Small issues with new Genz Benz Focus 12s

jumblemind · #1 01-09-2013, 01:03 PM

Received two Genz Benz Focus 12 cabs last week with a few minor issues. These are the first brand new cabs I've owned in my ~20yrs of playing experience, so I'm trying to figure out of they are livable/part of a lower-priced cab experience or if I should return/contact someone.

One cab has a distorty/flappy sound in certain ranges, usually from G up to about B on both the E and A strings...most prominent on the 5th fret of E string. It sounds like what others have described with newly delivered cabs where the cardboard sleeve was knocked loose in one of the ports; but the Focus has a shelf port, and in groping around through the opening I couldn't immediately feel anything loose. Since they are immaculately new and the back doesn't look too accessible, I'm hesitant to crack one open to look for loose stuff.

The second cab I received has a small issue with the 3-position horn switch. There's no definite "click" for the middle/off position. I can get it to turn off by rocking it away from the up or down position, so it technically works. Just wondering if this is something worth addressing, or if it's small enough to live with.

There is one other weird thing: one cab has the handle on the side instead of on top like in all pictures (and like the second cab). I like this, as it's great for putting my short-footed TH500 on top.

Otherwise, these cabs sound reeaaalllly good, and I'm stoked to have them. Anyone else have similar issues? Will these "break in"?

kringle77 · #2 01-09-2013, 01:22 PM

I've owned 3 genz cabs from 3 different series. All arrived brand new with a rattle. It most likely is being caused by how the divider in the middle of the port is attached. I put weight on the top of my cabs to make is go away but, you may have to re-glue it. Call Genz, jeff is always more than willing to go the extra mile to help. I liked the sound of the focus 4x10 but since that was my 3rd genz cab in a row with the same problem, I've written them off. It's really too bad. I've never had a single problem with their heads though and they continue to be my favorite amps ever.

will33 · #3 01-09-2013, 01:23 PM

The distortion certainly shouldn't be there. It could be a speaker problem, although, that it only happens on certsin notes, and not the deepest notes, it coukd be some loose hardware or something. The other sounds like it just got a bum switch.

Being new, I would just exchange them for another set of new ones as you shouldn't have those issues on something brand new. Maybe got some shipping damage, stuff knocked loose that isn't outwardly visible or something on that batch.

johnpbass · #4 01-09-2013, 01:40 PM

I think the lack of a "click" in the tweeter switch is characteristic of the Focus cab. I have two Focus 115s and both have that same feel in the tweeter selector. Took me some time to get used to it.
The distortion should not be there though. Mine are really solid tonewise and buildwise.

tbirdsp · #5 01-09-2013, 02:04 PM

Like johnpbass, I have 2 Focus 115's. One of them had the indistinct middle position on the tweeter position at first, it actually seems to have improved some after I switched it a few times.

I *may* have a rattle in one, really hard to tell as I practice in a small upstairs room with a lot of junk in it so everything vibrates. Need to get it in a clean room and check it out further. I don't think it's anything big though.

Other than that, very happy with the tone and fairly light weight of these cabs.

tbirdsp · #6 01-09-2013, 02:11 PM

Also - there's a review of the 115 here at talkbass where the guy reported a minor rattle which was a wire inside vibrating against the speaker frame.

http://www.talkbass.com/reviews/show...cabinet/cat/28

Hapa · #7 01-09-2013, 04:07 PM

You are under full warranty so feel free to give us a call and we will take care of you. Most likely ship some new ones out to where ever you bought them, so they can get you your cabs ASAP. I have not yet heard of this issue with the Focus 12's. The Handle position was changed specifically for micro heads to sit flush on the cab. You got a v1 and V2 of the Focus 12's.

jumblemind · #8 01-09-2013, 06:07 PM

I'd hate to send them back if it's something minor i could fix with a simple adjustment, but i will give a call, thanks. I was very excited to see the handle change since i am indeed using micro heads. Genz Benz is on it!

jlepre · #9 01-09-2013, 07:00 PM

Contact Genz Benz Customer Service, or just return them for another.