Genzler Amplification Club

[Turn Em Loose]

Quoting myself to get some opinions. @Jeff Genzler?

Sooooo....I'm scheming again.

My big rig, a Mesa SW 115/112 is up for sale locally. I just don't need the big stack for the few outdoor shows I'll do every summer. Most of my gigs are IEM, powered monitors or I tilt my rig back like a monitor.

I currently have the MG800 and two 10-2's. The form factor and doubling capabilities have me keeping the 10-2's. I would like to add another BA cab to the 10-2 stack for the odd outdoor or big gig that requires watts and paper. Basically, add to the 10-2 stack to take the place of the Mesa 115/112 stack.

Options:
--A BA12-3 seems like a good choice to make a 12-3/10-2/10-2 stack. And the 12-3 would prolly work as a monitor quite well, even on the bigger gigs. But yet, I'm kinda anal and wouldn't mind my cabs all being the same. I'm not against the idea. Just....Well, you know....
--Ohms-wise, I'm not sure how the the 210-3 would work with two 10-2's. Since they are all 8 ohm the 10-2's would be getting pushed a lot harder than the 210-3? BUT, the 210-3 would be about as big as I need for bigger shows where I am just monitoring myself. Which brings me to......Wait for it...(drumroll)....
--Getting another 10-2 and strapping two 10-2's together to make a 210 cab. Add the third 10-2 for my biggest shows. Use one 10-2 for my small gigs and my URB cocktail hour stuff. Use the strapped 10-2 stack for small/medium rooms or even lay it on it's side to use as a monitor with an amp stand.

 

[Jeff Genzler]

Quoting myself to get some opinions. @Jeff Genzler?

Thanks for continuing to consider more of our products.
Well I think you've laid out all of your needs (and quarks) in your post, quite well. Of all the choices you mentioned, I'd probably consider the BA12-3 as the best option. My reasons, first the BA210-3 is a much wider cabinet than the little BA10-2 cabs and I don't think you'd be comfortable with that visual. Frankly I'm as anal as you are about size and fit of my rig. I also think the BA210-3 cab might be louder than the others.
Adding a 3rd BA10-2 is always a good way to go but my thought here is --- you already have 2. You're looking for a 3rd cab to really make a presence known on a big outdoor stage. I think that calls for the BA12-3 cab --- either SLT or STR. Actually the STRAIGHT one might be the better choice.
Adding this larger format cab will give you the bigger tonal footprint you're looking to achieve for these bigger events. I think it will be more impressive output wise than 3 of the BA10-2 cabs.
And I think the look will be close enough for your "how's it look" comfort zone.
AND, it also gives you a cabinet to throw a twist into your gig rig options if you care to just take on cab --- the larger BA12-3 for some events.

I hope this gives you some food for thought. Thanks again as always.

 

[Turn Em Loose]

Thanks for continuing to consider more of our products.
Well I think you've laid out all of your needs (and quarks) in your post, quite well. Of all the choices you mentioned, I'd probably consider the BA12-3 as the best option. My reasons, first the BA210-3 is a much wider cabinet than the little BA10-2 cabs and I don't think you'd be comfortable with that visual. Frankly I'm as anal as you are about size and fit of my rig. I also think the BA210-3 cab might be louder than the others.
Adding a 3rd BA10-2 is always a good way to go but my thought here is --- you already have 2. You're looking for a 3rd cab to really make a presence known on a big outdoor stage. I think that calls for the BA12-3 cab --- either SLT or STR. Actually the STRAIGHT one might be the better choice.
Adding this larger format cab will give you the bigger tonal footprint you're looking to achieve for these bigger events. I think it will be more impressive output wise than 3 of the BA10-2 cabs.
And I think the look will be close enough for your "how's it look" comfort zone.
AND, it also gives you a cabinet to throw a twist into your gig rig options if you care to just take on cab --- the larger BA12-3 for some events.

I hope this gives you some food for thought. Thanks again as always.

Thanks! I really appreciate the input!

Stay tuned....

 

[dwellers]

I am wondering if any of you have paired a 12-3 with a 10-2 yet.

I have a older 2x10 and a older 4x10 Eden cabs. Been using 10 speakers for years. I got into a Genz Benz shuttle 9.1 head a few years ago at a solid low price. It was a no brainer difference in what I was using. I love it still. I am considering a new cab with these genzler cabs. I started out looking for a used 1x10 cab that I could practice with. Now after looking around for a few months and researching those little MarkBass combos and PJB other new stuff(been out of the gear acquisition syndrome for a long min) I am almost convinced to get something new like one of these. But like most if I like these I will want to change my complete rig out.

