GK MB500, MBFusion and Ampeg PF500 Users

CLMSHQ · #1 04-23-2011, 05:45 AM

Ok, Yep, I believe I am done with my MarkBass LMIII. I can not get the tone I am after. So about to make the move soon. I do not have stores near me that have these in stock to A/B. I play mostly Classic Rock and top 40 through a Avatar 112(8ohms) and bigger sound through Avatar 410(4ohms)

For you users out there of a GK MB500 or MBFusion:
Do these heads sound like a RB700?

For you users of the new Ampeg PF500:
Do these heads sound like an Ampeg BA115?

I have had GK's in the past and keep going back to them and I do like my Ampeg BA115 for practice and small gigs.

TomB · #2 04-23-2011, 06:31 AM

Although I'm not sure about the 700, my MB Fusion very clearly has a GK voice, IMO. I'm very pleased with it so far.

mam1862 · #3 04-23-2011, 07:31 AM

I have an MB Fusion and the Little Mark III and I like them both. The fusion has quite a bit more eq playroom. You should be able to dial up any sound you are looking for with the fusion. That being said I think both amps have a great sound. From what you are saying the fusion will be good for you.

CLMSHQ · #4 04-23-2011, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mam1862

I have an MB Fusion and the Little Mark III and I like them both. The fusion has quite a bit more eq playroom. You should be able to dial up any sound you are looking for with the fusion. That being said I think both amps have a great sound. From what you are saying the fusion will be good for you.

Are you playing an active or passive bass though?
I have heard that people who play active like the MarkBass LM's, as the Mark Bass does not have much eq shaping.

Nedmundo · #5 04-23-2011, 11:27 AM

I have a G-K MB-500 and a 700RB-II. They have similar tonal characteristics, for sure, but don't sound the same. The MB-500 is brighter, and doesn't produce quite the same girth or depth as the 700RB-II. But it still sounds great, and by cutting the treble AND hi-mids, it gets closer to the 700RB-II. Of course the boost channel rocks. Purely based on tone, I'd definitely pick the 700RB-II, but the MB-500's portability and "close enough" tone mean I'll probably use it more frequently. Seriously, double gig bag on back with MB-500 and cables in pouch, and Neo112 cab in hand: DONE!

**ddbassGA** · #6 04-23-2011, 12:26 PM

The Ampeg PF500 has similar tonal qualities to the BA115, but MUCH better IMHO. I have both. The PF is more articulate, clearer, and a ton louder. It has more tonal adjustment too. Definitely has that Ampeg sound that I'm sure you hear in the BA. Since I bought the PF500/PF115HE I will probably sell my BA115. Can't ever see using it unless I keep it in a teaching studio. The PF is so much better. Of course it's twice the price so it better be.

CLMSHQ · #7 04-23-2011, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddbassGA

The Ampeg PF500 has similar tonal qualities to the BA115, but MUCH better IMHO. I have both. The PF is more articulate, clearer, and a ton louder. It has more tonal adjustment too. Definitely has that Ampeg sound that I'm sure you hear in the BA. Since I bought the PF500/PF115HE I will probably sell my BA115. Can't ever see using it unless I keep it in a teaching studio. The PF is so much better. Of course it's twice the price so it better be.

I love the ease of finding the tone on my Ampeg Ba115...I hoped that they would jump on the mini head hype. Don't get me wrong, I love the portability of my MarkBass, built well, just the tone is not what I am after...it lacks. Now to figure out a PF500 or the GK MB500....hmmm.

Chowowbus · #8 04-23-2011, 01:57 PM

GK MB 500s have one of the most responsive eqs I have ever used..but GKs definatly have their own voice that is present no matter what..I just happen to love that voice!

shoot-r · #9 04-23-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chowowbus

GK MB 500s have one of the most responsive eqs I have ever used..but GKs definatly have their own voice that is present no matter what..I just happen to love that voice!

+1!!!.......And I'll add, the MB's power rating seems to be true. GK's not fudging on the power ratings as some other micro head manufacturers seem to be doing.

Love my MB-500.

Never thought I'd admit this...I prefer my MB over my old GK 800 head...

robertusf · #10 04-23-2011, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddbassGA

The Ampeg PF500 has similar tonal qualities to the BA115, but MUCH better IMHO. I have both. The PF is more articulate, clearer, and a ton louder. It has more tonal adjustment too. Definitely has that Ampeg sound that I'm sure you hear in the BA. Since I bought the PF500/PF115HE I will probably sell my BA115. Can't ever see using it unless I keep it in a teaching studio. The PF is so much better. Of course it's twice the price so it better be.

+1 except I'm keeping my BA115 as a spare

CLMSHQ · #11 04-23-2011, 05:23 PM

OK, so the Ampeg pf500 head sounds true to the Ampeg sound.

What about the other two: GK MB500 over the GK MBFusion.

Do they(GK) sound the same just getting a tube grit from the Fusion?

