hats off to GK

lomo · #1 05-09-2011, 06:57 AM

Just wanted to post a brief impression of some new (to me) GK gear. I wanted a light small rig that I wouldn't lose any sleep over dinging, getting rained on or gashed, etc. Not for anything with a drummer, but satisfying to hear nonetheless and loud enough for a backyard jam to compete with a Fender twin.
I already have an MB500 as a gigpocket backup head that I consider to be the best value in a micro head. I had seen Tom Bowlus post kudos for the Neo 2 112 and bought one (350 bucks). Wow. The rig is loud, handles low B well and is toneful. It gets me 90% of the way to the boutique stuff I have tried at around half the price. Cab is around 30 lbs and the head weighs les than a laptop. I think the MB500 and 2 of these cabs may be the best modular, reasonably priced setup out there.

tombowlus · #2 05-09-2011, 07:43 AM

I'm glad you are digging it! GK continues to amaze me as one of, if not the, price for performance leader(s) in the industry at the moment.

And I · #3 05-09-2011, 08:38 AM

i've got an mb 500 with 2 of the neo 112s. it's all subjective so it's hard to say it's "the best", but hell yes, my rig kicks some serious ass!!

Nedmundo · #4 05-09-2011, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by And I

i've got an mb 500 with 2 of the neo 112s. it's all subjective so it's hard to say it's "the best", but hell yes, my rig kicks some serious ass!!

A big +1 to that!

4001 · #5 05-09-2011, 09:13 AM

After playing thru my GK 700RB II heads for the last couple of months, I can say that I am totally satisfied with them. Just awesome!

buffalobillh · #6 05-09-2011, 09:26 AM

Anxiously awaiting an MB212 combo. Sure to be a winner.

Super D · #7 05-09-2011, 09:29 AM

My hats off to them as well, I got a mb212 last week and its a monster. Light weight and great tone.

TheVoiceless · #8 05-09-2011, 09:38 AM

+1 its good stuff. Just bought a GKneo2x12-II after having 90's era 1x15 & 4x10 with a GK1001RB-II for years. Love the use of the bi-amping system and light weight. I was going to sell off my older cabs, but can't bring myself to do so. They still sound great after 10 years plus. In fact I may just go out and get an 800RB just for those cabs.

DigthemLows · #9 05-09-2011, 10:43 AM

I tried a buddies Neo 4x10 for 2 different Band practices using my Genz Benz Streamliner 600 head and hated the Sound of that cab.......I wanted to like it, especially for the price point.

I used a 1001RBII head for years though at it was awesome!! So I do love GK for that!! I've just never liked their cabs

rovito · #10 05-09-2011, 10:45 AM

Is it safe to say an MB500 and 2 neo 112 cabs would be louder than the MB212?

And I · #11 05-09-2011, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rovito

Is it safe to say an MB500 and 2 neo 112 cabs would be louder than the MB212?

nope

**Chef** · #12 05-09-2011, 10:57 AM

I've had an MB-Fusion and two Neo112 cabs for a while now, and Lomo:
I'm with you. Pretty stunning setup for the coin;and it sure is easy to move.

tombowlus · #13 05-09-2011, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DigthemLows

I tried a buddies Neo 4x10 for 2 different Band practices using my Genz Benz Streamliner 600 head and hated the Sound of that cab.......I wanted to like it, especially for the price point.

I used a 1001RBII head for years though at it was awesome!! So I do love GK for that!! I've just never liked their cabs

I have a Neo410, two Neo112-II's and a Neo212-II, and I must say, while the Neo410 is not bad, I really prefer the 12" cabs.

DigthemLows · #14 05-09-2011, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tombowlus

I have a Neo410, two Neo112-II's and a Neo212-II, and I must say, while the Neo410 is not bad, I really prefer the 12" cabs.

well I will give a 212 a try sometime for sure.......the 410 felt like it had compression on it........something squeezed the highs and the lows and used iTunes normalize on it hehe ..... I wasn't fond of it at all.

FretlessMainly · #15 05-09-2011, 10:19 PM

I loved the sound of my 80s-era GK 410 cab with my 700 RB-II until I got a GK 212 Neo to replace the old 410. Night and day - the 212 just kicks it and with the biamping, it's exactly what I'm looking for.

DrDAV14 · #16 05-09-2011, 10:27 PM

I've been gigging a MB Fusion with a Berg NV610
WAY more than enough for the loudest gigs.
But, I'm still amazed every time I use my MB150E 112 with the Ext. MBX 112. Huge sound, tight, EZ mover.
Very happy with GK!

tallboybass · #17 05-09-2011, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super D

My hats off to them as well, I got a mb212 last week and its a monster. Light weight and great tone.

The MB212 gets my vote for best combination of portability/affordability/tone-ability & 'volume-ability'...

I remember in the late 80's, being envious of the guitar player walking in and setting down his MesaBoogie 1-12 combo and being 'done' with load-in!! It took a while to get there but....thanks Bob Gallien!!!

Gearhead43 · #18 05-10-2011, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tombowlus

I'm glad you are digging it! GK continues to amaze me as one of, if not the, price for performance leader(s) in the industry at the moment.

+1

IMO - no one else is offering so much value and quality for your money at these price points.

I have really put my GK MB115 to work for me over this last year. It's made gigging alot more fun because it sounds so good and is so amazingly easy to transport.

My new 410MBE cab kicks ass too, and is so light! I use it for no PA support / big room, or outdoor gigs. I got to meet the folks down at GK when I got the 410 and they are good people too.

It's hard work making money playing the corperate / festival / casino / small club circuit, etc. So it's really nice to have gear that you can count on night after night, that sounds great, doesn't kill your back - and isn't priced totally out of your range.

Bredian · #19 05-10-2011, 02:02 AM

How do you power your 410 MBE? I recently picked up a 115 combo and love it, also have an older backline 112.

playzabass · #20 05-10-2011, 02:13 AM

Just purchased a GK MB-112, and OMG, what a great small, light weight amp. Ditched my Phil Jones Briefcase. The GK is lighter (29lbs), and much louder and can handle a low B. Now I'm thinking about adding a 212MBP Powered cabinet to the MB-112 for a total of 700 watt and a total weight of under 70LBs.. GREAT STUFF!!!!