GK Neo Cabs cheaper than Avatar?

-=DanAtkinson=- · #1 08-09-2011, 05:18 PM

So I'm looking at cab prices and I notice that the GK Neo cabs are cheaper than their Avatar counterparts. At least the ones I've looked at: the 1x12 and 2x10 models.

Of course I'm pricing the Avatar tolex + metal grill, because I hate rat fur.

In the past, many folks have given Avatar the nod given its lower price, but now perhaps GK is the better option?

noahw1 · #2 08-09-2011, 05:43 PM

The GK Neo II 1x12s are getting lots of love on here lately.

martinmcfly · #3 08-09-2011, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=DanAtkinson=-

In the past, many folks have given Avatar the nod given its lower price, but now perhaps GK is the better option?

I remember only a few months ago you could get a GK 212 Neo new for only $399. and it was less than 40 lbs. I looked a few weeks ago and they drastically raised their prices. I got the Avatar B212 Neo with tolex and cloth grill before they raised their prices for $459.

JB36 · #4 08-09-2011, 09:10 PM

Avatar has raised the price of their neo cabs twice in the past 6 months or so. Their price increases for neo seem to be increasing much more than other companies for some reason so they are not value they used to be. This why they've brought back the ceramic.

**B-string** · #5 08-09-2011, 09:24 PM

Robert Gallien actually builds 99% of his own speakers, in his OWN plant in China. Maybe he has an advantage?

seedokebass · #6 08-09-2011, 09:43 PM

I think the GK's have a better build quality. I had a Neo 4x10 that was solid, but the tone wasn't for me. Too thin for a front ported 4x10. They're 4x12 still intrigues me....

I do agree with you on the rat fur, even though I have a 2x10 and 2x12 with the fur

**B-string** · #7 08-09-2011, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seedokebass

I think the GK's have a better build quality. I had a Neo 4x10 that was solid, but the tone wasn't for me. Too thin for a front ported 4x10. They're 4x12 still intrigues me....

I do agree with you on the rat fur, even though I have a 2x10 and 2x12 with the fur

I have the NEO 412, it may be my coffin. That cab is awesome.

scottfeldstein · #8 08-09-2011, 10:26 PM

I don't know what is meant by a GK Neo 212-II being under 40 pounds. The one I just picked up today weighs 50.5 pounds. And that's a 13 pound reduction from the original Neo 212.

shoot-r · #9 08-11-2011, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-string

Robert Gallien actually builds 99% of his own speakers, in his OWN plant in China. Maybe he has an advantage?

I'm "not" flamin' GK or Bob in anyway, I own and gig a GK 800 and a GK MB2-500 head...

But...

Check Eminence's web-site.
Eminence lists GK as one of the many manufacturers they build speakers for.
Eminence has a plant in the USA and China.

-=DanAtkinson=- · #10 08-12-2011, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoot-r

I'm "not" flamin' GK or Bob in anyway, I own and gig a GK 800 and a GK MB2-500 head...

But...

Check Eminence's web-site.
Eminence lists GK as one of the many manufacturers they build speakers for.
Eminence has a plant in the USA and China.

Eminence built the speakers in the first series GK Neo cabs. GK makes them now.

Slowgypsy · #11 08-12-2011, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=DanAtkinson=-

So I'm looking at cab prices and I notice that the GK Neo cabs are cheaper than their Avatar counterparts.

Less expensive. Not cheaper.

tombowlus · #12 08-12-2011, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-string

Robert Gallien actually builds 99% of his own speakers, in his OWN plant in China. Maybe he has an advantage?

He does, and he does. The price increases we are seeing on neodymium drivers are primarily on speakers made outside of China, as their quotas and tariffs are primarily aimed at the export of the raw material. This is obviously intended to get more companies to build products made from neodymium in China, but the net effect for bass players in general and GK in particular is that the "neo situation" has not caused the same financial hit to GK that it has to companies which use drivers made outside of the PRC.