Hi...it seems we are on a similar gear journey. I too was an Eden 10 user (4x10 and 2x10) but it was back breaking to haul. Plus I just needed "less is more" from the new gear. Wound up picking up Markbass stuff (a 15 and a 2x10) along with one of their little heads. I really liked the oomph of the 15 (or so I thought) but what I really liked was the size. I was only playing small gigs with fairly mellow bands.

Then I visited Bananas at Large in San Rafael and talked to the owner of the store. Telling him about the MusicMan Stingray I bought new there in 1978 and probably boring him to tears, he told me that I should check out the new Genzler stuff he had. I truly was not in the market for new amplification (as if) but it looked good and I liked the idea of 2 12in cabs as an alternative to the crazy different sound of the Markbass 15 and 2x10.

I brought my stuff to the store to A/B and it was virtually instantaneous. I couldn't believe the difference in musicality of the Genzler amp and cabs. Night and day doesn't begin to describe it. Like listening to AM radio and then someone playing the same song on a high end stereo. I bought 2 of the 12-3 cabs and the Magellan 350 amp and left my Markbass stuff to be sold by Bananas, which they did pretty quickly. I wound up trading up to the 800 amp with a great guy here on the forum (when you buy Genzler you also get this forum which is an added bonus).

Anyway, that's my story and I'm sure it won't end here. But as long as Jeff keeps making such amazing products, along with his personal touch, I see no reason to stray. I encourage you to listen for yourself. My guess is you'll be thrilled!

--David

 

[Loring]

We recently had a GTG for the Toronto area and although there were only about 8 guys that made it out (first nice day we had in weeks - many took advantage and went out...) the comments were - wow it's like hi fi or - I thought my gas was over...

So I totally get it. I got to try the SLT ( along with my 12-3) and I kinda already knew I was going to get one but thats to @SadowskySteve it looks like it'll be sooner rather than later...

 

[SadowskySteve]

Hi...it seems we are on a similar gear journey. I too was an Eden 10 user (4x10 and 2x10) but it was back breaking to haul. Plus I just needed "less is more" from the new gear. Wound up picking up Markbass stuff (a 15 and a 2x10) along with one of their little heads. I really liked the oomph of the 15 (or so I thought) but what I really liked was the size. I was only playing small gigs with fairly mellow bands.

Then I visited Bananas at Large in San Rafael and talked to the owner of the store. Telling him about the MusicMan Stingray I bought new there in 1978 and probably boring him to tears, he told me that I should check out the new Genzler stuff he had. I truly was not in the market for new amplification (as if) but it looked good and I liked the idea of 2 12in cabs as an alternative to the crazy different sound of the Markbass 15 and 2x10.

I brought my stuff to the store to A/B and it was virtually instantaneous. I couldn't believe the difference in musicality of the Genzler amp and cabs. Night and day doesn't begin to describe it. Like listening to AM radio and then someone playing the same song on a high end stereo. I bought 2 of the 12-3 cabs and the Magellan 350 amp and left my Markbass stuff to be sold by Bananas, which they did pretty quickly. I wound up trading up to the 800 amp with a great guy here on the forum (when you buy Genzler you also get this forum which is an added bonus).

Anyway, that's my story and I'm sure it won't end here. But as long as Jeff keeps making such amazing products, along with his personal touch, I see no reason to stray. I encourage you to listen for yourself. My guess is you'll be thrilled!

--David

Same with me! Due to back breaking concerns I went from an Eden 410XLT to a Genzler Rig (MG800 BA12-3,BA12-3SLT) and just loving the new set up. Don't miss the 410 at all.

 

[dwellers]

Same with me! Due to back breaking concerns I went from an Eden 410XLT to a Genzler Rig (MG800 BA12-3,BA12-3SLT) and just loving the new set up. Don't miss the 410 at all.

You just skipped the Markbass period...

 

[SadowskySteve]

We recently had a GTG for the Toronto area and although there were only about 8 guys that made it out (first nice day we had in weeks - many took advantage and went out...) the comments were - wow it's like hi fi or - I thought my gas was over...

So I totally get it. I got to try the SLT ( along with my 12-3) and I kinda already knew I was going to get one but thats to @SadowskySteve it looks like it'll be sooner rather than later...

And I've been plotting to add the Empress Compressor. Totally added to the rig.

 

[dwellers]

And I've been plotting to add the Empress Compressor. Totally added to the rig.

