Gallien Krueger Mb115

Epitaph04 · #1 03-03-2011, 10:23 PM

Hey all. I know the obvious answer to this one is to just go try it out at a store, but I've never seen one of these amps at my semi local GC or local shops.

I am looking for an amp that I can start to use for jamming with more than just a guitarist...such as a drummer. I currently play a line 6 110 combo that is great for practice and low volume jamming but just is not loud enough to be heard over a drummer.

I've been looking at this GK amp for a few days and has me pretty interested, checked out the reviews, but as I said, I have no place to try it out. Anyone own it? I was also looking at an Acoustic 115 amp, but I'm a bit weary on that one as most Acoustic stuff I've tried has left me underwhelmed.

So, would the GK115 be a good buy to start jamming out with drummers/bands and maybe even a small gig? Or would I be better off saving up for something like a 2x12?

Oh and I play a lot of metal/prog and a bit of rock thrown in, so I use the low B string extensively.

Thanks.

craig.p · #2 03-04-2011, 04:30 AM

The only commercially available 1x15 box I envision being used in a band with a drummer is the Avatar TB153. Anything else in the 1x15 size, I think you'd sooner or later be running it on the ragged edge, having to abuse it to keep up, and regretting the purchase. 2x12 in a combo? Eh... Within its limitations it might work, if the drummer isn't trying to prove something.

2x12 in a separate box, run off a separate head -- I think that's what you should be saving for. Or a TB153. \

Upgrades that are too finely-incremented will do three things: 1) empty your wallet, 2) frustrate you, and 3) push out the date when you can finally afford what you really need to get the job done.

Davyo · #3 03-04-2011, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epitaph04

Hey all. I know the obvious answer to this one is to just go try it out at a store, but I've never seen one of these amps at my semi local GC or local shops.

I am looking for an amp that I can start to use for jamming with more than just a guitarist...such as a drummer. I currently play a line 6 110 combo that is great for practice and low volume jamming but just is not loud enough to be heard over a drummer.

I've been looking at this GK amp for a few days and has me pretty interested, checked out the reviews, but as I said, I have no place to try it out. Anyone own it? I was also looking at an Acoustic 115 amp, but I'm a bit weary on that one as most Acoustic stuff I've tried has left me underwhelmed.

So, would the GK115 be a good buy to start jamming out with drummers/bands and maybe even a small gig? Or would I be better off saving up for something like a 2x12?

Oh and I play a lot of metal/prog and a bit of rock thrown in, so I use the low B string extensively.

Thanks.

I recently compared the Acoustic 115 to the GK MB115 and the difference was HUGE,,, the GK MB115 was the clear winner by a landslide !!!!

Cheers
Davyo

mb94952 · #4 03-04-2011, 12:01 PM

I think you will be disappointed with a 115. Yes, the GK mb 115 is GREAT, it's sounds better for upright or jazz. You will be happier with a 212 or 410 cab.

I have a GK 212 cab and it's 56 lbs, 600w. It's amazing.

I also have a GK mb210 combo. It weighs 33 lbs and kills most other amps. Highly recommended ! You'll love it.

Don't waste your money on junk like Acoustic or Behringer. Save a little more and get GK. It's affordable, and in my opinion, GK makes the best sounding neo cabs.

Epitaph04 · #5 03-04-2011, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig.p

The only commercially available 1x15 box I envision being used in a band with a drummer is the Avatar TB153. Anything else in the 1x15 size, I think you'd sooner or later be running it on the ragged edge, having to abuse it to keep up, and regretting the purchase. 2x12 in a combo? Eh... Within its limitations it might work, if the drummer isn't trying to prove something.

2x12 in a separate box, run off a separate head -- I think that's what you should be saving for. Or a TB153. \

Upgrades that are too finely-incremented will do three things: 1) empty your wallet, 2) frustrate you, and 3) push out the date when you can finally afford what you really need to get the job done.

Dang..well that's the problem. I don't have room for a big 410 or anything like that, as much as I'd love something like that.

The 212 sounds like a good idea though...I could probably make that work.

Aside from the TB153, what would you recommend for a 212 cab/amp?

Thanks.

nanookofnj · #6 03-04-2011, 01:18 PM

I think the GK MB212 will do all that you want and then some in a 38 lb. 500 watt combo. Easily keeps up with a drummer and multiple guitarists and keys with a ton of headroom to spare. It excels in handling a B string to boot. Depending on how much you want to spend you can get it for very close to 6 bills shipped brand new.

laklandplayer · #7 03-05-2011, 11:16 AM

I've got the MB115 and it kicks ass! I've played some loud casino gigs with it and it hangs in there no sweat. It's the only amp I've ever had where I had to actually roll off the low end. The tone controls give you plenty of voicing latitude and with the tweeter off, and some tweaking, it reminds me of a B15. It handles a 5 string like a champ too.

KPJ · #8 03-05-2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig.p

The only commercially available 1x15 box I envision being used in a band with a drummer is the Avatar TB153. Anything else in the 1x15 size, I think you'd sooner or later be running it on the ragged edge, having to abuse it to keep up, and regretting the purchase. 2x12 in a combo? Eh... Within its limitations it might work, if the drummer isn't trying to prove something.

