GK or Genz/Avatar

Mattsochistic · #1 03-31-2011, 06:11 PM

Hello,
I play in an original band (BathHouseBetty) playing Punk/Prog/Metal. We have one thinstringer with a line 6 spydervalve half stack, and a loud young drummer. I play a MTD 635-24 through a POD Bass XT live. Last year I had my GK 1001RB stolen along with my Tobias Standard 6. I am interested in the Streamliner 900 and the Avatar TB 15/6/1 (two of them). I already own 2X410's and 2X115's from Yorkville's old stock, and a older GK MBX 8X10(though it needs service). Recently I have been thinking of selling the lot and going back to a GK1001RBII and Maybe some GK neo cabs. I would be purchasing the Genz/Avatars without ever playing them. Mike Tobias said that he liked the Genz stuff amongst others. What would the difference be, and what are your thoughts?

dukeorock · #2 03-31-2011, 06:17 PM

Those all sound like different shades of good to me

Seriously, all 3 brands are very good, IMO. I just got a Genz Uber 212 and Uber 410 cab and love them to death, for what it's worth...I don't think you can go wrong with any of those 3 choices...depending of course on which level of GK you're talking about

lomo · #3 03-31-2011, 06:25 PM

Get whatever head you want, but the TB153 is a devastating cab, and that's even before you consider the great price. You'll only need 2 if you want the volume of an 810.

Tunaman · #4 03-31-2011, 06:34 PM

I think I've had or have all the gear you're talking about.
I have the Streamliner 900 & it would NOT be my 1st choice for your type of music. I'd probably go the Genz Shuttlemax 9.2 12.2 whatever. Much more note definition & glassy highs, much more EQ. Although I love my Streamliner it could NOT be my only amp, I'd need a more modern solid state sound myself.

GK 1001RB, had it & loved it, it would be great for what you want & you could EASILY get one used for cheap & put more money on cabs... HOWEVER I don't like GK amps matched with their cabs. Its too hollow, the complete opposite of the Streamliner tube warm tone, almost too hi fi. I loved my GK 1001RB with my SWR, Eden & Epifani cabs though. As for GK NEO cabs... I just bought the GK NEO 115 III & like it a lot with the Streamliner. I've only tried the GK NEO 410\210 with the GK amp & didn't like them. My friend who has the Streamliner didn't like pairing them with the GK Neo 12s... you'd have to ask him why.
He ended up with the Genz UBER 410.

Good luck & have tons of fun trying out every combo

chuck norriss · #5 03-31-2011, 06:37 PM

I've only owned the lower (lowest) end of either line--GK 400RB & GBshuttle 3.0--but I must say I've never been as pleased with any other bass amp as I am with my Genz for its sound, clarity, speed, articulation, depth, convenience/weight/compact size

Mattsochistic · #6 04-01-2011, 02:02 PM

Thanks, how does the Genz 9 compare to the 9.2?

hasbeen · #7 04-01-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattsochistic

Thanks, how does the Genz 9 compare to the 9.2?

are you talking Streamliner vs. ShuttleMAX....or Shuttle 9.0 vs. ShuttleMAX 9.2?

For the tone you're searching for, I'd go Streamliner over Shuttle. You can get some excellent punk, proto-punk, and Lemmy/Cliff Burton tones.

I do a Porcupine Tree set on a gig I do.....prog-metal. The Streamliner cuts through a busy mix very well.

Mattsochistic · #8 04-01-2011, 04:48 PM

It was suggested to me earlier that the Shuttle would be a better match. I am not near a GB dealer. How well can i do 6 strings range?

hasbeen · #9 04-02-2011, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattsochistic

It was suggested to me earlier that the Shuttle would be a better match. I am not near a GB dealer. How well can i do 6 strings range?

I feel quite strongly that the Streamliner is a better choice over the Shuttle for your tone/music goals you listed in your OP.

I play 6 string exclusively...well, almost. We spent a LOT of time working on the Streamliner's voicing with 6 string. Tight punchy low B.....heft and girth on the high C string.

Grunt and growl.

JOME77 · #10 04-02-2011, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tunaman

I think I've had or have all the gear you're talking about.
I have the Streamliner 900 & it would NOT be my 1st choice for your type of music. I'd probably go the Genz Shuttlemax 9.2 12.2 whatever. Much more note definition & glassy highs, much more EQ. Although I love my Streamliner it could NOT be my only amp, I'd need a more modern solid state sound myself.

+1

I ordered the GB Streamliner and the Max 9.2 and A/B'd them for several days. In the end, the Max 9.2 was just much more versatile. I've played the Max 9.2 through several cabinets (Berg, Epifani & SWR) and it sounded great with all three.

I've owned 3 GK1001RB heads and loved their tone. However, I had problems with 2 of the 3 and had to send them off for repair within the first 6 months.

IMO, the Max 9.2 can get really close to the tone of the 1001RB. I play my GB Max 9.2 primarily through my Berg HT-112-ER and love the tone (with my Roscoe 3005 & Carvin SB5000). The 2 channels (FET & Tube) and the abiltiy to control them via the foot switch, is another great plus for the 9.2. It really works out well with me switching from fretted to fretless.