Glockenklang?

[JxBass]

This Glockenklang thread has reignited my desire for a TecAmp Puma!

[KJung]

Originally Posted by JxBass

This Glockenklang thread has reignited my desire for a TecAmp Puma!

Another great flavor! I used to call the Puma500 a great option for those who dug the Glock tone but wanted a micro. There were at least some similarities (BIG, warm low end and super clean extended top end with relaxed upper midrange). However, now that the Blue Soul is available (which takes the 'weight issue' off the table), and the Puma line has been significantly revoiced to tighter lows and a bit more presence and 'character' in the upper mids, it is a different and great option for those who want something high end and a bit more 'punchy and mid present'. That Puma900 is exceptional.

[Worldeeeter]

Originally Posted by KJung

+1 on the tone. VERY clean, very transparent, unique tone. I always try to communicate to people considering these amps that they have quite a unique tone that some will love and like you, some with hate. If you dig the more tubey, midrange complex Mesa models, the Glock would not be a good thing if that is the 'sound in your head'.

Regarding weight, the Heart Rock II weighs about the same as, for example the DB750, so it is the typical 3 space lead sled weight. With the Blue Soul out now, it would be hard to recommend that one any more.

That is why the Blue Soul is so stunning. VERY similar performance to the very heavy HeartRock, and 11 pounds. I guess you could say that similar to the HeartRock, it is among the heaviest amps in its class... the Blue Soul is not a micro. But man, does it slam.

I will again post up that the low end of the Glock amps is very tubey and warm. It is that zero distortion top end that people either love or hate. I describe it as 'sucking the vintage out of my Fender style instrument'. It gives you a bit of Mark King up top, whether you want it or not.

Again, super quality, super strong, lead sled type low end, 11 pounds, under $2,000.

Edit: Posts like yours are very important when you get into this high end stuff like Glock or Walter Woods. It is easy for those who aren't that familiar with this stuff to think, 'OK, this is the best stuff money can buy'. That is true one one dimension... the build quality and components are outstanding. However, if you don't like the inherent tone of the unit, it isn't worth a nickel! High quality and superior specs do not necessarily translate into preferred/great tone for many. This is true with basses, cabs, and amps IMO.

Excellent post! You are SO right, especially your edit. I thought, "I'm going to get the Porsche of amps". The way I knew about Glocks is that Bass Player magazine uses one for their annual buyers' guide; they play all basses through it, as it so faithfully reproduces the instrument's sound. That sounded amazing to me.
Someone was trying to sell a HRII in the TB Classifieds for $1800; even knowing that the Glock tone isn't my thing, and that amp weighs around 50 lbs., I was still a bit itchy when I saw the ad. That's an amazing deal, and I think he still may be trying to sell it.

[tombowlus]

I own a number of Glockenklang products, and I certainly do count them among the best of the best. We reviewed the Heart-Rock II in Bass Gear Magazine issue #8, and I included some backstory on Udo and the company in that review, if you are interested.

Great stuff!

Tom.

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by KJung

Another great flavor! I used to call the Puma500 a great option for those who dug the Glock tone but wanted a micro. There were at least some similarities (BIG, warm low end and super clean extended top end with relaxed upper midrange). However, now that the Blue Soul is available (which takes the 'weight issue' off the table), and the Puma line has been significantly revoiced to tighter lows and a bit more presence and 'character' in the upper mids, it is a different and great option for those who want something high end and a bit more 'punchy and mid present'. That Puma900 is exceptional.

I have Puma 500 and 900 (newer version) and also briefly had a Blue Soul. To my ear the Glock was a bit too clean for my taste as I like a bit of edge in the midrange so I can hear myself in a mix. As a counterpoint, I got rid of the TH500 (another great amp though) as I couldn't get that quite clean enough in the mids. I kinda view it as a continuum with the Glock being on the über clean end, TH500 (and beyond that, RH450) being more towards the vintage/warm side, and Puma sitting in between. The nice thing about the Puma is you can lean more towards the Glock or Aguilar with the taste knob, though it isn't quite the same.

I still GAS for a Blue Soul though - I just find them to be compelling for some reason. That said, my current setup is a Monique tube preamp and I'm just running the power section of the Puma. I've got a Demeter power amp showing up that mates to the Monique so one of my Pumas may be up for sale. Then I really should get the Glock so i've got three different flavors of ridiculously great

[Munjibunga]

On the other hand, if you're a guy like me who does not crave that vintage, tubey sound and loves clean and modern, you cannot do better than a Heart-Rock.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

On the other hand, if you're a guy like me who does not crave that vintage, tubey sound and loves clean and modern, you cannot do better than a Heart-Rock.

Take the plunge Munj! Having owned the original HeartRock, I think you will like the subtle revoicing of the Blue Soul (a bit punchier) even better, lose at most 5% of wump, and lose about 50 pounds of boat anchor

[cnltb]

I think ,that no one makes amps that are better than Glockenklang.
Built quality, service, concept and design are all second to none.
The only deciding factor would be taste.


