The GK MB210 RATTLE/BUZZ/VIBRATION Thread

[Slackerprince]

This thread is for MB210 combos only.
I'd like to discuss Rattle/Buzz/Vibration issues only.
It's not for "loud enough" "extension cab", etc. etc.

So, I've discovered the rattle inside my MB210 amp and brought it to an authorized GK service shop today.
I've read about these issues spread out in various threads, but I'd like to gather everyone together with these issues with this combo to discuss fixes and maybe get GK to fix the problem at the source.
I haven't read that the same issues are happening with the MB212 or MB115, etc.
I tried it in different rooms and there still seems to be the rattle or buzz, even at low volumes.I used a passive Fender Jazz with Quarter Pounders. It is definitely a "mechanical" type vibration, rather than an "electrical" sound.
Unfortunately, the shop called just after I dropped it off and said they were having a hard time hearing what I described, but they cranked it and said the tweeter seemed to be the source of a "little" vibration, in both the on and off position, and that it seems to have a tear in it. They are going to replace that and we'll see from there.
Needless to say, I'm disappointed, as I was totally stoked to get one, and was surprised to get one from MF when they said they were backordered. I couldn't believe it when they said it shipped. It shipped 5/26/10.
So, I'm interested in others with this specific issue sharing what they've done.
Thanks.

s.

[rpsands]

You can bet that not being braced at all will exacerbate any vibration issues.

[bassyRyan]

Finally got to try out a couple MB15's today at GC. One was rattle city and the other was okay...just not very loud, IMO. All in all they seemed a bit flimsy (although the weight sure was nice), the horns are crap and I was kind of dissapointed because I was eyeballing a 210MB. The Markbass combo I tried wasn't as noisy but the tone was nothing to write home about, in fact I liked the GK's tone better. Oh well. Looks like I'm just gonna beef up my current SWR rig.

[Slackerprince]

Originally Posted by rpsands

You can bet that not being braced at all will exacerbate any vibration issues.

I've read your posts about bracing and it totally makes sense, it's just a warranty-voiding issue.
I'll see what happens with the new tweeter and play with it before I start busting chops at GK corporate. I'm totally in the mood, because I was totally stoked on this amp, and now totally disappointed.
I did as much research as I could and spending another $100 on the 212 wouldn't have been a big deal, but I thought the 210 would be plenty for my purposes.
Thanks for the post.

S.

[pgolliher]

My MB210 has a rattle at loud volumes (not every gig, only when we are pushing loud and the drummer is hitting hard-or if I am using my octave pedal). It is sympathetic and will only rattle on a few notes. Mine definitely sounds as if it is coming from the power section on the back of the amp. I need to get it fixed or replaced while it is under warranty. Part of the reason I have been slow to do this is that despite the rattle- I LOVE this amp and don't want to part with it until our gig schedule slows down in December.

[Slackerprince]

Originally Posted by pgolliher

My MB210 has a rattle at loud volumes (not every gig, only when we are pushing loud and the drummer is hitting hard-or if I am using my octave pedal). It is sympathetic and will only rattle on a few notes. Mine definitely sounds as if it is coming from the power section on the back of the amp. I need to get it fixed or replaced while it is under warranty. Part of the reason I have been slow to do this is that despite the rattle- I LOVE this amp and don't want to part with it until our gig schedule slows down in December.

Sorry to hear that, but glad there is some affirmation and that I'm not insane. Or, at least not hearing things.

[pgolliher]

hope your repair goes well Slackerprince.

[Slackerprince]

Thanks.

s

[GRAHAM SG1]

Am I unusual in having an MB210 that does not rattle at all ?

Do the tweeters actually do anything on these amps, all mine seems to do is hiss ?

[jnewmark]

Originally Posted by pgolliher

My MB210 has a rattle at loud volumes (not every gig, only when we are pushing loud and the drummer is hitting hard-or if I am using my octave pedal). It is sympathetic and will only rattle on a few notes. Mine definitely sounds as if it is coming from the power section on the back of the amp. I need to get it fixed or replaced while it is under warranty. Part of the reason I have been slow to do this is that despite the rattle- I LOVE this amp and don't want to part with it until our gig schedule slows down in December.

I think another TB'er had this problem, and took it in. The screws that hold the power section were replaced with a different type and the problem went away. Can't recall what thread it was in. However, chasing mechanical rattles will drive any sane person nuts. I've been putting up with them and sympathetic vibrations for 40 years in bass cabs. The eerie thing about them is that they don't always do it - they seem to come and go from gig to gig.Also, they are hard to pinpoint sometimes. I swore I had a rattle coming from my rack unit that was driving me nuts. I stuffed every available space with padding, put a 2" pad under the rack, tightened every screw I could find, and it still was there. Come to find out weeks later that it was actually the spring loaded handle on the cab that was vibrating! Good luck.

[billfitzmaurice]

One of the arguments against the combo concept in general is that the more parts that can rattle the more likely it is that one or more will. I don't see this as an issue with this combo specifically as much as all combos. It probably can be fixed, but the only way to easily identify rattling parts is with a tone generator.

