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Upgrading to TCE Blacksmith?

Mjinsk

Mjinsk

Dec 8, 2013
85
1
Brussels, Belgium
#1
Hi everyone!

I'm actually playing on a Genz-Benz stack. I use two XB2 Cabinets (a 4X10 and a 1x15), which are really excellent for me, and a Neo Pak 3.5 head.
I'm seriously thinking about changing my amp head, since i'm looking for something higher in terms of quality.
I thought about going tubes, but it's heavy, and tube changing is complexe and expensive.

As the TC Electronic Blacksmith's price really went down (it's only about 1000 euros now), i'm pretty interested in it. It has some really cool features, it's pretty light (even if it's quite big), and seems to sound really good.
I don't need that much power (please, no "TC-watts-debate" here), but as it is a transistor amp, it will sound quite ok at about any volume, right?
If you have tested it, how would you compare it to amp heads such as a Mesa M6, or a Genz Benz GBE 750/1200? I know it's not exactly quite the same, but anyway...
Finally, would my actual cabinets handle the power of the Blacksmith?

Thanks for your advices. ;)
 
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#5
If you are looking for "higher quality" than Genz-Benz you are going to have a long search and TCE is not it.
True average output of the RH750 is well below 750 watts, it is just made to "sound like it". I don't think you will have any cab troubles.

Link Removed go all the way to the bottom in the small chart for actual perfpormance, the APM is not defeatable.
 
#6
Well, Genz-Benz really makes great stuff. I played on their GBE amp heads, and it's quite cool. But their Neo Pak 3.5, that isn't produced anymore, isn't as good as the GBEs.

What I really like about TC, is all their built-in stuff like the Spectracomp, the Tubetone or the Tweeter stuff, which I find really useful. Their presets are quite interesting for me too, as I play in several bands.

So, my question is more about "is the Blacksmith interesting compared to my Neo Pak 3.5". GBEs are great, but are more expensive than the Blacksmith, where I buy my stuff.
 
#7
The Blacksmith will have more output power than your 3.5. Genz-Benz has been absorbed into Fender (it appears) so existing stock is all you will find, heavy discounts are found in the US. I am not a "toys" player so the bells and whistles don't weigh in with me personally. I can get anything I need with the EQs on most amp heads across genres. Nothing against those using it, I just came from a time where we learned to do it with basic controls and technique. "Old hard ways :)"
 
#11
I really don't know what is available in your area. If you have played the Blacksmith and you feel it suits your needs and price then that is the amp for you. This statement: "I'm seriously thinking about changing my amp head, since i'm looking for something higher in terms of quality." Is where I spoke up. Moving from GB to TCE is not "moving up in quality" from what I have seen, experienced or read ;). Hopefully, as an example they are using a better grade of knobs and pots than the RH series which have been prone to early failure.
 
#12
Well, as I really liked the tone of RH 450 and 750, I think I won't do any mistake if i get the Blacksmith (though i never played on it). It can only be better.
I'm from Belgium, and here, Genz-Benz isn't really famous, so it's hard to get a comparison between these brands, when i discuss about it with other bass players.
 
#14
Ah, see brands and/or models many here in the US can offer may well be out of reach due to transportation costs and import duties/taxes. You still need to consider the service network which can be inconvenient for imported US brands. Genz-Benz is a sleeper product here as well when compared to Ampeg, Hartke, G-K, Fender even Peavey. That does not even take into account brands like Aguilar, Orange or the more boutique builders.
 
#19
Mjinsk said:
I'm not a huge fan of the GK stuff... It's not the type of sound I like.
Click to expand...

If you like the RH750, you will love the Blacksmith. Yes, the TC design is unique, and it has a strong baked in voicing. However, if you like that baked in voicing, then it is a good thing. At that price, I don't see much downside, especially since you have experience with the other heads.
 
#20
OK, thanks for your advices.
I just have one more question.
We often hear that to get a nice sound with a tube amp, you must push the volume and the gain, so that the tube really delivers a nice sound.
But with a transistor amp, either you play at a low or at a pretty high volume, it sounds more or less the same.
Am I right for the transistor part? :)
 

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