GK MB500 vs LMII

::::BASSIST:::: · #1 11-12-2010, 05:42 PM

Well, I finally got my GK MB500 on a gig last night. I paired it up with my LDS 15/6 in a small restaraunt setting. This rig sounds awesome! I find the low-end is so much more creamier than the LMII which I also really like. I also really like where GK set the eq points 60hz for bass, 250 for low mids... perfect! That was one of my major gripes with the markbass stuff. The GK MB500 is also incredibly small and light yet still produces big volume. I also love the mute switch and pre/post DI option that the LMII lacks.

This amp has alot of trebly zing, but with a healthy cut to the treble and high mids and a slight nudge of the low-mids I get a very nice tone that I really dig.

Tonite I have a larger pub gig and plan to crank it up a bit more. The LMII is of course great as well, but running it at 8 ohms with the 15/6 just wasnt ideal due to the compression. So far it seems the GK MB500 doesnt compress in the same way at 8 ohms as is a smidge louder. I have to give this thing a few more gig before I can say for sure, but so far its a winner.

nasr20de · #2 11-12-2010, 06:05 PM

The big question is will this solve your amp hunt? I almost hope not your old amp thread is a great source of reference for me your very well spoken and non bias with your reviews.

That said glad to hear you like it and I can't wait to hear more

::::BASSIST:::: · #3 11-12-2010, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nasr20de

The big question is will this solve your amp hunt? I almost hope not your old amp thread is a great source of reference for me your very well spoken and non bias with your reviews.

That said glad to hear you like it and I can't wait to hear more

Thanks for the kind words... although I am not sure how unbiased my reviews are (if you can call them that... I am not as good as describing tone characteristics as say someone like Kjung).

This amp thread of mine... are you referring to the amp pictoral history thread? I have to update that one since I've had 3 or 4 amps since since then... yikes! Let's see... I've had the Carvin BX1500, the TC RH450, VT with poweramp and now the GK MB500. My goal is to use the GK MB500 for the indoor gigs that dont require alot of volume and the VT + poweramp rig for the louder or outdoor gigs. I know that I'm definitely keeping the 15/6 as it just gets incredible tone at very high volume (for my needs anyway). The LMII I'll never get rid of as its just a great amp and has proven super reliable. I'll keep that one as a backup. I could be happy with the RH50 as the features were fantastic, but I found the deep lows lacking. The bx1500 was also great but I found I needed to use my VT to get an "awesome" tone and once I added my pedal board (VT, boss geb7 eq, pitchblack tuner) it ended up being close to 15LBS and the vt + poweramp rig got me the same great tone and way more versatility since I can use it as a poweramp for a PA etc. I also really didnt like having like 4 "volume" controls of the bx1500.

With the GK MB500 I find adding the vt to sound too scoopy. Last night I used it with nothing but the tuner and eq pedal (for when I switch to pick... about 3 times a night) and tone was really nice.

Will the GK MB500 solve my amp hunt? I am guessing yes, but only time will tell!

Anyway, a bit long winded here. I'll be updating the amp pictorial thread probably tomorrow.

rpsands · #4 11-12-2010, 07:35 PM

I don't find I need any pedals with the MB500 to sound good, but I do use my MXR M80 to give it essentially four tones, with the footswitch. Distorted, slightly distorted (boost channel), tubey (effect from MXR), clean (nothing on it)...and 5 is "filthy (boost + distortion).

Down side is my MB500 just bit it on a gig..bricked after the soundcheck and wouldn't turn on!:P Doh.

nasr20de · #5 11-12-2010, 07:45 PM

Yep the pictorial is the one I meant. Kjung is very detailed and really know how to describe sounds in detail. But your thoughts are just as valuable as input to get a over all feel of things tone wise. As someone who is learning the more input the better. I. Can't wait to make a trip to the bigger stores to try things out myself but I want to narrow things down to make the most of my time. So... I read constantly.

