Glockenklang Soul II

This bass head is new to our shores as the power supply was reworked for USA awhile as Europe has had this baby for some months. I am pleased to offer this post on this head. Though, I have not had opportunity to play other Glockenklang products.

The Soul II is solidly built at about 24 lbs. with integral rackmounts. Has passive and active inputs with trim adjust for active input. Gain follows with overdrive clip LED. Five knob EQ at 60, 130, 550, 4.2 and 12. Switched FX loop. Volume knob and power with peak/protect LEDs. Rear of amp with ground lift, DI out with level control and pre/post switch. There are two speakon parallel outs. Poweramp in, preamp out, loop R/S, insert R/S, footswitch tune, footswitch loop and tuner out. She holds 2 super quiet cooling fans ported on left side.

She is rated 440 watts @ 4 ohms and 4 ohm is minimum load. Removable IEC power cord as expected.

Using this head in small venues so wattage is sufficient and with great DI she simply can marry any FOH PA for larger venues. I favor Bergantino cabs and have HS210, HT112, and HT115 which I've used solo or in any pairing for 4 ohm draws. Basses are 5 string Bolin, Brubaker, Steinberger Q5 and 4 strings with Travis Bean and Steinberger L2. Other SS amps at hand are my EA iAMP800 and TFB-550B.

That said, I just wanted to share this about this remarkable amp. Those who have Glocks seem to be partial. So, those who may want a Glock seek some review. It is said Glockenklang means bell-like and first off I was nervous about what that meant. Put those fears aside. This amp is bell-like as a gong, bowl or tubular bell. It is not shrill and hi-fi. When played this amp delivers thick harmonic structure with warmth, detail and very admirable bloom. I am a valve guitar player and am surprised by the tonal character of this amp. The low B is defined and detailed as the other 4 strings compared to heads that leave the 5th string as a muddy separate beast. The Soul II reveals all nuance of string attack. Yes, you need to play better with this head as she reveals a subtle variance in technique. And, you want to play better because it simply matters now.

I find this head does well with straight-up EQ and I don't hunt around with bass changes as I do with other heads. The EQ simply allows you to color the sound palette but if you were barred from touching the EQ it won't bother you much. This head pleases the ear that much. The Soul II would be my grab to record with though I have yet to do so and therefore can't directly comment.

I bought this head over the Soul as reviewers rave about the Heart-Soul which this is modeled after and I didn't need the higher wattage or the weight. I am very pleased with this head.

I have only had her a couple weeks as this is one of the first Soul II's in the US. History of the company lets me rest easy regarding this amp's reliability. I will mount her in a 3 space ProTec once she gets here and vent the top space. I will cut stock left of rack to allow better/proper cooling of the head.

My Soul II came from the guys at Glockenklang within a week of a call to Sean at ThePerfectBass. I hear my second Soul II will take about the same time. All the guys at TPB are personable and professional. Glockenklang answer emails promptly and deliver gear worldwide, I suspect they have the support thing figured out.

This is a great head which I would easily use as the sole desert island amp. She opens up a 5 string and allows any play technique to be admirably revealed. The tone is rich, warm, detailed, dynamic and inviting. She's not super light but easily managed. The sound is super heavy. The price on this head is not excessive. You can readily pay much more for much less.

I have a nice day job which allows me a covey of remarkable gear. I have some amazing custom guitars, cabs and heads. I use vintage valves for electric guitar with preference for early to mid 1950 tubes. My cabling is not a chance decision either. That said, the Soul II is a great bass head which is worthy of your play. When recording, reach for gear of this quality... make memorable music.

I will watch the heat on this head once mounted in her case. I will alter the case however required to keep this sweet amp in service.