Orange or Gallien-Krueger?

philzbass · #1 10-18-2011, 08:29 PM

Orange Crush Pix 100BXT
or
Gallien-Krueger MB115

I'm looking for a new combo amp. I like the looks of both of these. I know they're both well respected companies and I've read a little about the two amps, they both sound like they're a good bang-for-your-buck kind of deal.

What I'm wondering is if anyone has had a chance to A n' B these amps, or has had any experience with either of them. I'm mostly playing my P bass lately, doing a little country/rock/sometimes punk/sometimes metal kind of thing, so I want something that can be a little versatile but I'm mostly a plug in and play kind of guy. As far as power goes, I just want something nice and portable, loud enough to play smaller shows with, and maybe a little studio work.

...I also would like something that will sound decent with an upright. I've read a lot about GK combos being pretty good with electric or upright, but nothing about Orange. Anyone?

Thanks

jsteez · #2 10-18-2011, 09:03 PM

With the MB115 i've had alot of luck, it sounds great! I play in two different metal bands, but i've used it in rock bands as well. It has nice lows, and sweet mids with ibanez. I may not have the best bass, but this amp works for making it sound awesome! I haven't had the chance to try the orange, but the gk is an great amp. It cuts through drums just fine, and you can get a nice round and fat sound, to a nice flea slap.

jackajesusfreak · #3 10-19-2011, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsteez

With the MB115 i've had alot of luck, it sounds great! I play in two different metal bands, but i've used it in rock bands as well. It has nice lows, and sweet mids with ibanez. I may not have the best bass, but this amp works for making it sound awesome! I haven't had the chance to try the orange, but the gk is an great amp. It cuts through drums just fine, and you can get a nice round and fat sound, to a nice flea slap.

+1 Never played through an Orange, but I have owned the MB115. I know own an MB112 (use as a monitor), and an MB210 with the 210MBE extension cab. Would not own any other brand. The sound is perfect and you can't beat the weight, especially if one is going to be transporting the amps on a regular or semi-regular basis.

jsanchey · #4 10-30-2011, 08:09 AM

I've had the GK MB115 for a year. I've used it for hundreds of hours, in rehearsals and gigs. Unfortunately, you get what you pay for. It's not loud enough for a big band (I'm in a six piece), the tweeter hisses so I can't use it. And GK customer service has not bothered to return even one phone call or one email from the dozens I've made. So let this be a caution in makin your decision.

lowendrv · #5 10-30-2011, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsanchey

I've had the GK MB115 for a year. I've used it for hundreds of hours, in rehearsals and gigs. Unfortunately, you get what you pay for. It's not loud enough for a big band (I'm in a six piece), the tweeter hisses so I can't use it. And GK customer service has not bothered to return even one phone call or one email from the dozens I've made. So let this be a caution in makin your decision.

Try list address...Contact brian@gallien.com
He has been very good to me in the past and will return emails.

jackajesusfreak · #6 10-30-2011, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowendrv

Try list address...Contact brian@gallien.com
He has been very good to me in the past and will return emails.

+1. He even posts here at TB from time to time!

rhopper · #7 10-30-2011, 10:31 AM

I have not played the Orange, but the GK plays nice and for small gigs it should do quite well.

But...

In this price range, I would give the Fender Rumble 350 an audition, I was surprised when I played one while trying out a P Bass at GC. A fun amp to play and quite a bit louder and punchier.

As you are going to get the buy used comments soon, if you prefer new, you might want to give this amp a quick listen.