Be sure to check out the Keeley Bassist compressor (limiting amplifier). I really like what it does, which is fairly minimal but important.

 

[Loring]

i did consider that one - but ended up going for the empress as it had a higher rating on ovnilabs and since I'm not very bright - I like having lots of lights to dial it in .

It actually came down to 4 for me personally - keely pro, mark bass compressore, FEA and this one. I'm sure all the keely stuff sounds great and they are super highly regarded but - I wanted the couple of extra features which pushed me up to the pro. Then it came down to money and availability... (where it's made did come into it... )

 

[SteveC]

I went from an SWR rig to an Eden (briefly, odd quality issue) to Genz Benz. I used a Shuttle 3.0-10T combo (with an extra Shuttle 110 cab for a mini stack) for a LONG time. It's all I ever needed as any "big/loud" gigs had PA support. I upgraded to the MG350 Combo a couple months ago. I haven't even added an extra BA10-2 cab yet as one has been enough so far for my limited gigs with no PA support. I used it with a jazz/funk (drums, guitar, keys) quartet in a medium venue and it killed. Roscoe low B, drums with sticks and hitting pretty hard, gain and master at noon at most. Ridiculously good stuff from Jeff for years.

 

[Daveypoo]

Hi...it seems we are on a similar gear journey. I too was an Eden 10 user (4x10 and 2x10) but it was back breaking to haul. Plus I just needed "less is more" from the new gear. Wound up picking up Markbass stuff (a 15 and a 2x10) along with one of their little heads. I really liked the oomph of the 15 (or so I thought) but what I really liked was the size. I was only playing small gigs with fairly mellow bands.

Then I visited Bananas at Large in San Rafael and talked to the owner of the store. Telling him about the MusicMan Stingray I bought new there in 1978 and probably boring him to tears, he told me that I should check out the new Genzler stuff he had. I truly was not in the market for new amplification (as if) but it looked good and I liked the idea of 2 12in cabs as an alternative to the crazy different sound of the Markbass 15 and 2x10.

I brought my stuff to the store to A/B and it was virtually instantaneous. I couldn't believe the difference in musicality of the Genzler amp and cabs. Night and day doesn't begin to describe it. Like listening to AM radio and then someone playing the same song on a high end stereo. I bought 2 of the 12-3 cabs and the Magellan 350 amp and left my Markbass stuff to be sold by Bananas, which they did pretty quickly. I wound up trading up to the 800 amp with a great guy here on the forum (when you buy Genzler you also get this forum which is an added bonus).

Anyway, that's my story and I'm sure it won't end here. But as long as Jeff keeps making such amazing products, along with his personal touch, I see no reason to stray. I encourage you to listen for yourself. My guess is you'll be thrilled!

--David

When I was shopping for my amp about 18 months ago, I went to Bananas at Large in San Rafael to try out the Genzler stuff as well. Ended up ordering my MG800 after that visit. Nice to know that someone else in the Bay Area is rocking the Genzler stuff.

Would love to try the cabs again next time I'm in the market....

 

[chemojay]

Thanks for all the replies. Also Revroy thanks for the link to your post. I started at the beginning and got about 50 pages in to the thread. Maybe I should have started at the end and worked my way backwards.

I didn't really wanna get a 12s vs 10s thing started but I kinda did.

I don't have anywhere real close that I can go test drive one. For the time being I am only in the market for a cab. I plan on pairing it with my genz shuttle 9.1.

Dwellers thanks so much for your description of the difference. Especially being you had the same cab setup as I do now. Its hard to imagine that much difference because that 6x10 (2x10 and 4x10) configuration is a powerful thing. But to be able to go less is more is a big thing. Tech is finally catching up for us bassists. You alone have about convinced me to bite on a 12-3 since our setups were so close to being the same. Which is crazy a little being all I wanted was a single practice cabinet used.

 

[dwellers]

Thanks for all the replies. Also Revroy thanks for the link to your post. I started at the beginning and got about 50 pages in to the thread. Maybe I should have started at the end and worked my way backwards.

I didn't really wanna get a 12s vs 10s thing started but I kinda did.

I don't have anywhere real close that I can go test drive one. For the time being I am only in the market for a cab. I plan on pairing it with my genz shuttle 9.1.

Dwellers thanks so much for your description of the difference. Especially being you had the same cab setup as I do now. Its hard to imagine that much difference because that 6x10 (2x10 and 4x10) configuration is a powerful thing. But to be able to go less is more is a big thing. Tech is finally catching up for us bassists. You alone have about convinced me to bite on a 12-3 since our setups were so close to being the same. Which is crazy a little being all I wanted was a single practice cabinet used.

