Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0-8T

TheGooch · #1 05-06-2011, 04:56 PM

I'm a long time Guitarist who has just recently switched over to Bass in the last 4 years. I was wondering if anyone has paired up a Gibson Thunderbird with a Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0 - I've heard A LOT of great things about these Amps, and haven't had the pleasure of trying one out.

Currently I'm using a Fender Rumble 50 for practice, and a Peavey TNT 115 - Black Widow for Jamming/Gigs. I had acquired this Amp through an acquaintance for next to nothing, and am looking for something a bit newer, that I can call my own.

Anybody have any info on the Genz Benz 3.0-BT? Would you recommend it?

RickenBoogie · #2 05-06-2011, 06:07 PM

Like all Genz Benz gear, it's top notch. But don't expect alot of volume from a single 8" spkr- that's really only good for bedroom practice. If you're jamming in a band, you'll need ALOT more spkrs.

Brian_L · #3 05-06-2011, 06:14 PM

I won't disagree with you, but having recently attended a Doug Johns/Genz Benz clinic, the amount of sound that the little 3-8T puts into a room is ridiculous. Jaws dropped when Doug plugged in to that little tiny rig. You may need more to jam with a band, but it puts out way more than bedroom levels.

Brian

**jlepre** · #4 05-07-2011, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Like all Genz Benz gear, it's top notch. But don't expect alot of volume from a single 8" spkr- that's really only good for bedroom practice. If you're jamming in a band, you'll need ALOT more spkrs.

I have owned this combo, and I have to respectfully disagree. I used this combo in rehearsals competing with 2 loud guitarists, and heavy handed drummer. She held down the bottom just fine. For a small gig, you could always add another 8 ohm speaker, and get the full 300 watts. I used to add an Epifani Ul-112, and that rig would shake the walls! Let me look for my old thread...brb.

OK check this out:

My bandmates laughed at me tonight...GB 3.0 8T

lpdeluxe · #5 05-07-2011, 10:07 AM

I opted for the 3.0-10T. A little more money, a lot more sound. I add a second 10T cab for playing with loud drummers, and it's all I need.

**jlepre** · #6 05-07-2011, 10:36 AM

Congrats!

thudfromafar · #7 05-07-2011, 11:10 AM

The 8T might put out a lot of sound for its size, but there's no way I'd recommend it for a rock band. Jazz combo, sure. Rock band no. Even the 10T would struggle depending how loud the band is. Think about it like this, most people would recommend 4+ 10" speakers for a loud rock band.

impactwrench · #8 05-07-2011, 11:55 AM

for what you'd pay for the 3.0/8t, you can snag a 6.0/12t for a bit more cash if you act fast.

Amazon.com: Genz Benz Shuttle STL6-0-12T Bass Amplifier: Musical Instruments

totem · #9 05-07-2011, 12:51 PM

I've got the 3.0-8T with the 8" extension cab, and it does extremely well for almost everything I do, mostly semi-acoustic gigs. I'll use a VT Bass pedal with it to get all the sound I need. It doesn't quite keep up with a full band situation, but I do have a 6.0-12T with 12" extension cab for that. However, that rig hasn't left the house in at least six months. I'm disabled too, so the light weight and small size of the little rig is a big plus. Overall, I'm very happy with it.

snappytom · #10 05-07-2011, 01:45 PM

I have been using the 3.0-10T since November. As everyone else has stated. these are outstanding rigs (same can be said for all Genz gear).
For rehearsals it is all I use and has no problem keeping up with a hard hitting rock drummer.
For gigs I put it on top of my GB NeoX-112t and that combo puts out plenty of sound and is very easy to transport on a cheapo folding luggage cart.
Played 5 gigs with it so far (rock/pop cover band), 3 in bars where I barely tuned it up 1/3, 1 festival gig with PA support, and 1 corporate gig in a large banquet hall with 300 people, no PA support. Never felt like I was pushing it and had plenty of headroom.

I would go with the 10 over the 8, but either would be a solid choice. Get another efficient 8 ohm cab to used when needed and you should be good.

modulusman · #11 05-07-2011, 03:08 PM

I just bought a 3.0-8t today. Sounded great at the store and in my living room. I was surprised at how loud it is. I did notice some farting out with my low B at louder volumes. It handled my 4 string basses with no problem. I have been using my 6.0-12t for my gigs with a classic rock band. Tonight I will use the 3.0-8t. I always have PA support so the amp is mainly my monitor. i am playing with aloud drummer so I will see how it does and report back tomorrow.

Numskull · #12 05-07-2011, 10:19 PM

I've used my 6.0-12t for one gig so far. Tweaked my settings a couple times at the start and it was great after that. No P.A. at that gig. I had the stage rumbling. I had it in my mind I might get an extension cab, but I can't see needing it now. Sounds great with my 5 strings, my P bass and my Ergo EUB.

chuck3 · #13 05-08-2011, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlepre

I have owned this combo, and I have to respectfully disagree. I used this combo in rehearsals competing with 2 loud guitarists, and heavy handed drummer. She held down the bottom just fine. For a small gig, you could always add another 8 ohm speaker, and get the full 300 watts. I used to add an Epifani Ul-112, and that rig would shake the walls! Let me look for my old thread...brb.

