Tube Works RT-3300 Head

The other reviewer stated all the features. But my favorite ones are the switchable preamp (either tube or solid-state) and the multiple outputs - either D.I. (signal not affected by the preamp/eq/effects loop) or post-EQ (signal affected by the preamp/eq/effects loop). Very handy for both recording and playing live in a club. The D.I. is actually very quiet - better than I expected. And a very versatile EQ section.

I play a Fender MIM Jazz Bass, modified with a Bad Ass Bridge and Fender Custom Shop "Vintage 60's" pickups. I practice with it once or twice per week, and gig with it about 1 or 2 times per month.I run a dbx 163x compressor before my signal hits the preamp section of the amp. I play original music in an alt-country/indie/rock band, and I also play in a classic rock cover band. This amp fits my style perfectly. PERFECT for classic rock, indie rock, and Buck/Dwight/Steve Earle/Mavericks style country. NOT good for modern rock bass tones. When I bought it used about 2 years ago, I cleaned out all the pots and switches with contact cleaner, and that got rid of 95% of the noise. A couple of loose jacks and screws, but I've been able to fix most of them. I also replaced the stock preamp tube with a Tung-Sol 12ax7, which gets great reviews. You can get some great, warm overdrive tones using the tube preamp section. But you don't want too much - it starts to get a bit harsh. I rarely use the solid state preamp, but it's good to know it's there in case my preamp tube fails. LOTS of headroom on this amp - a VERY loud (and conservatively rated) 300 watts. I run it into a Peavy 4x10 8 ohm cabinet, and I don't think I've had the master volume above 4. My only complaint is a lack of a big low end sound, even with the low bass frequency running at 8, 9 or even 10. Not a problem for my style of music, but possibly an issue for others (metal, modern rock, etc., etc.). However, this lack of low end would probably be improved when/if I add a 1x15 to my rig.

So far, very dependable, especially for a 10+ year old amp. Once I cleaned everything up, it has sounded great and without any issues.

I believe Genz Benz has the user manual available on their web site. Other than that, I haven't contacted them for support on this product.

Been playing bass seriously for about 5 years; guitar for over 20. Mostly semi-pro original and cover bands.

If lost, I'd try to track down another one. Definitely. If not, I'd go for an Ampeg SVT-3 Pro, which is very similar is features, functions and power.

Connections:
High and low impedance inputs.
Effects send and receive.
2 speaker outputs (2 ohms each).
2 direct outputs, one without preamp, effects loop or EQ, the other one with the whole chain.
Line out.
Limiter footswitch defeat.
Controls:
Input gain
Limiter, with indicator LED.
Master Volume.
Tube/FET preamp selector.
Pre EQ/post loop selector.
Effects loop mix.
EQ - Low, Low-Mid, Mid, High, Contour
Ground lift.

Choice of tube or solid-state preamp. 300 watts into 2 ohms.
Made in 1995. 19" rack mountable. Built-in 3-prong AC power cord. Black with yellow silk-screened lettering really stands out.
Minor wish: headphone jack for practice.
Used for rehearsal and gigs.

Playing my Tobias Growler 4 through it. I play funk, reggae, rock, and a bit of fusion. I plug my Korg Pandora PX3B into the effects loop (cheeseball, I know!). Driving a borrowed Ampeg 4x10 cabinet until I get my own cab.
This has been an enormous step up for me and my sound! I own the Tube Works RT-3100 combo listed on this site, and like it so much that I went looking its big brother (I'm still reticent to let the combo go!).
First of all, HEADROOM! This amp is exceptionally powerful and clear, to the point that I once again have to improve my playing skills. Plenty of efforless detail.
I love being able to switch between the two preamps, but wish I could use a footswitch to select between the two. The tube does warm up the sound a bit, and the FET setting is crisp.
I've yet to really sit down and learn the EQ, but it is extensive and effective. The Contour gives a kind of overall shape, and can help to deal with the acoustics of where you're playing and what cabs you're using.
The effects loop is quiet, and it's great to be able to individually adjust the send and receive signals. I set it up so that there is no perceptible gain when going through the Pandora, and then use the mix control to add as much effect as I want without changing my volume. Neat!
I've used both direct outputs for recording, and like the "wet" one with preamp & EQ coloration. The "dry" one is too dry for my taste, but that's just me. Either one would make a soundman very happy to take to his board for PA amplification.
In short, I can't say that there is a style that it won't sound good with.
Oh, the unit has a small fan for cooling, but I can't hear it.

This thing is about a decade old. When I first got it, I popped it open to look around. All components look original, construction is very solid! I noticed that the printed circuit board is actually installed upside down, which seems to be a way to limit the amount of dust that can accumulate and cake up the components.
In the several months that I've had it, it has been 100% reliable.

Tube Works is now owned by Genz-Benz.
Even though this amp is a decade old, their customer service got back to me within 24 hours of all of my emails. Their feedback has been concise and helpful on all occasions.
You can still download the user's manual from their support website. The manual is a bit crude, but adequate. I don't have any illusions of them updating the manual!

I've been playing for a number of years, but am only recently recording and gigging. I try to do as much research as possible before purchasing gear.
I checked out a Yorkville BM400, Behringer BX 3000T, Gallien-Krueger (various models), Eden WT330, and Mesa Boogie M-Pulse 600 before taking the chance and going with Tube Works again. The Behringer has to be the worst amp I've ever heard, the G-K's just don't have the tone I'm looking for, the YK couldn't match the features, while both the Eden and MB were fantastic, but beyond my pocketbook.
I think this has been an exceptional bargain for a great piece of equipment.
If mine were stolen, I would buy another (if I could find one!). Original Tube Works for bass seems rare.