SWR Silverado II 2x12 vs. GK MB212

[GladToBeBack]

I love my Silverado. It can be deep, fat and booming or bright, clear and raunchy... but I bought it used and being a Pre-Fender SWR, it is aging. I have a very hard time tracking down parts for it and am afraid that if anything were to ever happen to it I'd be f'd.

Before I got it, I had looked at some other models. Mesa made a 2x12 combo that was nice but, again, it's an older model and I feel as if I'd be trading one crap shoot for another (Just a figure of speech, I'm not actually getting rid of the SWR).

GK currently makes the MB212, and it has great sound. It's also the only 2x12 combo I found that is still sold brand new. Save your "why a combo" questions and comments, limited space in the van we use to go to gigs makes a combo the best option. I like the sound of the GK, but after reading the reviews I'm a little leery as to the quality of the amp.

Does anyone have anyone have any personal experience with this model, or both models in my comparison? Would the GK be as much of a work horse as my SWR has been? Or would I be downgrading?

Also... WHY ARE 2x12 COMBOS SO F'ING HARD TO FIND?!?!

Thanks TB

[Irishbass]

I'm also on the fence about the MB212... I just fancy the idea of a light weight good sounding 2x12 combo that is affordable for the average guy.... but something is still holding me back from pulling the trigger... niggling doubts I guess and the usual worry that if the combo goes down you are without both amp and cab... tricky!!

[WILL WAHL]

Buy you another SWR!!!! I still play my pre-fender Basic 350!!!!

[RickenBoogie]

2x12 combo's, like 4x10 combo's are rare because they're at the limits of what a combo amp is all about. Once you get into spkrs of that size, most people would opt for seperates. So, it's just a matter of simple economics.

[GladToBeBack]

I am starting to lean toward a separate rig... Ive heard something about the newer SWR's lacking in comparison to the older ones... anyone have anythign to say to that? I love mine cause it sounds great at low and high volumes and all sorts of tones. WHat I really appreciate about it though is its tank-like build. Granted it weighs almost 100lbs, but I can lug the thing around, throw it in the van and go. The grill on the front is a really heavy duty stainless grid, the speakers are safe from just about anything...I have considered going to a smaller Orange 1x15 combo for practice and just use a preamp to go into the board at gigs...I dont know, Im typing every idea thats popping into my head at this point.

[bobcruz]

Hmm, sounds like you're migrating into the territory of separate cabs and amps.

[GladToBeBack]

maybe... I love my 2x12 sound but if it's not an option in the quality and durability I need then I may just do it...