[strost]

I just picked up one of these pups over the weekend and now am worried thanks to all the problems people are reporting. I hear a tiny rattle at high volume coming from the tweeter on some notes but nothing to make me too concerned yet. Definitely not loud enough to hear in a band situation.

Does anyone know if GK has done anything to correct this since releasing these a year ago? Are newer ones having the problem less often?

I'm still in my 30-day GC return window and am wondering if I should go get the MB115 instead. Only problem is, the nearest GC (where I got it) is 2.5 hours away!

[Slackerprince]

Originally Posted by jnewmark

I think another TB'er had this problem, and took it in. The screws that hold the power section were replaced with a different type and the problem went away. Can't recall what thread it was in. However, chasing mechanical rattles will drive any sane person nuts. I've been putting up with them and sympathetic vibrations for 40 years in bass cabs. The eerie thing about them is that they don't always do it - they seem to come and go from gig to gig.Also, they are hard to pinpoint sometimes. I swore I had a rattle coming from my rack unit that was driving me nuts. I stuffed every available space with padding, put a 2" pad under the rack, tightened every screw I could find, and it still was there. Come to find out weeks later that it was actually the spring loaded handle on the cab that was vibrating! Good luck.

I remember reading that. I'm going to call the tech and suggest all the things I've read in various threads. I was trying to compile everybody with this amp into one thread. Seems this particular amp is having similar issues.
Thanks.

S.

[infoseeker]

Hi,

I experienced a rattle in my 210MBE, but not in my MB210. Sent the 210MBE back to get replaced (hissy tweeter and peeling serial tag as well). It could be something as simple as a wire touching the speaker cage. That was the case with my Ampeg BA115HP years ago: easy fix (taped the wire to the cage IIRC). Didn't want to break into the GK and possibly void the warranty by fixing it myself this time.

Mat

[pgolliher]

Originally Posted by jnewmark

I think another TB'er had this problem, and took it in. The screws that hold the power section were replaced with a different type and the problem went away. Can't recall what thread it was in. However, chasing mechanical rattles will drive any sane person nuts. I've been putting up with them and sympathetic vibrations for 40 years in bass cabs. The eerie thing about them is that they don't always do it - they seem to come and go from gig to gig.Also, they are hard to pinpoint sometimes. I swore I had a rattle coming from my rack unit that was driving me nuts. I stuffed every available space with padding, put a 2" pad under the rack, tightened every screw I could find, and it still was there. Come to find out weeks later that it was actually the spring loaded handle on the cab that was vibrating! Good luck.

Thanks! Brian from GK sent me a note that they will take care of it when I am ready. Even another reason to love this amp.

[philter25]

Originally Posted by GRAHAM SG1

Am I unusual in having an MB210 that does not rattle at all ?

Do the tweeters actually do anything on these amps, all mine seems to do is hiss ?

Mine doesnt rattle. And I complained about the tweeter when I first got it because it was pretty noisy. After playing with it for a few gigs, its now silent. I cant explain it.

I play all my gigs now with the tweeter on and it sounds great. But for the first few gigs and practices, I never turned it on because it was noisy and hissy.

[gidbass]

Originally Posted by jnewmark

I think another TB'er had this problem, and took it in. The screws that hold the power section were replaced with a different type and the problem went away. Can't recall what thread it was in. However, chasing mechanical rattles will drive any sane person nuts. I've been putting up with them and sympathetic vibrations for 40 years in bass cabs. The eerie thing about them is that they don't always do it - they seem to come and go from gig to gig.Also, they are hard to pinpoint sometimes. I swore I had a rattle coming from my rack unit that was driving me nuts. I stuffed every available space with padding, put a 2" pad under the rack, tightened every screw I could find, and it still was there. Come to find out weeks later that it was actually the spring loaded handle on the cab that was vibrating! Good luck.

I had this problem with my MB212. I ended up taking it to a local authorized repair center. It was missing some screws on the back that actually were responsible for holding on the main board. They fixed it (under warranty) and it works great now and no rattle...except for the stuff in my house that rattles when I crank it a bit too much...

Good luck!

[Wes Whitmore]

If it's under warranty, I send it to GK to get it fixed. If it's past warranty, I fix it or get it worked on if it's beyond me.
Wes

[Lexicon]

Originally Posted by gidbass

I had this problem with my MB212. I ended up taking it to a local authorized repair center. It was missing some screws on the back that actually were responsible for holding on the main board. They fixed it (under warranty) and it works great now and no rattle...except for the stuff in my house that rattles when I crank it a bit too much...

Good luck!

I don't get the opportunity to turn mine up loud very often at home. When I do I'd have a hard time hearing a rattle in the amp because of the old school door handle making all of the noise right next to it. Oh wait. Maybe it's the armoire next to that or the handles on the dresser. Everything in the room rattles when I turn it up loud Owning an old house has de-sensitized me to rattles because I hear them all of the time.

I did do some jamming at higher volumes recently and luckily I didn't hear any noises from my MB210. I'll keep my fingers crossed as I start to move it in and out of the house more often for jam sessions.

[SpectorDetector]

Had mine for a while now and have not had issue one, it's a great amp and almost as good as my Markbass 210 combo(don't have anymore) at nearly half the price. For what it's worth I never use the tweeter.