to repair or not to repair (GK MB2 500)

[And I]

i have a GK MB2 500 head, and it's kinda crapped out on me. The boost channel is fine. But the "A" channel sounds scratchy and awful--like a staticky radio. it does this even when the amp is on mute... playing with or gently tapping on the knobs brings out the noises it seems. switch to the boost channel? static. i guess i should have bought a case for it. i kept it in my laptop bag for gigs, it fits good but no padding for the knobs.

there is an authorized GK repair dude not 2 miles from my house. hell, the thing weighs 4 pounds, i could walk if the weather wasn't so crappy out here in witchtown MA. so getting it checked out will be easy. but i'm not sure how much it will cost to repair...

i know the MB2 doesn't have the best reputation for reliability (though mine has been a rock up until recently). should i bother fixing it? would spending a little extra for a new MB 500 or maybe a bit more for a shuttle 6.0 or F1?

i guess it all depends on how much it will cost to fix... anyone have any vague ideas on that?

[bwoodman]

There's really no way to know until a shop opens it up/runs tests. Personally, I'm done with GK - way too many amps have crapped out on me / had to take them in for repair - in the middle of a situation now with the new MB Fusion - luckily it's a free fix under warranty, then I'm selling it asap before it breaks again. I'd spend a little more and get a Genz or the F1 - or ANY other amp - hell, I've had better luck with Carvin amps - seriously.

[MysticMichael]

Why don't you get an actual quote for a repair job? Then you won't have to speculate. Or solicit opinions on a hypothetical basis, with insufficient information available by which to make an informed guess.

MM

[jelwood]

Man I never switch off the boost channel on my GK anyways, don't see a problem here

My 2000rb was kind of doing the same thing. It gets all quiet and the sound has a static element to it. I tried cleaning all the jacks (you really should try cleaning your effects return! Seems like half the problems with GK go away when you do this) but it did not help. Then I poked around with a pencil eraser until I found that after 12 years of rocking and rolling, a relay developed a bad solder connection. Resoldering this weekend!

[And I]

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

Why don't you get an actual quote for a repair job? Then you won't have to speculate. Or solicit opinions on a hypothetical basis, with insufficient information available by which to make an informed guess.

MM

i will get a quote. i asked because i was hoping perhaps someone else has experienced the same symptoms with this amp and could tell me about their experience with it. also, you may notice i've asked a different question too--which is is it worth repairing, given the reputation of this head. so... thanks for your... uh... help.

[4Mal]

I've never actually heard of an MB500 needing repair. There were of course several revisions of the MB2-500, it's predecessor. My MB2-500 has been a workhorse since it arrived.

Unless you or another owner ? dumped it down a flight of stairs or something, then of course it's worth repairing. The head itself hasn't been out all that long, you sure it isn't under warrany or is the physical damage such that it is obvious abuse ?

[And I]

i've had the MB2 for a couple years now. it's no longer under warranty. but there is no obvious physical damage other than normal wear and tear for an amp that's been gigged a bunch. going to call the repair shop guy now...

[And I]

damn. the local repair guy listed on GKs web site doesn't work on GK amps anymore... have to go to Boston.

[keyboardguy]

Why don't you call GK ? They have been great customer service wise.

Let us know what happens.

mike

[craig.p]

Sounds like a solder joint let go. If that's the case, then it should be an easy repair.

[ParaDoc]

I have the same problem on mine. I isolated mine to the master volume pot. Let us know how it goes. I'll be interested in G-K's response.