Genz Benz Intro v. SWR WorkingPro

[minormist]

I'm new to the bass. I've been playing for a little over a month. Grabbed a used Fender MIM Jazz Bass that I've been playing through a Katana:GO headphone interface for practicing. The Katana:GO has been great for practicing at home, but I'm looking at amps so I can actually play with others. Locally, there is a Genz Benz Intro 90 available, as well as a SWR Workingman Pro 12 200W combo amp. The Genz Benz is $175, the SWR $220. Between everything I've seen locally, these two look the most compelling, though I've seen multiple Ampeg BA-115s listed as well.

Since I already have the headphone interface, buying a really small practice amp seems like a waste, but I don't need anything particularly substantial yet, either. Thoughts on these two? The SWR is clearly more powerful, but the Genz Benz probably offers enough power for playing with friends. Or, do I need to look an entirely different direction? I would like whatever I buy to be something that remains useful down the road, even though I'm sure at some point I'll want something bigger than either of these.

 

[Jhalb]

Both are great bass amps. Service is still available for the Genz Benz. Can’t go wrong with either.

 

[Timmah]

Those are both good amps, but they’re both going to be limited by their 12” speaker. I’d consider one of the 15” combos you mentioned simply because it will likely have an easier time keeping up with a drummer, especially in a louder rock setting if that’s your bag.

 

[rapidfirerob]

I would go for something with more power so you don't have to buy another combo or amp/cabinet
down the road. Take weight into account as well. If combo is what you want, get something that
can be used with a second cab. Most cabs are 8 ohms, so you can use two cabs with one amp.

 

[Joebone]

I would go for something with more power so you don't have to buy another combo or amp/cabinet
down the road. Take weight into account as well. If combo is what you want, get something that
can be used with a second cab. Most cabs are 8 ohms, so you can use two cabs with one amp.

Good point about second cabinet capbility - more likely with the SWR, due to greater power?

I use and deeply dig a lot of Genz Benz stuff, and while the company is gone, Aged Horse - one of GB's principals - is active on TB and provides a lot of product support...no idea how repairable the SWR is if something goes off. And the above post makes a good point about future growth. But if you're choosing solely between these two, that SWR is supposed to be one hell of a unit. IIRC, Neil Stubenhaus used one as the electric bassist for Barbara Streisand's huge tour back in the day that brought together the very best studio players from NYC and LA; the four-trumpet section was like the 1927 Yankees of brass. Of course he was going direct to FOH, but likely selected the SWR based on provision of detail and tone.

Which leads to another fork in the road - are you better off with an amp that gives you the instant gratification of a fat thump, or something that might expose technique issues, but then also enables you to get better by identifying such things, working on them, and being a better player for it? If you already have been playing some other instrument, the latter approach might be attractive. Of course, the GB could also be great on this front...and maybe you already get enough nuance from the headphone work. Ultimately your ears, hands, and goals will be your guide. Rock On!

 

[logdrum]

Genz Benz . Simply better even though it may have lesser wattage.

 

[mambo4]

The SWR WM 12 has a second speaker out, which can get you more volume later on. It had a good rep when it was released 30 + years ago
Genz Benz gear is better designed, and still supported.

they’re both going to be limited by their 12” speaker.

These days, speaker size alone is not enough data to truly make that call.

 

[Timmah]

The SWR WM 12 has a second speaker out, which can get you more volume later on. It had a good rep when it was released 30 + years ago
Genz Benz gear is better designed, and still supported.


These days, speaker size alone is not enough data to truly make that call.

True enough, but I’d like to imagine I have a good idea of the output potential of a single 12” speaker that, as you pointed out, is 30ish years old.

If OP does go with that combo, an extension speaker is a good idea.

 

[agedhorse]

If OP does go with that combo, an extension speaker is a good idea.

Only if the OP needs the additional volume...

 

[ninjatanzen]

Genz Benz and put it on a riser/milk crate/etc. to get the speaker up nearer to your ears if needed.

When you want to upgrade in the future, this will still be a nice practice amp/backup. If you get to the point of wanting a bigger rig with more power, a second cab with the SWR will still only go so far. At that point, it would likely be better to get a larger rig in general than to buy a second cab and still potentially need to upgrade.

Since you mention them being local, is it possible for you to try them both out? Try the one you're least interested in first, and then go to the second. That way if you end up liking the second one (the one you think you'll like more) you can purchase it on the spot knowing you already tested the other combo.

 

[minormist]

Genz Benz and put it on a riser/milk crate/etc. to get the speaker up nearer to your ears if needed.

When you want to upgrade in the future, this will still be a nice practice amp/backup. If you get to the point of wanting a bigger rig with more power, a second cab with the SWR will still only go so far. At that point, it would likely be better to get a larger rig in general than to buy a second cab and still potentially need to upgrade.

Since you mention them being local, is it possible for you to try them both out? Try the one you're least interested in first, and then go to the second. That way if you end up liking the second one (the one you think you'll like more) you can purchase it on the spot knowing you already tested the other combo.

They were listed separately, but it turns out these two are at the same location, so it looks like my decision will be easier since I can try both side by side.

 

[minormist]

Thanks for all the responses. A lot of helpful things to think about. I have lots of music experience, but not with amps and electronics, so this has been great learning.

 

[rapidfirerob]

Thanks for all the responses. A lot of helpful things to think about. I have lots of music experience, but not with amps and electronics, so this has been great learning.

Let us know what you end up with. Enjoy the ride!