GK 115MBE NEO vs. SWR Son of Bertha vs. ????? 15" cabs

JimFog · #1 03-14-2011, 09:15 PM

Hey,

Considering both these cabs for my new rig. They would be stand-alone with a passive Jazz bass and probably a GK 1001RB , 700RB or something similar. Blues, Classic Rock, Jazz, Country, older RnB......finger and occasional pick style....no slap, pop, etc.

The GK appeals because of the weight, and I would probably buy new.

The SWR because of their reputation and the adjustable tweeter. I've had good luck their gear, in the past. I'd try and find it used, preferably an older model.

Thoughts? Any others you'd recommend?

Thanks!

- Jim

rpsands · #2 03-14-2011, 09:21 PM

The SoB is a piece of garbage. Seriously. Twenty year old speaker in a concrete box.

On the flipside, the MBE may have issues - get the 400w 8 ohm version, and be prepared to send it back if it has any of the multitude of issues they're having. still, I would not even think of buying an old SWR boat anchor in this market.

JimFog · #3 03-14-2011, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsands

On the flipside, the MBE may have issues - get the 400w 8 ohm version, and be prepared to send it back if it has any of the multitude of issues they're having.

Lots of info, and the only "issues" I'm seeing are how long they were back-ordered,originally, and the confusion with the 200W vs 400W versions. Is there something else I'm missing?

Thanks!

puremusic · #4 03-14-2011, 10:24 PM

My GK MBE 115 works perfectly with no problems and sounds great.

rpsands · #5 03-14-2011, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimFog

Lots of info, and the only "issues" I'm seeing are how long they were back-ordered,originally, and the confusion with the 200W vs 400W versions. Is there something else I'm missing?

Thanks!

There have been a lot of bum tweeters, buzzing grilles, and so on in various members of the MB line. It could be a statistical anomaly, but it's enough that I can't strongly recommend them without owning one first

Especially since I've played with the 210/115 combos both a lot and found the 210 especially uninspiring. The 115 combo is usable.

You can see the other thread on the complete lack of bracing/batting in the cabs, but I don't want to crap this thread up with that.

Bottom line: There are some corners cut on those cabs to make them crazy cheap as well as have good quality components.

JimFog · #6 03-15-2011, 12:17 AM

It's cool......I appreciate any and all opinions.

With that in mind, any other 1x15" cabs that folks can recommend, for the same purposes, and not HUGE $$$$??

Thanks!

DavePlaysBass · #7 03-15-2011, 12:23 AM

GK Neo 115-III is a great cab. Better tweater than the MBE and goes deeper. Nice mids too. And with the GK heads you list, it accomodates the biamp / active tweeter feature.

rpsands · #8 03-15-2011, 12:29 AM

If I were buying an affordable 1x15, I would buy the MBE-115, brace it, add batting, sell the built in speaker and adjust the porting for a Kappalite 3015. But that's a lot of work.

Stock models without breaking the bank, the GK Neo 115 is the best option available that's good quality at a reasonable price.

Buying a cheap used Son of Bertha and replacing the stock woofer with a 3015 is a decent move too

Ampeg makes one that looks intriguing but I have yet to try it:
http://www.music123.com/Bass/Bass-Am...2000000000.sku

JimFog · #9 03-15-2011, 10:47 AM

Thanks.

SlappinDaBass86 · #10 03-15-2011, 10:55 AM

I own a GK Neo 115-III that I use with my GK MB2-500. The GK Neo series are great. I've put it against my friends SWR and the GK came on top with more low end and great tweeter. From my experience I would go for the GK, especially if you are going to match it up with a GK Amp.

Daniel Piper · #11 03-15-2011, 04:09 PM

I too own the Gk Neo 115 - III and love it. Not as much as the 212, but still awesome - and light.