Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0

[58rodvaz]

Hi Ed, i'm a brasilian bass player and i would like to know if you play with a streamliner series a stm-600 or a stm -900 if yes ,what your impressions?? . And what dou think about a neodymiun speakers because i never see a neo cabinets face to face ,THANKS.

[BassGuitarMag]

@58rodvaz - Yes, I have a Streamliner here, I'm going to shoot a demo of it this weekend. Keep your eyes open, it'll be online soon. Neo speakers are great, they cut the weight of a cabinet in half.

[VenousPlatypus]

I just want a head that can make the low B clear so i can play a 5 string without cringing whenever i hit a low note..

[RriverJJ]

very good

[Alvabass]

Hi, Mr. Friedland. Currently I'm looking for a compact and powerful amp and the GB Shuttle 9.0 is one of the contenders. I plan to use the amp with a 4-Ohm Schroeder 1210R cab, rated 850W. I'd like to know if you have tested the MarkBass F 500, which is the other strong contender in my list. Of course I know that tone and features are a matter of taste, but anyway I'd like to know your personal preference (assuming you are familiar with the MarkBass). Thank you so much for your great job!

[BassGuitarMag]

@Alvabass - I haven't tried the F500, though I did play through a Little Mark a while back. My personal preference is the Genz, but Markbass has many big name endorsers that seem to like it. I would suggest doing a search on Talkbass and see what people that have owned them have to say, there's no substitute for personal experience.

[nanymoa]

Ed, greetings from Argentina. Here it's really hard to get what I call real good stuff. Shops tend to import top of the chart massive brands and leave this sort of "jewel like" boutique bass amps out of their lineup. A friend from USA will buy for me this amp with a Bergantino AE-210 cab. Can't wait to get it. My goal is to sound clear and beefy, with a studio monitor feel but with more growl. Am I pointing the right way?

You make the best bass reviews I've seen. Thanks.

[BassGuitarMag]

@nanymoa - Yes, it sounds like you're getting gear that is going to do that for you.

[AdamClaytonWright]

need to review this with the '74 jazz

[HollowBanki]

Hi Ed can you answer a two questions for me, please?

On the 6.0 head you said you needed to remove the speaker to use the headphones jack, is that true with the 9.0 as well? And would it be possible to use the 9.0 like a really versatile pedal? I.E. plugging into the 9.0 then running it right into a PA system, would that be possible? Thanks. L.T.

[BassGuitarMag]

@HollowBanki - If you want to listen with headphones only, you'll need to disconnect the speaker, but I believe the headphone jack still works with the speaker connected.

Yes, you could use the Shuttle as a "pedal" and go direct into the PA, but you would use the DI out, not the headphone jack, and definitely NOT the speaker out.

[HollowBanki]

@BassGuitarMag Oh thanks soo much Ed you're a life saver. I'm going to get this head as soon as i can. I'll let you know how it turns out, thanks again!

[6690698]

ED!! I live in Downey , CA. there's a guitar center in Hollywood, Cerritos, and The South Bay none these guys carry Genz Benz. Gotta play through it with my bass before I buy it ! What to do?????

[BassGuitarMag]

@6690698 - Maybe you can find a Genz dealer on their website. Someone must carry it within driving distance.

[6690698]

@6690698 thanks ED! done just that, found a small music store. call em in the morning. Peace my brother!!!

[sasukeuchihalb]

@BassGuitarMag no pervertedness intended. just saying you are quite possibly one of the greatest bassists alive!

[BassGuitarMag]

@sasukeuchihalb - I appreciate the thought, however.... There are a great many bass players kicking butt in this world, doubt I really deserve such high praise, but thanks again.

[FatTomy]

@BassGuitarMag no you deserve it ;)

[sasukeuchihalb]

everytime you do slap bass i have a orgasm in my pants.

[BassGuitarMag]

@sasukeuchihalb - How special.

[jakebass93]

how well would the shuttle 9.0 pair with two 8 ohm uber 4x10

[BassGuitarMag]

@jakebass93 - Wow, that would be scary good!

[dirtymungoo]

i hear it has a lot of grind but can it produce a clean tone aswell?

