Genzler Amplification Club

[staccatogrowl]

Yes. IMHO your combo will blow that Rumble away. Try to talk the organizer into using it as the backline for the show. Others will thank you as well.

I thought OP @thinktriplets was going to make this suggestion, and I was cringing in anticipation. 1) 10 bands of users, with the possibility of any destroying the backline gear. Better that be a backline Rumble instead of one's coveted personal Genzler gear. 2) Rumble to FOH will be fine for the event. It most likely will be sending its signal to FOH to PA, and is onstage for monitoring purposes only. 3) All users/bassists will be subject to same backline "limitation." So, let your playing ability and song selection make you stand apart. Focus on your playing, and not your gear superiority. "A poor carpenter. ." 4) If you bring anything, let it be a decent DI, only if you first ask FOH for permission to use it, and then be graceful in receiving "no" as your answer. 5) Be mindful of the band changeover challenges, schedule restraints, and all the primadona divas (ordinary egotistical musicians) that FOH will be dealing with that day. Be glad that you're simply a bass player, and not responsible for herding 10 groups of possibly feral cats : )

 

[3wavylines]

I thought OP @thinktriplets was going to make this suggestion, and I was cringing in anticipation. 1) 10 bands of users, with the possibility of any destroying the backline gear. Better that be a backline Rumble instead of one's coveted personal Genzler gear. 2) Rumble to FOH will be fine for the event. It most likely will be sending its signal to FOH to PA, and is onstage for monitoring purposes only. 3) All users/bassists will be subject to same backline "limitation." So, let your playing ability and song selection make you stand apart. Focus on your playing, and not your gear superiority. "A poor carpenter. ." 4) If you bring anything, let it be a decent DI, only if you first ask FOH for permission to use it, and then be graceful in receiving "no" as your answer. 5) Be mindful of the band changeover challenges, schedule restraints, and all the primadona divas (ordinary egotistical musicians) that FOH will be dealing with that day. Be glad that you're simply a bass player, and not responsible for herding 10 groups of possibly feral cats : )

Hi folks,

So I have this upcoming outdoor gig in 2 weeks and we are sharing the stage with 10 other bands. Music style varies from indie folk to indie pop/rock, nothing too heavy (maybe a couple of bands, I don't know). So the organizer wants us to use whatever amps they provide to avoid switching gear between sets... And in this case, it's a Fender Rumble 100W for bass. To be honest, I don't know what to think of this (not being sarcastic):
1. I've never used Fender Rumble amps before so not sure what to expect.
2. My main rig is an MG-800 with NC-212T (MG-350 is my backup amp) — I use this rig on all of my gigs (indoor/outdoor/small to large) and I have peace of mind, not to mention the wide sound spectrum we can get with this setup combination (I guess we all know...).
3. My main concern is that I am very sceptical to use the Rumble, coming from an MG-800.

Now, since I had ordered a BA10-2-S2 cab to use it with my MG-350 as a combo (wanted to take advantage of the MG-350 and not only keep it as a backup amp), I was thinking to bring the 175W combo with me and try to talk the organizer I quickly switch amps four our set, so I can have my sound...

I know the Rumble is a 12" and I will be bringing a 10" cab, but I've never used or heard the BA series before so I don't know if the BA10-2 is a suitable choice in my situation. I don't have any other combo, and I really need to make a quick amp swap between sets, so I don't think head+cab (my MG-350+NC-112T) is an option here.

Should I stick to the Rumble 100W or is the MG-350/BA10-2-S2 combo a better choice? Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I was going to suggest the MAGELLAN PRE in a situation like this. You could plug it into the effects return on the Rumble, and at least have a powerful and familiar EQ.

Since you own the MG-800, I believe you could do more or less the same thing by taking the effects send from the 800 and plugging that into the effects return on the Rumble.

I’m an MG-800 owner. I picked up a used PRE several months ago in part because of the hi-pass filter. Now I can plug the PRE into the effects return of an amp and have that 800 EQ that I like and know how to use.

If the amp does not have an effects loop, then I will make my best guess at setting the EQ flat, and then plug the PRE into the front of the amp.

Another benefit I find from the PRE is if I am on a crowded stage or in a crowded practice space, I can have my EQ and volume right at my feet, and not have to squeeze past people to adjust the bass amp.

