Re: Just won my 1st tube amp (Genz Benz el Diablo)
You guys who already have this amp, what tubes are you using? The stock EL34's or 6L6's? What sort of guitars (singles/hums) are you using with it and what tones are you after? Evidently I'll be getting a set of each with this amp. I'll want to approach some hi-gain territory with it but I'm also looking for a smooth, classiic, Marshallesque tone for my Strat. I think I'm leaning towards having the EL34's put in there.
I use it for everything (country, jazz, clean blues, classic rock and 80's rock) depending on stage space. I have played it with teles, strats, Lea Paul, and other guitars. I like the second channel for a refined plexi tone to a full on high gain lead tone that holds a note and rings out nicely. Stain'd uses the El Diablo if I recall correctly so it will get to their tone as well (more modern metal sounding to me). It is really responsive to the guitar and voicing of the pickups. It also has an active eq, not passive so watch the movement. A full number is a lot of changes compared to most amps. It also seems to take pedals very well to me. The versatility has been the thing for me. I was going to get a 3-4 channel amp, but really find that every time I get ready to buy I play this amp and with a pedal there does not appear to be anything I want more. The sell for me has been the depth of the tone, and smooth voice of the amp with my gear. It is not a smooth amp if the pickups you hit it with are not smooth. If you have an aggressive pickup it will have a more aggressive tone.
It is a heavy 1x12, 2 channel amp, with a 30 (tri)-60 (pent) power setting with a number of global settings and assorted features. I run mine almost always in 30w mode. I start with the suggested settings in the manual. Genz selects nice tubes to start with so it you will not be disappointed, you may tweak the voice some with a change. I use the el-34's as I have several 6l6 amps.
The amp is built like a tank. I have the cover as well, and it is a great cover. The hot channel comes more alive when it starts getting pushed. Lower volume tones are nice as well, but the pushed tones are really good to me. I find it works well with my Weber Mass as well. I bought a "new" floor model that needed a new handle. Genz Benz had one here in a few days. When I had trouble getting a cover from the local dealer I bought it straight from them no issue. These have been great folks to deal with for me.
I have very few "complaints." In fact, these are not really complaints these are more improvements. First, it should have wheels. It weights more than a twin reverb. Second, it should come with the amp cover.
