Genz Benz of Scottsdale, Arizona has come up with several innovative amplifier designs over the last few years, but the new GBE series is certainly one of the best. The GBE 1200 and it’s younger brother, the 750, offer a solid tone, awesome power and a user friendly interface. It is also one of the most physically striking amps on the market today. Who says technology cannot be sexy?
Start with the brushed aluminum casing. While most amplifiers are blackface, the metallic face of the GBE 750 makes it stand out, and the substantial knurled knobs feel very solid. It looks and acts like a high end product. One of the musicians who works with this reviewer remarked that it looks like a Rolls Royce.
The GBE 750 has two sets of controls, one for each channel. It is a single input device, but offers you the option of using the FET (solid State) or Tube Preamp, or mixing them to get another tone all together. It also has three tone shaping buttons, and a 5 band shelving EQ for each channel. There is an amazing combination of tones available with these features, and they are easy to operate.
The tone shaping buttons have knobs next to them that allow you to adjust the amount of Low Boost, Mid Scoop of High frequency attack (HF), and can be turned on and off via the footswitch, which is included. The footswitch is made of rugged metal, and looks like it’ll withstand a lot of gigging. It can be stomped on pretty hard. One small complaint, though; when the FET/ Tube button is engaged, there is an audible pop. I am sure this is easily gotten around, but might be something Genz Benz needs to address.
There is a lot of technical mumbo jumbo in the owners manual, but let’s get into the sound of the thing. This reviewer has used it with a Genz Benz Neo-X 2×12 cabinet, and so far, found it to be amazing! It is clean, clear and articulate. It has one of the fastest transient responses this reviewer can recall hearing. When overdriven, the tube channel gives a thick, creamy tone, reminiscent of Jack Bruce, but where it excels is in the clean, FET channel. This amp is a natural for the funk/ fusion player. every nuance, every string click is heard, but in a musical way. No getting around it.; this amp rocks!!!
The GBE 750 is a tad on the heavy side, so eat your Wheaties if you plan to get one. The rackmount handles on the front are molded into the chassis, and it is unlikely they will bend or move, so it can serve as a carrying handle. However, it’s best if one can get a case of some sort. Genz makes some great racks, like the EZ-sleeve, or you can see what is available in your favorite store.
If you are looking for a bass head that will revolutionize your sound, this is the one!!!
