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GenzBenz amps

#21
If you're looking for 50s-60s rock tone, the Streamliner 900 is a def ++. It is a dark beast that can be tamed by spending some time on the Eq. Overall, pretty easy to dial in a nice fat tubey tone.

Think Them Crooked Vultures and you get an idea :) My style would be in the ball park of The Bronx mets The Sword and it nails what I'm looking for. However, it does not do modern highs/mids that you might find in some clean bass tones Karnivool tracks and such.

Also, GB customer service is WAY above the rest. I mean....two or three rings and you get a real life HUMAN!!
 
#22
paul shadden said:
Hey all... hope its low and loud!
I have a question, but first my situation. I have a pre-fender SWR SM500 AMP GOLIATH 410 & 210 cabs...also have an Avatar TB153. Love the tone shaping I can do and the overall tone of the SWR... but the weight of the roadcase amp, rackmount tuner and furman is a bit much at times especially after working all day on friday then setting up for a show..then playing 4 hours then tearing down.. I'm getting older I guess. So now I'm looking for a versatile light weight amp. I want to get everyones opinion on the Genz Benz amps before I make the purchase...or suggestions on other light weight amps perhaps the Carvin BX500 or BX1500...anyways what do y'all recommend??? Thanks for your help
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I have owned both of those Carvin heads you mentioned. I would recommend Genz Benz over anything Carvin makes.
Today I just received a brand new GB Shuttle 6.2 2x10 combo with the 2x10 ext. cab. and this thing is really happening!!!
If you want light weight, loud, with a great tone (from clean to growl) then this is the only way to go! They also make a 6.2 1x12 combo with a 1x12 ext. cab.

Genz Benz Shuttle 6.2 Combo - YouTube

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:bassist:
 
#25
I have owned the Streamliner 900 and currently gig both a Shuttle Max 9.2 and the new Shuttle 9.2. Genz Benz's amps rock and are extremely well thought out and constructed, plus their customer service is absolute tops. Their cabs are pretty sweet too. Now... as incredibly versatile as my Shuttle Max is, my new Shuttle 9.2 is getting all the gig love right now as it just slays and it can fit in my bass gig bag. Love it!!!
 
#30
paul shadden said:
Fletz... awesome vid... like the tone and the amp really lets each bass show its unique tonal characteristics
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Thanks. That's what drew me to it and away from my Ampeg. I love my PF-500 ... I still say it's a steal at $399 (or less depending on the site/deal, etc.). But I realized I am absolutely in love with my P-Bass, my Ric and, occasionally, my Fretless. This ShuttleMAX gives you THEIR tone and it allows me to actually get something out of the effects pedals. The effects through the Ampeg, I feel, got a little muddy and lost in the "Ampeg tone." Not a bad thing, just not what I want. It suddenly struck me that what I want is clarity more than a specific amp's tone. What's also amazing is the fact that you can get variety in cleanliness and transparency and still maintain the bass's sound.

I am rambling, but thanks again. I plan to write about this on my barbandbassist.tumblr.com when I get a chance to think clearly about it...

Peace
 
#31
Limeman said:
I have owned the Streamliner 900 and currently gig both a Shuttle Max 9.2 and the new Shuttle 9.2. Genz Benz's amps rock and are extremely well thought out and constructed, plus their customer service is absolute tops. Their cabs are pretty sweet too. Now... as incredibly versatile as my Shuttle Max is, my new Shuttle 9.2 is getting all the gig love right now as it just slays and it can fit in my bass gig bag. Love it!!!
Click to expand...

I'm thinking of picking up the 9.2 (normal) instead of the Max as I know I would just set it and forget it...how do they compare tonally?

Thanks
 
#32
Musicman20 said:
I'm thinking of picking up the 9.2 (normal) instead of the Max as I know I would just set it and forget it...how do they compare tonally?

Thanks
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Totally different animal. I compared the two this weekend at Bass Specialties in PA. The MAX is much cleaner and "transparent." The streamliner, to me, was akin to an Ampeg tone (albeit, unique in it's own tone).
 
#33
I'm ordering the 9.2 shuttlemax today.... it is a chameleon from what I understand ... you are able to change it to whatever tone you like and still get the natural tones of the bass which is what I am looking for.... too many amps give you "their" tone and wash out the natural bass tone... so regardless what bass you play through it the instruments have same character...
 
#34
LowEndMan2112 said:
Also, GB has top of the line Customer Service, I've emailed with Jeff (Genzler) back and forth and he is always extremely prompt with his responses, and if you call the factory, a lot of the time it's him picking up the phone.
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+1

My GB head stopped working during a practice. I called the next day, explained the issue. They diagnosed the problem (my NON Genz Benz cabinet) and even called back when they said they would! I'm a Genz Benz customer for life.
 
#37
paul shadden said:
Thanks for the input... definitely wanting the tubey sound for the 50's/60's band I'm in but also working on a rock/metal/groove-fusion with turntables so it needs to be versatile...
Click to expand...

Those are very different tones to say the least. To cover that much sonic territory, I think the Shuttlemax 9.2 would be a good investment for you. The tube channel may work for the 50s/60's and the solid-state channel for the rock/metal/groove-fusion.

As great as the Genz CS is, their amps are so solid that it's unlikely you'll ever need to contact them.
 
#39
Here is my ShuttleMax 9.2 on my Uber cabs at sound-check yesterday.. It was in front of the Monitor board guy.. until the finished setting stuff up


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#40
That pair of Uber 115's with a SM9.2 has to be one of the best sounding rock rigs around. Very nice. Genz benz has taken quite a bit of heat about their retina-searing blue LED but next to that psychedelic blue bass I don't think anyone would even notice. :D
 

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