GK MB112, MB115 or MB210...!

[Ganky]

I'm about to purchase my first real amp and am stuck on which to choose. I've decided to go for one of the GK combos due to their power to weight ratio and they're reasonably cheap price, even though I haven't played one yet! Do you think this is wise?

I will mostly be playing smallish gigs and have been using a hartke kickback 12, 120w, which I'm finding to be a tad too quiet. Do you think the MB 112 or MB 115 could make a sizeable difference at 200w compared to the 120w hartke? Also how much difference in volume would you think there to be between the 112 and 115, the 115 being £100 more for me.

These are the cheapest prices I can get in the UK, much more expensive than in the US!

MB112 - £260 / $400
MB115 - £360 / $550
MB210 - £530 / $800

Is the twice as expensive MB210 or the slightly more expensive 115 worth the few extra features and more sound, what are your views!

Thanks for your advice guys

[H_Wordsmythe]

I have the 115. Love it, but would have bought the 210 if I could afford it because of the ability to add an ext. cab. I'd stay away from the 112 simply because it does not have separate volume and gain - just one gain knob that controls both. Personally (and no offense to the guys at GK!), I hate amps like that.

[Dr Stankface]

The MB210 is worth the money. The depth and clarity of it is hard to match compared to other 210 combos and it's a breeze to load in and out.

[DynaFlow]

I've been considering the MB112 but the lack of seperate volume and gain is a liability for my needs.

[FighttheSilence]

I would say get the 210, it should be plenty of volume. You can always add another cab if you find it to quite in the future. Trust me, it sucks realizing you have to buy a whole new rig.

[tastybasslines]

Originally Posted by FighttheSilence

I would say get the 210, it should be plenty of volume. You can always add another cab if you find it to quite in the future. Trust me, it sucks realizing you have to buy a whole new rig.

The MB 115 should be enough on it's own to play even big bars or small clubs, right?

[Bassist24601]

The MB212!! Actually, I agree with getting the 210. Better safe than sorry for wattage IMO. Plus, if you get a good extension cab, it will have more than enough volume for whatever your needs are. I think the MB112 would be a great practice or jazz amp, but for everything else, the 210 would better suit you.

[Tampabass]

+ 1 on what 24601 said

I like practically everything about the MB210 - tone, clarity, portability, volume, ability to add external cab.

That said, I think your decision in part depends on whether you plan to have your combo as your sole source of amplification. If so, I'd vote to go for the 210. Because it's sure to fit your gigging needs, in more situations than the 112 or 115, and give you the flexibility you need if/when you DO want more volume.

Ultimately, I'm planning on rebuilding my amp (probably Markbass) + cabs (my existing Epi UL112 + another 112, probably) set-up.

And after that happens, I think I'll phase out my MB-210 in favor of a 112 or 115 to use on my smaller/jazz gigs (double bass and electric) because for me it'll be useful to have something to grab-and-go that's even more portable than the 210.

Just my $.02

[Hutzbordello]

id go with the 210

i was in the same situation about buying my first amp and having never played it. and with my LTD bass i can dial in so many tones its kinda of rediculous