OK check this out:

My bandmates laughed at me tonight...GB 3.0 8T

I'm the guy who bought jlepre's 3.0-8 off him a couple of years ago, and I agree with him. While this combo alone would not be optimal for a rock band, it would punch way above its weight. But that's not really the point. If you play various styles in various settings, this amp is like a freaking Swiss army knife. It is my most-gigged amp because it is so versatile. I played a gig with it tonight with my regular band in which I play both a Fender jazz and upright. I play the upright into the 3.0-8 and use the DI into the PA while the amp itself is the monitor for me. It is PERFECT for this. I also use it by itself for a once-a-month jazz gig in a restaurant where the space is extremely limited. I'm playing a '78 Precision fretless into it for these gigs. It is also PERFECT for this usage. And, if anything happens to my more powerful amp during a rock gig, I'll just hook it up to a bigger cab and you'll have a clean 300 watts which is fine for a backup. It is PERFECT for this backup role too.

So this combo is not all things to all people, but it is essential to my actual gigging situations. (I remember it sounded awesome with jlepre's Bongo, too.

)

modulusman · #14 05-08-2011, 11:05 AM

Well did the gig with the 3.0-8t and it was fine.

This combo may look like a toy but it is anything but. I will probably use it for most of my gigs with the classic rock band that I sub for. As long as you have PA support and just need to hear yourself onstage this combo is a good choice. At 13.5 pounds you gotta love the weight.

Pilgrim · #15 05-08-2011, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGooch

I'm a long time Guitarist who has just recently switched over to Bass in the last 4 years. I was wondering if anyone has paired up a Gibson Thunderbird with a Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0 - I've heard A LOT of great things about these Amps, and haven't had the pleasure of trying one out.

Currently I'm using a Fender Rumble 50 for practice, and a Peavey TNT 115 - Black Widow for Jamming/Gigs. I had acquired this Amp through an acquaintance for next to nothing, and am looking for something a bit newer, that I can call my own.

Anybody have any info on the Genz Benz 3.0-BT? Would you recommend it?

I came from a similar rig to G-B. I had the Peavey single 15 with a Sunn Coliseum-300 head. I also had a G-K 4x10 as an alternate cab, but it was much heavier than the Peavey 15 and therefore I usually left it at home.

I had the chance to play through a Shuttle 6.0 docked on a 12T speaker and fell in love immediately! I sold all my heavy gear and bought the rig I had played through, with a second 12" G-B cab for stacking. Later I bought a G-B 2x10 Shuttle cab (not so much because I needed it as because it was very cool and sounded nice) and the 12 stacks on top of it nicely. But I honestly don't need the 2x10 very much.

I can tell you that the 12" speaker is a decent substitute for the 15, and you won't feel like you lost anything. I have a LOT of faith in Genz-Benz, but I'm not sure the 8" speaker would be a good replacement for a 15.

I have that spare Genz-Benz 12T speaker for sale on consignment at a local music store. I'd be glad to pull it and sell it directly if you want to go with a 12" cab instead of an 8. Feel free to PM me.

TheGooch · #16 05-08-2011, 02:17 PM

Thanks to all for the information! That's great!

I'm definitely interested in picking up a GB. The only issue is that I've gone through our one and only local retailer (Long & McQuade) and they currently don't have any GB in stock, nor on back order; so I would have to pay retail plus shipping. I've heard NOTHING but great reviews about their gear, so I'm confident I'll be happy with the sound, however, I've never been able to actually play one.

Does anyone have any suggestions for comparible models even of a different make that are just as good? GK, Ampeg, Bogner?

chuck3 · #17 05-08-2011, 07:04 PM

Obviously you should do as you think best, but I wouldn't let the lack of a local retailer stop you from getting a Genz Benz combo. Put "Genz" into the Musical Instruments category on e-bay. There are a bunch of 3.0-8s and 3.0-10s on offer from what appear to be reputable sellers, a number of them in "best offer" mode where you can try to negotiate your own deal. I've bought GB gear on e-bay and it's been fine.

chuck norriss · #18 05-09-2011, 09:08 PM

My shuttle 3.0/8 fell off of a 610 & rolled on the ground like dice. Not a scratch, & still plays like hell.
Last week it was drummer playing my Gretsch like Abe Laboreal; this week it was this.

As others have mentioned, the 3.0+8 by itself is fine for quieter environments. And I've moved plenty of air with it playing rock, by adding a 210 & 610 as a second speaker. Plenty. It's loud. As for Gibson Tbird, that bass ought to sound great through a Pignose.

tallboybass · #19 05-09-2011, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGooch

Does anyone have any suggestions for comparible models even of a different make that are just as good? GK, Ampeg, Bogner?

For the same price as the 3.0-8T (here in the USA anyway), you can get a GK MB212 that will rearrange your dental work and still only weigh 37 pounds....

**jlepre** · #20 05-11-2011, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck3

I'm the guy who bought jlepre's 3.0-8 off him a couple of years ago,

Hey Chuck,

So glad to hear from you, and that that little combo is getting some good use. Shoot me a message next time you're playing with it, as I'd like to hear for myself.