Gallien-Krueger MB112 vs. 600BL

[Toogy]

I'm looking for my first bass amp and initially I was thinking the GK MB112 would be great for me.

I don't plan to gig much, but might do the occasional jam sessions with another guitar player & drummer. Most likely heavier music though.

Like I said I was really leaning towards the MB112 until I came across a local deal for a GK 600BL, and it has started making me questions things! I like some of the features of the 600BL, like the overdrive and the boost, etc. I like a little "hair" on my bass tone.

Is it possible to get some growl out of the MB112 at reasonable volume levels? (i've noticed it doesn't have a master volume, only a gain control).

Anyways, I'd like to hear some of your opinions on either of these choices.

Thanks

[chaseman]

I went with the GK MB115, which is essentially the same as the 112, save a few extra features. However, these features are IMO a big +1 over the 112, so if you were to get a Gallien Krueger MB series, I'd spend the extra cash and go with the 115. I've also heard good things about the MB212 etc., so it's worth checking those out as well.

[WingKL]

If I'm not mistaken, the Backline 600 is head only while the MB 112 is a combo. The BL600 and the head in the MB112 will sound different as they have a different amplifier topology. The BL600 is a class AB while the MB 112 is a class D. Some say the class D amp will growl. That may be but it will not be the classic GK growl which requires the amp to hit it's voltage rails. In general you don't get the "GK growl" unless you're cranking it. I think for clean tone, the class D amp will work even better than the BL600 and your fingers, bass, strings and pickups can provide the growl you need. There seems to be a bit of an unpleasant coloration to the BL600's clean tone that I tried compared to the 700 RB.

[vin*tone]

The MB112 has no master volume so forget about it if you want to use it for fuzz. It's a great little amp but it's appeal is more about its weight and form factor than its feature set. It sounds good but not GREAT. You won't be selling your Sadowsky SA200. Definitely the ultimate practice amp if your band doesn't play at ear bleeding levels. That said - I rehearse with it, never past 12:00 and 2 guys are wearing ear plugs.

[Toogy]

thanks guys, I think the 600BL is out of the question and I'm really liking the MB115, but now I can't help but wonder if I the MB210 is even better?? lol.

Is the MB210 worth over $200 more than the MB115 in regards to the sound they get?

[dogofgod]

the mb212 is an awesome amp. highly recommended.

[pbasswil]

There's a lot on the MB combo series on TB -- it'd def. tone for be worth your while to check it out.

They're cool amps, and the light weight is a godsend. However, audition them carefully. The 210 has quite a boom to it; not so easy to fit in a mix without major EQ. I like the 212 better for tone that at least approaches "balanced". And it's loud enough to keep up with most drummers. I haven't tried the 115, but a lot of folks like them.

I just got a 112 for something to toss in the car, and for cocktail-y gigs. It's nothing special, tonally, but it gets the job done for small $$, and I love the weght.

[scottfeldstein]

I have the MB210 and I like it. It's the only MB combo they make that can drive an external cabinet. I and another member here have reviewed it:

MB210 Ultralight Bass Combo Amp - Bass Gear Reviews at TalkBass.com

[TheDude007]

I've got the MB212. Great amp. However, if you're looking to put some dirt in your tone here's a recommendation that I got a long time ago which I think really still holds true: Find an amp with the best clean tone that you can. You can always add distortion (at any level) with a pedal.
Lastly, from what I've heard, steer clear of the 600BL unless you want to be constantly fixing that. I don't know that from experience, just the word on the street.
Good luck to you!

[tdub0199]

I have the MB115 and it's a great little combo....