Genz Benz / Aguilar / GK- Sonic Signature?

[n1as]

I'm specifically looking at the small 350-ish watt heads to go with my Carvin BRX 10.2 Neo.

I don't have easy access to these amps. What sort of signature sound do they generate? How would you describe the differences? Are there really any sonic differences or are all 3 of them flat response high-fidelity rigs that produce uncolored sound until you twiddle the knobs?

- Keith -

[KJung]

Mega threads on all these brands. Worth a read.

To oversimplify (to get you started):

Aguilar TH500/350... fat, very mid present, capable of grinding/growling, very little upper treble extension. Very 'meat and potatoes' bass tone... big, articulate, NOT hifi, fat.

Genz.... two very different lines.

Shuttle line (9.2., 6.2, Max 9.2, Max 12.2) VERY articulate. Tight down low (more 'punch' than deep bass), bright but clean in the upper midrange. Very 'exact' sounding heads that bring out that 'winding on the E string' sort of punchy/bright tone. Very nice 'modern' take that is not sterile.

Streamliner... totally different... very tubey. Fat low end, very relaxed midrange, 'all tube' like upper treble extension. Interactive tone controls like vintage tube amps.

GK (two lines.... regular MB and tube loaded MBfusion that sound more similar than different). VERY aggressive up top... midrange grind and brightness, big down low. Almost the definition of a 'modern voicing'. A bit of scoop built in... unusual combination of deep lows, super sizzly top end, and a rough, grindy, aggressive upper midrange response.


None of these amps can be made to sound anything like each other with EQ, but you can, of course, minimize some of the inherent voicing (i.e., fatten up the Shuttle amps, brighten up the Aguilars, or tone down the top end of the GK). However, they all 'sound like they sound' and would most likely appeal to different players.

IMO and IME!

[n1as]

Wow, great info. Yes there is lots to read -too much actually. I could read for weeks defore getting the answer.

Thanks!

[Dan Knowlton]

I had a GB Shuttle - loved it!
I have a GB Streamliner - love it!

I like the fatter low end and old-school mids on the Streamliner a bit better but could happily gig with either.

And so that I'm not helping too much - I like the GK and Markbass amps, too!

Dan K.

PS- You really can't go wrong with any of them, you might slightly prefer one over the other.

[bugbass]

Actually you can go wrong with one of these amps, cause they sounds quite different IME.
You have to try them out.

[n1as]

Originally Posted by bugbass

Actually you can go wrong with one of these amps, cause they sounds quite different IME.
You have to try them out.

Yea, that's the problem. I CAN'T try them out. No local dealers. My only recourse is to ask in this forum or ... order one of each and return the one I love less.

[bugbass]

Originally Posted by n1as

Yea, that's the problem. I CAN'T try them out. No local dealers. My only recourse is to ask in this forum or ... order one of each and return the one I love less.

What kind of music do you play, what bass and cabs do you own? Do you like old school or modern?

[nolezmaj]

GK MB500 works great for my progressive rock originals band. And boost knob (can be controled with foot switch that came with the amp) is OD with a distinct feel - upper mid grind - very usable live!

[rodl2005]

Love both the TH500 & the Shuttle.
Also really like the GK MB500
But, I went wrong with a Streamliner. Many love it, but I couldn't tame its baked in huge lows without it sounding wierd

[liam_g]

Most of the online sellers (Musicians Friend, ZZounds, etc.) have generous return policies. You could try one out and see if you like it, and just be out the shipping if you decide to return it. Could even purchase a couple, if you have the funds, and return the one you like least.

Cheers,
Liam

[n1as]

Originally Posted by bugbass

What kind of music do you play, what bass and cabs do you own? Do you like old school or modern?

Rock / Worship music in a small church. I also play with a band that back a choir doing pop / choir stuff.

My preferred tone is one that has a bit of a midrange growl to it. I really don't care for the big marshmallow tone.

I do want enough highs that I could do some slapping (one of these days).

Bass is a 4-string Jazz and a Carvin SB5000 on order.

Cabinet is a Carvin BRX 10.2 2x10.

[bugbass]

G-K MB500 maybe

[n1as]

Thanks for all the help guys! After much consideration (and listening to clips on youtube) I placed an order for the TH350.

Let the thunder begin :-)

- Keith -

[rodl2005]

Darn good choice. Hope you dig it.:thumbup:

[trentagxw]

I could read for weeks defore getting the answer.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by n1as

Thanks for all the help guys! After much consideration (and listening to clips on youtube) I placed an order for the TH350.

Let the thunder begin :-)

- Keith -

Cool. GREAT little head. Here is my demo clip of that head (as a teaser for you as you wait for the head). Very solid performer, great quality, and lots of EQ power!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=Vo66BE8Eutk

[n1as]

Originally Posted by KJung

Cool. GREAT little head. Here is my demo clip of that head (as a teaser for you as you wait for the head). Very solid performer, great quality, and lots of EQ power!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=Vo66BE8Eutk

YOU! You are the one! Yes! There were two clips on youtube that sealed the deal for me - Both were yours! By listening to both of them I could hear the tone differences and had a preference!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

- Keith -