You really can't go wrong with most of today's modern gear. So useful, easy, powerful, flexible and LOUD! But the Genzler 12 had as much deep extension as the MB 15 (or more) and the thing just sparkled in a way that a tweeter never did, even the Eden. And two of them doing that magic coupling thing Jeff likes to talk about? It's a baby monster. I keep telling my bandmates to turn it up so that I can justify getting a third cab (slant 12) but their little Marshalls just can't keep up.

I think back to when I used a Cerwin-Vega 18 (beast of a box, gray carpet with red trim). I'd use a Marshall knockoff 4x10 on top mostly for looks. I had a Sunn Beta Bass and then a Concert Bass head. Followed that with some ridiculous bi-amp Beverly Hillbillies rig (all purchased from Leo's in Oakland if anyone remembers that place). This stuff is SO much better in every single way. And then you couple that with a builder/designer who actually reads this stuff, answers emails and cares? Come one...this is the best of times for sure.

You are welcome. I'm glad that I've helped. Any good store will offer you an exchange/return so you really can't go wrong. Happy bass days to come for sure!

--DW

 

[svtb15]

I just went to the site .. It appears the 410-3 cabs are now in STOCK.. The OUT of Stock banner has gone away
Invalid Link Removed

 

[Djadja]

Thanks for all the replies. Also Revroy thanks for the link to your post. I started at the beginning and got about 50 pages in to the thread. Maybe I should have started at the end and worked my way backwards.

I didn't really wanna get a 12s vs 10s thing started but I kinda did.

I don't have anywhere real close that I can go test drive one. For the time being I am only in the market for a cab. I plan on pairing it with my genz shuttle 9.1.

Dwellers thanks so much for your description of the difference. Especially being you had the same cab setup as I do now. Its hard to imagine that much difference because that 6x10 (2x10 and 4x10) configuration is a powerful thing. But to be able to go less is more is a big thing. Tech is finally catching up for us bassists. You alone have about convinced me to bite on a 12-3 since our setups were so close to being the same. Which is crazy a little being all I wanted was a single practice cabinet used.

If your need is a small footprint, single practice cab, the BA10-2 is flat out amazing. And it will easily cover many gigs just by itself. I guarantee that when it arrives you'll shake your head and think you made a mistake - it is so small and light... how could it possibly meet your expectations? Then, you'll play it and shake your head, wondering how such a small cabinet can sound so good and go so loud. Had I purchased the 10-2 first, I'm sure I would have been more than satisfied and that single little cab would meet more than 90% of my needs... maybe 100% of them.

That said, the BA12-3 is astoundingly good. The lows are round and tight. The highs are smooth and don't sound at all spikey. The mids are vocal and warm... and the array works.

If I was choosing a single cab and sound, I would choose the 12-3... unless space and/or weight was a larger concern than it is and then I would go with the 10-2. I have both... and am as happy as a clam (however happy they are).

 

[MattLplaysBass]

I just went to the site .. It appears the 410-3 cabs are now in STOCK.. The OUT of Stock banner has gone away
Invalid Link Removed

I just got the Genzler email newsletter as well... It’s like they want ALL my money...

 

[Fishheadjoe]

We recently had a GTG for the Toronto area and although there were only about 8 guys that made it out (first nice day we had in weeks - many took advantage and went out...) the comments were - wow it's like hi fi or - I thought my gas was over...

So I totally get it. I got to try the SLT ( along with my 12-3) and I kinda already knew I was going to get one but thats to @SadowskySteve it looks like it'll be sooner rather than later...

I was at that GTG and it was my first time hearing the Genzler rig. I thought it sounded great. I could hear it all around the room, it was punchy and I could easily hear myself standing in front of it, real close like my tight little gigs.
If I ever get tired of lugging my tubes, I'll have to have a closer look at these...
Fishheadjoe

 

[Jeff Genzler]

I just got the Genzler email newsletter as well... It’s like they want ALL my money...

Hmmm. Maybe not all, but living on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches ain't such a bad thing.

Seriously now --- The Bass Club Chicago will have one next week. At least take it for a test ride!

 

[Discount Saint]

Hmmm. Maybe not all, but living on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches ain't such a bad thing.

Seriously now --- The Bass Club Chicago will have one next week. At least take it for a test ride!

Peanut butter and Genzler sandwiches, anyone?