My Aching Back

**Laklandlover** · #1 06-21-2011, 07:12 PM

Hey Gang,

As of late, I have been getting some work playing in a pit band. Currently I am using a SWR 750x and an Avatar 2x10. But the head is back breaking so now I have start looking for a new head. I really want tubes but now the weight. Genz Benz and GK has some head and I know I need to play them. But while I am looking and figuring the money end of it out. I would like some of your opinions on whats out there.

James

jtc_hunter · #2 06-21-2011, 07:14 PM

Gallien Krueger MB Fusion Bass Amp - RMC Audio Direct

Russell L · #3 06-21-2011, 07:14 PM

Look at Markbass for some killer stuff that is lightweight. They have hybrids, too.

klejst · #4 06-21-2011, 07:49 PM

Russell L beat me to it

, I was just going to say Markbass makes the Little Mark Tube 800. Check it out here just to get a feel for it.

Markbass Little Mark Tube 800 Bass Amp Head: Shop Bass & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

popinfresh · #5 06-22-2011, 12:01 AM

You could invest in some gym weights

Munjibunga · #6 06-22-2011, 01:03 AM

TC Electronic RH750. It has a Tube Tone control that sounds pretty tube-like. It also has three presets, so you can go from modern to vintage at the push of a button. 750 watts at 8.8 pounds.

Longhair · #7 06-22-2011, 01:20 AM

Flight case with wheels

bluesdogblues · #8 06-22-2011, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by popinfresh

You could invest in some gym weights

Practice Yoga

(seriously)..

And how about ampless style like Geddy Lee?

Cheers

Marton · #9 06-22-2011, 01:40 AM

The Genz Benz Shuttle have a tube in it IIRC. They get a lot of love on TB. I tried one once, but I found it pretty harsh. Last time I played with a SWR I was thinking the same thing, so maybe you'll like it

.

fishtx · #10 06-22-2011, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marton

The Genz Benz Shuttle have a tube in it IIRC. They get a lot of love on TB. I tried one once, but I found it pretty harsh. Last time I played with a SWR I was thinking the same thing, so maybe you'll like it

.

I don't think I've ever heard the Genz Benz Shuttle head described as "harsh" before. I would spend a little time looking at how you have it eq'd if you think it's harsh...These heads can be crystal clear clean, driven to a warm creamy tube tone or to a bit of classic growl if you prefer...

There are other lightweight heads you could also look at, but I would think the Shuttle, ShuttleMax or Streamliner would be a perfect option for you...

impactwrench · #11 06-22-2011, 08:47 AM

I like my shuttle 6.0 but am intrigued by the streamliners too. More tube grit if you want but not too many knobs.

**Laklandlover** · #12 06-22-2011, 10:09 AM

I live in the San Fernando valley near LA. Nobody carries Genz Benz anything here and GC doesn't have the GK MB Fusion either. I just don't want to purchase online and have to deal with returning it. Markbass is ok but really is not what I am looking for.

James

**Laklandlover** · #13 06-22-2011, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishtx

I don't think I've ever heard the Genz Benz Shuttle head described as "harsh" before. I would spend a little time looking at how you have it eq'd if you think it's harsh...These heads can be crystal clear clean, driven to a warm creamy tube tone or to a bit of classic growl if you prefer...

There are other lightweight heads you could also look at, but I would think the Shuttle, ShuttleMax or Streamliner would be a perfect option for you...

The harsh commont threw me off too. I will see if I can find local to try.

93Jazz+ · #14 06-22-2011, 10:28 AM

what about the GK Fusion 550? ... approx 27-28 pounds and pretty killer tone from that baby.

jnewmark · #15 06-22-2011, 10:31 AM

The Mesa Walkabout head is pretty close to a tube head sound, according to alot of TB'ers. Kinda pricey though.

alexofc69 · #16 06-22-2011, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laklandlover

Hey Gang,

As of late, I have been getting some work playing in a pit band. Currently I am using a SWR 750x and an Avatar 2x10. But the head is back breaking so now I have start looking for a new head. I really want tubes but now the weight. Genz Benz and GK has some head and I know I need to play them. But while I am looking and figuring the money end of it out. I would like some of your opinions on whats out there.

James

Plenty of light weight stuff out there. Genz Benz, GK and SWR have light weight tube heads. And if you want to make a little easier on the pocketbook zzSounds and American Music supply have ez 3-5 payment plan. And even better with zzSounds if you see it cheaper anywhere if an authorized eBay seller they will beat the price.

I have the new GB Streamliner 600. I tell you what! There is no looking back! Its incredible!

alexofc69 · #17 06-22-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93Jazz+

what about the GK Fusion 550? ... approx 27-28 pounds and pretty killer tone from that baby.

Why would you do that instead of the GK MB Fusion which is 500 watts and 4.5 lbs. No brainer there!

**Laklandlover** · #18 06-23-2011, 08:21 PM

More info and opinion bump!

Dustin Teel · #19 06-23-2011, 08:26 PM

Alex is right. You absolutely need to go with the GK MB Fusion. It has tubes, 500w, and weighs 5 pounds. Pair it with some of their ultralight cabs, and done son.

noahw1 · #20 06-23-2011, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laklandlover

I live in the San Fernando valley near LA. Nobody carries Genz Benz anything here and GC doesn't have the GK MB Fusion either. I just don't want to purchase online and have to deal with returning it. Markbass is ok but really is not what I am looking for.

James

Westwood Music (on Westwood) near UCLA carries Genz stuff that's where I got my Streamliner 900. They matched the price I got online from Rocket Music too.
I highly recommend at least trying out the Streamliner. (It took me 40 minutes from the Burbank airport to get there during rush hour. )