Also, the PRE or the MG-800 would be a more than decent DI…

 

[Holdsg]

if I ever did fly gigs (which I don't), yes, a Magellan PRE would be the ticket for me

 

[thinktriplets]

I was going to suggest the MAGELLAN PRE in a situation like this. You could plug it into the effects return on the Rumble, and at least have a powerful and familiar EQ.

Since you own the MG-800, I believe you could do more or less the same thing by taking the effects send from the 800 and plugging that into the effects return on the Rumble.

I’m an MG-800 owner. I picked up a used PRE several months ago in part because of the hi-pass filter. Now I can plug the PRE into the effects return of an amp and have that 800 EQ that I like and know how to use.

If the amp does not have an effects loop, then I will make my best guess at setting the EQ flat, and then plug the PRE into the front of the amp.

Another benefit I find from the PRE is if I am on a crowded stage or in a crowded practice space, I can have my EQ and volume right at my feet, and not have to squeeze past people to adjust the bass amp.

Also, the PRE or the MG-800 would be a more than decent DI…

Yes! Thanks for the suggestion @3wavylines. Actually I do own a Magellan Pre but haven’t been using it that much for gigs as I was using the DI out on my MG-800. I believe @John D Harris also mentioned the same; he uses the modeler into the R100c FX return, bypassing the amp preamp altogether (thanks @John D Harris).
And it got me thinking to take my Magellan Pre with me and see how it goes. Your suggestion just also confirmed it. I guess that’s the way I would go.

 

[Hawk620]

I thought OP @thinktriplets was going to make this suggestion, and I was cringing in anticipation. 1) 10 bands of users, with the possibility of any destroying the backline gear. Better that be a backline Rumble instead of one's coveted personal Genzler gear.

Maybe I just trust to the common sense of other players more than the average guy but I also trust to the nature of a Genzler build. Someone would have to be over the top abusive to break one and if it's my gear I would be close by to see that doesn't happen.

 

[Joeykun]

if I ever did fly gigs (which I don't), yes, a Magellan PRE would be the ticket for me

I’m still on the quest to get more backline companies to carry Genzler Amps. Flying out Friday for a SC show. I’m gonna start duck taping logos until it happens!!!

 

[iriegnome]

Ok. So I am looking for some direction. I have a Magellan 350 and 800. I want my tone to sound like a 1970's Ampeg B-15n. Is this even possible? The tone has a bunch of layers to it, and I know this is a super stretch. From bass, to amp, to speakers, pick... blah blah blah.

 

[Holdsg]

how do you like turning knobs? You have a number of ways to shape tone with those two amps. I think you're wanting to focus on Countour A (less modern than B, I'm trying to remember. It's been a year or more since I owned a Mag800), but beyond that, it's trial and re-trial on how much eq to get you to where you want to be. The bass side of the equation is easier (I think) because chances are it was a P-bass that gave you the tone you were seeking thru the B-15.
Sounds like you want a specific "recipe". Maybe others will comment/provide one.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

how do you like turning knobs? You have a number of ways to shape tone with those two amps. I think you're wanting to focus on Countour A (less modern than B, I'm trying to remember. It's been a year or more since I owned a Mag800), but beyond that, it's trial and re-trial on how much eq to get you to where you want to be. The bass side of the equation is easier (I think) because chances are it was a P-bass that gave you the tone you were seeking thru the B-15.
Sounds like you want a specific "recipe". Maybe others will comment/provide one.

I'm curious about this too. I have an 800. But no B-15 to compare. So this is what Perplexity.ai tells me to do. Right track?

Here's how to dial in a 1970s Ampeg B-15N tone on your Genzler Magellan 800:

Quick Setting Summary​

Control	Setting
Channel	CLEAN (not Drive) fatbasstoneyoutube
Contour A/B Switch	B (amber LED) — vintage curve fatbasstoneyoutube
Contour Shape Knob	9–10 o'clock (slight vintage low-mid bump) youtube+1
Bass EQ	12 o'clock (neutral) or slightly down to 11 o'clock youtubepremierguitar
Mid Frequency Sweep	400–900 Hz (set around 600 Hz) reverb+1
Mid EQ	Boost slightly at 11–1 o'clock premierguitar+1
Treble EQ	11–12 o'clock (slight cut from flat) youtubescribd
Master Volume	As needed for your room youtube
Clean Gain	Set for clean signal without clipping youtube

