The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Bass Amps & Effects => Topic started by: morrow on September 28, 2022, 10:59:17 AM

Title: Family pic
Post by: morrow on September 28, 2022, 10:59:17 AM
(https://i.postimg.cc/7YhSfSzj/2-C3-F1-EC2-8459-4561-833-F-DD30-C13670-BB.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

With the recent addition I figured it was a good excuse for a group shot. So here goes ...
The GenzBenz Streamliner is 900 watts and has a three tube preamp so it can get warm sounding , it was serviced by Andy Field and is like a brand new amp . The Bergantino Forte is my main gig amp these days , it's a simple transparent head with some serious slam , 700 watts at 4 ohms. The SWR a is fairly recent find , 400 watts , but there's a lot of stuff packed in that little package , another hybrid with a tube preamp. The Darkglass Exponent can be programmed via a tablet , and is an amazing little thing. 500 watts at 4 ohms. The GK MB200 was a longtime favourite as a practice amp , completely love it. When it went down I got it fixed.
And the Hotone Thunderbass is one dandy little headphone amp.
I usually have two practice rigs on the go and keep my gigging gear totally separate , so it's just a matter of grab and go. I don't have to wonder about forgetting anything.
Not pictured is my little GK MB150 combo. Initially bought for my upright it quickly became a favourite little amp , still used mostly as a moderate volume rehearsal amp. Quick to grab and head out the door.
Now I know there's a lot of old school tube heads , and I totally get and respect that , but for me Class D works very well , and I love the small , lightweight package. They give me a nice warm deep old school thump.
I like 'em !
Title: Re: Family pic
Post by: morrow on September 28, 2022, 11:02:39 AM
Double post
Title: Re: Family pic
Post by: gearHed289 on September 29, 2022, 08:04:54 AM
Nice stack! And the total weight is probably less than my '74 SVT.  ;D
Title: Re: Family pic
Post by: morrow on September 29, 2022, 12:41:04 PM
Less than a V4B.
Title: Re: Family pic
Post by: gearHed289 on September 30, 2022, 07:41:42 AM
Quote from: morrow on September 29, 2022, 12:41:04 PM
Less than a V4B.

:mrgreen:
Title: Re: Family pic
Post by: ilan on October 01, 2022, 04:37:57 AM
Great stack!

Class D is a miracle. After decades of schlepping monstrous tube amps that clip at 3-4, now we have 500W of clean sound all the way to 11, that fits in the gig bag pocket.
Title: Re: Family pic
Post by: slinkp on October 02, 2022, 04:35:50 PM
It's a miracle, yes.  I know the deal with these is that when the fancy circuitry dies, you've basically got a doorstop, which is a shame... but meanwhile I've been using the same Genz-Benz Shuttle for 13 years, and it's still the best amp I've ever owned by far, and I haven't even thought of buying a new one since I got it.
(Prior to that I owned, and sold, various combos and heads by Roland, Peavey, Randall, GK, Eden, Acoustic Image, and Thunderfunk.)
Title: Re: Family pic
Post by: Pilgrim on October 02, 2022, 06:03:07 PM
Quote from: slinkp on October 02, 2022, 04:35:50 PM
It's a miracle, yes.  I know the deal with these is that when the fancy circuitry dies, you've basically got a doorstop, which is a shame... but meanwhile I've been using the same Genz-Benz Shuttle for 13 years, and it's still the best amp I've ever owned by far, and I haven't even thought of buying a new one since I got it.
(Prior to that I owned, and sold, various combos and heads by Roland, Peavey, Randall, GK, Eden, Acoustic Image, and Thunderfunk.)

I'm in the same situation.  I have a Shuttle 6.2 and a 12T and 210T set of cabs.  It's excess power for most of what I do, and I often play a Fender Rumble 100 V3 instead.  But as long as Andy is on TB I know I can get the Shuttle repaired if anything happens to it.  Frankly, I doubt anything will happen to it.  I feel very comfortable about that.

I sold a Sunn Coliseum-300 when I got the G-B Shuttle.  Great amp, but quite heavy.  I didn't need that.
Title: Re: Family pic
Post by: morrow on October 02, 2022, 09:41:09 PM
Andy Field still services Genz Benz amps and does factory upgrades. If you like the old Shuttles have him service them , after a trip to the spa they return like a brand new amp. He checks every circuit and the cost is more than reasonable. He designed them. I believe he's on this forum . As agedhorse . He's certainly a presence on TB. He believes in the legacy of his earlier designs , as he should.
Having him check out my Liner was probably the best investment I made in gear at the time. And there was a 24 hour turnaround , the shipping took more time. I was sending mine from Nova Scotia ...
If you love those old GenzBenz heads I totally recommend it ...
The only catch is if an unauthorized repair person has screwed things up , he will charge to undo the meddling. Thankfully mine had never been molested.
Those old Genz Benz heads are wonderful things.
Title: Re: Family pic
Post by: gearHed289 on October 03, 2022, 08:55:50 AM
I'm still pretty old school, but I do use my class D Ampeg pretty often.

Title: Re: Family pic
Post by: morrow on October 03, 2022, 10:48:13 AM
I'm in pretty good shape , all things considered , but I appreciate the light weight and size of modern design , and they sound great for my needs. I can load in to the local blues dive in just one trip. If I need an extra cab I can do it in two.
It's not needed for the majority of gigs I do.
I tend to just do the downtown bars so I drive the stuff downtown , and load it in and out. No rockstar , just a blue collar musician. No complaints , I enjoy the gigs I do , if I don't think it's going to be fun I don't do them. Simple ...
Title: Re: Family pic
Post by: Pilgrim on October 03, 2022, 04:45:30 PM
Quote from: morrow on October 03, 2022, 10:48:13 AM
I'm in pretty good shape , all things considered , but I appreciate the light weight and size of modern design , and they sound great for my needs. I can load in to the local blues dive in just one trip. If I need an extra cab I can do it in two.
It's not needed for the majority of gigs I do.
I tend to just do the downtown bars so I drive the stuff downtown , and load it in and out. No rockstar , just a blue collar musician. No complaints , I enjoy the gigs I do , if I don't think it's going to be fun I don't do them. Simple ...

I think you are doing it the right way.  I salute you.
Title: Re: Family pic
Post by: morrow on October 03, 2022, 05:09:06 PM
I manage to do enough gigs so Herself never gives me grief if I bring another bass or amp home.
Heh ...