New G-K MB500 based lightweight rig, need cab advice

**HeavyDuty** · #1 07-30-2011, 11:45 PM

I've been running an Eden WT-550 into a pair of Bag End S15-Ds for the last ten years or so. When I put this rig together I was still playing fours; since that time I've switched 90% to playing fivers and have had about a decade's worth of back trouble. (Getting old sucks, hard.)

I recently picked up a new MB500 and am now considering new cabs. I've been doing a lot of reading in the archive, but I'm no closer to a decision than when I started.

Some of my criteria:

1. G-K cabs only
2. Light weight
3. Handle the B well
4. Light weight
5. General use cabs, no particular music style
6. Light weight

I'm thinking 10s or 12s, and either Neo or MBE series.

A pair of 2x10s? A pair of 2x12s? A pair of 12s? Carrots?

MysticMichael · #2 07-31-2011, 12:00 AM

Many of the MB500 owners here have been raving about the match-up with two (2) GK Neo 112-II cabs. I would guess that this will be the most frequent recommendation you're likely to get in this thread...

MM

willsellout · #3 07-31-2011, 12:02 AM

Those GK 112 cabs are the bomb. Eden and GK always go well together IMO.

Duke21 · #4 07-31-2011, 12:18 AM

Isn't the 2x12 4 ohms? So you are limited to 1 cab?

MysticMichael · #5 07-31-2011, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke21

Isn't the 2x12 4 ohms? So you are limited to 1 cab?

No

MM

willsellout · #6 07-31-2011, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke21

Isn't the 2x12 4 ohms? So you are limited to 1 cab?

The WT550 can do 2 ohms. i don't think we were mentioning the GK 212 though, just the 112.

Duke21 · #7 07-31-2011, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willsellout

The WT550 can do 2 ohms. i don't think we were mentioning the GK 212 though, just the 112.

I thought the OP is going to use a MB500, and he writes that he want. GK cab, and mention on the last sentence that he consider a pair of 2x12. I just thought that the MBE212 was 4 ohms, but I see at the GK website that the GK MBE 212 and the Neo 212 comes in 4 & 8 ohms.

blindrabbit · #8 07-31-2011, 02:21 AM

I'm only a couple of weeks into owning it, but so far I'm enjoying my GK Neo 2x10 cab (running off a GB Shuttle 6.0). I had to get into lightweight gear because of shoulder issues, but my back isn't great either. I too play a 5 string. I've always been a fan of 2x10 cabs, and this one is no exception. I also like the fact that I can lift it with one hand (its around 40lbs). When I was out testing I tried a GK Neo 1x12, and chose the 2x10 over it. Sure the 1x12 is lighter and everyone raves about it, but to me the 2x10 had superior tone. If I ever need to get a bigger rig, I'll just get another 2x10.

Slowgypsy · #9 07-31-2011, 02:26 AM

I own/use both GK Neo 112's & 212's.
In terms of lightweight, great tone, value, etc... the 112's are hard to beat.

Anarchyok · #10 07-31-2011, 02:26 AM

I'll put in a vote for a Neo212 II - or better yet, a pair of them. Thats what i'm running with my Fusion 550 and MB200 (and 1001RB II and MB500 in the past). Great tone, light weight and looks good too.

**HeavyDuty** · #11 07-31-2011, 09:32 AM

Thanks for the ideas, gang - you'd think that living in the greater Chicago metro area I'd be able to find all of these cabs in stock somewhere for a listen, but I've had no luck at all.

For me the big battle is choosing 10s or 12s.

brothernewt · #12 07-31-2011, 09:50 AM

I'm digging the 2 1x12's. I traded the MB500 out for a Walkabout, but they kill with both. Plenty of low end, and easy to carry. I can stack 'em tall and skinny when the stage is tight. I've never gigged the 2x10 so I can't draw a real comparison, but I don't really feel the need to.

**HeavyDuty** · #13 07-31-2011, 11:05 AM

My gut is telling me that happiness will be either a pair of the Neo 112s or a pair of the MBE 212s. I'm just not willing to take a chance buying without listening first!

garagebassman · #14 08-02-2011, 07:43 AM

I use the 8 ohm 212MBE , thought I would need another, still haven't.
At a couple of outdoor gigs I had plenty left with MB500 and one cab.
I'd still recommend the 8 ohm though.....& I still want to get the second, even though it isn't needed....! doh! can't help it.
btw, the reasonable price....and return policies today do lessen the "risk"

**HeavyDuty** · #15 08-03-2011, 08:10 PM

Dammit.

Now I'm down to Neos - either a pair of 112s or one 212 with a possible second one later. The 212 is back up in the same weight range as my Bags, but I keep reading about how great they sound!

I think I'm going to pass on the MBEs entirely.

**HeavyDuty** · #16 12-08-2012, 06:39 AM

It only took a year and a half, but I ended up with a pair of NEO 112-IIs. One was delivered yesterday, and the other will be here Monday.

mbelue · #17 12-08-2012, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeavyDuty

It only took a year and a half, but I ended up with a pair of NEO 112-IIs. One was delivered yesterday, and the other will be here Monday.

So ya got one, how do ya like the tone?

**HeavyDuty** · #18 12-08-2012, 08:10 AM

Haven't had a chance to try it yet - hopefully tonight.

RockDoc · #19 12-08-2012, 09:05 AM

Any chance you could write up a brief comparative evaluation of the GK 112 NEO's and the Bag End SD-15 cabs?

**HeavyDuty** · #20 12-08-2012, 04:28 PM

I really, really suck at describing sound with words, but I'll try when the second cab is here.