Problem with GK MB 115

John127 · #1 10-13-2010, 07:39 AM

Maybe someone here has an idea of what's wrong with my new MB115. I've had it a couple of months now, but hadn't played a gig with it until the other night. I didn't notice the problem in the house while practicing quietly, but it was sure evident while playing the gig.

Anyway, I hear an "overdriven" sound on low notes (I'd say below open D). The sound is most noticeable for some reason on the D through Bb of the A string. It's not a crackle, more like a fuzz - almost as if I have a fuzz effect on the bass. This occurs when volume is low or high - like only 1/4 way up on Gain, Boost, and Master and it's still there.

Got home, tried a few different basses here, same thing - the problem is definitely with the amp/speaker.

Ideas????

Thanks for any help/suggestions/solutions anyone can provide.

HMZ · #2 10-13-2010, 08:10 AM

I noticed the same thing on the 210 model at Guitar Center. I thing GK has some quality issues with their new combo line...Before I get bashed I have owned older GK amps that worked great RB 400, 1001....

DRafalske · #3 10-13-2010, 08:25 AM

I suggest you contact GK for their advise.
FWIW, I have one and it's been fine. I'll be gigging it for the first time on Halloween weekend, but it's been great for home practice, and some loud rehearsals.

D

anonymous02282011 · #4 10-13-2010, 08:29 AM

If you've still got it under warranty exchange it.

If not, it's either the speaker or the box.

If it's the driver, well, you need a new one!

If it's the box, take the speaker out (carefully) and make sure there aren't any loose screws and that all the hardware (handles, etc) are nice and tight. Also make sure the grill is on nice and tight and that the speaker wire itself isn't loose or making intermittent contact with the inside of the cab.

These types of buzzes are tough to track down.

It may also be in the amp, but again, that's not a DIY fix.

Slowgypsy · #5 10-13-2010, 12:26 PM

As you've already been advised... give GK a phone call and ask them what you should do.

John127 · #6 10-13-2010, 12:38 PM

Will do, thanks guys. I figured I'd have to but posted in case there was a known issue with something simple, like something being loose or the like. Thanks again.

audiomitch · #7 10-13-2010, 01:27 PM

Do you still have the little mesh grill over the horn? Mine was loose and buzzing, so I took it off completely. Worth a look, anyway.

John127 · #8 10-14-2010, 11:43 AM

Checked the mesh. Not it. Thanks though.

It's so weird, it's only REALLY obvious on the lower notes of the A string (mainly the C and fretted D) - it's SO bad on those notes.

Waiting on a copy of my receipt from GC, then I'll be calling GK. Not exactly what I expect from new gear

Thanks for all the help guys.

rpsands · #9 10-14-2010, 11:49 AM

Is this the low B string detuned to A, or the normal A string?

jp58 · #10 10-14-2010, 11:52 AM

Try turning the horn off if it has one, and play with the "filter" knob. The 210's and 212's at guitar center did the same thing and cut in and out until I played with them for a bit. The 210 also sounded like something was loose and never really stopped with the fuzzy sound.

bassist4dalord · #11 10-14-2010, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiomitch

Do you still have the little mesh grill over the horn? Mine was loose and buzzing, so I took it off completely. Worth a look, anyway.

I'll have to try that with mine. The main grille vibrates, and the tweeter makes a buzz. I'll check that out!

**JxBass** · #12 10-14-2010, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John127

It's not a crackle, more like a fuzz - almost as if I have a fuzz effect on the bass. This occurs when volume is low or high - like only 1/4 way up on Gain, Boost, and Master and it's still there.

Ideas????

I had the same "fuzz" thing with a 15" Schroeder cab, in my case it needed a new speaker.

John127 · #13 10-15-2010, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JxBass

I had the same "fuzz" thing with a 15" Schroeder cab, in my case it needed a new speaker.

See, I was under the impression that if it was the speaker, I'd hear it on high notes as well though. If I play high on the G string, I really don't hear the fuzz. I guess I was wrong as I admittedly know next to nothing about amps and speakers.

jelwood · #14 10-15-2010, 12:27 PM

Tried tightening the screws?

ghiadub · #15 10-15-2010, 12:39 PM

I have the 210 and it can get dirty at gigs because I tend to dig in harder if the stage volume is loud. I have my gain and boost at 50% and my bass volume at about 25%.

It sounds like you have a bigger issue here, but I just thought I would chime in.

**JxBass** · #16 10-15-2010, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John127

See, I was under the impression that if it was the speaker, I'd hear it on high notes as well though. If I play high on the G string, I really don't hear the fuzz. I guess I was wrong as I admittedly know next to nothing about amps and speakers.

It could still not be the speaker. It could be a vibration thing caused by low notes that vibrate something that's loose, as others have suggested.

Mine was weird because I could play through it, meaning if I cranked the volume the fuzz actually went away, then returned to fuzz city when I lowered the volume. I would have though a bad speaker would only sound worse when cranked

joemer · #17 10-15-2010, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John127

Maybe someone here has an idea of what's wrong with my new MB115. I've had it a couple of months now, but hadn't played a gig with it until the other night. I didn't notice the problem in the house while practicing quietly, but it was sure evident while playing the gig.

Anyway, I hear an "overdriven" sound on low notes (I'd say below open D). The sound is most noticeable for some reason on the D through Bb of the A string. It's not a crackle, more like a fuzz - almost as if I have a fuzz effect on the bass. This occurs when volume is low or high - like only 1/4 way up on Gain, Boost, and Master and it's still there.

Got home, tried a few different basses here, same thing - the problem is definitely with the amp/speaker.

Ideas????

Thanks for any help/suggestions/solutions anyone can provide.

I had the MB115 which I returned for a similar buzzing noise. I had tightened all screws, etc. I received a replacement and noticed right away that the scews holding the main power board in the back were much larger than my original. I also read somewhere else in TB that the issue is with the main power board inside not being anchored properly. My new one has no issues.