Why These Settings Work​

Aspect	1970s B-15N Characteristic	Magellan 800 Equivalent
Tone	Warm, woody, thick low-mids reverb+1	Curve B bumps low-mids, cuts highs fatbasstoneyoutube
EQ Style	Passive tonestack, mostly subtractive thetonejournal.substack	Active EQ set near neutral, slight mid boost premierguitar
Frequency Focus	Mid-focused (400–900 Hz sweet spot) reverb+1	Mid sweep at 600 Hz, slight boost basschat
Top End	Soft, rolled-off highs fatbasstone+1	Treble slightly cut, Curve B attenuates highs youtube+1

Key Tips​

1. Start flat: Set all EQ knobs to 12 o'clock, then tweak from thereyoutube+1
2. Curve B is your vintage key: The amber curve specifically "bumps low mids and rolls off highs for vintage sounds"youtube
3. Don't overdo Contour: Keep it at 9–10 o'clock; full clockwise makes it too coloredyoutube
4. Use flatwounds if possible: The B-15N tone is classic with flatwound strings (like Thomastik)premierguitar
5. Running clean: The B-15N is a clean studio amp—don't engage the Drive channel for authentic tonethetonejournal.substack+1

The 1973 B-15N introduced updated tone controls but kept the signature thick low-mid character that makes it a Motown/studio staple. Curve B on the Magellan 800 was specifically designed to emulate this "thicker to vintage" response.reverb+1

 

[iriegnome]

I'm curious about this too. I have an 800. But no B-15 to compare. So this is what Perplexity.ai tells me to do. Right track?

Here's how to dial in a 1970s Ampeg B-15N tone on your Genzler Magellan 800:

Quick Setting Summary​

Control	Setting
Channel	CLEAN (not Drive) fatbasstoneyoutube
Contour A/B Switch	B (amber LED) — vintage curve fatbasstoneyoutube
Contour Shape Knob	9–10 o'clock (slight vintage low-mid bump) youtube+1
Bass EQ	12 o'clock (neutral) or slightly down to 11 o'clock youtubepremierguitar
Mid Frequency Sweep	400–900 Hz (set around 600 Hz) reverb+1
Mid EQ	Boost slightly at 11–1 o'clock premierguitar+1
Treble EQ	11–12 o'clock (slight cut from flat) youtubescribd
Master Volume	As needed for your room youtube
Clean Gain	Set for clean signal without clipping youtube

Why These Settings Work​

Aspect	1970s B-15N Characteristic	Magellan 800 Equivalent
Tone	Warm, woody, thick low-mids reverb+1	Curve B bumps low-mids, cuts highs fatbasstoneyoutube
EQ Style	Passive tonestack, mostly subtractive thetonejournal.substack	Active EQ set near neutral, slight mid boost premierguitar
Frequency Focus	Mid-focused (400–900 Hz sweet spot) reverb+1	Mid sweep at 600 Hz, slight boost basschat
Top End	Soft, rolled-off highs fatbasstone+1	Treble slightly cut, Curve B attenuates highs youtube+1

Key Tips​

1. Start flat: Set all EQ knobs to 12 o'clock, then tweak from thereyoutube+1
2. Curve B is your vintage key: The amber curve specifically "bumps low mids and rolls off highs for vintage sounds"youtube
3. Don't overdo Contour: Keep it at 9–10 o'clock; full clockwise makes it too coloredyoutube
4. Use flatwounds if possible: The B-15N tone is classic with flatwound strings (like Thomastik)premierguitar
5. Running clean: The B-15N is a clean studio amp—don't engage the Drive channel for authentic tonethetonejournal.substack+1

The 1973 B-15N introduced updated tone controls but kept the signature thick low-mid character that makes it a Motown/studio staple. Curve B on the Magellan 800 was specifically designed to emulate this "thicker to vintage" response.reverb+1

This sounds like a perfect place to get started. Nice direction and I'll be darned, I never thought to throw it through AI

 

[ahc]

@iriegnome The speaker cab is a big part of the B-15 sound. I've had no experience with the Genzler cabs but I'm guessing the non-array cabs like the Nu Classic would be closer. Don't quote me on that... go try 'em and decide for yourself. Also AI's choice of TI flats is suspect. LaBella's are a much better choice for that sound. And... B-15 tracks were not always recorded squeaky clean. I'd bet there was some hair on there for the majority of them. If you listen to isolated tracks you'll hear it. For great live tone check out The Faces (Rod Stewart) Live at the BBC. Ronnie Lane gets some great saturated tone out of what looks like the later Thiele cab B-15. Here's an example:

 

[iriegnome]

Personally I love this video. Ronnie's tone is great and the Zemantis bass is pretty cool

 

[Jeff Genzler]

This is all a great discussion. @N. Kentucky Bass has offered up some great settings to get you close to that tone. I also agree with @ahc that speaker cabinet is an important factor as well. @iriegnome , what cab would you be using? The Bass Array can help to get you there becuase of the detail of tone that they offer. It does not always need to be crystal clean. As well, the bass, strings, and your touch will be items to help finalize your specific tone quest.