Enough of a derail. Would you say the Gk would work if you wanted a more funk like sound? I know a lot of stuff say they have great lows. Would it be suitable if you wanted to play a kinda of finger funk/flea like sound with out the slaps and pops?

TussinBot. · #6 11-12-2010, 07:46 PM

noob question - does the mb500 come with the footswitch? i assume not, but itd be nice!

Chowowbus · #7 11-12-2010, 07:51 PM

Yes it comes with a footswitch and a nice cable..
I love my MB-500. Bright, clear and well defined is a good way to describe this amp.

TussinBot. · #8 11-12-2010, 07:55 PM

Wow it does come with the footswitch. The only other thing id like on it is an aux in and itd be perfect

Richard G · #9 11-12-2010, 08:07 PM

im enjoying this revue/comparison without the usually put down or disses........i enjoy my lilttle mark2 i am also looking into the gk u got and also an eden later too just to have the small ones that are light and powerful im not digging heavy stuff anymore .....i actually run my little mark2 at my band rehearsals through an ampeg 8x10 and i think im the loudest one in the room without having the volume that loud against 2 marshall half stacks,right next to the drums with a loud pa system!..(i have a gk400 that i have had for years usually sits connected in my garage for quick noodling)

Chowowbus · #10 11-12-2010, 08:25 PM

It has an effects loop Tussinbot. Now go get one!

Crabby · #11 11-12-2010, 11:34 PM

I too was impressed that my MB500 came with a footswitch and cable. I would have gladly paid a bit more to have a 2 button footswitch with a mute as well as the channel switcher but for the price these amps are selling at, this is a great deal. I did some serious A/B comparing today with my Walkabout and MB500 going through various cabs. Although these amps sound nothing alike, i am really appreciating what each has to offer.

Wadge · #12 11-13-2010, 04:02 AM

I have recently got one of these amps having for years used a 400RB - III. I like a lot of things about this amp but I do find that I often need to cut the bass on the eq as it seems to have a ton of low end.

::::BASSIST:::: · #13 11-13-2010, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nasr20de

Yep the pictorial is the one I meant. Kjung is very detailed and really know how to describe sounds in detail. But your thoughts are just as valuable as input to get a over all feel of things tone wise. As someone who is learning the more input the better. I. Can't wait to make a trip to the bigger stores to try things out myself but I want to narrow things down to make the most of my time. So... I read constantly.

Enough of a derail. Would you say the Gk would work if you wanted a more funk like sound? I know a lot of stuff say they have great lows. Would it be suitable if you wanted to play a kinda of finger funk/flea like sound with out the slaps and pops?

I am guessing yes, but I don't play that style of music so take that with a grain of salt. This amp is bright, but I dont run it flat and find it can get me where I want to be.

The best thing you might want to do is check one out in person if you can.

JimmyM · #14 11-13-2010, 09:20 AM

you can play any style of music on any amp.

rpsands · #15 11-13-2010, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

you can play any style of music on any amp.

amen.

Crabby · #16 11-13-2010, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

you can play any style of music on any amp.

As long as the grill cloth matches you underpants!

JimmyM · #17 11-13-2010, 11:30 AM

well obviously, crabby! that goes without saying.

RickenBoogie · #18 11-13-2010, 11:35 AM

Underpants!!??, I thought it was your socks that needed to match. This is NOT good news.

Tunaman · #19 11-21-2010, 10:16 AM

"I also love the mute switch and pre/post DI option that the LMII lacks"

I stopped reading there, game over LMII

Jim C · #20 11-21-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nasr20de

The big question is will this solve your amp hunt? I almost hope not your old amp thread is a great source of reference for me your very well spoken and non bias with your reviews.

That said glad to hear you like it and I can't wait to hear more

I too appreciate your threads and using the LMII as a benchmark standard makes sense on many levels. Has anyone directly compared the LMII to either a Mesa M-Pulse 600 or the M6 yet? Suppose the MB Fusion is another posibility.

My quest is for clean, warm, wide soundstage, without being sterile or strident. An SVT-CL works well (if not being pushed) but am looking for the smaller alternative for certain gigs.