Genz Benz ML200 vs.other "kickback" combos

[JimM]

My old combo amps have finally quit on me.I still have My Sunn 1200s and 4x10 for use with my main band,a rock blues outfit(The Z.Isaac Band),But sundays I play for the 1st-4th graders in a sunday school band at a huge church.Its around 100 kids per set,we do 2 sets.

A local store has a Genz Benz ML200 on clearance for $499.I compared it to a Fender 1x15.to me the fender was warmer,but the GB seemed more clear and articulate and more powerful.The tiltback feature seems very practical since we play for a wide soundstage that isn't very deep(front to back).

I don't play much slap,I use Peavy G5 with a graphite neck(in this band).

I guess I'm not too concerned that my tone is particularly "old school" or "modern" for that matter,look at the audience.But we do get amazingly loud for a sunday school band ,so I ask your opinions on tiltback combos such as the GK Backline 115 ,the GB ML200,etc.etc.
Reliability is almost as much an issue for me as tone.

Thanks folks,

Jim

 

[bassteban]

I have a Hartke Kickback 12(for sale at a very reasonable price- hint, hint)& like it quite a bit. It's proven itself in some pretty loud situations; I play w/my church's choir/worship team(bass, drums, percussion, piano, keys, 2-4 guitars, violin, 2-3 horns, 10-20 person choir/ensemble)& have used this combo at several outreach-type events. Indoors it does a great job, outdoors it makes a fine extra bass monitor for me or the drummer. I have also used it on a week-long mission trip to Mexico- holding worship services in the colonias of Tijuana each night, & again, it held up very well. I know this amp is not on your list, but I think it compares w/the GB. I don't know much about the Backline stuff.
PM me if you want more info on the Hartke.

 

[JimM]

I should add,my old amp was 85 watts into a single 15,and was barely enough until it started playing unwanted radio stations and doing the "snap,crackle and pop" thing.Not sure if a 1x12 would cut it.Especially with the low 'B'.

But I appreciate the response very much.

Jim

 

[bassteban]

I play a passive Fender Jazz 5 & Stambaugh 6(active/passive)w/a detuner on the B(goes down to A)- the amp is no monster rig, but I definitely use the big strings a lot. A good 1x12 will do the B nicely, IMO.

Edit: I paid $250(used, mind you)for my KB-12, so $399 doesn't seem(to me)like a once-in-a-lifetime deal. And, at the risk of sounding like I'm giving it the hard sell, I'm in Vacaville- if that's near enough to you, we could potentially meet halfway & you could check out my amp. Or if you're going to be in town on a Sunday morning, let me know & I'll bring it along. Services at 8:00, 9:30, 11:00am & 6:00pm. Merry Christmas!

 

[Fealach]

Genz Benz amps are tremendous - you will find very little negative said of them, and even then it will be a matter of taste, not reliability or lack of volume complaint. Never a problem from mine. Actually I wish my big rig could sound as good as my old Genz Benz combo.