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Genz Benz amp/cab confusion - HELP!!!

N

Nutz4Bass

Jan 30, 2011
21
0
#1
Long time viewer, first time post. I'm a complete noob so I'm sorry, in advance, for my stupidity. I've tried reading all the Genz Benz threads to get my answer but I just don't understand the technical aspects enough to make sense of the information. So, I'm looking to keep it real simple!!! Here's my deal.

My background is that I'm 53 y/o and want a new hobby. So I thought I would pick up where I left off 40 years ago. At the age of 13, I was playing bass guitar in a rock band with my older bro's band. My parents purchased a Gibson EB-3 bass and a small Vox amp/spkr cab. Actually, I got to be pretty good and made money playing small gigs in Detroit. So, I have some experience, but I totally quit playing at the age of 17 and started chasing girls and playing high school sports. Now, I'm ready to re-learn the bass...and buy some really good equipment (no exceptions).

I have already decided (through reading, research, test drives, and recommendations from my older bro) to buy a new Musicman Stingray 5 Classic with the single humbucker. Also, I'm going to buy a Genz Benz amp/cab. Don't ask why, but I'm stuck on the Neox...112t or 212t, but I don't know which one to get. Here's what I know!

I really don't know how long this mid-life crisis (playing bass again) will last and I suppose it's possible, but not likely, it won't last long. While it lasts, I want darn good equipment and sound...even tho its use will be limited to my home and not at super high volume (yes honey, I'll turn it down). For the complete package (guitar, amp/cab), Initially, I don't really want to spend more than 3,500 and would be WAY happy to spend less (yes honey, I'll try). My thought is, in the event the new hobby doesn't last long (highly unlikely), I want my equipment to sell quick and easy by appealing to MANY other potential buyers. With that said....

I really like the idea of starting with a neox-112t (small size for home use)...but am not opposed to a neox-212t. I'm so confused about the best, most well matched Genz amp to supply the power to the speaker(s). I want this marriage to be perfect. Let's see, what if I really enjoy my 'new' hobby and join a band...maybe play small gigs??? Hmmm, I might want to add another neox cab. .

So, the Neox cabs I'm looking at...112t -8 ohms (whatever that means), and the 212t (4 ohms). What about getting a 112t NOW and adding another 112t later??? What about getting neox 212t NOW and adding a 112t later....or another 212t...or 210???

I guess my big question is...What is my best choice in a Genz AMP????? Remember, compatibility is important to me as I want the amp/cab to work well together. I'm also willing to save some cash too ("yes honey, I'm trying not to spend the entire tax check" ). As I said, I've tried to read all the Genz threads on this seemingly difficult (for me) issue of compatibility.... 4ohms/8ohms/watts/headroom/what Genz amp/what if I want to add another Genz cab/GBE/Shuttle/Shuttle Max/etc.etc. It's WAY over my head. Thanks for your help...and for keeping it simple (unlike me).
 
#2
You should also mention the type of music you are looking to play and try a five string bass before taking advice because it is different from a four string. I am old school and I do occasionally play a five string the four string is my first choice. I tried the Genz stuff and it is very good but ended up buying mesa for my own reasons.
 
#3
Simple answer, since you have it mostly figured out anyway is this- Pick an amp, (Shuttle 3, 6, 9, 12?, or Streamliner, whatever), and start off with an 8 ohm cab, be it 1x12 or 2x12. Makes more sense to go with the 1x12 for home practice, and IF you join a band, most likely, a 2nd 1x12 would suffice. OR, just get the 4 ohm 2x12 and be done with it. Any GB gear will re-sell easily. Oh, and welcome back.
 
#4
listen to Thoreau and maybe go simple?..check out the new GB streamliner(i think it has a headphone jack for home use) or even start with a mesa Walkabout (can be had used around 500 bucks and keep their value)for a tubey tone you hear on much music you grew up with...add a 4 ohm 212 and you are pretty well set for most situations...
 
#6
I'm taking it all in as y'all reply. As for the type of music, most likely classic rock, r/b, 60's-70's-80's. When I last played, it was mostly finger-style with the occasional use of pick.

I look at some of the Genz amps and see what looks like WAY too many knobs for me. Maybe one day I'll find a use or a need but for now, seems to be too many bells/whistles. For possible resale, I suppose the extras would help...but I really don't look to be selling the rig.

