👕 Get New Ernie Ball Merch Now!
  • Ernie Ball
  • Music Man
  • Sterling by Music Man
  • Security notice: Ernie Ball staff will never send you a direct message about a prize or giveaway, and will never ask you to click a link to "claim" anything.
    If you receive a message like that - even from an account whose name looks official - do not click the link. Please report it using the Report link on the message so the moderators can act. A scam campaign impersonating admin accounts was blocked on 29 July 2026; those accounts are banned and their messages have been deleted.
Bongo 2026 Collection

Stumbled into a new amp.

Mobay45

Mobay45

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 3, 2004
Messages
4,597
Location
Home of the Bongo Birthday Bash '06
Well, I played the Genz Benz GBE 400 that I got last week with my GK cabs Friday night at the gig. I liked it so much that I made the decision to seek out a GBE 600 to use with my gig rig because the 400 is for my rehearsal rig.

So, I walked into my LMS Saturday to pick up a rack case, a power conditioner and a couple of other items. One of the owners was behind the counter and I commented to him that if he would've still had the 600 in stock, I would have been a buyer.

So, he says to me "I have a new 600 in stock, but wouldn't you rather have a 1200?". I told him that I didn't think I could spend what it would take to buy it. At that point, he offered me such an incredible deal on the 1200 that I had to take it.

Hooked it up to the GK 212 and 115 neos tonight and it is totally awesome! I didn't have my camera with me, so you'll all have to wait until next week to see the pics. Another plus - all the blue lights on the face of the amp really look great on stage.

Anybody need a GK 1001RB II?
 
Freddy-G. said:
Conrats on the new amp Larry. So you really like it better than the GK?
Click to expand...
Can't speak for Larry, but the GB line is very nice. Don't know if it is "better" but it is different. The tube front end does add something. Guess it is all in what you are looking for but both GB and GK make killer amps.
 
Here you go guys.

Gary: Yes, I like it better than the GK.

Ritch: As far as the tube side goes, I was digging what I was hearing from a mix of the two channels more than just the tube side.

Anthony: Don't know if I can give much of a review yet. I've only played it in a live setting and that was an outdoor gig. What I do like about the GB amps over the GKs is that they sound cleaner. They also have this nice punch that I didn't seem to get from the GK. The GK has more growl, but I can get that from the tube side if I need it. I didn't ever run just the FET side by itself last night and that's something I definitely want to do.

Another thing that's different about the 1200 over the 400 is that you can dial in the shape channels. You're not just limited to the preset limits from the factory. I just ran all the EQ settings flat last night but I did have the LF boost engaged all night.

The one down side I found but decided to ignore was the weight. 47 lbs.

GenzBenz007.jpg


It also came with this sweet foot switch to make it easier to change settings on the fly.

GenzBenz008.jpg


More next week. I also want to post a pic of it all lit up. It's a thing of beauty.
 
That GBE 1200 is a sweet looking amp Larry! I believe Ed Friedland plays a GBE 1200 also.Wish I had some extra cash, i'd buy your 1001RBII.


BTW if you decide to keep the GK for a backup you can get a cleaner sound by lowering the volume- raising the woofer/master and lowering the boost control
 
Randracula said:
That GBE 1200 is a sweet looking amp Larry! I believe Ed Friedland plays a GBE 1200 also.Wish I had some extra cash, i'd buy your 1001RBII.


BTW if you decide to keep the GK for a backup you can get a cleaner sound by lowering the volume- raising the woofer/master and lowering the boost control
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input Randy, but I think I'll go ahead and let the GK go since I have the GBE 400 for a rehearsal amp.
 
Welcome to the 1000+ watts club Larry. Headroom is king. And that's a mighty purdy looking piece of gear. Very classy. If it sounds as good as it looks, it's a keeper for sure.
 
I have the GBE 600 and I love it. The best description of tone is it's like a GK on steroids. Clean, powerful, and punchy.

Though I would rather have a 750 or 1200 for the separate EQ's for both the fet/tube pre's. But I'll keep 600 as I heard they have been discontinued.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Classic Rock N Roll Slinky
Back
Top