[remoman]

nice review, how much louder is the 9.0 compared to the Shuttle 6.0 through a 410 4 ohm cab?

[BassGuitarMag]

@remoman - I have no way of measuring this. It's slightly louder, but it is also voiced differently. It has a wider and deeper low end response, and has more headroom, so it stays cleaner at high volume.

[remoman]

@BassGuitarMag I guess I'm interested in perceived loudness increase (not empirical SPL figures or anything). The reason I ask is I currently own a 6.0 and want to know if you think it's worth upgrading to a 9.0. I use an Epifani UL-410 4 ohm cab.

[BassGuitarMag]

@remoman - Even still, I can't really tell you how MUCH louder it is. It IS louder, and has more bottom and headroom. I think it would sound better with the 410.

[jtromsness]

what kind of bass is hanging in the background? It looks pretty deadly.

[BassGuitarMag]

@jtromsness - Music Man 25th Anniversary model, check my channel for the full review!

[chickenandababy]

excellent!!!

[chjohnst]

Does the preamp tube actually do anything for the tone? I have been looking at the Markbass Tube and the new GK Fusion (has 3 tubes), but I have yet to hear the GK. From what I have read the Markbass tube does nothing for the sound tonally.

[BassGuitarMag]

@chjohnst - Yes, I think it does change the tone. I can base that on hearing the Shuttle Max which has both solid state and tube channels. The tube has coloration that most people would describe as "warmer" than the SS channel. Plus, with the pre gain, you can decide how hard you want to hit the tube at the input, which adds distortion, also making it sound warmer.

[chjohnst]

@BassGuitarMag I am thinking of pairing this head (or the 6.0 head) with two bergantino or ephiphani cabinets. 900 watts provides a lot of headroom but may be a bit over powering in a 4ohm configuration.

[BassGuitarMag]

@chjohnst - I think the 9.0 would sound killer with either of those stacks. You might want to check the power rating on the cabs, but since you're dividing the load into two boxes, it should be fine. Like with any rig, you have to use common sense when pushing it to the limits, but I'm sure the Bergies would handle it.

[chjohnst]

@BassGuitarMag I am looking at two 8ohm rigs so I have cabinet for small gigs, rehearsals and another stack available for my home studio or bigger gigs. I am just in a toss up on getting (2) HT112 from bergantino or (1) Epiphani 2x10 and (1) Epiphani 15!.

[chjohnst]

Also is it a single tube or multiple?

[SirGrotius]

Great video, very informative, and I'm envious of your playing skills. You look so relaxed!

[sonicshori]

hi i wanted to ask you have you tried t.c electronics staccato and is it worth the money and i really like your videos keep the good stuff coming

[jjl5590]

awesome bass, i gotta get one!

What one is it?

[borcemiovski]

how much does it cost the head and rhe cabinet?

[TheBassfresh]

Would love to see you reveiw the new GK MB 115 combo. Great gigging amp.

[orlan7]

Hi, Ed. Amazing and usefull as always.

Can I use the GB Shuttle 9.0 with an Agular DB 112? It's rated 500 watts, thanks for reeading

[WillSpengler]

If it's an 8 ohm cab, then you are fine. If it's a 4 ohm cab, you'd be risking pushing too much power. But as long as you weren't to push the amp too much, and you listen to your speakers, you'd be fine.

[hamboner2005]

whats the price on one of those bad boys

[Hogweedmusic]

Hi Ed.

Have you played the Shuttle max 12??

If so, what do or did you think about it..

[BassGuitarMag]

Yes, I like it. It has the two channels - SS and tube preamp. I like that option. It's a great amp.

[theswineflu009]

how does the sterling sound compared to a stingray? i've always had an interest in ernie ball basses, mainly the stingray. is there a big difference between the two or basically the same tone?

[BassGuitarMag]

The Sterling has ceramic magnets, the Stingray has alnico. Ceramic tends to be more edgy and aggressive, alnico less so. But the Sterling has the 3-way switch for series/single/parallel (SR5s do to, but not SR4s). The switch makes the biggest difference as the SR4 is parallel only. Listen to the SBMM SB14 vs the Ray 34 video and you can hear the difference.

