GK MB 112 First Impression

[ClassicJazz]

I originally posted this in another thread...which is kind of buried. So since I've seen some people asking about it....I've only used it once so far, but here is what I wrote:

In regards to the MB112, today was the first time using it, and it was in a rehearsal setting. My band plays a mix of blues, funk and R&B. So I was slappin and finger style playing. Along with the bass there was drums, guitar, keys and vocals. At our rehearsal volume the MB112 easily held it's own. I do hear a bit of hiss from it, probably due to the single gain. But is nothing that is overwhelming. In fact I did not even notice it during rehearsal. When I first turned it on in my house, that is when I noticed it. Tone wise, I had the bass and treble flat and the low mid and hi mid around the 1 o-clock position. It sounded great.

Also note I had it sitting on an amp stand so it raises it up a bit and I am able to tilt it. So I pretty much had it pointing to my ears rather than my feet. I pretty much got this amp for rehearsals and home practice and I think it will do fine in that regards. For gigs, I still will use the MB212. For one it is 2x12 and 500W. And the MB212 is only around 10 lbs more!

Volume wise on the MB112, I had it around 11-12 o-clock. So there was plenty more to go. I was using my Sadowsky NYC Standard with the MB112.

This amp replaced a 90W Behringer ULTRABASS BXL900 also with a single 12" speaker. No comparison! The GK is worlds apart better.......and the Behringer is 43 lbs compared to the 28 lbs of the GK!

[jeff7bass]

That's pretty much what I expected from it. Good amp of course, great deal to boot!

[twangman]

Hey boss, would this be a good gigging amp? As a stand alone unit in a 3 piece punk band

[ClassicJazz]

Originally Posted by twangman

Hey boss, would this be a good gigging amp? As a stand alone unit in a 3 piece punk band

That would depend on the venue. Playing live gigs in a punk band, probably not. For that I would recommend the MB 212.

Remember the MB 112 is only a single 12" @ 200W. I could see using it in a small club playing blues or jazz. But not punk! Loud and punk go hand to hand!

[FooHead]

Can you get any grit out of it by increasing the gain?

[twangman]

The mb212 is kinda outta my price range. The next step up would be the mb115. Im only playing with 1 guitar, and a drummer. My guitarist uses a 75 watt amp.

[bassist4dalord]

twangman: I have the MB115. It's a great amp, but I don't think I'd use it if a punk band were my main gig. That being said, I use it mostly for practice, as almost everywhere I play (churches mostly) has a sound board and/or an amp for me.

Congrats on the new amp! I love how cute the MB112 is. And I love rockin' my MB115. Thanks for the review.

[Edinburgh_Bass]

Hi - sorry to jump in, I'm really hoping somebody can help me out. I just received my new MB112 and as soon as I switch it on, the fan starts and doesn't seem to want to stop (I've not even played through it yet!). I've never used GK amps before, so not sure if this is normal (all my other amps are silent). I have spoken with the dealer, who recommends letting it run for a while. Many thanks - Grant