 

[iriegnome]

@iriegnome The speaker cab is a big part of the B-15 sound. I've had no experience with the Genzler cabs but I'm guessing the non-array cabs like the Nu Classic would be closer. Don't quote me on that... go try 'em and decide for yourself. Also AI's choice of TI flats is suspect. LaBella's are a much better choice for that sound. And... B-15 tracks were not always recorded squeaky clean. I'd bet there was some hair on there for the majority of them. If you listen to isolated tracks you'll hear it. For great live tone check out The Faces (Rod Stewart) Live at the BBC. Ronnie Lane gets some great saturated tone out of what looks like the later Thiele cab B-15. Here's an example:

This is all a great discussion. @N. Kentucky Bass has offered up some great settings to get you close to that tone. I also agree with @ahc that speaker cabinet is an important factor as well. @iriegnome , what cab would you be using? The Bass Array can help to get you there becuase of the detail of tone that they offer. It does not always need to be crystal clean. As well, the bass, strings, and your touch will be items to help finalize your specific tone quest.

My current setup is a Bag End S15c single 15 no horn and a DNA 112 on top of that. I would like to move away from the DNA though. The Bag End is a keeper. The DNA is/was a great topper to the 15, but I feel that it isn't the right cab to fit with the MAG800

 

[ahc]

My current setup is a Bag End S15c single 15 no horn and a DNA 112 on top of that. I would like to move away from the DNA though. The Bag End is a keeper. The DNA is/was a great topper to the 15, but I feel that it isn't the right cab to fit with the MAG800
View attachment 7504200

Try the Genzler cabs. Jeff suggested the array cabs which surprised me, but he would certainly know. Again, I have no experience with the Genzlers yet. To me the fallback position is obvious. You're happy with the Bag End. Get another one.

 

[jjk2007]

Was a fun Friday and Saturday night. Played at a new spot for us on Friday in south Austin and it was the rare occasion for us that PA and soundman were supplied. It was another Genzler highlight as the soundguy was impressed with the DI. Even though I wasn't running the cab all that loud it was so full sounding that he used the PA to try and supplement the sound of the cab than rely on the PA to carry all the weight. The MG & BA410 deliver again! Saturday we were back out at the Kalahari water resort....dodged some rain and had a fun night.

 

[Kenny056]

 

[Luckydog]

Was a fun Friday and Saturday night. Played at a new spot for us on Friday in south Austin and it was the rare occasion for us that PA and soundman were supplied. It was another Genzler highlight as the soundguy was impressed with the DI. Even though I wasn't running the cab all that loud it was so full sounding that he used the PA to try and supplement the sound of the cab than rely on the PA to carry all the weight. The MG & BA410 deliver again! Saturday we were back out at the Kalahari water resort....dodged some rain and had a fun night.

View attachment 7506542

View attachment 7506543

Jjk, I’m always impressed with your video clips. Love the tones you get, strong supportive and tight. Another Genzler/Sadowsky fan.

 

[jjk2007]

Jjk, I’m always impressed with your video clips. Love the tones you get, strong supportive and tight. Another Genzler/Sadowsky fan.

@Luckydog - thanks for the compliment. It definitely helps the player having such great gear to play through. Hoping to have a couple more clips up this week....

 

[soulstar89]

how do you like turning knobs? You have a number of ways to shape tone with those two amps. I think you're wanting to focus on Countour A (less modern than B, I'm trying to remember. It's been a year or more since I owned a Mag800), but beyond that, it's trial and re-trial on how much eq to get you to where you want to be. The bass side of the equation is easier (I think) because chances are it was a P-bass that gave you the tone you were seeking thru the B-15.
Sounds like you want a specific "recipe". Maybe others will comment/provide one.

You should consider genzler 4 on the floor pedal to compliment the contour b channel.