500w Amp Decision: GK MB500, GK MB Fusion, or Orange Terror

JohneeDeformed · #1 03-31-2011, 04:41 PM

I am trying to decide on a 500w amp. I am leaning heavily towards a GK MB500, but I also spent some time looking at the GK MB Fusion 500 as well as the Orange Terror Bass 500. Both are more expensive than the MB500 but I wouldn't mind putting in the extra dollars if it is worth the boost in power/head room and/or sound quality.

There's a link to my band's page here so you can gauge the sound I am looking for. I primarily play a lot of 90s sounding pop-punk (early Green Day, Blink 182, NOFX) but the band I am in is more of a metal influenced rock band (Deftones, Marilyn Manson, Slipknot) so I do like a booming low end. We have a LOUD drummer that I am trying to be heard or felt over. I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks,
Johnee Deformed

RickenBoogie · #2 03-31-2011, 05:17 PM

What cabs you use will have as much impact on tone as the amp, maybe more. Otherwise, it's personal preference.

PopaWoody · #3 03-31-2011, 05:56 PM

Dont try to be heard over the drummer, or he will play even louder. MB500 through an aguilar 4x10 blew me away at an open mic I played last week. freaking awesome tone!

greenboy · #4 03-31-2011, 06:14 PM

Just posted this in another thread. In spite of that clunky form factor and the limited EQ and crappy DI, I'd love to have one. Something nasty and loud always comes in handy.

39-Bassist · #5 03-31-2011, 06:17 PM

Have you thought of the Carvin BX500...Very nice tones and lots of options for the price....just a thought.

dukeorock · #6 03-31-2011, 06:28 PM

As someone else pointed out...telling folks what cab or cabs you intend to use would possibly help...and, does it have to be exactly 500 watts? Just curious if you find some magic there...power ratings can be all over the map as well as far as perceived loudness is concerned

jeff7bass · #7 03-31-2011, 06:32 PM

Out of those 3, I would get the Fusion just so I could fuzz things up when needed.

BigOldHarry · #8 03-31-2011, 06:39 PM

And no mention of the Streamliner??

**TXLawDawg** · #9 03-31-2011, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

And no mention of the Streamliner??

...or Markbass?

jeff7bass · #10 03-31-2011, 07:19 PM

Mesa 400?

JohneeDeformed · #11 03-31-2011, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukeorock

As someone else pointed out...telling folks what cab or cabs you intend to use would possibly help...and, does it have to be exactly 500 watts? Just curious if you find some magic there...power ratings can be all over the map as well as far as perceived loudness is concerned

I plan on going with a 1x15 and 2x10 setup. Probably GK MBE series, as I already have the 210. I might eventually like to swap the 210 for another 115 for a 2x15 parallel setup.

I'm not dead set on 500w, I just found those heads to be in the price range I am looking for. Looking for something to gig in small-medium sized venues with. I think the power rating is what I am concerned with as far as the difference between the three heads mentioned above. Reading the reviews, it would sound like the Orange Terror would be a lot more powerful than the MB500.