[theswineflu009]

thanks for the help! i appreciate it. great videos, keep em comin

[Hogweedmusic]

Thtat's right... my bad.. but i think you can get the 410 as an 8ohm cab.. but can i then run both the 410 and the 210? If i can i'm golden....

[BassGuitarMag]

I know they list an 8ohm 410 on they're website, but I'm not sure if it's still in production.

As long as you don't go below 4 ohms, and/or go way over the cab's combined power handling capacities, you're all set no matter what you use.

[Hogweedmusic]

Oh, if it's no longer in production..... Then i might go for option number two the ST 112T or 210T extention cabs.. I'm hooked on the genz benz stuff now after i got my self the 210 combo...

The only downside is that the dealer here in Norway might Stop selling the stuff...

Thank's again Ed, your innput on thees things are always helpfull

[Hogweedmusic]

Oh, BTW I was thinking a 410 and a 212....

I'll give it a try..to see how it sounds....

[BassGuitarMag]

Well, you can't run both. The 212 and 410 are both 4 ohms each, and the Shuttle can only power one at a time. Both would be a 2 ohm load... don't do that!

[Hogweedmusic]

Hi Ed, thanks for getting back to me...

[Hogweedmusic]

Hi Ed,

Can you hook up the Shuttle 6.0 to that UBER cab? Or is it to powerfull??

[BassGuitarMag]

Sure you can use the 6.0 with the Uber. It's not as powerful as the 9.0, but it will run it.

[Pinstripedtie]

Love that bass you're playing!

Is that the Sterling?

[BassGuitarMag]

Yes, that is my Sterling 5 string fretted. I also have a matching fretless. Great basses!

[irishbug14]

Hey Ed, I don't really need the size and power of the 9.0 with the UberBass cab, so I was thinking about the 6.0, but are there many advantages to the 2 10s as opposed to the 12t combo? Or are the sounds you get basically the same? By the way I play weekly small to mid size gigs.

[BassGuitarMag]

I haven't played the 210 combo, but I suspect it has a bigger sound since there is more speaker surface area, and the box is a bit larger. I cover a lot of my gigs with just the Shuttle 6.0/12t, so I think the 210 would cover you just fine. You can always add the extension cab later if you need it.

[BoboSab3121]

what does the tweeter do ? is it necessary ?

[BassGuitarMag]

Necessary for what?

The tweeter brings out the high frequencies that regular speakers can't produce. If you covered the tweeters on your home stereo, how would it sound? Dull. Not all styles of bass playing require that frequency range, but it's nice to have the option. You can always turn the tweeter off.

[dchalfon]

ed, what are the main differences between the shuttle 6 and 9? only more power?

[BassGuitarMag]

Yes, more power, and the low frequency range is more pronounced.

[elykoko]

hey ed, one question again..

with the tube preamp, how would you compare it to the GBE 1200? or even the Neopak 3.5?

thanks in advanced :)

[BassGuitarMag]

Well, it's a very different amp than either of those models. But the tube essentially functions the same way. I don't remember the NeoPak well, but the Shuttle and GBE both have a tube gain and volume control, in addition to master volume. You can run the tube hot and keep the volume down for warmth or overdrive, or keep it clean and cool. Sort of like a character knob.

[KiKzSulSa]

Genz benz is definetely the best bass amps i ever owned....

[ChicagoBass]

I'm stuck only being able to afford one of these pieces of gear. I have an old Carvin 115v so I decided to order the 9.0 Hey Ed are you putting out any new books?

We'll see how it goes and I'll post a review on talkbass.

[BassGuitarMag]

Well, that will work for a while. Just be careful with volume and low end, that speaker can't handle too much level.

Yes, I just finished a new book, Pentatonic Scales for Bass. It should be out in January.

[Musicman20UK]

Hey Ed. Im in the UK and thinking of getting a Shuttle 9.0. How good are they with passive instruments like a USA Precision or Jazz? I will be using Stingrays as well but youve got the EB side covered in this video. THANKS!!!!

[BassGuitarMag]

It sounds great with the Fender. I just did a gig yesterday with the 9.0 and NeoxT212 playing my P Bass through it and it was fantastic. It's a very versatile amp, it'll go wherever you point it.

