Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Combo: Light, Deep & Loud
- Thread starter Thunderbroom
- Start date
- Jan 27, 2010
- 4,141
- 471
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Genz Benz Amplification
The GB Shuttle combos compare pretty favorably to the larger cabs. They are smaller, so they don't have super deep low end, but For what you're looking for should be fine with the LF boost and mid scoop engaged. I'd actually suggest the 210 combo, it's only slightly heavier than the 12, still easy to carry with one hand, and the larger enclosure gives a bit more in the lows.
Yes indeed, I was in a motorcycle accident and can't walk with more than about 18-20 lbs. The MB212 with casters is the perfect load-in for me as I can lean on it while I walk.
The DI & tweeter issues of the MB212 don't matter to me at all, but if I used those things I'd have to bring a separate DI and rework the tweeter somehow.
The MB212 will go MUCH louder than the 6.0-12T. The quality of the GB stuff far surpasses that of the Chinese MB combos however.
I'm just thinking that since you like the GB sound & quality you'd like their combos.
dhomer
Commercial User
- Apr 9, 2009
- 675
- 13
- Disclosures
- Owner, Gigmaster Soundworks, Auth. greenboy designs builder, MI
Sorry to hear about your accident. I can see why the casters are important to you.
The DI is almost a deal breaker for me as I expect bass amp manufacturers to put a solid DI on their amps. I carry a Radial JDI with me; however, with my GenzBenz amps, I've never needed it.
I'm not sure that I need "MUCH louder". I just need to be loud enough at rehearsals and bars. I have have 900w and a 212 for any other gig I may play. My band keeps our stage volume down so I don't need to carry the venue since I will always run through a PA when using the combo that I end up buying.
I've got a line on a new GB 112 combo for $900 shipped. I'm on the fence about the MB212 and/or MB210 because of perceived QC issues.
Decisions. Decisions.
For what it's worth, I have the MB212 and I like it a lot.
This past Saturday, I played a gig at a church that seats 1,500 people. My only amplification was the MB212 and it flat-out killed. And I didn't run the volume (or the boost or the gain) past 12 o'clock.
I was playing my Am Deluxe Fender P5 with flats through it and another bassist on the gig described my tone as "thick." Yet another bassist present called it "meaty."
500 watts @ 37 lbs. That works for me.
This past Saturday, I played a gig at a church that seats 1,500 people. My only amplification was the MB212 and it flat-out killed. And I didn't run the volume (or the boost or the gain) past 12 o'clock.
I was playing my Am Deluxe Fender P5 with flats through it and another bassist on the gig described my tone as "thick." Yet another bassist present called it "meaty."
500 watts @ 37 lbs. That works for me.
Incorrect. First, it is 'low, SMALL, and loud, not 'light'. Secondly, the 'loud' has more to do with sensitivity than actual absolute volume. For example, pump enough watts into a small cab that has the mechanical capability to generate true low end, and the performance rivals many large cabs. Examples are the Thunderchild, the fEarful 12/6 and the Acme 112 neo's.
To the OP, since you have a very nice head, I would consider a good quality 112. The Genz Neox112 is a very nice cab that would give you a similar tone that you are used to with your Genz 212 in a much smaller form factor.
I actually have a GB Neo 112. It's actually very bulky (to me), hence the reason I didn't really include it in the mix. My head is racked. Hauling out the Neo 112 and the rack is a pain to me. I just want something that's easily carried in one hand.
Here's where I am right now:
GB Shuttle 6.0 12T
~350w into a single 12
Can add a cab for 600w
31 lbs.
No known issues
$895 shipped new (found a dealer with one)
GK MB 212
~500w into a dual 12
37 lbs
Have read about QC problems
A buddy has one and swears by it
$699 shipped new
GK MB 210
~350w into a dual 10
Can add a cab for 500w
33 lbs.
Have read about QC problems
$499 closeout at GC
Makes sense. It would be the GBenz112 combo by a mile for me, but the GK stuff is OK for the price and will be louder in an absolute sense (and also larger).
I'm not a fan of the Genz 210 Shuttle combo, but the 112 has decent low end for its size, and is a really nice form factor.
I have used my 4 ohm Mesa 12" Scout extensively over the past few years. I have nothing negative to say about it. I have used it with my passive basses, active basses and my 5 string in many different settings. It has never failed me. Plenty of volume and tons of tone...Made in USA
I do not use this amp on outdoor shows..it does fall short in the high volume situations.
