The quest for the best one-trip-rig continues...

69LesPaulBass · #1 03-23-2010, 11:19 PM

Given that there two types of bassist, I am the type that wants a lightweight portable rig - but without sacrificing volume and tone (within reason)!

I started my quest with a Fender 2x10 combo, the 400 Pro. It was a pretty nice sounding amp with a built in Korg rack tuner, decent volume and just about perfect for most small to medium-sized gigs...buuut it was 80 lbs...and too combo-ey!

So I head to the guitar store and spend the better part of a saturday trying everything they had in stock. I was about to walk out with the Genz Benz 6.0 Shuttle 12T 'Combo' but ended up taking the 210T instead. 41 lbs. total, 3.75 lbs. amp head, 37.25 lbs. cab - SWEET.

...buuut when I played with two guitars and drums, it just wasn't LOUD enough! I loved the tone of the GB but I felt that the 210 cab that's married with that Shuttle just wouldn't cut it any better volume-wise than the fender.

Long story short, I ditched the cab and kept the Shuttle 6.0. Picked up a NeoX 212T off of Craiglist - 50 lb 2x12- SWEET.

Now I'm playing with the 6.0 through the NeoX 212T and just can't help but think that the extra 300 watts from the 9.0 would be just right.

Before I pull the trigger on the 9.0, does anyone have any other recommendations? what are YOU running through your 212s?
Let's see some pics if you've got!

waleross · #2 03-24-2010, 12:17 AM

I don't own any Genz-Benz products, however I almost bought (2) 212T cabs a few weeks back but due to the price of over $800 each I bought my 2nd SvT810E. Its my back, I know. The 9.0 is a tempting head and their products look great......wish I could help you decide..........but its your rig....

rodl2005 · #3 03-24-2010, 12:40 AM

I think more drivers will help the volume FAR more than an extra 300w.

MNAirHead · #4 03-24-2010, 12:40 AM

Kickback style combo amps with a DI..

Then have the band turn down.

Timmy

Caca de Kick · #5 03-24-2010, 02:04 PM

My ampeg B15R weighs 100 lbs. and I've played gigs downtown Seattle where you have to park a quarter mile away and walk uphill at a 17% grade. The solution to a one-trip-rig was to just get a dolly and strap everything to it.
Even if I had a 40 lb combo I still wouldn't carry it by hand.

vinxbass · #6 03-24-2010, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69LesPaulBass

Given that there two types of bassist, I am the type that wants a lightweight portable rig - but without sacrificing volume and tone (within reason)!

What are the 2 types of bassist?

I'd like to know, because I want to know what type I fit under.

**bass4worship** · #7 03-24-2010, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinxbass

What are the 2 types of bassist?

I'd like to know, because I want to know what type I fit under.

+1 on that.

rpsands · #8 03-24-2010, 02:26 PM

The 212T is not going to take much more than the shuttle provides. Even if it took every last drop it'd give you less than 2db of extra maximum volume.

Waste of money.

My best recommendation would be to buy a very high quality compressor like a Demeter compulator or a Markbass compressore, if you want more apparent volume. Or, swap the shuttle out for a head that has more built in compression like an Rh450 or Markbass F1. Or, just keep turning the Shuttle up. It's got a pretty gentle limiter built in that will let you hit it harder than the clip lights let on.

69LesPaulBass · #9 03-24-2010, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinxbass

What are the 2 types of bassist?

I'd like to know, because I want to know what type I fit under.

2 Types of bassists it seems....

"It seems like on here I find 2 types of bassists really there's some guys in the middle but I generally see 2 Big differing opinions about amps...

The first kind is the.. Less is more group =)...

The shuttle bass,Mini-stack,combo amp,2x10's and a 150 watt head,and the like..

Then there is the second kind ... The MOAR the BETTER! group.

The Full stack,Double stack,Fridge cab,18's,700+watts Minimum,I'm gunna disintegrate your clothes within 3 feet of my rig group."

Eublet · #10 03-24-2010, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69LesPaulBass

Now I'm playing with the 6.0 through the NeoX 212T and just can't help but think that the extra 300 watts from the 9.0 would be just right.

Before I pull the trigger on the 9.0, does anyone have any other recommendations? what are YOU running through your 212s?
Let's see some pics if you've got!

The 9.0 is deeper and fuller sounding. It would make your rig sound a bit beefier and you'd have a little more headroom. Not sure if that's important to you or not. Other than that, it wouldn't be a drastic change.

RickenBoogie · #11 03-24-2010, 05:58 PM

Since you asked, I'm playing a Mesa Walkabout head through my GB Uber 212. Sweet tone for days, and plenty enough volume for my needs.

Caca de Kick · #12 03-24-2010, 06:26 PM

Quote:

I'm gunna disintegrate your clothes within 3 feet of my rig

I love that! LOL!!!!!

Deepwoods · #13 03-24-2010, 06:36 PM

This is a very sweet sounding pairing. I have a Korg Pitchjack tuner that I can use in the tuner out which is pretty stealth as well.

vinxbass · #14 03-24-2010, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69LesPaulBass

2 Types of bassists it seems....

"It seems like on here I find 2 types of bassists really there's some guys in the middle but I generally see 2 Big differing opinions about amps...

The first kind is the.. Less is more group =)...

The shuttle bass,Mini-stack,combo amp,2x10's and a 150 watt head,and the like..

Then there is the second kind ... The MOAR the BETTER! group.

The Full stack,Double stack,Fridge cab,18's,700+watts Minimum,I'm gunna disintegrate your clothes within 3 feet of my rig group."

I guess I fit in all 3 groups.

I'm not going to go into detail, I just know I fit in all 3 groups. . . INTERESTING.

Edword · #15 03-24-2010, 10:31 PM

I run a G-B Shuttlemax 12.0, but I'm the other type of bassist.

interp · #16 03-25-2010, 04:31 AM

There are three kinds of bass players: those who can count and those wo can't...

Joe Nerve · #17 03-25-2010, 04:46 AM

2X12s will only go so far till they start sounding like complete crap. I believe that that's all you're going to get from a more powerful head, and I think your quest is going to continue. I was on the same quest and finally threw in the towel. Got a tiny lightweight 500 head (Carvin bx500) with a Bergantino 6X10. My quest for amplification is finally over... and once I learned to maneuvre the 6X10 in and out of my trunk, it's actually a lot easier to handle than any of my combos or "mini" rigs. Held on to my 2X12 for smaller gigs.

Xavier Zed · #18 03-25-2010, 06:00 AM

Well, I must fall in to the other group, you know the one based in reality. Since, most of us are not playing stadiums, the need for fridges and 1000w comes right out of our rockstar dreams. Just got rid of my giant amplification and acquire a GK MB212 500w at 39lbs. It moves a lot of air, compact, loud, clean and best of all uncolored. So, my true tone can be established.

And, by the way nothing wrong with having Rockstar Dreams

ian_s · #19 03-25-2010, 12:37 PM

There are two types of bassist: those who think there are two types of bassist, and those who don't.

newbold · #20 03-25-2010, 04:00 PM

when you play with those guys do you use earplugs?
You might hear yourself just fine with plugs.
You might be too close to your amp.
You might be competing for spectrum.
You might be scooping too much oomph out of your signal path...

or you might just need another cab.

If you had things fine with a 210 in an SS combo, maybe you need to go with a 210 instead of a 212.

600W should be more than enough.