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Double Bass Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0 8T

Matt Ides

Matt Ides

May 12, 2004
1,860
420
Minneapolis, MN
www.youtube.com
#1
I know a bunch of folks have the 10T and the more powerful 12" combo. I just wanted to give a short review of the smallest of the shuttles for those that might be looking at a small portable combo.

When I was looking at a combo I had three main priorities:

1. Small and portable, under 20 lbs (w/ carrying bag option)
2. A combo that had a reputation of working with upright
3. Powerful enough to deal with loud situations

I will say that I have been very happy with this combo to date. I have played a few different shows and in different rooms and it has worked out great for me. The sound I am getting pizz and arco have been really nice. The arco is really great. I have played with drums, loud guitar, sax, trumpet, keyboard/piano, and other configurations and I have been able to hold my own just fine. I have not yet used the ext. option on the cab but I am glad that if I need a more powerful cab that I can still match this amp to 10 or 12" 4 ohm cab and maximize the full power of the shuttle amp.

I was originally looking at the PJ cub, GB MB200 matched with the 12" ext., and then GB shuttles. I was worried that the cub would not be loud enough and wasn't able to try it locally. I did try the suitcase which I wasn't thrilled with. I have played through the GK150 so I figured the newer amp with ext. Cab would be good, but not sure I needed the 12" cab and had more options with all the micro amps around today. I am really digging it and one of my fellow musicians always asks whats in the cooler because the thing is so damn small in the bag.

Oh, my chain in Snow carved bass - realist - Fdeck hpf - Shuttle combo. I will say it sounds good without the pre, but the Fdeck has made a huge difference with the impedance matching and eliminating the boom. The AUX in has been really helpful as well.

6447042671_3008649992_m.jpg
 
#3
longfinger said:
Good to know. I've read on different threads in TB that the 8T was simply to small to give out any decent volume on low notes, that it would end up being a toy, and that the 10T was a better buy. It good to read a different opinion.
Click to expand...

Idk, my 8t holds up well. I would never bring it to a large venue, but it fills that gap between a small cafe gig and the large venue gig. Plus it's super light which is always a plus
 
#4
I have the same rig as you Matt Shuttle 3.0-8t w/fdeck pre. I have a Thompson RM-200 through a Rev Solo. I love this combo! I can carry amp, bass and books all in one trip. Most folks don't realize that the 3.0 puts out 175 watts into that 8" speaker. I also have the 10" ext cab for larger gigs and variety when I want to use just the 10.
 
#5
powerbass said:
I have the same rig as you Matt Shuttle 3.0-8t w/fdeck pre. I have a Thompson RM-200 through a Rev Solo. I love this combo! I can carry amp, bass and books all in one trip. Most folks don't realize that the 3.0 puts out 175 watts into that 8" speaker. I also have the 10" ext cab for larger gigs and variety when I want to use just the 10.
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Smart move. I passed up a chance to buy a used 8T combo last year thinking it was too small. But I was not thinking clearly. (Well I really just had G.A.S. and didn't really need it... but anyways). The 8T with an extension cabinet can give a lot of scalable options. 1, or 2, or 1+2. From 13lbs to more.

Do you like the sound of the combo? Yes, it's crazy light+ portable, but how you like the sound?
 
#8
Update:

I had a rehearsal last night with drummer and mandolin through PA system in a small rehearsal space. I have to say the GB has worked out for all my needs to date. I love how I can use it just to fill out the bottom of my sound and still get my acoustic qualities through when playing. W/ realist and Fdeck HPF arco sounds great.

I haven't had to crank it past it capabilities yet. Coupling with a wall also makes a huge difference.
 
#9
JEFFPAU reports swapping out the 8T's speaker for a Faital 8PR200 produced even better results:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f4/acoustic-cab-shootout-845758/index3.html comment #95

jeffpau said:
Following with interest everything that could help my "never-ending quest for smallest, lightest and good sounding cab" :help:, I decide to try the Faital 8PR200 in my Genz Benz Shen 8" cab (same speaker as the Shuttle 8" bass cab wich is impossible to find in France).

Great improvement in every aspect of sound :
Better bass, sweeter treble, more presence and more volume.

Phil Jones D200 head + Faital 8" cab = serious little rig !!
Thanks guys for giving me the idea to try this speaker :hyper: !!
Greetings from France !
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#13
Ukiah Bass said:
Correct. But speaker was identical.
Click to expand...

Indeed !
It was nearly impossible to find the STL8T speaker in France (new or bargain).
I sent an email to Genz-Benz to have technical specs about the 8" acoustic enclosure and Jeff Genzler himslef confirm it has ther same speaker the the STL8T.

Using it with a Phil Jones D200 head this little cab do the job for jazz trios, little coffe gigs, stage monitoring etc..
But to my ears, the Faital give everything better than ther stock speaker.
 
#14
For those replying I have a quick question. I have a 3.0 shuttle with the 10 inch speaker. At home things are fine, but the last two times I have had the amp out, it powers up, all the lights are on the amp, but there is no sound anywhere. It seems to work at home. Could there be a amperage requirement that both these venues would have not had? Has anyone else experienced this?
 
#15
I figure I'll upgrade the speaker down the road, but for now it suits my purposes. I am trying to stick with "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"

Jputnam said:
For those replying I have a quick question. I have a 3.0 shuttle with the 10 inch speaker. At home things are fine, but the last two times I have had the amp out, it powers up, all the lights are on the amp, but there is no sound anywhere. It seems to work at home. Could there be a amperage requirement that both these venues would have not had? Has anyone else experienced this?
Click to expand...

Totally obvious, but was the mute on? I only say this b/c I have been there and done that. :D
 
#16
I'm using a STL-8T cab with a GK MB200 amp. Great little combo. I used it a few days ago for a gig in Greenwich Village (the former Village Gaslight) with my acoustic/electric bass guitar, and it was a pleasure not to have to lug heavy gear around NYC. I find my Upton Rev II equipped UB sounds best with a properly impedance matched preamp (I use the K&K Pure) to avoid the booming that can occur when the amp's impedance is too high.

I also have the GB Shuttle 6.0-12T that I use in our country band. Great sound, light weight ... I'll never own another Ampeg rig again.
 
#18
Jputnam said:
For those replying I have a quick question. I have a 3.0 shuttle with the 10 inch speaker. At home things are fine, but the last two times I have had the amp out, it powers up, all the lights are on the amp, but there is no sound anywhere. It seems to work at home. Could there be a amperage requirement that both these venues would have not had? Has anyone else experienced this?
Click to expand...

Check to see that the speaker plug is fully inserted and didn't get pulled part way out.

Also, you might cycle the effects loop return jack a couple of times to be sure it's internal switch fully seated. You can always give Scott a call at the factory and he will walk you through a few things or arrange to have it taken care of.
 
#19
Hello,
Webster University owns a Shuttle 3.0 8T so when I have a rehearsal there I use the Genz Benz. Last evening we did a full on rehearsal for a concert with a sextet. I just walked in with my bass, Ehrlund pickup and pre amp, plugged in and instantly had the sound I wanted. Full, warm, great definition and loud. If Genz Benz would build a two channel version of this amp I would save my pennies and buy it.

Ric
 

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