I actually have two of them..one in NY and one in Florida...(I scored a used one at GC in Florida for $700.) plus the Walkabout head on its own is a great piece of gear.
They are on the used market - the new price is $1500 which is steep. I have heard the 15" version and it had too much bottom end for my liking..the passive radiator really cranks out the low end.....but the 12" version is perfection IMHO
It is a borderline hand truck / hand carry amp..I keep a small luggage cart in my truck so I just haul the amp on that... DP
I do not use this amp on outdoor shows..it does fall short in the high volume situations.
I actually have two of them..one in NY and one in Florida...(I scored a used one at GC in Florida for $700.) plus the Walkabout head on its own is a great piece of gear.
They are on the used market - the new price is $1500 which is steep. I have heard the 15" version and it had too much bottom end for my liking..the passive radiator really cranks out the low end.....but the 12" version is perfection IMHO
It is a borderline hand truck / hand carry amp..I keep a small luggage cart in my truck so I just haul the amp on that... DP
- Feb 12, 2006
- 60,963
- 5
- 220,655
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Thunderbroom, how about considering a used Shuttle 6.0 combo from one of the forumites that might be selling as part of an "upgrade"? This might be another viable option for you, considering the 3 year transferrable warranty the Shuttles carry. (not trying to deter selling a new unit, but maybe a worthy option and keeping $$$ inside the TB family)
Not opposed to used but didn't see one for sale. Scratch that. There's one or two from 2 months plus ago.
Get the shuttle 6.0/12t. I have a boat load of Genz Benz gear[check my sig] and use that combo the most. It handles a 5 string just fine and since it has the kickstand you can aim it at your head. I use to have a GKmb210 but traded it in on a Genz Benz 3.0/10t. The GK sounded alright and was loud but felt like it was built cheap. I also hated the fact that the DI was installed backwards making it hard to remove an xlr cord. Someone dropped the ball on the design.
I never understood racking the micro heads, but to each his own.
OP I understand you think the GB 112 is bulky, but have you considered just removing your Shuttle 9.0 from the rack and using the GB112. Instead of spending the money on a combo, you could get another wireless like the Line6 G30/50. Keep your rack for larger stuff.
Your combo would be under 40lbs.
I'm currently pairing a GK Neo 112II(30 lbs) with my Shuttle 9. 35lb combo and nice 1 trip load. Handles 75% of the stuff I do(w/FOH support) with ease and it sounds great.
Good luck with your decision.
OP I understand you think the GB 112 is bulky, but have you considered just removing your Shuttle 9.0 from the rack and using the GB112. Instead of spending the money on a combo, you could get another wireless like the Line6 G30/50. Keep your rack for larger stuff.
Your combo would be under 40lbs.
I'm currently pairing a GK Neo 112II(30 lbs) with my Shuttle 9. 35lb combo and nice 1 trip load. Handles 75% of the stuff I do(w/FOH support) with ease and it sounds great.
Good luck with your decision.
I bought a Mesa/Boogie Walkabout Scout a couple of years ago, and never got used to its 63 lb weight (with a single strap handle! -- another TBer calls it the Dragabout
). I bought a Genz-Benz Shuttle 3.0-10T for playing at church and at senior centers but it wasn't enough when I shared the space with drums and lead guitar. I added another 10T cabinet, which took care of the loudness, but I missed the tone of the M/B. Then I remembered that the Walkabout head pulls out of the speaker cabinet. Below is a pic of the last solution. Thirteen lb + 2x16 lb.
). I bought a Genz-Benz Shuttle 3.0-10T for playing at church and at senior centers but it wasn't enough when I shared the space with drums and lead guitar. I added another 10T cabinet, which took care of the loudness, but I missed the tone of the M/B. Then I remembered that the Walkabout head pulls out of the speaker cabinet. Below is a pic of the last solution. Thirteen lb + 2x16 lb.
butchblack
Life is short. Do good. Find and do what you love.
There have been reports of loose screws, It's never a bad idea to make sure everything is tight. Unless you want the flexibility of being able to use an extension cab, go for the 212. It's a $100 more then the 210 and 6 lbs heavier but puts out the full 500W. Tone wise I couldn't be happier with my 210.
