New (black grill) vs. "old" (gray metal grill) GK MB series combos?

TimBosby · #1 02-11-2013, 05:59 AM

I'm thinking about picking up a GK MB 210. I previously owned a GK MB115 (grey metal grill version) and it rocked. But I'm thinking of an MB 210 for a backup to my Streamliner 900/Schroeder rig for gigging.

I'm not a fan of lugging multiple amps/cabs to gigs so I'd probably never use an extension cab, but I'm wondering why the "new" black cloth grill version of the MB210 (or any of the MB combo series) is 350 watts versus the old gray metal MB210 which was 500 watts. Has anyone compared the two? Will I miss those 150 watts? Have there been other improvements to the new black cloth versions or was it just the appearance that was changed? I'd appreciate any input. Love the MB line. I'm used to a Hughes and Kettner 400-watt combo which is a complete tone and volume monster but it's 64 lbs and I'd like to go lighter (it's for sale if anyone wants a beast of a combo and doesn't mind weight - I'm throwing in a free cart to roll it around.)

Thanks!

rdcowan · #2 02-11-2013, 08:04 AM

I've got the new MB115 and from what GK has told me they new ones are identical except for appearance. I thought the MB210 was 350watts alone and 500watts with extension speaker.

basss · #3 02-11-2013, 08:53 AM

I think I remember someone posting that the new models have more bracing and damping inside the cabs for improved performance. I could be wrong about that though

TimBosby · #4 02-11-2013, 12:09 PM

Maybe I'm wrong. I thought the old MB210s were 500 watts on their own.
The new ones I thought are 350 watts but 500 watts with the extension cab.
Can someone clarify?

B-string · #5 02-11-2013, 12:30 PM

The old and new MB210's are 350 watts with the internal speakers only, with a 8 ohm extension cab they are 500 watts. The new black grill (rev II) combos have the DI connector rotated for easier access and now have a "Chain out" to drive the new powered extension cabs (MBP series). All the black series II's are only made in the G-K California factory.

Way1994 · #6 02-11-2013, 03:41 PM

I just purchased the MB210 II and I think it is great! But I do have a question....If I need to replace a speaker, how does the grill come off?

Mr. Fabulous · #7 02-11-2013, 08:29 PM

Here's a review I wrote about the new 210 as well as the extension cab: GK MB210-ll/210MBE ll arrived today. Only issue I had was a DI defect which was dealt with quickly.

**BassIsFun17** · #8 02-11-2013, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Fabulous

Here's a review I wrote about the new 210 as well as the extension cab: GK MB210-ll/210MBE ll arrived today. Only issue I had was a DI defect which was dealt with quickly.

wow man im glad you took pics. they changed all of the porting on the new mb210
im interested in trying one of these out now i think.

TimBosby · #9 02-11-2013, 09:01 PM

Thanks everyone, this has been valuable. I need at least 500 watts so I may keep my Hughes and Kettner (which is 400w but sounds AMAZING) or look at the new GK MB212 combos.

Davyo · #10 02-12-2013, 03:45 AM

I had the older MB210 with the MBE115 ext cab (total of 500 watts),,, as mentioned before, the newer MB210 and the older MB210 are both identical "wattage wise",,,,350 watts stand alone and 500 watts with an ext cab.

I'm trying to avoid the 2 cabinet thing as well, so I pre-ordered the newest GK MB212,,,, if all goes as planned Sweetwater says I should be getting the new MB212 delivered late next week.

Already have the new MB115 series ll combo for the smaller gigs.

I owned and loved all the first gen MB combos but sold them to get the new models,,, my first gen MB212 was one of my favorites,,,, hope the new MB212 is at least as good or even better than the first gen MB212.

Cheers
Davyo