• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass About to pull the trigger on a Genz Benz 3.0 10T combo

othefool

othefool

Feb 25, 2004
419
326
Portland, OR
#1
I had something of a religious experience today.

I took my URB to the local music store. They carry some Genz Benz. I wanted to check out their 6.2 12T combo, which I demo'd before with a cheap ebg, and liked. I also tried the 3.0 10t with the ebg, and thought "meh".

Today, the 6.2 12T was sold, but they had a NEX2-112 and a Streamliner 600 (which I own). I tried them together with my URB (Eberle ply w/Fishman FS) and wasn't impressed. (I typically use a Fishman Pro EQ preamp into the back end of my Streamliner, so the coloration might have been an issue.)

Then I plugged directly into the 3.0 10T, and it was amazing.

So clear, such a refined sound for URB. Then I add the extension cabinet (STL-10T) and the sound becomes so much deeper. The output even seemed to rival the 600w amp.

So, I think I have no choice but to pull the trigger on the 3.0 10T with the extension cab. I have read how much people love them. I have also read about changes with Genz Benz company (being bought by Fender?) and have noticed that this amp is no longer available on MF and other sites...makes me feel a sense of urgency...

just thought I would throw it out there for some feedback. The amp is amazing, and I will probably be buying it soon no matter what...

(I did promise my fiance that I wouldn't buy any more basses, but that is probably another post...besides, this is an amp!)
 
#3
The 3.0-10T is even better for my Clevinger EUB (with a bridge foot pickup) than my double bass. Very even through the whole range.

On my carved 4/4 double bass (which has a lot of bass acousticly), the E string sound a bit weak amplified with a neutral eq setting (with Full Circle, Shadow NFX and Shadow bridg wing pickups), but bass boost or/and bass eq can get it back at low up to medium volume levels.
At medium to a bit higher volume levels I would reduce the bass frequencies anyway, so I simply switch the bass boost off and set the bass eq more or less neutral.

Might be too weak for a low B, but I never tried that. Also plays nice with my active electric bass guitar, I can even use the line in for this instrument, if I ever need to double (missing the eq and input gain for this input of course).
Even half the power without any extension is enough for the loud big band I'm playing in, so no need for an extension.

I might get a 12" box for those cases where I need more bottom or simply to put it in the locker room where we gig with the big band, so I only need to carry the amp there. That way, I always have a very mobile combo amp at home.
 
#4
I tried it with the extension 10 as well as the 12, both sounded great! Tho I have been hanging around TB too long to consider mixing driver sizes =)

I had assumed 300w wouldn't be enough for my needs, but it does seem to get silly loud, vs. The stm600 which gets stupid loud...
 
#9
I have no info on that. I did ask a local music store that I've been friends with the owner for years. He was going to ask them at NAMM what was the deal with the new combos and if they were going to release a 10" combo again and he never got back to me. Since then I bought a different rig. I suppose if you emailed Genz, they would fill you in. Looking online, there are only a few retailers that still have the 3.0 series combos. From what I was told, everything was being upgraded to the 3.2 series. On genz's site it only shows Shuttle 6.2-12T and Shuttle 6.2-210T, so maybe not, or you may need to go a la carte and get a cab and amp separate.
 
#11
Yes, the 3.0 combos are discontinued and they're all sold out at Genz Benz. The only way to get a new one is to get some NOS (New Old Stock) - a retailer that currently has them. No one can order them anymore. Use that knowledge to push for a good price!

The 6.2 1x12 and 2x10 combos are still active products.
 
#13
othefool said:
I had something of a religious experience today.

I took my URB to the local music store. They carry some Genz Benz. I wanted to check out their 6.2 12T combo, which I demo'd before with a cheap ebg, and liked. I also tried the 3.0 10t with the ebg, and thought "meh".

Today, the 6.2 12T was sold, but they had a NEX2-112 and a Streamliner 600 (which I own). I tried them together with my URB (Eberle ply w/Fishman FS) and wasn't impressed. (I typically use a Fishman Pro EQ preamp into the back end of my Streamliner, so the coloration might have been an issue.)

