Genzler Amplification Club

[SteveC]

I have played Genzler (Genz Benz) for a long time. I also debated Bergantino when I was looking - couple years ago. I went Genzler for a couple reasons. First was history. I’ve played Jeff’s Products for years. I’ve always been happy with the sound, dependability and ease of use. People I play with have always liked my sound. Second was affordability. Jim’s stuff is more expensive. Is it better? That’s debatable I guess. It’s different for sure. Third was great customer service, but I think both excel at that.

I have friends with Berg stuff and I’ve tried it. It’s great. Sounds great. The upgradability of the Bergantino stuff is a cool idea. I guess I’d go with the Forte as it isn’t menu driven. But the B|Amp has some cool features.

Bottom line is both are great choices. They are different, but I don’t think there’s a wrong choice. My Genzler stuff works, it’s paid for, and it sounds great. Unless I want to change for the sake of change, I’ll probably sit tight with my MG350/112 combo.

This is all coming from the perspective of a player who needs an amp for like 5% of my gigs these days. Almost everything I do is DI/IEM with a good sound system. My amp is for small gigs like jazz quartets at farmers markets, musical, things like that.

 

[Joeykun]

I agree with Steve. I have also been a long time GENZ BENZ/GENZLER guy for over a decade. I’ve done thousands of gigs and everything worked and sounded great just like the first time I plugged it in. Never having to worry about dependability is key for a working musician. That’s why I always stayed with Jeff. Great sounding gear, reliable and the best customer service with a personal touch. What more can you ask for!

 

[dwellers]

Question for you all: if I plug a preamp pedal into my Magellan 350, both the head and pedal’s preamp will be “active” correct?

Interested in an Aguilar Tone Hammer pedal but wondering if having both preamps on changes the sound/tone too much.

Thanks guys!

I have a Tone Hammer pedal (picked up used at The Bass Shop in Seattle, great store) and I have to say that while it's ok, it's just ok. None of the tone shaping sounds as "organic" or usable throughout the range as it is on my MG800 head. I use it as a practice DI but don't feel it necessary when I gig or record. If someone offered to buy it I would probably part with it as it's not a must carry/must use piece of gear. I get all I want from the MG800 with little in front of it in the way of tone shaping.

Hope that helps.

--David

 

[FeltTipPen]

I have a Tone Hammer pedal (picked up used at The Bass Shop in Seattle, great store) and I have to say that while it's ok, it's just ok. None of the tone shaping sounds as "organic" or usable throughout the range as it is on my MG800 head. I use it as a practice DI but don't feel it necessary when I gig or record. If someone offered to buy it I would probably part with it as it's not a must carry/must use piece of gear. I get all I want from the MG800 with little in front of it in the way of tone shaping.

Hope that helps.

--David

Thank you for this David. I know how much the TH pedal is well liked so good to hear other opinions. I could see that for me, it would be specific and never used more than what my MG350 gives. Probably could save my $ in this case!

 

[FeltTipPen]

Same power, just difference in the distortion level as to the power rating used. I own both Genzler and Berg.
View attachment 3889087
View attachment 3889088

Eddie, what model is the smaller Schroeder? I have the Mini 12+L and it sounds great with my MG-350.

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

Eddie, what model is the smaller Schroeder? I have the Mini 12+L and it sounds great with my MG-350.

The top is a 12PL, bottom is an older model 1212L (one 12 is in a corner slot load). Both are 8 ohm cabs.

 

[FeltTipPen]

Nice!

How do you like your G&L fretless through your MG? Learning more about EQ in general to find a clean sweet spot for that bass, which I love.

 

[dwellers]

Thank you for this David. I know how much the TH pedal is well liked so good to hear other opinions. I could see that for me, it would be specific and never used more than what my MG350 gives. Probably could save my $ in this case!

Don't get me wrong, it's a nice if not colorful (that's not a bad thing) pedal and best as I can tell it does give you the Aguilar sound. But I honestly bought my Genzler head for the "Genzler" sound and I find that a good compressor (Keeley is what I have) and whatever effects like chorus you use are more than enough. I don't mean to knock the Aggie...I just haven't found it necessary for most applications. And of course, YMMV, LOL, FWIW, ATLGOAO*...



*And The List Goes On And On

 

[Djadja]

Question for you all: if I plug a preamp pedal into my Magellan 350, both the head and pedal’s preamp will be “active” correct?

Interested in an Aguilar Tone Hammer pedal but wondering if having both preamps on changes the sound/tone too much.

Thanks guys!

If you go into the normal input, yes, you'll be running two preamps and there is more than a little redundancy going on. If you like what that does, it is not a problem. I think you could also come out of the preamp pedal into the effects return on the back of the amp and by-pass the Genzler's preamp if you prefer the sound of that preamp over the internal one in the Genzler

 

[Djadja]

Hi all,

Looking to purchase a new amp head. My local boutique dealer stocks Genzler and Bergantino. Obviously I'm preaching to the converted here, but can people tell me why I might choose the Magellan 800? My previous head was a GK MB800Fusion.

The extra 100w on the Magellan seems nice (compared to 700 4ohm on the Forte) but I'm not sure if I'll actually hear too much of a difference volume/headroom-wise so my main question is about tone/build/features etc. I realise i'm comparing two excellent heads here.

