GK MB200 + 115MBE: I'm folding, for now

[unbasslichkeit]

Just canceled my pre-order for the GK MB 200 and the MBE115. I would have bought this amp sight unseen in April when I ordered it, but now it's backordered again to June 30, most of my real fun gigs are in June, and a wait of 2 1/2 months is just not something I want to do right now. I was really looking forward to it, but right now its just a hold on my credit card which I want back.

As advertised this amp meets 90% of my needs, and I have no doubt that its going to be a great and useful tool when GK finally gets it out the door. However, I'm also hearing rumblings on other TB threads about spec changes, such as the 115MBE only being available as an 8 ohm cabinet. That might not be a real issue, but now I want to try before I buy.

Maybe with some of GC's discount deals I might be able to do even better closer to 30 June. For now the trusty old B-100 will have to do.

[jtc_hunter]

Why not just get an MB115 combo? Its the same thing and less $.

[unbasslichkeit]

Originally Posted by jtc_hunter

Why not just get an MB115 combo? Its the same thing and less $.

That may end up being what I do. However, I really want the versatility of a head/cabinet combo. An MB200 will fit in a gig bag, and with a cheapo 10" mini cab (or even an 8" like with the Genz Benz) it can serve well as a practice amp, or a stage amp with the larger cabs.

It also appears (from the pictures, anyway) that the control knobs on top of the 115 combo are kinda vulnerable where they are. On my Ampeg they're pretty much flush with the top of the amp, but these appear to stick out a little bit. I'm pretty careful when loading, but knob/pot damage always seems to happen to me every couple years, even with a good cover. My old Bassman 100 suffered from badly bent knobs for the last year I used it.

[rag]

Originally Posted by unbasslichkeit

That may end up being what I do. However, I really want the versatility of a head/cabinet combo. An MB200 will fit in a gig bag, and with a cheapo 10" mini cab (or even an 8" like with the Genz Benz) it can serve well as a practice amp, or a stage amp with the larger cabs.

It also appears (from the pictures, anyway) that the control knobs on top of the 115 combo are kinda vulnerable where they are. On my Ampeg they're pretty much flush with the top of the amp, but these appear to stick out a little bit. I'm pretty careful when loading, but knob/pot damage always seems to happen to me every couple years, even with a good cover. My old Bassman 100 suffered from badly bent knobs for the last year I used it.

The knobs are below the surface.
Bob

[Gearhead43]

Yeah the knobs are recessed, have not had any issues with bumping them. I am real carefull with my gear though.

I can recommend the MB115 combo, love mine.

Anyone know where to get a cover for the MB115, by the way?

[unbasslichkeit]

Originally Posted by rag

The knobs are below the surface.
Bob

Thanks for replying, Bob. The pictures on the GC site and others I've seen don't really show a direct frontal view of the amp so it's hard to tell. In hindsight I should have rigged up some kind of knob protection for the old Bassman, and that's easy to do for any amp.

One question: will the MBE115 cabinet be available 4 ohms only, 8 ohms only, or both? I thought I saw another thread saying 8 ohms and 29 pounds while GC's still saying 4 ohms and 33 lbs. I'll take your word for it either way.

[unbasslichkeit]

Originally Posted by Gearhead43

Yeah the knobs are recessed, have not had any issues with bumping them. I am real carefull with my gear though.

I can recommend the MB115 combo, love mine.

Anyone know where to get a cover for the MB115, by the way?

I'd write to Tuki first and see what they could put together for it. They're not cheap covers, but they do the job. My last Tuki cover has been well worth the investment.

[tallboybass]

Originally Posted by Gearhead43

Anyone know where to get a cover for the MB115, by the way?

LeCover

[rag]

Originally Posted by unbasslichkeit

Thanks for replying, Bob. The pictures on the GC site and others I've seen don't really show a direct frontal view of the amp so it's hard to tell. In hindsight I should have rigged up some kind of knob protection for the old Bassman, and that's easy to do for any amp.

One question: will the MBE115 cabinet be available 4 ohms only, 8 ohms only, or both? I thought I saw another thread saying 8 ohms and 29 pounds while GC's still saying 4 ohms and 33 lbs. I'll take your word for it either way.

The 115MBE is 8 Ohms, 400W Neo, 32 lbs.
Bob