Genz Benz reliability?

[jay42]

I've been playing guitar in a group where the Bass is run through one of the small Genz Benz integrated amps and a separate cabinet. The sound is clearly decent and the small package is very appealing, however, I'm used to lots of power in a small package being a recipe for heat and failure. Are these things reliable?

(My bass amp stolen, so I have the opportunity to rethink it all. I had a 4 space rack with a QSC PLX power amp and a DIY Alembic F-2B. It was very nice and did everything I needed.)

[RustyAxe]

I haven't had my Shuttle 6.0-12T for long enough to vouch for its dependability, other than to say in several dozen gigs it has been flawless. It never gets hot (but then, I don't run it with everything twisted up to 11). Reviews were good, and one reason I took the plunge.

[s2y]

I haven't heard of any problems.

[Rick N Boogie]

Solid gear, and the BEST customer service anywhere.

[lpdeluxe]

I have one and two friends have G-B amps also. I just wanted a lightweight amp for playing at senior centers and nursing homes where portability was a lot more important than volume, so I got a Shuttle 3.0-10t. For playing with a live drummer, I added a second 10t cab. In that situation, I cranked it up pretty loud since it was basically our dance hall band brought back to life. There have been no issues with the amp even getting warm. The class D operation (and the lack of any preamp tubes in the model) means that you can put your hand on it and not feel any heat.

My friends have 6.0s, with the added preamp tube circuit (one has the 12t and the other, the 210t) and I know they have done outdoor summer gigs without problems.

The one thing we have run into is the poor quality connectors, which are a little fiddley sometimes, but it's never been a gig killer. For serious jobs I take a Mesa/Boogie Walkabout head with two G-B 10t cabinets, and have never had anything resembling a problem, playing various outdoor gigs and theatres.

We three love our Genz-Benz amps. A great invention for is older guys -- I just turned 70, and I'm loving not horsing around giant amps like I used to.

[harpinon]

I had a GB combo and it kept farting out big time. I returned it promptly after one gig.It was not a Shuttle, so it may not be related.
I have not heard of GB Shittle's having problems myself.

[CavePassivePedals]

Originally Posted by Rick N Boogie

the BEST customer service anywhere.

This

[moonshinegtrs]

I have a Shuttle 6.0 with 2 1x12 cabinets. I've had it for about two years & I still can't get over how something so small & light can sound so huge.

My GB rig caused to finally sell my Hartke stack (HA5000 head; rack mounted, 2x15 & 2x10 cabinets), which I dearly loved, except for it being almost as tall as I am (okay, that part was cool) as well as weighing as much as I do (almost)... Man, did it sound great! But I get more compliments on my sound using the GB rig.

Genz Benz Rocks.

Moonshine

[jay42]

It looks like some models have a preamp tube and some don't. Any preferences?

[CavePassivePedals]

Originally Posted by jay42

It looks like some models have a preamp tube and some don't. Any preferences?

The Streamliner has 3 tubes, and on the "SVT" setting is superb.

[Dumble]

Got an el diablo 60 combo for sale for $400 if anyone is interested

[c_mac]

They are talking bass amps, homey. Try to keep up.

[Red Planet]

I own two Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0's. I use one for my bass rig and one to power our monitors. The 9.0 offers up 900 earth shaking, bone crushing, SVT spanking watts and barely weighs anything. I also owned the Shuttle 12.0 and Streamliner 900 both fantastic amps. I'm guessing in a few years there will be a number of guitarist using the Streamliner as it has 3 12AX7's in the preamp and overdrives like a warm diesel engine. Imagine the Streamliner 600 plugged into a 4x12 with Greenbacks or a 1x12 with a CL80 in it. I tried it, works really good.

The warranty on all Genz Benz gear is fully transferable and if you ever have a problem those guys will take care of you no matter. They go the extra mile to make their customers happy and are well known for this.

I have not had the first issue with any GB product I have owned. Jeff Genzler (the guy who started the company many moons ago) is still calling the shots. GB was sold to Fender years ago but Fender stays out of Jeff's way and lets him run it like he sees fit. An extremely wise move IMO.

[Lublin]

Amazing gear and the CS is great. I own a Shuttle 6.0.

[jay42]

I ended up buying a new Shuttle 9.0 through Amazon for a good price. Sounds great!