Ampeg PF350 VS GK MB200

Lemming16 · #1 06-05-2011, 06:23 PM

So, im trying to choose between these 2:

Ampeg PF350 (350 Watts) $299
Buy Ampeg PF-350 Portaflex 350W Bass Amp Head | Solid State Amp Heads | Musician's Friend

or.. GK MB200 $250
Buy Gallien-Krueger MB200 200W Ultra Light Bass Amp Head | Solid State Amp Heads | Musician's Friend

I would be using one of those with an Ampeg BSE410H cab (4x10, obviously) rated at 8 ohms and 200W.

Im asking this, because i've seen on many threads here, saying that the MB200 is in fact more powerful than the PF350 (despite the PF350 has 150 more watts. Even some guys who owned both (they proved with pictures), said the MB200 was very comparable to the PF500 in volume and that the tone is clearer on low notes on the MB200). I've also read that many people had problems with the PF350.

Since im in Mexico, there's no way i can try any of these myself (but i'm sure it's much better than what we have over here), so all i have are youtube videos and your opinions. Since an uncle is going to bring me the amp with him on the plane from the USA, it needs to be REALLY small, like these 2, also my max budget is $300.

So... what do you guys recommend?
PF350 or GK MB200

I would be using the amp with a Tech21 Bass driver. I'm looking for this differente kind of sounds (Links below). I dont know which amp would suit better with my Tech 21 Bass driver, to at least sound a little like these guys, that sounds just beautiful and is what i'm looking for.

YouTube - ‪Yngwie Malmsteen - The Bogeyman‬&rlm;
YouTube - ‪Silly God Disco | the GazettE‬&rlm;
YouTube - ‪The Cure-Fascination Street (With Lyrics)‬&rlm;

Thanks in advance. Saludos

P.S: I play on a covers band, so, sometimes i need a very clean sound for some songs.

bal704 · #2 06-05-2011, 07:00 PM

My only experience with the PF350 was at a guitar center. I haven't read all the reviews and comments here (there a bunch), but my first impression was 'this isn't very loud'. I had to turn it up, way up, to get any useable volume.

I own the MB200, and it seems A LOT louder. In fact, when I was testing the PF350 at GC, I thought to myself 'my little MB200 is louder than this'.

The PF350 sounded good though. I'd probably get the PF500 if I was going to go that route.

Lemming16 · #3 06-05-2011, 08:56 PM

Hi!, thanks for your reply. It looks like, in fact, the MB200 would be a better choice.
I would go for the PF500, but my budget won't allow it, and i don't think there will be a huge difference, also my cab is 200W, so, that might be a problem.

Kael · #4 06-05-2011, 09:05 PM

Your cab is 8 ohms. You won't be getting the full wattage out of either of those heads with a 8 ohm load. If you are really worried about getting enough volume out of a low wattage head like these two, you need consider getting a 4 ohm cab. Otherwise go for a head with more horsepower.

Lemming16 · #5 06-06-2011, 04:01 PM

Hi Kael. I'm not really concerned about volume. I'm more concerned 'bout getting a good tone, that it doesn't "fart out" because of low power. I just want my sound to be crystal clear (on clean or overdrive mode).

Thanks for your answers.

JimmyM · #6 06-06-2011, 04:37 PM

Both amps should do clean fine. I know the PF350 does but I haven't played the GK. Still, it's 150w more, and headroom counts for clean.