Genz Benz upgrade to Markbass?

djett

djett

Supporting Member
Jun 13, 2012
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4,551
Big Canoe, GA
#1
I came across a posting today selling a Markbass rig as follows: CMD 102P (600W w/ 2 10 inch speakers) coupled with a Traveler 151P (15" 400W cab) for $775. It gave me gas but I am having some second thoughts and would like some opinions. I currently have a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.2 (600W) that is a combo with 2 12" speakers with smaller twitter speakers in each of the two cabs. Although the MB is certainly more in terms of speakers including the big 15" cab; the GB has a tube pre-amp which provides a lot of versatility in sounds. I would think I could sell my GB rig for something close to the cost of the MB rig. Would appreciate thoughts (pros/cons) and opinions. Thanks DJ
 
#3
If I owned your rig, I would not consider the move to Markbass (especially one with piezo tweeters) to be an upgrade in any respect from quality to tone. That said, if you love the Markbass voicing or want the additional volume you might get, your ears are the only ones that need to be satisfied at the end of the transaction.
 
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#6
djett said:
Thanks for such quick and informative responses. I really appreciate the input and knowledge from this forum. I’m quite happy with my current GB rig and you have reaffirmed my opinion. Sometimes I get interested in something different but not necessarily better. You saved me from making a bad decision.
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Not sure if you know this or not, but our very own @agedhorse is the factory service tech for Genz Benz should you ever need it. He probably designed your amp!
 
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#7
mmbongo said:
Not sure if you know this or not, but our very own @agedhorse is the factory service tech for Genz Benz should you ever need it. He probably designed your amp!
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I did indeed.
 
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#13
I have both a GB 6.2 and Focus 112 rig and a MB CMD 121P and NY 112 rig. I like them both. The GB head I would characterize as having a cleaner and more detailed sound than the MB, and the EQ options are more flexible. The MB has a definite mid-forward sound that has its own personality, which you might either like or not. The 121P is undeniably convenient for toting around and quick setup. And the MB works well with my upright’s piezo with no external preamp (Realist Lifeline pickup), while it sounds better with the FDeck preamp through the GB.

Hope that helps!
 
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#14
OzzyGreg said:
It morphed into ........

Homepage - Genzler Amplification
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Not really.

Gena Benz was shut down by Fender (the owner's at the time). Jeff went one way by starting an entirely new company and I went another way by joining Mesa Boogie.

One bit of good news is that the previous owners of Genz Benz (KMC and Fender) have graciously encouraged us to continue supporting the Genz Benz brand as everybody involved has the common desire to provide the best customer service possible. If you need factory authorized service, just PM me and I will get you the necessary details.
 
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#17
Heavy Blue said:
Thx Oz, good to know. I had only checked out one G-B rig before they morphed and it was really good so now I'll check this out too.

Out of curiosity, is this one of those situations where Genzler is now somehow competing against itself? (a la DNA or Lakland)
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Not really. Fender bought Genz and shut it down. Jeff Genzler started Genzler amps, and the guy who designed the Genz amps went to Mesa and created the Subway line, and he still does factory service on Genz Benz.
 
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#18
Those are two very different sounding rigs when you factor in the cabinets. Contrary to what you read on TB, opinions on sound and tone are subjective. Your best option would be to try the rig out and see if it is what you prefer. That being said, I am a long-time Markbass user and I would never defend their customer service. It is mediocre, at best.
 
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#20
Heavy Blue said:
Thx Oz, good to know. I had only checked out one G-B rig before they morphed and it was really good so now I'll check this out too.

Out of curiosity, is this one of those situations where Genzler is now somehow competing against itself? (a la DNA or Lakland)
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As was said, Genz Benz closed down and the DNA gets passed forward a bit into both Genzler and the Mesa Subway line... neither of which is exactly like the Genz Benz or each other but both of which, IMHO, are improvements over the already excellent Genz Benz gear.

so... if you like the Genz Benz, do check out both the Genzler and the Subway. You'll hear some of what you loved in the Genz Benz plus some improvements as each company goes down a slightly different path.

FWIW, I owned two Genz Benz Shuttles (a 3.0 and a 9.0) and loved them. I don't regret for a second moving forward with the Genzler Magellan 800 & Magellan 350 and I love the bass array cabs.
 
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