GK MB210 or Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0?

DrVenkman · #1 04-08-2010, 09:50 AM

OK, I'm trying to come to a decision. It looks like I can get either a new GK MB210 or a used Shuttle 3.0 head with a used cabinet for about the same price. I know, I know, it depends on how it sounds to me, but which would you choose?

First, I'm a beginning bass player. I'm just starting to look for other people to play with, so I can't yet say what kind of venues I might ever play. What I'd like to play is classic rock/pop/Motown stuff, and big band/swing (and jazz someday, after I know a whole lot more about creating walking lines!).

The Shuttle is just the head. I'd have to pick up a cab seperately, and for the money I have there's no way I could get a matching Genz Benz cab, even used.

I like some of the additional features the Shuttle has (mute, ground lift and choice or pre/post EQ on the DI). I don't know how big a deal the 300 watts for the Shuttle vs. 500watts for the MB210 is. Maybe the answer is to get the Shuttle now, with whatever borderline OK cab I can currently afford, and upgrade the cab down the road?

What would YOU do?

thudfromafar · #2 04-08-2010, 12:08 PM

definitely the shuttle 3, and a 2x12 or 4x10.

ThE gk combo wont even get 500 watts unless you add an extension cab,

noahw1 · #3 04-08-2010, 02:06 PM

I have a 6.0 and love it. I would go for the 3.0 and maybe look at an avatar b210 neo cab. The extra features on the GB are nice. I switch out basses between some songs and the mute button is great for that as well as when tuning up.

DrVenkman · #4 04-08-2010, 04:28 PM

Thanks for the input, but it came too late! I've already purchased the MB210.

Frankly I think I would have been happy with either. Sound-wise they both were fine - I've got a feeling I'm going to be one of those people that's never completely 100% satisfied with how ANYTHING sounds.

What swayed me to the MB210 was price and power. I couldn't find any cab I liked to go with the Shuttle that would have kept the total price for both under what I paid for the MB210; and I know I'll need to add an extension to get the full 500 watts, but when I do then I'll HAVE 500 watts instead of 300.

Some of the DI options would have been nice. If it becomes an issue I guess I can always get an external DI box, or (dare I even say it) trade amps someday in the future. For now, as a just starting out bassist, I think I'm good.

SteveC · #5 04-08-2010, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrVenkman

Thanks for the input, but it came too late! I've already purchased the MB210.

Some of the DI options would have been nice. If it becomes an issue I guess I can always get an external DI box...

Should have gone with the Genz Benz. I use a 3.0-10T combo for my gigs and it's awesome. It also has a really nice DI so I don't have to dish out for an external.