Then I plugged directly into the 3.0 10T, and it was amazing.

So clear, such a refined sound for URB. Then I add the extension cabinet (STL-10T) and the sound becomes so much deeper. The output even seemed to rival the 600w amp.

So, I think I have no choice but to pull the trigger on the 3.0 10T with the extension cab. I have read how much people love them. I have also read about changes with Genz Benz company (being bought by Fender?) and have noticed that this amp is no longer available on MF and other sites...makes me feel a sense of urgency...

just thought I would throw it out there for some feedback. The amp is amazing, and I will probably be buying it soon no matter what...

(I did promise my fiance that I wouldn't buy any more basses, but that is probably another post...besides, this is an amp!)
Click to expand...

Just heard an hour ago from a VERY reliable source that Fender just shut down Genz-Benz and SWR...
 
#14
Last week, I purchased an STL 3.0 8T. I am having a problem with a midrange buzz in the speaker. I emailed GB and got an email back to call Fender. I have no idea what to expect from customer support from Fender on what -- it appears -- is now a legacy product. I will call them on Tuesday.

The situation is complicated by the fact that I am in Australia. Their warranty does not apply outside the U.S and Canada. A search of older posts on this forum shows repeated raves about customer service, with Genzler following up himself on customer satisfaction, etc. I will follow up on what my conversation with Fender Customer service turns up. I am hoping they can help me get this thing fixed.

Does anyone know what an eight inch neodymium replacement speaker will cost if I need to swap it out on my own dime? Can a non-professional install it?
 
#16
Thanks, PB, I will see how the convo with Fender goes and hopefully I will not have to. The Faital 8PR 200 looks like it would work. Do I need to know anything to install it myself? I have general screwdriving abilities.
 
#17
Update:

I am in Australia so calling Fender CSR is a royal pain. Have to use a computer to call international. Yesterday, made the call. President's day, please call back tomorrow. Called today. We're sorry, but due to the high volume of calls we cannot, etc. It looks like a lot of time and effort are going to have to be expended getting someone on the phone. Will keep the board updated.

Edit: Tried Fender again. Now I cannot get through to the phone menu. Line is disconnected after ringing for awhile. 4 PM Arizona time on Tuesday (Wednesday, 10 A.M. in Sydney). I am not sure how late Fender CSR is open. I assume normal office hours, so it may be unlikely that I will get through. I am also unsure what kind of hold times to expect. I really don't have 45 minutes to spare this week waiting for Fender CSR to pick up. Anyone else have this experience?
 
#18
Note that I am working directly with Spanky to help him get this resolved. Spanky, check your PM's, I sent you specific information relating to your speaker.
 
#19
Thanks for the help, agedhorse. I will follow up on my alternatives regarding ordering a speaker. I found only one source for the replacement speaker:

Invalid Link Removed

I have emailed them to inquire about shipping costs to OZ. Meanwhile, I am considering other alternatives. Earlier in this thread someone suggested another brand, Faital, which is also expensive.

Does anyone have any thoughts on a less expensive speaker that may be easier to acquire in Australia? I realize I would be sacrificing some quality, but as I am planning on purchasing a larger speaker in the future, most likely a 12 inch Genz Benz, it may be an acceptable solution to use this as my practice speaker, and therefore a less expensive replacement may be a good alternative.

Edit: heard back from the speaker supplier above: $89.00 shipping, bringing the cost of a replacement speaker to $230. Of course, as soon as I order it, I will see an 8 inch Genz benz on Ebay....
 
#20
One warning on the Faital, the speaker frame is magnesium I believe and will crack if you do not use a gasket and go easy when tightening it down to the cab. I learned the hard way by cracking the frame. Good to hear Agedhorse is helping you out. Last year I called GB w/an issue I was having w/my Shuttle 3.0, spoke w/Jeff Genzler directly, very helpful, great customer service. I know things have changed
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back