Genz Benz Streamliner-Pt 2

[Freddels]

Do you know which cab(s) he paired with it?

The Genz NeoX 212

 

[Jazzdogg]

When I used to own a Shuttle 6.0, the retina-searing blue LEDs were usually aimed at my back, so I only had to worry about 'em or squint when I turned to face my rig, although some of my band mates and audience members found them uber annoying.

When it comes to lighting, however, TCE raised the bar considerably with their informative use of lighting on the RH450 and Staccato51; with TCE as an exemplar, Genz has a lot of catching up to do in the lighting department.

 

[esoxhntr]

I concur with 'tacky'. Extremely. Same with Aguilar. Play a TV gig and it's an embarrassment.

Well I'll just have to get another amp for all my TV gigs.

 

[Red Planet]

Genz Benz has some catching up to. What a riot.

ROTFLMBFFAO

That is funny, I don't care who ya are.

 

[mikeddd]

Genz Benz has some catching up to. What a riot.

ROTFLMBFFAO

That is funny, I don't care who ya are.

Well, he's entitled to his opinion and certainly anyone's idea of like/dislike is purely subjective. Additionally, appearance and performance are two different things. Just b/c GB bass amps may be functionally and sonically superior to their competition does not mean they are aesthetically equal or superior.

 

[adivin]

Well, he's entitled to his opinion and certainly anyone's idea of like/dislike is purely subjective. Additionally, appearance and performance are two different things. Just b/c GB bass amps may be functionally and sonically superior to their competition does not mean they are aesthetically equal or superior.

+1

 

[JimmyM]

got to admit i'm in the anti-blue led camp as well. they are good for outdoor gigs in florida in the summer so you can see if your stuff is on even when the sun's beating down. but they are definitely retina searing in more normal lighting. not really a deal breaker, but definitely not my thing.

 

[Red Planet]

Well, he's entitled to his opinion and certainly anyone's idea of like/dislike is purely subjective. Additionally, appearance and performance are two different things. Just b/c GB bass amps may be functionally and sonically superior to their competition does not mean they are aesthetically equal or superior.

First off the Lights are not that big a deal. Yeah I will agree they are a little bright but I like that.

Second catching up? Give me a break. They are the "the leader".

Who else has a Bass amp that weighs 4 pounds and will spank an SVT?

 

[hasbeen]

When it comes to lighting, however, TCE raised the bar considerably with their informative use of lighting on the RH450 and Staccato51; with TCE as an exemplar, Genz has a lot of catching up to do in the lighting department.

 

[Chef]

I'd say the next company to install a light bar on their amps would considerably raise the bar on lighting for amps.

 

[edfriedland]

Yes, I've gigged on the Streamliner 900 two nights in a row, using my NeoX212 cab. It was a rock gig, but more rootsy stuff, not metal. I played my RW Jazz and Airline Map basses, both with flatwounds.

Short story: this amp rocks! It has a full, round low mid profile just naturally there. I can get that out of my Shuttles, but I have to dial it in. The amp displays two distinct personalities - set for clean tone (low gain switch and conservative levels on the gain knob) it still has enough power to get really freakin' loud. It does the hifi thing with a silky feel to the lows and a smooth top end.

But I spent most if the gig in high gain mode, pushing the tube gain to about 1 or 2 o'clock. Holy moly! This thing really puts out some serious drive. There is a lot of range to the OD - you start to hear a nice mellow burr around 10o'clock on the gain knob, but keep going and it will eventually give you the full napalm face-melt The mids are nicely tuned to bring out different characters of the OD, and the overall response felt very 3D. I know that is a new buzz word for GB, 3DPM - I didn't actually read that until today, so it's interesting that my impression was along those lines.

Pushing it, I got that squishy, warm tube sag on the front end of the note, but it had a quick response from the amp. It didn't get bogged down in the buzz. I felt inspired to rip some Stanley-ish hyper speed licks in the middle of a Jethro Tull tune (yes, highly inappropriate - the amp MADE me do it!). And the amp kept right up with every note, it spat it out as fast as I could play it, even with full blown grind happening.

Today, I ran my MM Sterling 5H through it to hear how it sounded with an active bass with rounds. After pushing the heck out of it with some nasty power chords, I started howling like a dang coyote! It was that awesome. But again, this amp will give a great clean tone. The clean slap tone from the Sterling was amazing too, the bottom is well supported and the highs are sweet, not in the least bit harsh. Reminded me of playing through a nice studio tube pre.

