I pulled the G-K trigger this morning

[Ripley]

After many years of recreational playing without my own rig, then a year of running through a Line6 Lowdown 15 (w/ headphones for practice due to a noise complaint, and line out for gigs), I decided to grab some new gear.

This morning I picked up the GK MB200 and a GK 210MBE cab from Musician's Friend. It's a very modest set up, but it matches my budget and my needs. This is basically a practice rig so I can stop using headphones - I'm taking it to the basement where noise won't be issue - and a small backline rig so we don't have to run my bass through the monitors. The MB200 had several positive reviews here, and I chose the 210MBE for the neo drivers, greater power capacity and lower weight than the slightly cheaper 210MBX.

I'm running through a Bass PODxt and it will be nice to finally hear what it can do at a decent volume so I can properly dial in some tones. Also, the low frequencies were complete mush through headphones, which makes it difficult for me to hear and learn some of my parts.

So, all in all, I'm happy and excited. If anyone has advice for new G-K users or small rig users, I'm all ears. (I picked up some Hearos ear plugs, too, so you may have to wave to get my attention. heh!)

And if I could wax philosophical for a moment - man, how fortunate are we to have the discretionary funds to purchase gadgets for something that many folks would consider a frivolous pursuit.

[Nightlyraider]

Are you in an apartment building or multi family unit?

If not, play inside your local noise curfew laws and make some noise. Years of headphones due to "a noise complaint" would never happen here... but then again my neighbors are deaf also I think.

[FretlessMainly]

I don't want to sound too rah rah about GK, but I've been using their gear for nearly five years and I'm quite pleased.

The MB200 looks quite different from the RBII series that I use, so there aren't too many things to let you know. The main thing would be the use of the contour along with the active EQ. Contour really scoops the mids and boosts the lows and highs, so experiment with it along with your mid settings in particular. I've found that using the contour to any great degree works best for me if the other controls are set flat (i.e., high noon).

But I really like my mids, so I use the active EQ much more than the contour. Keep in mind with the EQ that a little change can go a long way.

As far as the Neo speakers go, I have a Neo 212 and it sounds great.

You made a good choice in my mind.

[Ripley]

N-raider: I have the upstairs apt. of our family home, no one downstairs. A few months back I decided several beers and a rousing play along on the Line6 would make for good late night entertainment, and a neighbor came a'knocking. It's been headphones ever since. With the new rig, I'm heading to the basement where I can turn it up without annoying the neighbors.

Fretless: The negative feedback I've seen on the MB200 is usually the contour feature. I'm going to play around with it but probably set everything flat. Can't wait to try it out with the band!

[FretlessMainly]

FYI, for the contour, I usually turn it all the way counter-clockwise. To me the contour is a bit different from the EQ knobs. Flat is a good point to start at for lows, mids and highs, but if your contour is at "high noon", it's already 50% engaged, as it were.

Also keep in mind that playing bass in the basement isn't always the solution to being "quiet." For example, if you have a forced air boiler system in the basement, it will transmit bass all over the house.

[sleepytime]

Originally Posted by Ripley

And if I could wax philosophical for a moment - man, how fortunate are we to have the discretionary funds to purchase gadgets for something that many folks would consider a frivolous pursuit.

Many people could easily knock $2k off of their next automobile purchase. Presto! New bass and rig.

Skip the pizza and burritos on Saturday night and drink fewer, cheaper beers. Presto! New bass (and a new, slimmer you).

Cancel cable TV. Presto! New rig. Think of what you would have after 10 years.

[Geddyfleaharris]

Originally Posted by FretlessMainly

FYI, for the contour, I usually turn it all the way counter-clockwise.

That's where I have mine too.

Been using GK rigs for 10+ years. I have on and off tried other gear but never as my main rig. Only as back up. In the end I sell it and come back to GK. All my cabs are GK and both my heads are GK.

I like GK. What can I say.

[shoot-r]

Originally Posted by Ripley

After many years of recreational playing without my own rig, then a year of running through a Line6 Lowdown 15 (w/ headphones for practice due to a noise complaint, and line out for gigs), I decided to grab some new gear.

