• 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.

Genz Benz or Gallien-Krueger

draygriff

draygriff

Feb 13, 2013
369
469
71
Jacksonville, FL
#1
I'm considering purchasing either a Genz Benz GBE 1200 or a Gallien-Krueger Fusion 500 amp. This forum was super helpful when I was looking for a new instrument and am seeking the same quality advice again. I currently play through an old tube Sunn 200S. It sounds great but I worry about it "smoke checking" some night due to it's age. It's time to retire this head to the studio.

I mainly play in a county band that occasionally does some classic rock. I also do some gigs with a blues trio every now and then. The reason I've chosen these amps is for the ability to change tone from a clean (for traditional country) to a bit more grit (for rock, etc.) I plan on buying new so customer support is a big factor.

I play a EBMM Stingray 5 and will probably get a matching cab to go with whatever head I end up getting.

Thanks in advance for your comments, thoughts and advice.
 
#2
Both of those amps have a more "modern" tone to my ears, but both GK and GB have great customer support if it's needed. I think both are winners! The most obvious thing do when you can't decide on an important issue like this is to flip a coin.................
I will check back in for the results.....Good Luck!
 
#5
Neither - after reading your post, you'd probably be happier with either the Streamliner 900, ShuttleMax 9.2 - with me leaning towards the Streamliner since you're probably accustomed to a more tubish sound, coming from the 200s...

Aguilar's Tonehammer 500 deserves honorable mention here, too...


- georgestrings
 
#6
Not sure if this will help or not but I've had multiple models of both companies micro heads. I'm not sure if both companies full size heads have the same sonic tone as there micros. All were built very well and have great customer support.

IMO, the GB heads are more natural sounding while the GK heads have more of a signature sound. After all is said and done, I prefer (and am gigging) with the GK heads.
 
#8
Are you looking at the Fusion 550 or MB Fusion (500)?

I have owned both as well as the GBE1200 and my favourite is the MB Fusion. It is tiny and sounds killer. Loud too. The Fusion 550 is much bigger and heavier, but sounds very similar. The motorized knobs of the 550 are cool, but I didn't find them necessary.

The GBE is very large, fairly heavy, has too many controls for me and the LED lights are blindingly bright. Very nice sounding amp (basically 2 amps in one) and the multi button foot switch (it is a big bugger) offers quite a bit of tonal options on the fly.

All 3 are modern sounding and powerful amps that can get tubey, but my preference was for the Fusion amps. I also owned a SM12.0. It was good, but the fusions are really special sounding to me.

I had a foot switch issues years ago with my out of warranty GBE1200 and Jeff from GB personally fixed my issue. He was amazing to deal with. Not sure GK would do that but also unsure of GB's CS these days under Fender.
 
#11
Another amp to consider, given the OP's parameters would be Mesa's M-pulse 600 - it does the warm and clean tube thing as well as any hybrid out there, yet can grit and growl, too - and is extremely versatile...


- georgestrings
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back