I talked with Bob Gallien about this as I wrote my "How I See It" article on the neodymium/China situation in issue #6, and I also talked with Bob about the fact that his cabs seem to be priced significantly lower than the competition (with the "competition" being cabs which perform at a similar level). He indicated that in addition to the cost savings GK enjoys from making their drivers in China, it also helps that he is the owner, CEO and lead engineer, all in one (and they are not paying three different people or groups of people). His philosophy is to work in a fair profit, but not to raise prices just to level things off with the competition.

As a result, I definitely believe that in today's market, GK is most certainly one of the best bangs for the buck out there. I have personally been the most impressed with the 12" equipped Neo series cabs, but that's partially a matter of personal preference. GK's heads are also some of the best out there (IME/IMHO), but are priced very conservatively.

YMMV, of course, but that's how I see it.

scottfeldstein · #13 08-12-2011, 07:19 AM

Yeah, I read that article. Very informative. And I am also the proud owner of one of GKs Neo 212-II cabs. I very well may get a second one, too.

tombowlus · #14 08-12-2011, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottfeldstein

Yeah, I read that article. Very informative. And I am also the proud owner of one of GKs Neo 212-II cabs. I very well may get a second one, too.

I take it you like it, then?

Rickett Customs · #15 08-12-2011, 07:24 AM

The MBE 212 may be what some of you guys are referring to (Not the "NEO"). Yes the "NEO" 212 cabs are in the 50ish lbs.........the MBE 212 is 34lbs. There is also a significant price difference between the MBE and the NEO, a $150 price difference...........GC has the NEO @ $549 and the MBE @ $399

scottfeldstein · #16 08-12-2011, 07:24 AM

I haven't had the opportunity to push it really hard yet here in the apartment, but so far so good.

**B-string** · #17 08-12-2011, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tombowlus

He does, and he does. The price increases we are seeing on neodymium drivers are primarily on speakers made outside of China, as their quotas and tariffs are primarily aimed at the export of the raw material. This is obviously intended to get more companies to build products made from neodymium in China, but the net effect for bass players in general and GK in particular is that the "neo situation" has not caused the same financial hit to GK that it has to companies which use drivers made outside of the PRC.

I talked with Bob Gallien about this as I wrote my "How I See It" article on the neodymium/China situation in issue #6, and I also talked with Bob about the fact that his cabs seem to be priced significantly lower than the competition (with the "competition" being cabs which perform at a similar level). He indicated that in addition to the cost savings GK enjoys from making their drivers in China, it also helps that he is the owner, CEO and lead engineer, all in one (and they are not paying three different people or groups of people). His philosophy is to work in a fair profit, but not to raise prices just to level things off with the competition.

As a result, I definitely believe that in today's market, GK is most certainly one of the best bangs for the buck out there. I have personally been the most impressed with the 12" equipped Neo series cabs, but that's partially a matter of personal preference. GK's heads are also some of the best out there (IME/IMHO), but are priced very conservatively.

YMMV, of course, but that's how I see it.

Thanks Tom! Nice that you got it direct from RAG. I suspected as such from my time spent in manufacturing. The best purchase I've ever made was the G-K NEO 412. Now I need a 212 and the MB Fusion.............

martinmcfly · #18 08-17-2011, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottfeldstein

I don't know what is meant by a GK Neo 212-II being under 40 pounds. The one I just picked up today weighs 50.5 pounds. And that's a 13 pound reduction from the original Neo 212.

Here it is. GK 212 Neo for $399 and only 34lbs. Btw, I only mentioned GK 212 Neo is my post, nothing about your model.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/...inet-with-horn

-=DanAtkinson=- · #19 08-17-2011, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinmcfly

Here it is. GK 212 Neo for $399 and only 34lbs. Btw, I only mentioned GK 212 Neo is my post, nothing about your model.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/...inet-with-horn

That's a different product from the Neo line. Lighter but inferior sound.

scottfeldstein · #20 08-17-2011, 04:38 PM

We seem to have a misunderstanding about the way we're using the term "neo." I'm using it to describe GKs Neo line of cabinets. The model you're referring to is in their "MBE" line--which, although it does use neodymium drivers, is distinct from their "Neo" line.