[Musicman20UK]

Brilliant. I am a huge Fender P + J fan and ive just got three of the new instruments due to waiting for Fender's to be improved. Well worth the wait, they are fantastic. I use mainly mid sized 8 ohms cabs like the Aguilar DB212s (x2) and Orange cabs, apart from the Berg HS410 I recently got. This Shuttle 9.0 wil be awesome and very very light and small.

[projectno5]

hey ed have you ever read the british bass guitar magazine

[BassGuitarMag]

I have, it's a nice magazine, well written. Except... they spell things like "color" kinda funny. Guess that's their right since they invented the language and all....

[cbgroller]

Love the sound of this amp. never really checked out the Music Man line. Is Bass Guitar gone? Like the you Tube stuff ...miss the Mag.

[BassGuitarMag]

Yes, Guitar World's Bass Guitar Mag is long gone, but there is a British bass mag by the same name. I can't change the url of this channel without losing everyone, so.. I kept it going.

Music Man basses rock!

[cbgroller]

Thanks! You are doing a great job. Will check out the Music Man. Just getting back into playing. Uh..starting over at 45.

U inspire...thanks for the lessons.

[palooka4u]

Ed, you 've got a great set of balls!!! Thanks for the vid. I really love the tone of the Sterling 5H your using here. Do you prefer the Sterling 5H over the Stingray 5H? How do your balls stack up against the Sadowsky Metro modern 5?

[BassGuitarMag]

I prefer the Sterling5 to the Ray 5 mostly for cosmetic reasons - I prefer the pickguard shape. I think the Sterling 5 and Ray 5 are closer to each other than the 4 string versions.

Comparing it to the Sadowsky Metro? - Different sound and feel completely. But they are both great instruments.

[dasgre0g]

why Ed....you're playing more and more Musicman's these days....did you finally come over to the dark side? hah

[BassGuitarMag]

Yes, I now have three Balls! ;)

[SOUNDBOYMIKE]

thats what im talking about:) hey ed whats your favorite music man off all time and why??

[BassGuitarMag]

Well, it would be hard to pick a favorite, but I really like this one!

[SOUNDBOYMIKE]

i would have to say mine was just a regular stingray5 hh or even the 25th ann stingray that you demoed for us

[hasegawamiki]

when you review AMPs, it'd be nice to switch basses... just a suggestion

thanks a lot for your revs!!

[BassGuitarMag]

I considered that, maybe next time.

[emgcarra]

We, the people, need to hear your review of those new TC Electronic amps.....Thanks

[BassGuitarMag]

Well, I'll have to see if I can get them assigned to me. I have played them and they do sound nice.

[happyfac3]

now that the shuttle 9.0 is out, maybe they'll put together a shuttlemax 18.0 /evil

[uberbowser]

what is an OHM?

i read about them all the time but i dont know what they are

[3072645]

Is that a chrome finish on the guitar? =O

[BassGuitarMag]

No, it's Olive Gold which is a metal flake finish. It's nice.

[3072645]

Yes sir it is.

[mastroplay]

I have to buy a new amp... I've thinked at the Gallien Krueger MB2 with a 4x10 cab... I don't know what cab... maybe an Ampeg

[cachubiza]

i'm a gallien krueger die-hard user... got a 1001RB-II, RBH410, RBH115, the MB Hybrid an a neo 112... il'd say you gey a 4 ohm 410 from GK, either the RBH or the neo model: they put a way more extended frequency range than an ampeg

[bassnyc1]

Ed, thanks for the great video, as always.

You previously replied that the Shuttle 9.0 sounds great through the NeoX212T. I'm sure that's true but isn't its max load is 600 watts? So is it safe to use the 9.0 with the NeoX 212T or is it risky like it is using the 9.0 with the Shuttle cabs?

[BassGuitarMag]

Well, the main reason the 9.0 is a potential danger to the Shuttle cabs is the extra low end response, not the power rating. I use the Neo 212 with my GBE 1200 all the time, and that puts out 1000 into 4ohms, never a problem. The Shuttle cabs are small for portability, they can't handle the low frequencies as well as a big cross-ventilated box like the Neo.