2x12 in a separate box, run off a separate head -- I think that's what you should be saving for. Or a TB153. \

Upgrades that are too finely-incremented will do three things: 1) empty your wallet, 2) frustrate you, and 3) push out the date when you can finally afford what you really need to get the job done.

How many gigs have you played with a GK MB115? I've been using one exclusively for over a year for all my gigs. I play classic rock and country at small and medium sized clubs and outdoors at campgrounds w/o PA support. If I can't keep up soundwise with the drummer, that drummer doesn't play with the band again.

For my situation, the MB115 is perfect. If I were paying metal, slapping a lot or playing stoner/doom, then no, it wouldn't work. For most people who play in normal volume situations and aren't trying to crank it really loud, the MB115 is a great amp.

silvertripper · #9 03-05-2011, 01:35 PM

well I had (at one time) a GK115RB but I used it with a 410cab. The GK115 gave me some serious low end but as a stand alone I would rank it a 4 out of 10. As a helper cab I would rank it a 9 out of 10. Remember, the 10's will give you punch and move air, the 15 will give you depth and bottom end. At the time Ive played med venues to arenas and all in between. This 115 served exceptionally well as a helper cab. Just my 10c.

christw · #10 03-05-2011, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silvertripper

...Remember, the 10's will give you punch and move air, the 15 will give you depth and bottom end...

AMPS FAQ!! Info on OHMS, Allsize RIGS-OverUnderPowerCabs DIY TechTalk-Links

Read the links about speaker size...

Epitaph04 · #11 03-06-2011, 12:53 PM

Bump?

smgleitch · #12 03-06-2011, 01:04 PM

I have the gk mb115. It is a very good combo. I was sure I wouldn't like it but was very surprised when I tried it in the store. Im sure you will be happy with it. It has a lot more volume than you would think.

Epitaph04 · #13 03-07-2011, 01:59 PM

Well, i thought about it for a bit and looked around the web, and Im thinking of
perhaps trying to save up for a GK 212 cab (not the neo one) and a GK mb500 amp head. What do you guys think? Would that be good for me? I dont think ive ever seen those at any of my local shops or GC.

Boostedrex · #14 03-07-2011, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epitaph04

Well, i thought about it for a bit and looked around the web, and Im thinking of
perhaps trying to save up for a GK 212 cab (not the neo one) and a GK mb500 amp head. What do you guys think? Would that be good for me? I dont think ive ever seen those at any of my local shops or GC.

If you're going to go that route then why not just buy the GK MB212? That would pretty much be the same thing in a single piece package.

craig.p · #15 03-07-2011, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KPJ

How many gigs have you played with a GK MB115? I've been using one exclusively for over a year for all my gigs. I play classic rock and country at small and medium sized clubs and outdoors at campgrounds w/o PA support. If I can't keep up soundwise with the drummer, that drummer doesn't play with the band again.

For my situation, the MB115 is perfect. If I were paying metal, slapping a lot or playing stoner/doom, then no, it wouldn't work. For most people who play in normal volume situations and aren't trying to crank it really loud, the MB115 is a great amp.

I've played ZERO gigs with 1x15 combos because 1x15 combos are woefully undersized for the work I do. I've heard MB115s on stage, though, and, frankly I came away unimpressed every time. I could pick out the bass, and, well... It's one thing to be heard, but another to have a strong presence+impact -- which is not necessarily the same as "loud." However, I probably should've qualified my initial recommendation with something along the lines of unless you're playing in a "polite" band. I regret the omission.

Epitaph04 · #16 03-07-2011, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boostedrex

If you're going to go that route then why not just buy the GK MB212? That would pretty much be the same thing in a single piece package.

Would it really be better to go for the combo? I was thinking of getting the cab and head separately so that maybe in the future I could upgrade the cab or something. But if I'm better off just getting the combo though....

I just wanna make sure it's loud enough for a band setting.

kimstevens · #17 03-08-2011, 12:05 AM

IMO, there is one great reason to get a separate head and cab: if the amp section of a combo needs warranty work, you have to ship out the whole thing, normally on your dime. It's a lot cheaper to ship out a 4 lb. micro head than a 40 lb. combo.

Epitaph04 · #18 03-08-2011, 01:53 AM

I just looked at the GK MB200 amp head. Now I'm thinking of saving up for the GK 212 cab and an mb200. Would this still be good for full band practice and maybe a small/medium gig? I figure in the long run I could buy a new amp and maybe another 212 and stack them for when I really need the volume/power.

Sorry for all the questions, I just don't have very much experience with amps!

JimmyM · #19 03-08-2011, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silvertripper

Remember, the 10's will give you punch and move air, the 15 will give you depth and bottom end.

that's what you call "engineering by looks." it's not necessarily so. the most low-reaching cab i've ever heard that wasn't a subwoofer is the svt 410hlf. and a 15" driver can be designed to have a goodly amount of high end as well. you got extra depth not because you mixed 10"s with a 15, but because you added another driver, which always results in a more enhanced bottom end. replace that 115 with a second 410 and you'd get even more enhanced bottom end.

Mike M. · #20 03-08-2011, 03:46 AM

I bought the MB115 a month ago. Cool amp. Kicks it out better than I thought it would. Great sound in such a small box.

I'm happy.