Genz Benz vs Eden

impactwrench · #1 04-08-2011, 08:24 AM

For a GK guy (400/700RB), which of these two manufacturers would you recommend trying if I wanted to try something different. More specifically a Shuttle 6.0 (combo, but I really just want to try the head) vs a WTB-400. The genz has a tube pre which I'm interested in, but it's costlier. I tried an Eden WT550 or something at GC, it had nice tone through a marshall 4x10. Never played a genz, but the Bass Whisperer always makes them sound sweet. I play mostly rock and blues into a TB153 with P/J basses.

modulusman · #2 04-08-2011, 09:26 AM

I have owned alot of Eden gear in the past. They are no longer the company they were. Genz Benz has the best customer service in the industry although you will probably never need it. I own alot of Genz Benz gear and the amp I use the most is my Shuttle6.0/12t. The local music store has one that was used for one month on sale for $850.00.Used: Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.0 $849.99 - Music Villa Used Gear For Sale They will ship anywhere in the US.

CrUiSeR · #3 04-08-2011, 09:37 AM

why does it always seem to be genz benz vs eden?! i like eden, the next guy likes gb! anything i buy eden now has to be used MIA. there are a lot of great prices
on their used amps.
if you have to buy new then why not
traynor

roudly made in Canada!

bass_snake · #4 04-08-2011, 10:42 AM

I' d choose Genz Benz over Eden. Just my experience with them. I prefer the GB better.

Fred

CrUiSeR · #5 04-08-2011, 10:51 AM

See, I told you the next guy likes genz benz

bassjam · #6 04-08-2011, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrUiSeR

See, I told you the next guy likes genz benz

Im the next next guy.I choose Genz

Kwesi · #7 04-08-2011, 06:45 PM

I'd go Eden. Shuttle is a great little amp but it sounds a little bland to me. Even if you don't like the Eden I can guarantee that it'll have some flavor to it.

Matt Dean · #8 04-08-2011, 06:45 PM

Eden for me... but, I'd buy used. I played a WT 550 for a long time and thought it sounded great!

bongomania · #9 04-08-2011, 07:05 PM

Pecking order IMO:

used MIA Eden
Genz
anything else
new Eden

SteveC · #10 04-08-2011, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwesi

I'd go Eden. Shuttle is a great little amp but it sounds a little bland to me. Even if you don't like the Eden I can guarantee that it'll have some flavor to it.

Until it has issues and you need service.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Dean

Eden for me... but, I'd buy used. I played a WT 550 for a long time and thought it sounded great!

I played a WT550 for a while, needed service, used a GBE600 while waiting. Sold the Eden when I finally got it back.

I'm sure you know the GB CS rep, but I was surprised when a thread popped up the other day of someone buying a used Shuttle at a pawn shop. Wanted to know if he got a deal - even though it was beat up. There was a picture of the scratched up Shuttle head. One of the GB guys posted for him to send his "particulars (address) and he'd send him a new top panel for the head. Now that's CS. Used head, bought in a pawn shop, not really knowing what it is, and one of the head guys from the company offers to send you a replacement top. If a GB amp is even close to the sound you want, why would you buy anything else.

I know there are a number of former Eden guys who now use GB.

ishouldbeking · #11 04-08-2011, 07:22 PM

grab a streamliner! never played an eden that I'd want to own, personally. even the all-tube head is merely okay. i'm not that into the sounds of the shuttle heads either, but the streamliner does sound great (played one at NAMM for a bit). of course whatever you're looking for might me a mile away from what I am, but at least with Genz you know they're a great company with great QC and customer service.

Rockmusician · #12 04-08-2011, 07:26 PM

I have owned a GK 1001RB-II for about 7 years. It's a great amp but I am in the process of switching to Eden. It seems that every time I hear a bass player with the tone that I want, they are using Eden.

superiorpine · #13 04-08-2011, 07:40 PM

Although we don't always agree, Bongomaina got it right in post #9. At the end of the day, some like vanilla, some like chocolate. I prefer chocolate.

JOME77 · #14 04-09-2011, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superiorpine

Although we don't always agree, Bongomaina got it right in post #9. At the end of the day, some like vanilla, some like chocolate. I prefer chocolate.

Yep. But what if you like Neapolitan ice cream!

I like Eden and have owned 5-6 different Eden heads over the years.
I recently ordered a new GB Streamliner and a GB Shuttle Max 9.2 so I could A/B them.

I kept the GB Shuttle Max 9.2. Far more versatile.

ICE CREAM RATINGS:

GB Streamliner = Vanilla

GB Shuttle 6.0/9.0 = Strawberry

Eden WT550/800 = Chocolate

GB Shuttle Max 9.2 = Neapolitan (all flavors into one!)

4Mal · #15 04-09-2011, 09:30 AM

I've had a few older Eden WT products... Still have the WT-800. Never an issue with any of them and I really like the color they bring. I also have a GK MB2-500 and I see those amps as complimentary.

I tried the Shuttle 6 and found it .. well uninspiring. Not bad, just couldn't get excited about it ... the Streamliner demo's (Ed Friedland) didn't do anything for me. The distortion seemed really buzzy and the ariety to sounds seemed like stuff that was easily achievable with what I have now. I'd like to get my hands on one for a while and run it through it's paces just to see for myself.

If I had the GK only and was looking for a compliment - I'd be on a used MIA WT series Eden fast. The old stuff is built like a tank.

impactwrench · #16 04-09-2011, 02:18 PM

It's really just between those two amps...not really looking at used stuff. I think I'm going to give the genz benz a shot. Eden's website sucks...I'm not even sure what the amp weighs, either 15 or 26 lbs depending on where you look. I've already got some 15-25 lb heads. I guess the tone will be subjective, but I think the genz will sound great and Ill get to try out a head with a tube.

Rebop · #17 04-09-2011, 02:27 PM

Or you could do what I do and use an Eden head with Genz-Benz cabs.

vin*tone · #18 04-09-2011, 06:55 PM

I preferred the tone of the WT550 over the Shuttle. Like a lot of people I just found it a bit flat.

In your shoes I'd be giving the Streamliner a good listen.

**nutdog** · #19 04-09-2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by impactwrench

Never played a genz, but the Bass Whisperer always makes them sound sweet.

He makes everything sound sweet.

SteveC · #20 04-09-2011, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vin*tone

I preferred the tone of the WT550 over the Shuttle. Like a lot of people I just found it a bit flat.

In your shoes I'd be giving the Streamliner a good listen.

The WT550 is a nice head. I liked mine a lot. I also like my little Shuttle combo.