Gallien Krueger or Mesa
 

I am currently looking at replacing my Hartke 4.5xl cab. I'm tired of the weight and I never really cared for the sound. I was planning on picking up a Gallien krueger Neo 115 to go with my schroeder 1210 cab (could not find one for the price i wanted). While searching through used cabs I came across a Gallien Kruger Neo 212 cab and a Mesa 115 (I don't know which line, but its 600 watts). I unfortunately cannot try out either one, so here's where I need your help.

I play with a lot of different bands, but most are rock bands. I play with a Gallien Krueger 2001rbp (preamp) through a Fender mb1200 (power amp) and a Fender Jazz bass (4 string). I want decent low end since the schroder does not provide that. I also want something lighter than my Hartke. Naturally the Gallien Krueger 212 seems like the right choice (and is the direction I am leaning). I just want to know if I would be making a mistake on passing up the Mesa 115, since I don't actually need a cab as big as the 212, just more low end. Anyone with experience with these cabs let me know what you think. Thanks guys.

A 15 won't neccessarily give you "more low end" than a 410 will. Forget that mythology. The 410hlf is very deep sounding, and will provide more thump than most any 15 loaded cab. And, most Mesa cab's are awesome, but known to be quite heavy.

I prefer Gallien Krueger. I don't think either gives more low end, but my 15 is definitely boomier than my 410. My 410 is more articulate and punchy, but not necessarily less low end.

Since weight is a concern, I can guarantee the Mesa weighs more than the GK.

If you're looking for more low end in a small and lighter package, being a good Ampeg pimp I might also throw the Ampeg PF cabs at you ;) Despite a couple of them being sealed cabs, they will throw a lot of low end, way more than higher voiced cabs like the 4.5xl and the 410he from Ampeg. And the ported PF cabs get seriously low, almost in the realm of the SVT 410hlf, which is about as low voiced as any bass cab I ever heard.

If you're playing in a serious rock band, then you actually do need something as big as a 2x12. :eyebrow:

My advice: Ditch the Hartke, pick up the GK Neo 2x12. And if you ultimately find that you need more speaker cab, get another of the same.

MM

Thanks for all the responses.

Yeah I'm not looking for something with more low end than what I have now. But something to replace the low end when I remove my 4X10 from the setup. "Low end in a smaller lighter package" like JimmyM said (I will take a look at those ampegs). Also volume is not an issue since I am also running that schroeder cab (700 watts), which is louder than the Hartke.

Add a powered sub...

Mesa 212 ftw

This... +1 to x2.