Yes, I really liked the idea of the neox-112t but i get lost thinking of eventually adding an extra cab when i try to start adding up ohms/watts/ enough power, etc. I know the neox-112 is 8 ohms and the other idea i have is a 4ohm neox-212t. i'd like to start with one or the other.....but possibly leave room for another cab. i want whatever i get to run as efficiently and compatibly as possible with the amp. i'm cornfused.

i think i'll need the amp to have a headphone jack so i can hear myself practice and keep the g/f happy. I'll also want to plug in one of those gizmo thingy's that sounds like a drummer so i can play along. As for going to a 5 string...i realize it will be different than the 4 I learned with, but what the heck, one more string will keep me busier and give me more to learn. I'm a little anxious about a 5 but since I'm starting over again, why not gain more options and learn from scratch??? Plus, the added string will occupy more of my time...instead of doing chores.
 
#7
If you start with a 4 Ohm 212, you *will not* be able to add another cabinet unless you get the most fancy Genz Benz amp, the 12.0 Shuttlemax. The reason being that every other one of their amps only have a single power/output section, which can only go down to 4 Ohms. Below that impedance they will burn up, so you can't add another cabinet to the 4 Ohm 212 because it would put the load below 4 Ohms. Two 8 Ohm cabinets together would give you a 4 Ohm load and would be ok, so two of the 1x12 cabs ok, but the 212 only comes as a 4 Ohm cabinet. That said the 4 Ohm 212 will handle most any bar gig except really loud metal; I gig with a 4 Ohm Genz Benz UB 212 and a head that puts out 600 watts in 4 Ohms and it's plenty plenty loud. I would suggest that as a bass player you should give up the "I don't understand all of that technical stuff" yammering and just memorize/learn how impedance loads work with amplifiers. It's not really complicated at all and knowing how it works will make your life so much easier and better in the long run, and could save you hundreds of dollars in repair fees.
 
#8
If I were in your shoes I'd go with a Shuttle 9.0.. or maybe a Streamliner both are simple to use.. and very versatile. I have a Shuttle 6.0 which I am totally pleased with. The only way I'd get another head is if I needed more headroom... and that might be a possibility.. but I am sold on GB. Whatever cab you get make it an 8 ohm cab.. more flexibility for the future IMO. If you get an 8 ohm cab ... say an 8 ohm 112.. you can always get a second one later.. that would put a 4 ohm load on your amp.. but it would give you the flexibility of carrying one cab or two.. depending on what you need. Yes for now you'll be doing stuff at home... yada yada yada.. but say .. you hook up with some other geezers... and you want to play out.. and you need more ... an 8 ohm cab will give you more options... and OBBG... those cabs look sweet.... ! The weight is right up my alley..
 
#9
A Shuttle 6 or 9 sounds like the amp for you. Simple, easy to dial in, ungodly lightweight, loud, punchy and powerful. A single 8 ohm 112 cab can be adequate for a lot of things, but a pair will pretty much cover any situation save for super loud heavy rock situations.

Keep in mind a single 212 cab is quite a bit cheaper then a pair of 112 cabs. You can't go wrong either way. Just don't be one of those guys that goes on and on about not understanding gear when a simple read through of a Shuttle owners manual will tell you everything you need to know to understand how the amp and various cab options work.

Its a great time to be a bass player! Don't be afraid to ask questions but take in the advice offered here on TB and do your research! The benefits of the internet make it pretty silly to buy anything without being fully informed and educated on what you are seeking. Having said that, I think you are clearly on the right track to owning a killer rig!
 
#10
I just got a Genz Shuttle 6.0 and a Neox 112 Cab and it's changed my life. As far as music goes, anyway. And carrying a 30-something cab into the gig and a 4 lb. amp has done wonders for my body, especially the day AFTER a gig, I don't wake up feeling like I got hit by a truck. Shuttle 6.0 is a fantastic amp.
 
