Even though less expensive, there is no drop-off in quality from Aguilar to Genz. So, of the 3 brands you specified, I would recommend Genz-Benz for quality and value. Nothing wrong with Aguilar either if you have the money, and prefer the tone. Ampegs are great, but if you are short on money or need something portable, there are WAY better options out there IMO.