Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0-8T

Like another reviewer, I also have the 10T version of the Shuttle 3.0. For me, the most valuable feature is the XLR Direct Out as the single 10-inch speaker can't compete with most rock bands. I like the options of being able to go direct out either pre- or post-eq.

The eq controls on the amp feel solid and reliable and the sweepable mids should allow you to find your tone. There's also three signal shaper buttons that allow very quick adjustments to your tone so you do less 'knobtwiddlery'.

This amp can support a second 8-ohm cabinet with which you can get the full 300W out of this tiny powerhouse. I may eventually go for their Neo 2x12 when I save up the $$$.

Best of all, this is a very lightweight amp -- highest marks for portability.

However, I give this an 8 because it doesn't stand up to a rock band by itself -- though I understand that this might not be the intended niche for this amp despite the 175W of output with the single 10-inch speaker.

I am using this amp with a '90 Fender Jazz Bass Plus with the Lace Sensor pickups and active EQ. This amp allows the sonic characteristics of the bass to really shine. When I get to picking hard on the bass, I get a nice growl while the clip/limiter light flickers.

I also use a Zoom B2.1u for effects -- mostly for compression and when I want a more distorted sound for the heavier stuff we play. I will occasionally use the SWR emulation and this amp doesn't add any unnecessary color to the emulation sounds. I still have lots more experimenting to do with this pedal, but that's another review.

I play classic and contemporary rock and don't have any problems dialing in the tone I need, even without the Zoom pedal.

Too early to say. So far, this has been rock-solid.

I hear from others that support is excellent and it is not uncommon to get Jeff Genzler on the line.

I've been playing bass for about twenty-eight years, on and off. From a pure tone standpoint, this is an awesome amp. With the direct out, I can use this amp in any setting. Gigging direct out into our sound system with our subwoofers gives me clear, sweet thunder. Heck, I'm tempted to hook one of our subs as the second cab on this amp to see how it sounds during a practice session...

In practices with the band, I have the Shuttle 3.0 10T set up as a monitor next to me and rely on the direct out into the mains to be fully "present" in the mix.

I really wish that the 10-inch speaker projected better in a rock band setting, though I think that small ensemble, church, coffee house type gigs are really the sweet spot for this amp.

This amp with my Zoom B2.1u for multi-effects allows me to do just about anything I want with my bass.

If it were stolen I would strongly consider this amp again, but I might also consider something that stands alone better in rock band setting.

It is very hard to find a small amp that works without PA support in a rock setting. I may have to spend a lot more money on something like the Shuttle 6.0 with the 2x10 cab, the smaller Edens or SWR's and sacrifice portability -- or I will have to get something much larger in the same price range. I'm glad I don't have to make that decision now.

This amp has many amazing features,(by the way I own the Shuttle 3.0 10T). Foremost amongst these features are tone, punch and radical portability. It has an extremely sexy, professional pre-amp, and even just using the 1 10" cab has enough kick for small to medium venues. When I need more power, it has a great built in DI, which I feed into my 32 band EQ then into a 1000W power amp and finally into a big 15" subwoofer from an old PA. This rig is grunty enough for any gig.

I also got a kick last night when the drummer said to me that this tiny amp wasn't big enough for the gig (a sold out 450 seat venue), but when he heard it (at about 1/3 volume) he was blown away.

Other features like, headphone out, chassis for removable head, addable 10" cab, preset tone controls (low boost, mid cut, high boost) etc. etc. make this a great amp for busy professional players.

Using this bass with my neck through Cort Artisan w/ Bartolini PUPS, is amazing. It is extremely versatile, great punchy clean tones for finger style and slap. Also very clear and articulate when tapping. The parametric mid boost feature is extremely useful, I have even managed to get a somewhat Fodera-like tone by hitting Mid Cut, and then boosting mid control to full and setting the hz at about 1 o'clock.

Even as a stand alone this unit has enough grunt for many gigs that I play. The speaker handles low notes just fine even at loud volumes, but I would probably get the extension cab if I was playing a low B 5 string.

I have only owned this amp for 2 weeks, but I have done 5 shows with it. And the buzz is that these are tough, reliable units.

I have heard that Genz Benz customer service is second to none.

Versatile, professional tone in an extremely light weight unit. Love it!

This amp is a new product probably made late 2007 or early 2008
I started to play again a couple of years ago and use it to practice and play with a few pals. One channel, good for passive or active instruments. The amp has eq pots for a complete tonal spectrum a jack for effects loop, headphone jack, DI jack and tuner jack which functions when the amp is in mute stage. It is rated at 175 watts with the 8" speaker but does not sound that loud. It is is however very clear and the sound is excellent. This amp is all solid state and weighs under 3lbs. The whole Combo is under 20 lbs.

I usually play Rock and Blues and a little country, As mentioned before not as loud with the single speaker but the sound is top notch. I did hook a second cab up (250 watts) and the rating is 300 total for the amp with the cab. It was quite loud and the sound seemed pure and clear. I will look to add another cab shortly. I would classify the sound from this amp as more modern as opposed to vintage.

Very new so hard to answer. Based on what I have read and other comments from bassists who use or have used G-B products, I would presume this product to be extremly reliable.

Needed some info prior to purchasing so I contacted Genz Benz on two occasions, one via email one on the phone. On both occasions Jeff answered my requests. Enough said

I have been playing for about 12 years total. Since I started back I felt compelled to purchase gear for the long haul. I play with a MM Sterling Bass and would replace this amp is it went AWOL. I also would have no reason not to look at other products offered by Genz Benz

So far, I've only used this amp for practice at home and one rehearsal. Amazingly, that rehearsal was with a local big band jazz group I play with and it actually covered the rehearsal just fine...pretty amazing for an amp this size. It's versatile enough for any style as long as you don't need excessive volume and/or coverage. Great tone and tons of pro features, plus a total weight of about 13.5lbs.

This amp sounds great to me. I've used it with my Rob Allen fretless and a couple of different electrics (fender amercian deluxe jazz 5 and Elrick 5) and it works very well for all of these. It's not noisy, has only one channel, and has an easy to use 3 band EQ/tone section with pots that are notched all the way around which makes it super easy to keep track of what you're doing with each adjustment. The sound is what I perceive to be very close to what my instruments actually sound like. The small 8" woofer doesn't seem to add additional low end to the mix as some larger woorers can do...it seems very true to what you put in.

Who knows? I haven't had it long enough to offer much of an opinion. It seems to be well built, as well as anything I own or have owned. Being so light, it's easy to carry without being rough with it or banging it around. I don't expect to have any problems with it.

Company web site seems user friendly. I really liked being able to register the warranty online instead of having to fill out the little card (which I usually throw away). Customer support is divided into several areas, all with email contact addresses. For repair, I would probably contact the company and send it to them, as per usual.

I've been playing forever and have owned most of everything out there of pro quality. i love the size, the sound, the weight or the lack of, the flexibility, etc. I would for sure replace if stolen. Heavy gear sucks and is not necessary with today's technology. I wish they offered a 1x8" extension cab for it.