#11
Welcome back. If you look in the classifieds you can pick up a Shuttle 6 in the $400 range and a Shuttle 9 in the $500 ranges. Sometimes with carry bag.
Since the new Streamliner is out people are selling their barely broken in Shuttles for money towards the new one.
Either would be an excellent choice and you could gig either one if need be.
The 212 neo cab would be my choice. I personally have a Bergantino ae212 but I'm sure the Genz would be a nice cab also.
If you picked up a Shuttle and neo cab used here you would have mucho money left for a bass or two or three.
Gotta have a P bass you know.
Good luck on your search and don't let the knobs on the Shuttles scare you off. Play with the gain and leave the rest alone and you will have a great sound, or experiment with the knobs.
Sounds like you will be having fun very soon.
 
#12
Based on what little I know about your situation I would suggest the Neox112 and a shuttle combo. For smaller jams or practice use the shuttle, if you are going to gig put the shuttle on top of the Neox112 and crank it up.

I had a Neox212 for many years driven with a GBE600. For the pub gigs I typically play it was way more than I ever needed. Got to a point where I would simply use the Neox112 and still have plenty of headroom. Sold the Neox 212, the GBE600 is on loan to a broke college student but will be sold when he returns it in a few months.

Picked up Shuttle 3.0-10 combo a couple of months ago. Great rig with plenty of power and tone. Use it all the time for home practice and gigged it 2 times last month, adding in the Neox112 for extra bottom. Lots of headroom, very portable setup, and sounds great.
 
#13
My newest rig is a GB Shuttle 9.0 sitting on a Bergantino AE212. This will be my main rig for the foreseeable future, and I have three Eden rigs, two Aguilar rigs, and a Glockenklang rig in the stable. I'm older than you are, so I've just gotten to the point where I don't want to lug around 50-pound amps and 100-pound cabs.

The Shuttle 9.0 has gobs of power, and it seems like a perfect match for the AE212. There are several other members here who like this rig, including the venerable Ken Jung. I think someone here said Jim Bergantino likes the Shuttle for his cabs.

I've never listened to the Neox cabs, but I can't imagine they would sound better than the Bergantinos. Hopefully you can try out some of this stuff before you have to make a decision.

BTW, I have no affiliation with Bergantino, but I sure like his cabs.
 
#14
You might try out the Gallien-Krueger stuff. The MB Fusion is a great and you could pair it with GK Neo 212 @ 8 ohms. Should be enough to start with and if you need more headroom, add another Neo 212 for the full 500 watts @ 4 ohms through 4x12" speakers! This way you get a little more for your money and GK stuff seems to resell very well, especially on here.
 
#15
Since you're unsure as to how long your new/old hobby may last, you may want to consider a small combo for home use. For example, a Genz Benz 6.0-12T or even perhaps a 3.0-10T. It would be small, light, and quite suitable for at home. If your hobby takes off you could upgrade later, or easily sell it off if it doesn't.

Just another thought.
 
#16
Thanks for ALL the suggestions/advice. It's interesting that the only other options I have looked at (prior to your suggestions) are those y'all have mentioned such as Gallien Krueger, Mesa Walkabout, Fusion, and Bergantino AE series. So, I must be doing something right. I have, however, decided I can't be wrong going with Genz Benz amp/cab. I also sense I would be happier going with the Neox (either 112t or 212t) as it would be my better choice compared to the standard speaker included with the Genz Shuttle combo package...although I'm sure the combo's are very nice. In addition, why NOT stick with one brand for the entire rig and it seems Genz customer support/warranty is highly accepted.

Again, my only uncertainty is WHICH Genz amp would best perform with either the Neox 112t or 212t. I want the appropriate amount of power NOW with the initial purchase but I would like the amp having the ability to take on additional speakers...particularly a second 112t (should it be my initial cabinet) without throwing money away needlessly. Doesn't everybody??? Maybe this is my (unlikely)resale 'safety net'.

I must admit that the Neox-112t is where I am leaning as I think I'll be happier with the sound/performance when playing at lower (in-home) volume. I remember reading others saying to really appreciate the Neox-212t over the 112t, crank it up.

Whether I go with the Neox-112t or 212, or eventually a combination of both, I just want the best matching Genz amp with reasonable/useable 'bells/whistles'. I really don't see myself as one who would be 'fiddling' with all the knobs offered on some (GBE & Shuttle Max) of the Genz amps which should end up saving me $$$ ("yes honey, i'm trying") ...but, to be redundant, if I need a buzzilion knobs to get necessary/desirable power for an additional cab, I guess I'll suck it up and take the heat. Thanks again!!!
 

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