I am also wondering if/when Udo is coming out with a proper micro head.

[nostatic]

Since I'm running Baer cabs at the moment, I don't think I'd hear any of the extended highs through that. I do have a TC212 composite in the works that would though...

Always more stuff to spend money on.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by cnltb

I think ,that no one makes amps that are better than Glockenklang.
Built quality, service, concept and design are all second to none.
The only deciding factor would be taste.


I am also wondering if/when Udo is coming out with a proper micro head.

As one who is very 'into' the very small form factors, the somewhat bigger size of the Blue Soul is a non-isue to me. The 11 pounds in the nice Blue Soul bag really does not constitute a much different schlepping experience than my 4 pound, somewhat smaller TH500 or my F500. As long as I don't need a rack or a hard case, I'm good!

My guess is that Udo would say he's already done the Glock Micro, since it is a micro compared to the HeartRock

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by KJung

Take the plunge Munj! Having owned the original HeartRock, I think you will like the subtle revoicing of the Blue Soul (a bit punchier) even better, lose at most 5% of wump, and lose about 50 pounds of boat anchor

Tell you what. If you buy my DB750/GS410 rig, I'm there!

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

Tell you what. If you buy my DB750/GS410 rig, I'm there!

[jsbarber]

Originally Posted by Direct Box Rox

Are these amps & cabs the rolls Royce of gear?

From a build quality perspective you would have a hard time finding superior bass amplification. Every aspect of Glockenklang gear inspires confidence in reliability and performance. As has been mentioned, Glockenklang has its voice(s) and it/they may not suit all bassists. The Glockenklang sound was described to me by Udo, a few years ago, as an attempt to combine the best of both the tube and solid state worlds; producing the tube-like warmth and the speed and clarity of SS in the high end. The name Glockenklang translates to our english expression Clear as a Bell; although literally it is Bell Sound.

The reason for the plurality in the voices is that there are actually two product lines: BassWare and BassLine. The products previously mentioned in this thread are largely from the BassWare selection. They are somewhat less expensive than the BassLine products, and exhibit some differences sonically. The BassLine is their flagship line: Bass Art Classic Head/Preamp, Bugatti power amplifier, Bass Art Classic Cabinet, Acoustic Art Cabinet, etc. These products are audiophile* caliber products, based on Udo's philosophy. These are truly outstanding products, and IMO would be the clear choice for acoustic instruments and some genres of music where you want the organic characteristic of your instrument to really shine through. (* In fact, there is an audiophile version of the Bugatti poweramp available.)

The BassWare line also has the Glockenklang philosophy but, IMO, is geared to a more rock or an electronic instrument situation. It is difficult to explain in words, you should listen to a BAC Head and a HeartRock II or Blue Soul to hear the difference. The BassWare line is less expensive, not using as much Class A circuitry in its designs.

Originally Posted by Direct Box Rox

How come they are not more popular?

The Glockenklang sound does not appeal to all bassists. Price, especially in the US. Five to ten years ago Glockenklang was selling more product in the US, then in about 2008 or so their US distributor went out of business. Although they now have an official US presence, they do not have much of a dealer network anymore. Also, it is not clear to me what the service model is here. i.e. how are repairs handled? (Previously their distributor could repair equipment here in the US. I have not seen any cases where someone was abandoned, certainly. But in one case, with a piece of gear about 20 years old, the owner needed to get Udo to provide information to enable a local technician to repair the head. The other option may have been to ship it (possibly to Germany) which would have been much more time consuming and expensive. If they do have US repair technicians that would be excellent, I've just not heard this said. But keep in mind, the product is excellent so the incidence rate of repairs is pretty low.)

I personally am a big fan of Glockenklang, and own a number of pieces. Their products are based on a vision, and the vision is realized with very high quality implementation. If that vision aligns with your taste, then you are in luck.

FWIW,

Jim

[paulitto]

Hi,

i just wanted to chime in and tell you guys what i think about Glockenklang Amps & Cabs.

I own several pieces of that company and have been playing their gear as a professional player for over 25 years now.

Currently i own a Blue Soul, a Bass Art Classic Top and 2 Space deluxe cabs. I also have some other gear, EA Micro, a moded Ashdown LG 1000 and 2 pcs 210 FMC Cabs (a small german manufacturer)

Well, what can i say. Glockenklang Amps and cabs are simply the best gear you can get if you want to hear what you actually play. The sound is top notch, build quality and features of highest standards.

I would like to point out that their gear is very warm and natural sounding, yet delivering the bang needed in various Live situations.
Many people say that Glockenklang Amps sound sterile and cold, well this is definitely wrong.