[JavierMareco]

Ed, just love you're stuff... yours are the most serious and informative reviews I've seen. I was wondering if you've ever tried the Spector basses, and what you thought of them. Cheers!

[BassGuitarMag]

Yes I have, they're great instruments. I did a review of a Euro 4 string for the Bass Emporium. Go to their website and look under the "resources" tab, then "newsletters". Scroll down and you'll find the review with sound samples.

[JavierMareco]

I now love you even more

[TheEyes31]

Ed, I love the Genz sound. I've been playing the Shuttle 6.0 in medium sized clubs with the 12" cab and the 12" extension. I love it's sound but feel like it's lacking sometimes cutting through the mix. Did you happen to try the 9.0 through the NeoX 212? Or what combo could I try to get a bit more beef without shlepping 300lbs of gear around?

[BassGuitarMag]

Yes, it sounds great through the NeoXt 212. Cutting through the mix means different things to different people. Do you think you need more high end? More low end? I don't know what you mean exactly. I use the same exact rig you do on gigs (Shuttle 6.0/12t/12ext) and I find it cuts through just fine. Style of music, type of bass, strings, technique, eq... there are so many variables. Hard to answer your question really.

[ksgant]

Did you ever review the Shuttle 12.0? Wouldn't that be the highest power small microbass? Or is that amp bigger like their older, traditional amps.

I haven't physically seen the Shuttle 12.0 though.

Great review of the 9.0 though, as always.

[BassGuitarMag]

I've checked it out, never did a review. The 12.0 is two separate Shuttle 6.0 modules in one box. Used together, they deliver more power, but the 9.0 is the most powerful single amp module in the Class D micro category.... for now. Now that the bar has been raised, you can bet everyone will start working on trying to top it.

[ksgant]

Thanks for the info Ed. I had no idea that it was two Shuttle 6.0 modules in one box. That's good to know. I've always been a big fan of Genz-Benz...also I like the new black color scheme. Pretty cool.

[BassGuitarMag]

That bass is Olive Gold.

[Skeletomania]

Ed, have you try playing the uber 410 w/ the Neox 212. How does it sound?

[BassGuitarMag]

I can't use the Uber 410 and NeoXt 212 together with the Shuttle 9.0 because that would be a 2ohm load - and the Shuttle is a 4 ohm minimum. But... I can hook them both up to my GBE 1200 for the full 1200 watts. I'm almost afraid to do it indoors. Just testing the 9.0 I had stuff falling off the shelves!

[impulsoprog]

what an amp! i'm into tubes, but Genz and GK are really great amps!

[seattle94]

ed is the man!

[j3rdog]

Hey Ed I have the shuttle max 12.0 and I love it.

is there any tone difference between that and the big genz benz 1200 watt amp or are they pretty close?

[zackerz9311]

this didnt even go on sale until today and you uploaded this yesterday.....

[BassGuitarMag]

Amazing huh?

[BCRichOLL1E]

That cab is awesome, but my tweeter control goes to 11... And I'm not kidding :D I have the Peavey TVX 410 the only thing I don't like about it is that it's ridiculously heavy :/

[doc540]

Good to see you're bulking up for the winter, Ed. Texas barbeque and beer? :D

[BassGuitarMag]

Actually, I've lost a lb or two... But I'm still a devout follower of the Beer & BBQ diet. Just add exercise, and the pounds just melt away!

[doc540]

Don't worry, I've found them! And they've taken up residence under what used to be my only chin. Now they are two.

[RLHubner]

Hey Ed! Did you record any Album with a band or solo?

[BassGuitarMag]

Well, most of the records I've played on are people you DON'T want to hear. "Vanity" records. I'm just a smal town boy out here in the city. I'm beat known for my 20 instructional books and my ability to create the impression of being someone important!

[ShadyPain]

killer tone!

[thefid89]

Man your Goatee got pretty big it looks good, it makes you look like a sensei.

[RoL4ndInHo]

more videos please :D

[Tooltrocity]

Oooh, that bass is even sexier in this video than it is in those pictures on your web page...

[Theanarchistatheist]

Oh and - that slap line at 2:50 is SO good!

