Genz Benz GBE 750

Major features have been nicely outlined by the very enthused reviewer previous to me, so not much to say here, except that I like the knurled knobs and the very positive feel of the detents on the pots. Mesa amps have this same 'military' feel to them, and it screams quality to me. Also, the power switch turns off and on with a very satisfying 'thunk'.
The amp is versatile: two channels, FET and tube, with the option to mix the two together. Lots of EQ options, and more buttons, switches, and lights than a carnival. For someone who has traditionally been a plug n' play user, it took me a while to explore the tone options on tap with the 750. If buttons and switches are not your thing, you might look elsewhere. This is not to say that the 750 cannot produce a useable tone set flat; rather, it can be rewarding to tweak, if willing to put in the time.
There was some to-do about Genz's power ratings, as outlined in an early issue of Bass Guitar magazine. While numbers are impressive, I like to listen with my ears rather than my eyes. I currently play in a metal band with the ubiquitous Marshall stacks on either side of the stage, and volume is not a problem. That said, I'm not running a single twelve, either (power is good, more speakers are better), and I feel if you give this amp enough speakers, it will not fail to deliver.
The rear panel on the 750 is nearly as alarming as the front, with two Speakon inputs, footswitch and tuner outs, multiple effects and processing loops, the 'Powerflex' switch' (for 2 ohm operation), DI out, and ground lift, and pre/post EQ and mic line levels. The supplied user manual details how to utilize all these features, and the included footswitch is a quality piece as well.

I play a wide variety of basses and styles through the amp, from clanky metal to fretless ambient nonsense. Effects? Yes, frequently. Given the myriad of controls on the amp, I can find a sound for any occasion. I replaced the factory 12AX7 preamp tube with a one that breaks up a bit sooner, which is fun when one wants to add a bit of dirt to the sound. The amp itself isn't noisy, and I am only rarely able to make the fan come on, usually during a long, loud set. At any rate, it is not noticeable on stage.
I have noticed that in comparison to my Carvin B800, the Genz seems a touch 'soft' on notes lower than E. According to the manual, the low frequency EQ points are set at 80 hz and lower. Genz has installed a three band shaping mechanism, which they call 'Global Signal Shape', which has a low frequency extend, mid scoop, and high frequency attack. The low frequency control emphasizes frequencies between 30 and 45 hz. If you play with this knob, you can add a bit of 'richness' to the B string; still, the overall impact is less than using the B800's 'sub' knob. Probably not an issue when playing live and not wanting to turn the stage sound into mud, but may leave you a trifle disappointed when wanting to rearrange dishware in the next room of an evening.

I have had the amp for about 7 months now (I am the second owner). It has seen several shows and many hours of practice. So far, no blips. Given Genz's track record, I am optimistic that the 750 will give me many years of trouble free service. With that, let us turn to the next category...

While Genz certainly offers quality products, their strongest feature is customer service that goes well beyond the requisite standards. One need only spend some time over at the Talk Bass forum, where Roger, Andy, and Jeff Genzler are all members, to get a sense of how stand up this company really is. Example: a member on TB (a Genz endorser) recently had some equipment stolen prior to putting on a few clinics. Genz overnighted him new equipment, no questions asked. The interesting part of this is that they have done similar things for non-endorsers, i.e., people like me, John. Q. Customer. TB users have numerous stories like this. I have emailed them for support and found a message from Jeff Genzler on my home phone. Emails are routinely returned the same day. Whether or not CS such as this was ever the norm in North America is up for debate; what is not debatable, however, is the commitment Genz has to their equipment, customers, and ideology. And that, my friends, is worthy of a 10.

I've been playing for just over 20 years. I've owned amplifiers and cabinets from Peavey, Carvin, Epifani, SWR and Traynor. If the 750 were ever lost or stolen, I'd man up and buy the 1200. I like this amp, I like the way it is set up, and I like the sounds it's capable of making. Yes, it is heavy (40 pounds in a 2u wooden rack), and I realize that the brushed aluminum look is polarizing (I like it), so those two points could be niggles for potential purchasers. I wound up buying the Genz because I wanted something that was competitive in terms of build quality with Mesa, but didn't cost as much. I was able to buy an 'as new' GBE750 second-hand, and I jumped at the opportunity. As you can tell, I have no regrets. I realize that everyone has a different 'ideal' sound in their head, and I encourage trying as many different amplifiers as possible in order to achieve that sound. For what my opinion is worth, I recommend giving GB a go while at it. You might dig 'em.

The best of both worlds. You can have bottled coke or canned coke take your pick. Thanks to the solid state, tube, or both together.
heres the stats:
400W power at 8 ohms; 675W at 4 ohms; 750W at 2 ohms
FET and 12AX7-based tube channels individually selectable, blendable, and footswitchable
Active/passive input stage
Signal mute switch
Front- and rear-panel tuner out jacks
Active 5-band EQ on each channel (footswitchable)
Signal Shape Circuitry w/LF Extend, Mid Scoop, HF Attack (footswitchable)
Soft limit circuit
Comprehensive amplifier status LED's
Master volume
Sturdy 2-space metal chassis
Solid aluminum knurled knobs
Premium detent pots
Variable speed fan cooling (thermally controlled)
Heavy-duty 5-button footswitch
Tuner Out (Parallel with Front Panel Tuner Out)
Comprehensive D.I. section w/pre/post switch, attenuation, ground lift
3 effects loops
Slave out jack
Dual Speakon?? output connectors
POWERFLEX impedance selector switch
Dual voltage switch
Heavy-duty toroidal transformer
19"W x 3.5"H x 15"D
33 lbs.
One note the lf boost, mid scoope and high attack are great.

I seen or heard a 5-string spector euro lx, 5-string schecter, 4-string squier jazz bass, samwick 5-string p-j pick combo on the genz benz. They sounded great. One warning to some people that don't know this: If you have a great high quailty amp, it will let you know how good your tone of your bass is. Meanning there is no where for your wood and pick-ups to hide!!! We use it for church and we used it three services in a row and no over heating. The amp, if you have the right speakers is a full range amp. We where playing a yamaha mm6 threw it, and the lows where deep and tight, the highs where clear a bell. I mean we are running it into a madison 4-10 cab with a added Titanium horn to in. If you play metal this amp isn't you you cause the wood they use on your basses suck!

Had it 4 months no problems

Never had to call, but your amp his check and signed by a human!

2 channels with gain, volume, 5-band eq., low boost, mud scoope, high attack, output limiter, 2 or 4-8 ohm switch to prevent over heating and provide correct watts, over heat protector, 3 different effect loops and sweet blue lights. This is a great amp for those who know their bass or basses. wood=tone, that tone goes into the pick-ups, then goes into your amp. What to know your real tone, hook your bass into a power amp and loud speakers and play straight. You will hear what wood works good for you.