Poll: GK MB212 vs Ampeg PF500 Portaflex w/115

[rollyolly]

Which one is better for metal? Just kidding. I FINALLY have it narrowed down to these two, but NOBODY around me carries it, so trying before I buy is not an option.

I will be using it primarily for in home practice, with the ocassional rehearsal and small gig. I play a passive J-bass. Styles are classic rock, alternative, funk, jazz.

[bassgod0dmw]

Do you want a combo or a head/cab?

I'd go for the head/cab personally, but I'm still not sure how I feel about the new portaflex stuff.

[rollyolly]

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

Do you want a combo or a head/cab?

I'd go for the head/cab personally, but I'm still not sure how I feel about the new portaflex stuff.

Good question...I'm specifically talking about the MB212 combo.

[bassgod0dmw]

Originally Posted by rollyolly

Good question...I'm specifically talking about the MB212 combo.

Yep, and the PF500 and PF115 is a head/cab...

[jeff7bass]

A fairer poll (IMO) would be a PF-500/115 vs. and GK MB500 + 115 NEO. As it stands, I pick the Ampeg over the combo for its power and versatility. The Ampeg PF115 cab is SHARP looking too.

[rollyolly]

I'm pretty flexible on the combo vs head/cab issue, otherwise my decision would already be made I guess.

[bassgod0dmw]

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

A fairer poll (IMO) would be a PF-500/115 vs. and GK MB500 + 115 NEO. As it stands, I pick the Ampeg over the combo for its power and versatility. The Ampeg PF115 cab is SHARP looking too.

That's what i was getting at.

Given those two choice, I'd go for the GK MB500. Nothing against Ampeg or GK...I like the tone of both very much. Just something doesn't jive right about the PF stuff to me right now.

[GRAHAM SG1]

Having had both the MB212 and the PF500 head, I would go with the PF 500 anyday, much better sound and seems a lot more solidly built than the GK, I am biased though, my GK packed up after 20 minutes of moderate use so sent it back for a refund
With the combo, what you see is what you get, the PF gives you options .

[jeff7bass]

The convenience of a combo is understandable, but the new micro-heads kind of negates the convenience (IMO) especially since these Ampeg cabs have the flip top for loading the head. I always carry two heads with me to the gig, hence I’ll never go back to using a combo. Plus if the head breaks, use the backup head and get the main head fixed. Still in business. I’m not picking Ampeg over GK mind you. A GK MB500 + a GK NEO cab is a killer combination but it’s more expensive than your choices. For that money you could add a PF-350 head to your arsenal as a backup.

[4-string]

IME, both brands have a strong voicing. I prefer the GK voicing, but I am not you.

I would think most people would prefer one over the other as the two are very different voicings.

The Ampeg looks killer though, very good looking cabs and the fliptop design is just very cool.

Not very helpful, but still.

[rollyolly]

So I was expecting the poll to sway in one direction or the other, but so far it was 50/50. I guess I should just flip a coin!

[dogofgod]

The mb 212 needs some acoustic material to tighten up the low end bass. Once I did that I started getting compliments on the great tone. Go figure. Do not wait a year like me to do that either. Also the vt bass sounds killer with the 212, best of both worlds.

[NickRich]

The poll is almost 50-50 because of this :

Originally Posted by 4-string

IME, both brands have a strong voicing. I prefer the GK voicing, but I am not you.

I would think most people would prefer one over the other as the two are very different voicings.

The Ampeg looks killer though, very good looking cabs and the fliptop design is just very cool.

Not very helpful, but still.

You should try to listen to both before buying. Try to look for videos on Youtube.