Genzler Amplification Club

[Djadja]

While I've been a member here for quite a while, I've never really posted. I've read and read and read all the reviews on Genzler and while I'm not an owner (yet) I have made a decision to upgrade my just old GK backline 350.
I've made the decision on Genzler, just deciphering which way. I'm currently leaning Magellan 800 with a 12-3 straight but not sure if I need all the power. Decisions, decisions...any input/feedback would be greatly appreciated.
I play anything but mainly rock and hard rock/metal; very little slap.

What cab are you using with the GK?

I had the 800 and a single BA12-3 for a good while and found it more than adequate for my needs - a moderate volume church band, a moderate volume guitar based pop band, and as a side player for a couple of different singer/songwriters. Indeed, once when I was playing at the showcase club in my town, the sound guy decided to keep me out of the FOH and just let my rig carry the club. The only other time that has happened to me there was an evening when we opened for a local rock band and their gear was the back line - an SVT with an 810. FWIW, I greatly preferred the sound of my own rig. Now, I also have the 350 and BA10-2 which I find is almost always enough for my needs.

That said, I’d worry that hard/metal might really want a bit more speaker area than a single BA12-3 as potent as it is. My rule of thumb is that the bass needs the same or more speaker area as the lead guitar and 10 X’s more power (some folk argue 3-4X’s... in either case, you’re likely fine with the 800). Start with the single BA12-3 but unless you’re already accustomed to a single 12 and it is enough, be ready to need a bit more. Speaker area is critical for moving air.

 

[Spartacus2112]

What cab are you using with the GK?

I was using a GK Backline 410 BLX. Both head and cabinet were old. This was really the first amp outside of a small practice amp that I owned. This is probably about 18 years old. While I never really cared about a specific "sound", I was a plug it in and turn it up type of guy.
As I've grown older and just tired of loud noises, I want something that will stand out for its sound and power but not overwhelm. The guitarist has my ear so he's very open to recommendations and adjustments to simply sound better.

 

[PaulS]

I came from using Hartke 3000 head through a 4x10 xl cab. I am using the 800 with two of the 12-3, and I am very happy, and have gone with just one cab at times. Only jamming with guys at this point, no gigs. Great punch for sure

 

[Spartacus2112]

I came from using Hartke 3000 head through a 4x10 xl cab. I am using the 800 with two of the 12-3, and I am very happy, and have gone with just one cab at times. Only jamming with guys at this point, no gigs. Great punch for sure

This pretty much sounds like my current situation, although we plan on gigging soon at smaller places.

 

[PaulS]

My drummer bangs the hell out of his kit and it has no issues keeping up lol. Again I haven’t gigged, but I haven’t heard anyone here say they used this and had issues. Jeff’s support is great too.

 

[MattLplaysBass]

I would recommend at least 2 12-3’s- they are VERY capable cabinets, but at the end of the day, especially for that genre of music, you’re going to want the ooomph and punch that 2 can bring- possibly 1 straight and one slant. 3 is of course better

That being said, the 410 is also something to consider, would be lighter and easier to manage than your current 410. Reviews have been (not surprisingly) glowing, I have yet to play through one myself as I don’t need any more GAS...

 

[Loring]

The 350 is surprisingly powerful. If I had no PA support, I’d go 800 and a 12 - and if you found you need it you could add another - but the 800 and a 12 is a formidable rig.

2 12's even better...

 

[Modulus 96]

I'm a hard rock / metal / prog metal guy. I don't find a lot of people like myself in this part of the woods so I don't often get a chance to play that kind of music but.... Anyway, I've spent a lot of time looking for something to get me some dirt in my sound. I have the mg350 head. Currently I settled on a TC Electronic Spectra Drive to provide the desired grit.

But I really want the mg800 because of its drive. There's a video a few pages back of, I think it's Joey's video, of him sound checking an mg800 on top of a Genzler 4x10. Wonderful tone with the drive channel on. Great for rock and metal as well imo.

As mentioned I have the 350 head but in combo form. I have 2 12-3's under it. It's got lots of clean clear volume. Plenty of low end. The combo on its own I found didn't have the girth needed at practices. (Plus I felt a bit like the dwarfs dancing around the miniature stone henge in Spinal Tap). Yes, you could be heard but imo at least one cab under the combo was needed. Depends on the genre of music / band volume, etc...

Question, what kind of bass are you using?

 

[jlepre]

Well I finally was able to hook up my (3) cabs to my MG800. It sounded huge and very full. I also have a nice mini tower of (3) 2x8 cabs.

 

[Holdsg]

While I've been a member here for quite a while, I've never really posted. I've read and read and read all the reviews on Genzler and while I'm not an owner (yet) I have made a decision to upgrade my just old GK backline 350.
I've made the decision on Genzler, just deciphering which way. I'm currently leaning Magellan 800 with a 12-3 straight but not sure if I need all the power. Decisions, decisions...any input/feedback would be greatly appreciated.
I play anything but mainly rock and hard rock/metal; very little slap.