This morning I picked up the GK MB200 and a GK 210MBE cab from Musician's Friend. It's a very modest set up, but it matches my budget and my needs. This is basically a practice rig so I can stop using headphones - I'm taking it to the basement where noise won't be issue - and a small backline rig so we don't have to run my bass through the monitors. The MB200 had several positive reviews here, and I chose the 210MBE for the neo drivers, greater power capacity and lower weight than the slightly cheaper 210MBX.

I'm running through a Bass PODxt and it will be nice to finally hear what it can do at a decent volume so I can properly dial in some tones. Also, the low frequencies were complete mush through headphones, which makes it difficult for me to hear and learn some of my parts.

So, all in all, I'm happy and excited. If anyone has advice for new G-K users or small rig users, I'm all ears. (I picked up some Hearos ear plugs, too, so you may have to wave to get my attention. heh!)

And if I could wax philosophical for a moment - man, how fortunate are we to have the discretionary funds to purchase gadgets for something that many folks would consider a frivolous pursuit.

You didn't mention what the ohmage of your G.K. 210MBE cabinet is.
If it's 8 ohms you'll only get 140 watts from your MB-200. Up side of a 8 ohm cab, you can add another 8 ohm cab for more low end, power, and coverage if needed.
If it's 4 ohms, you'll get the full 200 watts from your MB-200, but that's the only cab you can run with your head.
I'm gigging with a MB-500 into two 8 ohm 210 cabinets, I'm thinking seriously about picking-up a MB-200 also...love these heads!

[Ripley]

The cab is 8ohm/400 watts, so I may add a twin down the road. I imagine I'll get the GAS and want to upgrade the amp at some time, as well.

What have I started?!?

[basspadawan]

I have a MB500 and a 1001rb. Great Amps, especially for the money.

I never use my contour. Always off. I use the EQ to do my shaping, But then again I love mids!!

[sleepytime]

I just tried to score an MB500, but Guitar Center never heard of them. Still trying to decide whether to order one online, or go to plan B.

[Geddyfleaharris]

Originally Posted by Ripley

What have I started?!?

You really have no idea......

[Punchy810s]

Great move. I love my MB500 and follow the GK guide provided with the gear on shaping. The boost switch is very handy. Amazing amp.

Guitar Center never heard of it? I bought mine through GC online.

[sleepytime]

Originally Posted by Punchy810s

Great move. I love my MB500 and follow the GK guide provided with the gear on shaping. The boost switch is very handy. Amazing amp.

Guitar Center never heard of it? I bought mine through GC online.

According to the guy at the computer, none of the GC stores are stocking the MB500. rmcaudiodirect.com has them for $449 shipped, I'll probably order from there if I go that route. I am still keeping my eye open for a 700RB-II on Craigslist, though. That would help pay for the VT Bass.

[Tunaman]

Originally Posted by sleepytime

According to the guy at the computer, none of the GC stores are stocking the MB500. rmcaudiodirect.com has them for $449 shipped, I'll probably order from there if I go that route. I am still keeping my eye open for a 700RB-II on Craigslist, though. That would help pay for the VT Bass.

You're totally right about $450, just use the 10% code, I'm seriously thinking of pulling the trigger NOW!

[sleepytime]

Originally Posted by Tunaman

You're totally right about $450, just use the 10% code, I'm seriously thinking of pulling the trigger NOW!

Fire!

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by sleepytime

I just tried to score an MB500, but Guitar Center never heard of them.

Friends don't let friends buy from Guitar Center....

MM

[craig.p]

MB500, MB500, MB500.

I already have an MB200, so an MB500 would be, in a large sense, somewhat redundant.

So I just ordered a BL600 as an early Christmas present for myself. $50 coupon from GC.

(Just to be different, but still keep it in the family, so to speak.)

The trick will be not opening the box until 12/25.

[Tunaman]

The MB500 for $450 is sitting in my cart & tempting me... someone convince me not to buy it!

[sleepytime]

Okay, don't buy it. I have one in my cart too. I'd hate to have the last one in stock sold before I complete the purchase.