I heard that the tubes in the MBFusion is not really for the Classic-Warm Tube sound, but rather Edge or Distortion.

maritimer · #12 04-23-2011, 05:39 PM

I opted for the Fusion as it has more depth than the MB 500. The tube does give it a bit more edge when increasing gain. I bought the Fusion for a portable head that would fit in my gig bag. I had been using an Eden WT550 rig for the last few years and since I bought the Fusion a month or so ago, the Eden hasn't been plugged in once. I haven't had a GK head before and really dig the grit, bit or growl, for lack of better words, that the amp has when you dig in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLMSHQ

OK, so the Ampeg pf500 head sounds true to the Ampeg sound.

What about the other two: GK MB500 over the GK MBFusion.

Do they(GK) sound the same just getting a tube grit from the Fusion?

I heard that the tubes in the MBFusion is not really for the Classic-Warm Tube sound, but rather Edge or Distortion.

hyp.spec · #13 04-23-2011, 05:44 PM

If you like the 700rb sound... get a 700rb.

kpc · #14 04-23-2011, 06:07 PM

I have owned and own many of GK's bass amps. I have recently purched the Mb500 and now use it all of the time. It has plenty of power for all of my gigs as i use the MBE410 4ohm cab. Small and light yes! and the great gk tone as well.....! I absolutely recommend it!

CLMSHQ · #15 04-24-2011, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hyp.spec

If you like the 700rb sound... get a 700rb.

I had the 700rb, but with my commuting to work, practice, ect..I prefer the microheads. Especially in colder weather when I do not want to leave it out in the car while I am at work. Rather carry it in a small gig bag and have it with me out of the cold weather.

**crustychef** · #16 04-25-2011, 12:48 AM

The mb fusion has the presence and thickness of the 700rbII but it growl is more deep vs the extreme cutting growl of the 700. They both are heard I. The mix just fine but 700 cuts the mb fusion punches.

CLMSHQ · #17 06-22-2011, 04:11 AM

I am still unsure. I am leaning towards the Ampeg PF500, but still wish there were more sound samples on the GK MBFusion to A-B.

In a previous post I did try an Ampeg PF300, I did like the sound, but I want to see how the GK's sound...there are none in stock that I can try around me.

I have only seen a couple of videos. Any other opinions or anyone else have any videos or clips of either?

jeff7bass · #18 06-22-2011, 08:46 AM

Guitar Center sells them all so why not give them a head-to-head?
I would try them all with one cab, then with two cabs.
I would also try them all with a “hot” active bass and a good passive bass.
With the active bass, see how far you can push the gain before unusable clipping occurs.
The Ampeg PF-500 is a bit heavier, which I kind of like because you won’t yank it off your cab as easy.
It also has that cool 5-way tone selector, which comes in handy for quick tonal adjustments.
I think it’s about twice the weight of the MB Fusion but it has a good solid feel to it (strong casing), like it could take a good drop.
As for GK’s, the 700rb vs. the Fusion is a tossup with MB-500 taking third.
The 700rb’s record as a workhorse amp should be considered also. I played out with one for years with no issues.

dogbass · #19 06-22-2011, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLMSHQ

I am still unsure. I am leaning towards the Ampeg PF500, but still wish there were more sound samples on the GK MBFusion to A-B.

In a previous post I did try an Ampeg PF300, I did like the sound, but I want to see how the GK's sound...there are none in stock that I can try around me.

I have only seen a couple of videos. Any other opinions or anyone else have any videos or clips of either?

Having tried all three, I went with the MB500 and am happy with my selection. True, the MBFusion is a bit warmer sounding, and can develop a more tasteful grind when pushed....but I just didn't hear $200 worth of better tone as compared to the MB500. The PF500 was more one-dimensional sounding than either of the other two, IMO, and I prefer more tonal flexibility. OTOH, if that was the one-dimension I wanted in my sound, I may have opted for it !

CLMSHQ · #20 06-22-2011, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

Guitar Center sells them all so why not give them a head-to-head?
I would try them all with one cab, then with two cabs.
I would also try them all with a “hot” active bass and a good passive bass.
With the active bass, see how far you can push the gain before unusable clipping occurs.
The Ampeg PF-500 is a bit heavier, which I kind of like because you won’t yank it off your cab as easy.
It also has that cool 5-way tone selector, which comes in handy for quick tonal adjustments.
I think it’s about twice the weight of the MB Fusion but it has a good solid feel to it (strong casing), like it could take a good drop.
As for GK’s, the 700rb vs. the Fusion is a tossup with MB-500 taking third.
The 700rb’s record as a workhorse amp should be considered also. I played out with one for years with no issues.

Over the years I had some of the GK Family Amps: 400RB back in the 90's, The newer version, and the 700RB...I liked GK alot, but then played strickly Southern/Classic Rock so I got the Ampeg and Fender need. BUT I like the mini heads of today with travel and all.
The GC's in an hour radius from me do not have any of the GK mini heads in stock. That is my dilema. Can't A/B. Thank-you for the advice though.