Musicman20

This might be just me, but I HATE lifting cabs to the chest area. I think its a potentially dangerous way to carry them as you can't see for a start! I always lift, when possibly, with two people. I have a decent trolley I used when I moved house that can also double as a gear mover for getting to a car. At 47lbs or whatever it is, its ok to lift by yourself, but I think its much safer and easier to use the top handles and get two people on it. The Genz amps are put together in Taiwan - always have been. However, they are inspected and finished in the USA (might not be in a few months though!). The QC on my amps is very very good. Much better than the last Markbass amp I owned.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1384415868' post='2276315'] Same here. So it is a year old. No big deal really. Had Fender bought GB a year ago? I just kind of assumed that GB gear was US made. Again, not a dealbreaker, but it would have been nice if they'd advertised that fact. The "screws-protruding" thing is just odd. OK, you have to actually [i][b]look[/b][/i] to see it (i.e. shine a torch into the port), but it's a simple lazy error of using screws that are twice as long as the plywood is thick! Why would they do that? Anyway, I used it at rehearsal last night. It is certainly a solidly constructed box! Not the easiest to man-handle up a twisty set of stairs! I thought I would like the top-mounted handles, but I actually don't. Makes it impossible to hug the cab to my chest when carrying it up and down stairs. Not sure what the advantages are meant to be? I guess it is a bit easier to move short distances on the flat, but then again the wheels make that operation a doddle. Maybe the handles are positioned there to make use of the wheels easier? Sound-wise? Well, there is no shortage of volume! But you would expact that. Tone-wise I found it rather scooped - especially after my Compact which has a beautiful, full midrange. To be fair, using a J bass with both pickups full-on makes it's job more difficult - as does using the BDI21 pedal - but the Compact managed to still have a full midrange under these conditions. I had a play about with my graphic pedal, which helped, but this will take a bit more research... I did find that I kind of disappeared in the mix last night Again, I think it is just something that I am going to have to play around with until I get the tone I like, but it is something that I hadn't anticipated. Just shows that impulse buys aren't always sound investments!! Overall I am pleased with it. At £379. If I had paid nearly £800 for a Mexican-made cab with QC issues (admittedly minor) I think I would have been somewhat disgruntled! But it is my first brand new cab since 1986, so that in itself was fun! [/quote] What QC issues does your cab have? Or is your cab ok? I am definitely not hearing any scooped tone in the NX2...in fact I'd say there is a bump in the low mids which makes it punchier. You are also going to get a lot more high end and probably more volume with the NX2. The top handles are, IMO, better than side handles on a cabinet like this. Lifting it to your chest means bending your knees and lifting it high. I've tried these handles and it means two people can carry it, and then it really does feel light! The wheels I suspect aren't for rolling around on rough concrete but will work in venues for getting near where you are playing. The faital drivers in the cabinet are quite expensive! So yes, it is a bargain.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1384423834' post='2276445'] I can see your point. Yes, we got it for £380, but it is an £800 cab. And at that price point (as people regularly say about BareFaced cabs) you have a right to expect a top quality fit and finish. [/quote] Mine is exceptional. Maybe I got lucky? I do find it odd that there are now Mexican versions...it MUST be part of the change to Fender as they bought KMC (which included Genz Benz) quite some time back. Definitely WELL over a year ago. It would make sense, if Fender have now taken on the ex-Genz engineers, that some of the products will be made in Mexico along with a lot of the other Fender amps. It will still, I assume, be the same parts. Re: BF - I can't comment on the latest ones (as in seeing them in the flesh) but the NX2 I have is superb and looks and feels more solid than the Compact I tried out.

How bizarre! Great looking rig anyway! I still think it's a massive bargain no matter where it was made. I think mine says Dec 12 as date of manufacture.

I bet some of these are the last Genz-turning-into-Fender cabs. Mine doesn't have the Mexico sticker though.

[quote name='jimbobothy' timestamp='1384375399' post='2275987'] Yup, all factory sealed so thinking about it I guess it's from moving it about in the factory but I did notice the box had extra sets of old staple holes in the top of it. So either it's been taken out at some point after packaging for some reason or a return repackaged in it's original box. Who knows and even if I did send it back I wouldn't get another one as they're kinda out of stock now! I guess I'll never know, a bit odd though [/quote] That should be ok. Yeah mine was restapled. Guess they check them or repack. Mine is definitely brand new.