2 x 12-3 cabs is much easier to keep up with poundy drummers and loud guitars
3 x 12-3 cabs used to be my go-to rig, really meaty.
then I got the 410. Now a 410 does it for any indoor gig I've had, and add one 12-3 on top for outdoor gigs, 2 x 12-3 for stadium gigs (I'm still hopeful for that last one).
oh, and I use my MG800 and a single 12-3 for my double-bass (with dramatically different eq).

 

[Spartacus2112]

Question, what kind of bass are you using?

Currently an upgraded squire vm jazz, a tired 1983 rickenbacker 4003 as my main two, sometimes an mtd Kingston 5 and a Yamaha fretless.

 

[S-Bigbottom]

This pretty much sounds like my current situation, although we plan on gigging soon at smaller places.

The great thing about the 800 is that the volume knob is very usable the whole range, it does not jump from barely hearing it to oh my god this thing is loud.
No matter what cabs you are using you can turn the volume to where it needs to be and it sounds great, even and especially at coffee shop and conversational level. It is easy to achieve and it sounds the same just quieter.

 

[Todd Larson]

Some great info here, thank you everyone. I'm currently running a 350 Combo which I've had for a year. Love the sound and only compliments at every gig. However, I'll be adding a 5-string in the near future and want to make sure the low-B is totally solid, with headroom. I'm also interested in the 800 for the FX loop and Drive channel. Having a lightweight rig is still important, too. GAS is pointing me towards an upgrade. I'm considering these options:

• Trade up to a 800/12-3 Slant combo. (in which case I would donate the 350 combo to my local jazz school)
• Add a 12-3 Slant to my current 350 Combo
• Keep the 10-2 and upgrade the head to an 800.
• Other?

Thanks in advance for your opinions!

 

[Djadja]

Is GAS your primary motivation here? If so, go all in for the 800 and the BA12-3 SLT while keeping the combo. I like having both rigs... but truthfully, either one would be enough for my uses. You don’t lose anything by turning the 800 down and I haven’t had to turn the combo up to a degree where it complains.

Of course, the 2nd GAS option is to go with the new head and cab while donating the combo... that is a very generous and nice option which also solves the question of where to store two rigs even though neither has a big footprint.

If you’re really worried about the low B at volume - I don’t play a 5 string so cannot give a truly educated opinion - but I’d expect that if there is a problem with the combo, it would have more to do with the cab than the head. So keeping the small cab alone would likely be your least successful option. Either head with the 12-3 or with both cabs would be a good option if that is your primary concern and a realistic concern. Since I don’t know how loud you play or how the little guy would respond to the B at higher volumes, I can’t speak beyond saying I have faith in Genzler.

If the issue is the effects loop and drive channel, then the 800 is your only choice.

The most options if you can’t justify choice #1, is to get the 800, a BA12-3 of either sort, and keep the 10-2 while donating or selling the 350 head.

Least expensive, perhaps most logical, and easiest option is to keep the combo and give it a try with the 5’er to see how it goes then add whatever seems most helpful... but since when does logic have anything to do with gear .

 

[jibass]

I'd like to chime in and mention that the MG350/MG12T-V is a great combination, to my ears much more oomph than the BA10-2. And i'm finding i prefer the "old school" sound of the MG12T-V cabinet. I play 4-string so i can't comment on how the cab sounds with an extended range bass.

I had thought about upgrading the MG350 to MG800 but i am now thinking a second MG12T-V will pull full 4-ohm power from the MG350 and really beef up the sound with 2 x 12, rather than the more powerful amp with single cab.

EDIT: i should add that i play at the "small" end of the spectrum - my MG350 and single cab cover everything i do (or want to do). I appreciate all you cats with your monster rigs but don't discount how great the Genzler products work for us "little guys".

 

[Loring]

Well I finally was able to hook up my (3) cabs to my MG800. It sounded huge and very full. I also have a nice mini tower of (3) 2x8 cabs.
View attachment 3514227 View attachment 3514228

How you liking the trace 2x8?

 

[Joeykun]

I appreciate all you cats with your monster rigs but don't discount how great the Genzler products work for us "little guys".

And vise-versa!

 

[SteveC]

I play a Roscoe 5 with my MG350 Combo and the single 10” does fine - within reason - for every gig I’ve played. Now, I’m not playing super big rooms, but I am playing outside with drummers and guitars and I’m heard no problem. It’s not “thump your chest” loud but that’s not what I’m shooting for.

 

[Todd Larson]

I play a Roscoe 5 with my MG350 Combo and the single 10” does fine - within reason - for every gig I’ve played. Now, I’m not playing super big rooms, but I am playing outside with drummers and guitars and I’m heard no problem. It’s not “thump your chest” loud but that’s not what I’m shooting for.

Thanks all - this is sage advice. I'm mostly doing smallish jazz gigs indoors - Will let you know which way I decide.

 

[SteveC]

Thanks all - this is sage advice. I'm mostly doing smallish jazz gigs indoors - Will let you know which way I decide.

Than I’d say go with a 350/10 combo.