Amp Conundrum

lowrocker · #1 08-24-2011, 06:49 PM

Hello fellow TB'ers. I would like to ask for some assistance. In this economy, it's hard to get what you want, so I am on a strict budget and restricted to purchasing from GC. I have already checked the review section and listened to videos on Youtube. My local GC has NOTHING for bass players, so I am asking for peoples personal experience.

I have three heads to choose from and their respected cabs. The first head is GK MB500 Ultra Light, second is TC Electronic BH500 and in last place is the Acoustic B600H. I play hard blues, hard rock and some metal. I do also play other types, but mostly classic heavy music. I am focusing on 15's and 212's for the cabs, depending on what head I get.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated, especially if you own or have owned any of these. I use both active and passive basses, use a pork loin and a chorus pedal for effects.

Thank you in advance

MK1 · #2 08-24-2011, 07:23 PM

My suggestion would be to hit the classifieds here, you'll get a lot of amp for your money. Used is always the way to go, I got an Ampeg 810e and GK 800RB for under $1,000. But if you feel you must buy new by all means stay away from the GC brand Acoustic Amps, very cheaply made.

lowrocker · #3 08-24-2011, 07:31 PM

Thank you MK1. It's not just the matter of money, but also payment plan and a GC gift card. I have heard the "horror" stories of Acoustic, but also heard good things. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference of negative hype and a poorly made product.

bigboy_78 · #4 08-24-2011, 07:58 PM

I just got a BH500 head, I'm still waiting for the 410 cab to arrive. I'll report back over the weekend.

TCE as a company is copping a bit a flogging on TB at the moment, but I don't think anyone is concerned with the quality of their product just their dodgy marketing.

I live in the sticks and don't get much chance to sample products either, so went with the Bh500 for the extra features.

lowrocker · #5 08-24-2011, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigboy_78

I just got a BH500 head, I'm still waiting for the 410 cab to arrive. I'll report back over the weekend.

TCE as a company is copping a bit a flogging on TB at the moment, but I don't think anyone is concerned with the quality of their product just their dodgy marketing.

I live in the sticks and don't get much chance to sample products either, so went with the Bh500 for the extra features.

Awesome, looking forward to hearing it, good luck with the new head.

MK1 · #6 08-24-2011, 08:47 PM

I'm a big GK fan. My first "real" amp was a 1001RB and 410SBX+. After letting GAS get the better of me I went through quite a few amps and now I'm back to GK, they just feel like home to me. I don't have much experience with the MB series, but the ones I've played sound good. You just can't lose with GK they are solidly built, sound great, and work perfectly in a band mix.

lowrocker · #7 08-24-2011, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MK1

I'm a big GK fan. My first "real" amp was a 1001RB and 410SBX+. After letting GAS get the better of me I went through quite a few amps and now I'm back to GK, they just feel like home to me. I don't have much experience with the MB series, but the ones I've played sound good. You just can't lose with GK they are solidly built, sound great, and work perfectly in a band mix.

All of the reviews I have read and videos I have seen (take that for what it's worth) all have been very good. They do compare the MB500 to the RB700ii, as being similar in sound. It's probably going to be between the TC and the GK. Both are the same price, TC has more bells and whistles, GK has the history.