[quote name='jimbobothy' timestamp='1384373083' post='2275938'] Got it, now need a lead. I get what was mentioned above Re quality. The screws for the handles protrude through the inside of the ply and the foam inside the cab (acoustic stuff I guess) is a bit rough. However saying that I'm sure it'll sound great and hopefully worth the spends! mmm, also after looking at it with a beady eye the 2 of the corner protectors have a few slight scuffs etc on them. Hope it wasn't a repackaged return lol!! Also didn't realise they were made in Mexico, not that that matters anyhow I guess [/quote] The corner scuffs is odd. Did it come in a sealed box, in a big sealed bag with packaging around it? Does the serial on the box match the cabinet? My cab says Scottsdale, AZ, USA. Made by Genz Benz. Nothing about Mexico. The screws don't pertrude through. The foam is hidden. Are we sure some of these aren't now being made by Fender (Mexico)???? That would make sense as they are potentially rebranding everything! I'd be interested to see the Mexico sticker.

[quote name='shemeckfrac' timestamp='1384343791' post='2275434'] I realize it's part of the [b]design[/b] and I do agree the [b]design[/b] works great ! It's attention to detail in the build I am talking about. Yes, they are painted black so unless you look hard and won't stick your hand too far into the port on the opposite side of the handles you won't see anything and scratch your hand on the screw. I may stick some pics latter on. [/quote] Yeah sure thing, good idea. We can all take a look see if its similar to ours. I am an absolute pain when it comes to satisfying my need for perfect QC, so I'm intrigued about this.

[quote name='shemeckfrac' timestamp='1384341180' post='2275406'] I was referring to my impression of the quality of the build of [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][size=3]NX2-212[/size][/font][/color]. By no means the cab arrived defected, but how it's been put together by Benz Genz. My quality benchmark are the Markbass cabs where all littlest details are taken care of. Perhaps this just relates to the design; the NX2-212 has vertical gaps where one can see the "stuff" (foam, screws from handles) inside, whereas with other cab design the "stuff" is hidden inside. In any case I'm not discouraging anyone from getting NX2-212 ! [/quote] Those 'vertical gaps' are ports and are part of why the cab works so well. Even the speaker/cab gurus seem to think its a well designed cabinet. I must admit, looking into the ports I can't see a thing. They are painted black...

[quote name='shemeckfrac' timestamp='1384332831' post='2275256'] my NX2-212 arrived from BD yesterday too (along with the Shuttle 9.2). The combination of the two sounds truly great!!!, however ..... not impressed with the build quality of NX2-212 cab. It's a bit micky-mousey. The handles screwed into the cabinet come out on the other side and are clearly visible along with the chips of wood that naturally break out when you drive a screw into a board. Also the cheap lookign foam at the bottom stapled into the bass does not look slick and will be a bitch to dust off. The label at the bottom of the grill looks like its about to come off... all these little things add up [/quote] Oh no That is a big surprise...mine is flawless. That sounds to me like its either had damage in the post or been knocked about somewhere down the line. The handles on mine are very well fitted, no signs of screws. The badge is secure. What do you mean by the foam? Do you mean the material they use inside the cabinet? I cannot see it on mine, obviously I am viewing it without opening it up!

Check the above posts. 15% discount in total.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1384269869' post='2274671'] I'm sure you're right... but I just can't help wondering if a lot of that is due to the general quality of the fit and finish? A classy package that delivers a "classy" tone? In the same way that some people refer to a certain "rawness" in the tone of a lot of BareFaced cabs, maybe? [/quote] I think a lot of it comes down to Jim Bergantino's excellence when it comes to voicing bass guitar cabinets, (and indeed amps like the IP cabinets). He has a lot of experience in working with PA/Bass cabs, and worked on Sadowsky cabs before working on his own. According to those who seem to buy a lot of his product, a lot of it is in his crossovers. Eg, the transition between the driver high end and the horn. Yes, his fit and finish is immaculate, but it definitely SHOULD be at that price. It's expected.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1384263250' post='2274575'] Is that deliberate, or is the cab just less mid-scooped than other cabs (including other Bergs)? [/quote] Definitely deliberately voiced like that. To be honest, I think a lot of the modern compact cabinets are voiced in this way to enable maximum volume from the size they are. Bergs have a certain class about their tone though...