Lets assume you play a note that sound like "bam"
Most other other amps will try to make a "Boooaammmrr" out of it.
A Glockenklang will simply make it a "BAM" in a detailed, fast and musical manner. So, if you want that "Boooaammmrr" make sure your fingers and your instrument produce it. You get the idea…..

But you can still get a saturated, even overdriven Sound out of a Glockenklang Head, just keep turning the pre amp gain until the LED lights up and there you go…. The preamps are designed to sound good even if overdriven. Give it a try. But the clean and natural tone is certainly the main reason to get a Glockenklang.

So, yes Glockenklang Amps are the Rolls Royce of bass gear in my opinion.
They are worth every cent of their price.

Regards,
Paul

[Direct Box Rox]

Originally Posted by JxBass

This Glockenklang thread has reignited my desire for a TecAmp Puma!

I apologize if I end up costing you Several thousand dollars.

[Direct Box Rox]

Originally Posted by paulitto

Hi,

i just wanted to chime in and tell you guys what i think about Glockenklang Amps & Cabs.

I own several pieces of that company and have been playing their gear as a professional player for over 25 years now.

Currently i own a Blue Soul, a Bass Art Classic Top and 2 Space deluxe cabs. I also have some other gear, EA Micro, a moded Ashdown LG 1000 and 2 pcs 210 FMC Cabs (a small german manufacturer)

Well, what can i say. Glockenklang Amps and cabs are simply the best gear you can get if you want to hear what you actually play. The sound is top notch, build quality and features of highest standards.

I would like to point out that their gear is very warm and natural sounding, yet delivering the bang needed in various Live situations.
Many people say that Glockenklang Amps sound sterile and cold, well this is definitely wrong.

Lets assume you play a note that sound like "bam"
Most other other amps will try to make a "Boooaammmrr" out of it.
A Glockenklang will simply make it a "BAM" in a detailed, fast and musical manner. So, if you want that "Boooaammmrr" make sure your fingers and your instrument produce it. You get the idea…..

But you can still get a saturated, even overdriven Sound out of a Glockenklang Head, just keep turning the pre amp gain until the LED lights up and there you go…. The preamps are designed to sound good even if overdriven. Give it a try. But the clean and natural tone is certainly the main reason to get a Glockenklang.

So, yes Glockenklang Amps are the Rolls Royce of bass gear in my opinion.
They are worth every cent of their price.

Regards,
Paul

Great info. Thank you.

[droskobass]

I own a heart rock and a take five 4x10. I have owned a tecamp puma 500 combo, I also love and own EBS, Ampeg, Phil jones traynor...

In terms of build quality nothing comes close to Glockenklang. The components the features they are all amazing and in a class of their own.

I know I'm not adding much to this thread other than an endorsement but I will ad one technical tidbit concerning the frequency centers of the EQ on their bass ware series and the frequencies of the on-board EQ.

They don't overlap. I'd have to look it up but the bass knob is at least 20hz below the 60hz on the amp ( and 40 is standard for active basses) and the 16khz is just above the 12KHz of the Heart rock's treble knob. If you set the on-board EQ flat it won't alter your bass's tone at all. So it completely follows their pragmatic philosophy , only ad something if its necessary and add what wouldn't otherwise just be a redundant bell or whistle.

The patch network ( insets effects loops series parallel, blend knobs etc). Are min boggling so that the heart rock can be used with just s out any other piece of quality bass or studio gear giving you more potential synergy and being a fantastic complement to gear you may already own. Again they really put in the effort to allow you to be able to get the tone in your head, while benefiting from their amazing reliability.

Like tube grit? Insert away! And choose for yourself how often you want" BAM vs BoooaaHmm". Hope this helps, for the actual frequency centers check the Glock website

[droskobass]

The on board bass pre frequencies are 40hz and 16khz

The EQ frequencies on the Heart rock are: 60 Hz,(+-15db) 130 Hz(+-12db), 550 Hz (+-8db), 4,2 KHz (+-12db) and 12 KHz (+-15db)

[KJung]

Originally Posted by droskobass

The on board bass pre frequencies are 40hz and 16khz

The EQ frequencies on the Heart rock are: 60 Hz,(+-15db) 130 Hz(+-12db), 550 Hz (+-8db), 4,2 KHz (+-12db) and 12 KHz (+-15db)

It is hard to compare/understand the EQ points without knowing the type of circuit (shelving or 'center point'), and the Q of the 'center point' design and/or slope of the shelving design. Two EQ circuits with the same frequency and db spec can sound VERY different, and two EQ circuits that look a bit different based on this very limited info can sound quite similar.

For example, I understand that the on-board treble control is some sort of very wide Q asymmetrical circuit that impacts a relatively wide range of frequencies below that frequency spec. The upper treble control on the Glock amps is a classic shelving circuit (i believe.. that is what my ears tell me) that purely controls upper treble sizzle.