Any chance of doing some tutorials? :-)

[Theanarchistatheist]

Ed (or whomever else can answer this question) - What stingray is that? Sounds rarther nice eh? :-)

keep the great videos up mate. Thoroughly enjoying them!

[BassGuitarMag]

It's a Sterling 5

[projectno5]

i notice you say its the most powerfull on the market but doesnt ashdown have the little giant heads wich one is about 1000 watts (altho i dunno the ohms)

[tbcass]

You say rated for 300 watts. If that is continuous RMS then it would probably work with a 500 watt amp if your careful. 300 watt continuous RMS means a 300 watt sine wave steadily over a length of time. Playing would not do that unless you pulled your plug while it's on. A 300 watt driven to distortion is more dangerous than a 500 watt amp played cleanly. To let you know I have a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and used to make my own amps and speakers.

[cachubiza]

oh yes? you seem to be pretty smart, but you forget (if you ever knew) that neodymium magnets loose their power permanently if they get overheated, which is what often happens when a cab is overloaded... 500 watts RMS into a single 12 inch, 300 watt, neodymium cab like the one from the shuttle combos would surely cause damage

[tbcass]

What you are forgetting is that continuous RMS means just that, continuous. If you put a 500 watt continuous RMS sine wave into a 300 watt RMS rated speaker (which is what the rating refers to) the voice coil would be destroyed long before the magnet would heat up which makes your point irrelevant. Playing a bass is not continuous but an intermittent and variable signal so while the peaks may be 500 watts the continuous RMS average is well below the 300 watt rating of the speaker.

[tbcass]

If the power rating is 300 watt peak (not RMS) or the manufacturers rating is overly optimistic then of course all I said is irrelevant.

[tbcass]

In reference to this comment "but you forget (if you ever knew) that neodymium magnets loose their power permanently if they get overheated"

Anybody with even a minimum of electronic knowledge knows that heating a magnet will destroy it.

[BassGuitarMag]

Okay, calm down you guys! Yeah, if you're CAREFUL you can use the 9.0 with the Shuttle cabs, but... in general, most people ARE NOT careful, and have a tendency to push things too far. The extra power and the extra low end on the 9.0 will push the Shuttle cab to failure if you crank it. That's why Genz doesn't recommend it. Use it in the Shuttle combo at your own risk.

[tbcass]

Thank you. I even said "If you're careful" myself. Genz of course won't recommend it because they have to warranty it. :-) The fact is it is harder on the speakers to use an under powered amp pushed into distortion than an overpowered amp used conservatively. Amps with output tubes in the power amp are also safer than solid state because they don't produce the high current spikes of a square wave but instead produce a distorted, flattened sine wave (which also sounds a lot better).

[jasonkang93]

Another lovely review! How much do the shuttles (like 9.0 6.0 or something) cost with the cabinet?

[BassGuitarMag]

I don't know, google it.

[4stringswing]

What mic are you using on the cab? That amp and cab are definately awesome!

[BassGuitarMag]

It's an MXL. Nothing special really, it's OK but not a fancy or expensive mic.

[4stringswing]

Thanks Ed, was just pondering it as I couldn't tell from sight. Maybe I need newer glasses? lol Love your stuff man. Take it easy and keep on top of those rumbles in the jungles!

[xngr]

I got a shuttle 6.0 and it already drives my 1200watt/4ohm cabinet pretty good. I never noticed any lack of low end, but maybe I'll have to check out the 9.0 someday.

And of course, great review as always!

[moomoocajoo]

Ugh I need to buy new strings, I miss that bright tone you always have :D

[xngr]

That was exactly what I thought.

You should try boiling your old strings, it really works!

[tbcass]

It's funny the way we're all different. I find new strings too bright and don't like them until they break in. Yea I like DEEP powerful bass rather than twangy bass.

[moomoocajoo]

I am a deep bass tone man myself (why I bought a Markbass over a GB shuttle) but I just love that little edge that new strings give you :)

[tbcass]

Got you. I'm an Ampeg/Jazz Bass man myself. I definitely prefer the sound of 15" speakers over 12's or 10's as well.

[vokes420]

nice one Ed, got me itchin' for some genz-benz

[davidaxman]

You have an amazing grove Ed. I love your videos!