• 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.

Bass head preferences

D

DustinC90

Jul 28, 2012
19
0
#1
I'm looking at an Eden Traveler 550, a Hartke LH500, and a GenzBenz Shuttle. Out of these, which would you prefer, and why? I play with a mostly clean tone, and I will be buying a cabinet with the head.

Thoughts?
 
#4
I can't really comment on the other two, but I have a Shuttle 6 and really dig it. It's great for a modern, clean & punchy tone, but can also do a nice warm grit with the tube preamp. Leaving the EQ dead flat is a little boring, but bump the bass up a bit and beef the low-mids and it comes alive. Lots of tones in that amp between the EQ and shape switches. Plus, it's only 4lbs and it fits in the front pocket of my iGig bag if I want. Plenty of power for anything I've needed, I pair it with my Avatar B210, B212 or both. I've also used it as a preamp straight to house or a straight up headphone amp.

EDIT: Also to reference Bassman's comment... A couple of the Genz guys are even active here on Talkbass.

Love it.

5sg.
 
#6
I've not tried anything Eden in a long, long time, but last year the Genz Benz easily beat out the Hartke in my testing while shopping, and I ended up buying a Shuttle 6.0.

For what you are looking for, it sounds like the Shuttle would do that in spades. I'm starting to find mine a little *too* clean for my liking, but its hard to call that a fault, and it might be more an issue with me not EQing it well enough.

I love how light and easy to carry around it is, and I've had absolutely no issues with volume (I run a 1x12 with it) or reliability.

I don't think you can go wrong with getting a Shuttle, and that has nothing to do with the other amps.
 
#7
As far as the shuttles, what cabinet would you suggest pairing it with? Also, which wattage? 6.0? I definitely need enough headroom to play over loud drums for cases in which there isn't a good sound system.
 
#9
DustinC90 said:
As far as the shuttles, what cabinet would you suggest pairing it with? Also, which wattage? 6.0? I definitely need enough headroom to play over loud drums for cases in which there isn't a good sound system.
Click to expand...

The Shuttle is pretty flexible, so it really just depends on what you want. My first instinct for what you're saying is a Shuttle 6 and a good 4x10... a 4ohm cab would give you the full 600 watts, but an 8ohm cab would be a 375w setup (which is still pretty beefy) and let you add another cab if needed. If you really felt like overkill and have the bankroll, you could always go with a Shuttle 9 and a pair of 8x10 cabs (450w each). Woot. lol

5sg.
 
#10
If you need a rig to keep up with a full band, you need to be sure to get enough spkr for the job. Wattage is great and all, but it's the spkrs that make the sound. 2x12 is bare bones minimum, but I'd suggest bigger, or more. An 8 ohm 2x12 for starters, and another 8 ohm 2x12 for the win.
 
#17
I agree with genz benz shuttle option. I have a shuttle 3.0-8T which on its own it great for playing in small combos (acoustic band or quiet electric band). I also play in louder bands and just pop out the amp, take it with me and plug into a 4 ohm cab, more than enough for gigging. Great clean sound, but not in a sterile way, it sounds really good as long as your bass is good. :-)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back