I personally couldn't 'just' play covers. I agree with the OP in a sense, and I'm a little older! I love doing it at home, but I found when I quit the last band that the following wound me up: 1. Not really earning very much for a considerable amount of work and messing about; 2. Learning awful music. Some of it was great, but 50% of it was awful; 3. In relation to 1, my career is much more important and will always pay much more than music ever will (unless we are talking extremely good career in music) so, instead of spending weeks learning covers, I may as well just concentrate on work, play to bands at home, and write with a band I can call my own; 4. Giving up from about 3/4pm on a Friday/Saturday only to arrive to find the bar doesn't care when we start, and that the guy who dealt with it isn't in anyway, so we can't setup until 7/8pm. Waste of time. I've given covers up, but I love learning it at home. IF a superb function band wanted me to play, I would no doubt join, but I don't want to play the same old rock covers in the local bars. I'd want to play corporate events and big parties. The North East is flooded with crap covers bands. As are most areas of the UK I imagine. We do however seem to be lacking something in terms of new undiscovered original bands up here. I haven't seen a fantastic young band playing their own music for a long time, (the last band I did see was called Let's Buy Happiness). I won't pursue music as a career. Kudos for you for following it, and good luck. I have however, started a band from scratch. We had nothing....just me and a friend whose guitar playing I liked. He understands the role of a good 'forward in the mix' sounding bassist, and always talks about Joy Division, The Smiths, etc, which is the route we are taking. We now have all the instrumentalists ready. We just need that key person - frontman/vocals. I have found someone suitable but it has taken months. Again, stick at it.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1384261169' post='2274530'] Having said that, my Berg CN212 has surprised me by being as loud as my other rig at about a third less volume.[/quote] Not only the sensitivity, but the voicing. The Berg CN is voiced with quite a forward mid tone, which does make everything seem louder.

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1384260879' post='2274521'] Unfortunately I'll be at work tomorrow when it arrives... MrsCamdenRob will have to sign for it. Providing everything actually turns up, I'm going to book an hour at the studio opposite my house on Saturday to give it a full welly workout. [/quote] You basically have a super loud/light rig, for a lot less than normal!

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1384253296' post='2274394'] It want that long ago that loads of bands had a Peavey 1x15 TNT combo of about 120 -150 Watts was it? [/quote] Exactly. I've tried/tested owned many of the old regular solid state heavy amps, and I still own a full size tube amp. The absolute worst amps, especially in terms of volume, were actually Ampeg. The cheap SVT clone they do, and the SVT Pro 3. Both extremely underpowered amongst other things. Every micro I've owned has definitely had more ommphh and slam. I must admit, my ex Trace 400SMX was a beast. Extremely loud, very clear, but what an awkward shape/weight!!!

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1384245952' post='2274292'] Fair points. FWIW, they've been around for a number of years in Scandanavia. They're only new to the UK. It's another name in the mix, with very competitive prices and excellent build quality. From what I can see, it's all good. [/quote] Wise words. These cabs are by no means 'new' to the market; they have only started to gain interest over here as they have been lent out (very kindly) and also, a few BC'ers have invested in them. If you compare the pricing, and the absolutely superb fit and finish, (disregarding the actual aesthestics for a moment) then these cabs are a very good contender. If the BF comparison is being made, these are cheaper and that's including the price to get them over to the UK. I don't understand why it is SO bad to have an amp/cab that looks aesthetically pleasing as well as well engineered and with excellent fit and finish. It isn't hard, its just part of having a flair for design.

Update - Roqsolid have confirmed the covers DO have a cut out for the wheels

Spare tube?! The preamp tube will last a VERY long time...probably longer than most of us will own the amp. If you want to change tubes for tonal reasons, then I understand. The cover was about £48 delivered from Roqsolid. I agree, its not cheap, but it IS padded very well.

[quote name='BassBunny' timestamp='1384183913' post='2273661'] By any chance did you check with Roqsolid about the "taper" on the cover to stop fouling the wheels? [/quote] I've emailed about this...can't access my personal emails until later though to see if they responded.

They said the same with mine, and it showed up. Don't worry, they will know how many they can sell. THey have taken it off the site anyway. If in doubt, and it doesn't turn up, Bass Direct have them for a good price.

I finally managed to spend more time on the NX2 212 yesterday. I doubt it will get much action with the band until I get a new car in February, but hopefully the guitarist won't mind me putting it on his backseat. I'll wait for the cover first. Anyway, I am super impressed. Even for £750 I'd be impressed. Superb build quality, nice throaty clear bass tone, plenty of punchy, EQ's very easily, nice tweeter (not 'plastic' or brittle sounding), very light, nice small form factor. I can't wait to hear it with a band setup.

The NX2 is now £399 at Bass Direct. Save yourself a lot if hassle and get one! It's basically almost half price! The NX2 will get very close to 4x10 volume and punch, beating some of the more normal mid priced 4x10s easily.

[quote name='lowerbassment' timestamp='1384084762' post='2272507'] The NX2-212T seems now in stock at Bass Direct for £399. [/quote] Ay. Fantastic bargain. I've just had a play with mine (finally) and it is very balanced. Compared to the TKS 12/6 I have on loan, the 12/6 has more depth and low end with the amp etc set flat, whereas I feel the Genz has more detail even with the tweeter off. The tweeter does not get harsh even when on full. The NX2 is definitely a keeper for me. I'm very impressed. I love how it will go from modern clean crisp hi fi to more fat warm organic neck pickup tones and still sound balanced. Absolute bargain.