Guys, this amp is a winner!

<edit> But I want to add, that I still expect to get plenty of use from my time-tested Shuttle 6.0/12t combo. Most of the gigs I play can be very well serviced by that little workhorse. It is still (IMO) the most flexible, high performance combo I've seen. And my favorite amp for doubling on upright/electric bass.

And just to let you know, I do regular gear updates on my Bass Whisperer FB page - sign up on The Bass Whisperer page - please do NOT send me a friend request.

Thanks!

 

[hasbeen]

Yes, I've gigged on the Streamliner 900 two nights in a row, using my NeoX212 cab. It was a rock gig, but more rootsy stuff, not metal. I played my RW Jazz and Airline Map basses, both with flatwounds.

Short story: this amp rocks! It has a full, round low mid profile just naturally there. I can get that out of my Shuttles, but I have to dial it in. The amp displays two distinct personalities - set for clean tone (low gain switch and conservative levels on the gain knob) it still has enough power to get really freakin' loud. It does the hifi thing with a silky feel to the lows and a smooth top end.

But I spent most if the gig in high gain mode, pushing the tube gain to about 1 or 2 o'clock. Holy moly! This thing really puts out some serious drive. There is a lot of range to the OD - you start to hear a nice mellow burr around 10o'clock on the gain knob, but keep going and it will eventually give you the full napalm face-melt The mids are nicely tuned to bring out different characters of the OD, and the overall response felt very 3D. I know that is a new buzz word for GB, 3DPM - I didn't actually read that until today, so it's interesting that my impression was along those lines.

Pushing it, I got that squishy, warm tube sag on the front end of the note, but it had a quick response from the amp. It didn't get bogged down in the buzz. I felt inspired to rip some Stanley-ish hyper speed licks in the middle of a Jethro Tull tune (yes, highly inappropriate - the amp MADE me do it!). And the amp kept right up with every note, it spat it out as fast as I could play it, even with full blown grind happening.

Today, I ran my MM Sterling 5H through it to hear how it sounded with an active bass with rounds. After pushing the heck out of it with some nasty power chords, I started howling like a dang coyote! It was that awesome. But again, this amp will give a great clean tone. The clean slap tone from the Sterling was amazing too, the bottom is well supported and the highs are sweet, not in the least bit harsh. Reminded me of playing through a nice studio tube pre.

Guys, this amp is a winner!

And just to let you know, I do regular gear updates on my Bass Whisperer FB page - sign up on The Bass Whisperer page - please do NOT send me a friend request.

Thanks!

you made my day Ed.....thanks. It was great seeing you at NAMM.

 

[willsellout]

This thread is bad for my wallet.

 

[edfriedland]

No problem Roger, I'm just a little ray of sunshine, ain't I?

 

[mikeddd]

Finally! We have our first pro review of the Streamliner! Like most here, I'm on a budget. I want a Ginsu knife of an amp; an amp that does it all...if that exists.
While I admit I can get mired in the written/implied nuances of a review, I really look for just a few things.

"Really freaking loud" "Great clean tone" "Lot of range to the OD" <--and I'm sold! My musical tastes mirror my playing styles; I like to try to cover it all. Sounds like a winner! Though I have a Shuttle 6.0 and a Presonus Tube Channel/power amp setup, I'm always open for bigger/better/faster/more. Looks like GB brought a bazooka to a gunfight!

 

[hasbeen]

No problem Roger, I'm just a little ray of sunshine, ain't I?

I just called Jeff and told him to read your TB post. He read it and called me back. I think I heard him getting all misty like.

I also woke him from a nap.

 

[edfriedland]

I just called Jeff and told him to read your TB post. He read it and called me back. I think I heard him getting all misty like.

I also woke him from a nap.

Oh no.... never wake Jeff up from his nappy!

 

[nostatic]

I just called Jeff and told him to read your TB post. He read it and called me back. I think I heard him getting all misty like.

I also woke him from a nap.

Probably dreaming of Makos...

 

[Joeykun]

hmm...ya know.....no, I don't. We sent him a bunch of stuff for reviews....including Quads and 15's etc.

His email was just a short "hey...gigged with it.....". He gave a few quick, sonic comments and said more to come.

I'll find out what cabs he used.

I think the uber 410 would make a great combo with the streamliner 900 for the video review.

 

[Jim C]

with aircraft landing lights...