Any experience of both would be appreciated! I'm using a Phil Jones C8 cabinet 800w @ 4ohm.

I asked this same Q over at the Bergantino thread too.

As you said, you've been talking to the converted. For me the Genzler translates my playing and my bass exactly as I want. It speak with authority in every register. I can get a great sound without any fighting. I run a small concert series and have used my Genzler rig as a backline for multiple acts and all have been able to find a sound they wanted quickly and easily.

If you're looking at the Forte, I believe it has the same power module as the Genzler so the different ratings don't likely reflect much if any difference at all in the real world.

I think the Forte is not software based like the B|Amp correct? So like the Genzler, what you get is what you get.

Both companies are known for great products and excellent support.

While they probably have different voices, I'd expect both sound great. I have played the B|Amp and was impressed by it even without touching any of the software mods... but not enough to abandon my Genzlers

So... if you don't a preference for the voice of one over the other, I'd look at features. The Forte has a built in compressor right? The Genzler has a footswitchable dirty channel. Does one have an assembly of I/O that works better for you? The Genzler's DI is top notch. I don't know about the Forte's although I would expect it is excellent as well. The Genzler goes down to 2.67 ohms. I think the Forte will do 2. Is that important to you? The EQ's are different - a high and low mid on the Forte vs. a semi parametric plus the contour control on the Genzler. Price? Which one looks better to you?

I don't think either way is a bad choice.

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

Nice!

How do you like your G&L fretless through your MG? Learning more about EQ in general to find a clean sweet spot for that bass, which I love.

I like the fretless sound I get will enough, but the gig rig is a little nicer for me, just saying.

And I usually don't do the G&L Fretless as much as I use my Custom USA Spector Fretless.

 

[FeltTipPen]

If you go into the normal input, yes, you'll be running two preamps and there is more than a little redundancy going on. If you like what that does, it is not a problem. I think you could also come out of the preamp pedal into the effects return on the back of the amp and by-pass the Genzler's preamp if you prefer the sound of that preamp over the internal one in the Genzler

Good to know that a preamp pedal could be a matter of personal taste with both preamps on.

As for the 350, no effects return but I have been highly considering the 800!

 

[Joeykun]

I use a Darkglass B7KU before my Magellan 800 to get more of a sculptured mild breakup tone with great results. The Genzler delivers what you put into it nicely with no additional coloring.

So, if you like a certain preamp pedal there is no problem using it before the Magellan.

 

[Djadja]

Good to know that a preamp pedal could be a matter of personal taste with both preamps on.

As for the 350, no effects return but I have been highly considering the 800!

I had forgotten that... I have both heads but never use the effects loop (obviously)

 

[Djadja]

Good to know that a preamp pedal could be a matter of personal taste with both preamps on.

As for the 350, no effects return but I have been highly considering the 800!

I had forgotten that... I have both heads but never use the effects loop (obviously)

 

[soong]

Thank you so much to everyone who replied to my earlier Q about the Magellan 800! Very helpful!

As you said, you've been talking to the converted. For me the Genzler translates my playing and my bass exactly as I want. It speak with authority in every register. I can get a great sound without any fighting. I run a small concert series and have used my Genzler rig as a backline for multiple acts and all have been able to find a sound they wanted quickly and easily.

If you're looking at the Forte, I believe it has the same power module as the Genzler so the different ratings don't likely reflect much if any difference at all in the real world.

I think the Forte is not software based like the B|Amp correct? So like the Genzler, what you get is what you get.

Both companies are known for great products and excellent support.

While they probably have different voices, I'd expect both sound great. I have played the B|Amp and was impressed by it even without touching any of the software mods... but not enough to abandon my Genzlers

So... if you don't a preference for the voice of one over the other, I'd look at features. The Forte has a built in compressor right? The Genzler has a footswitchable dirty channel. Does one have an assembly of I/O that works better for you? The Genzler's DI is top notch. I don't know about the Forte's although I would expect it is excellent as well. The Genzler goes down to 2.67 ohms. I think the Forte will do 2. Is that important to you? The EQ's are different - a high and low mid on the Forte vs. a semi parametric plus the contour control on the Genzler. Price? Which one looks better to you?

I don't think either way is a bad choice.

This is fantastic, thank you so much.

 

[FeltTipPen]

Thanks all for the help on the preamp pedal info! You all are really helpful!

 

[FeltTipPen]

@soong, just a couple of days ago I happened on your excellent Sharay Reed “Joy” cover!

 

[flyingfinbar]

I use a Darkglass B7KU before my Magellan 800 to get more of a sculptured mild breakup tone with great results. The Genzler delivers what you put into it nicely with no additional coloring.

So, if you like a certain preamp pedal there is no problem using it before the Magellan.

Same! My B7K is always on, and it works nicely with the MG800.

 

[Basselink]

Is there a statute of limitations on a Genzler NAD? Got the MG800 and a BA12-3 back in mid-January and didn't get anywhere enough gigs in before things shut down - but hopefully I'll be able to grab another 12-3 (or 2) before starting up again. Numbers still available?