Waiting on my GK MB112, but what should I have ordered instead?

dhagler · #1 12-30-2010, 02:05 PM

I was looking for a lightweight rig--head/cab or combo--to use as a practice rig and for smaller venues. At first I was dead set on the Ampeg Micro VR/SVT-210AV mini rig, but the $600 price tag was a turn off and the used market was still pretty spotty. So then I stumbled across the GK MB112. At less than 30 pounds, 200 watts, and a price of $300, it seemed like the answer to my problem. But they are back-ordered through the first of the year. So while I am waiting--and waiting, and waiting--I have begun to consider some other possibilities:

Line 6 Low Down Studio 110: 75 watts, 24 pounds, $300 new
Acoustic 260 ministack: 100 watts, 34 pounds, $300 new
Eden E12: 80 watts, 43 pounds, $300 new
Fender Rumble 75: 75 watts, 55 pounds, $250 (I think) new
Fender Bassman 60: 60 watts, 50 pounds, on Craigslist for $150 used

I appreciate any comments you might have.

. By the way, I play a Schecter Studio 5 and a fretless Fender Jazz 4.

bassdrummer · #2 12-30-2010, 02:44 PM

I'm in the same boat...been waiting for the GK MB112 for months and months! I love the tone and power of my GK1001RBII and my two GK NEO 212 cabs; but while the NEO 212 is very lightweight at 50 lbs, I still find myself wanting a super light "all in one" (carry in one hand) combo for practicing and small gigs.

I have always liked the Line 6 Studio 110, which worked great for rehearsals (yes, even with drums!), but I tried one during a loud gig in a sports bar with my 80's cover band, and I wanted more volume. To be fair, I might not have had the gain knob turned up far enough if it was on a pre set such as Clean (Eden Traveler model) which is much less preset volume than Rock (SVT model). Ended up selling and now I wish I hadn't.

As for the Fenders, I'm not a fan of the odd shape of these tilt-back amps as it makes them harder to carry. Also, they don't have an XLR out. Never owned one but they sound good at Guitar Center.

Traynor's XM series combos sound great and have XLR outs. I used to have the XM50C (under the Yorkville name at the time) which is 50 watts through a 10" speaker. Wish I hadn't sold it!

I like the vibe and the concept of both the Ampeg Micro VR and the Acoustic 260 Mini Stack. Not really a "one handed combo" but would be fun to use at rehearsals and small gigs.

The Roland Cube amps sound fantastic and are louder than you'd expect.

But, being the loyal GK fan that I am, in the meantime I'm leaning towards the GK MB115 (which I've read has tons of volume and is ridiculously lightweight) if I can't wait for the MB112. Who knows when it'll finally be available? Right now Musicians Friend is saying January 14...(which is my birthday...could it be a sign?)

BassmanPaul · #3 12-30-2010, 03:37 PM

Second guessing a purchase is not a healthy thing for the ol' brain box! It's a quite normal thing when dropping a load of money on an item that you hope upon hope that you have made the right decision. We all do it. That said, there's a time when you just have to live with the decision you made.

Enjoy your new toy!!!

dhagler · #4 12-30-2010, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassdrummer

I'm in the same boat...been waiting for the GK MB112 for months and months! I love the tone and power of my GK1001RBII and my two GK NEO 212 cabs; but while the NEO 212 is very lightweight at 50 lbs, I still find myself wanting a super light "all in one" (carry in one hand) combo for practicing and small gigs.

I have always liked the Line 6 Studio 110, which worked great for rehearsals (yes, even with drums!), but I tried one during a loud gig in a sports bar with my 80's cover band, and I wanted more volume. To be fair, I might not have had the gain knob turned up far enough if it was on a pre set such as Clean (Eden Traveler model) which is much less preset volume than Rock (SVT model). Ended up selling and now I wish I hadn't.

As for the Fenders, I'm not a fan of the odd shape of these tilt-back amps as it makes them harder to carry. Also, they don't have an XLR out. Never owned one but they sound good at Guitar Center.

Traynor's XM series combos sound great and have XLR outs. I used to have the XM50C (under the Yorkville name at the time) which is 50 watts through a 10" speaker. Wish I hadn't sold it!

I like the vibe and the concept of both the Ampeg Micro VR and the Acoustic 260 Mini Stack. Not really a "one handed combo" but would be fun to use at rehearsals and small gigs.

The Roland Cube amps sound fantastic and are louder than you'd expect.

But, being the loyal GK fan that I am, in the meantime I'm leaning towards the GK MB115 (which I've read has tons of volume and is ridiculously lightweight) if I can't wait for the MB112. Who knows when it'll finally be available? Right now Musicians Friend is saying January 14...(which is my birthday...could it be a sign?)

Thanks for your response! I played a Line 6 today at Best Buy. I just couldn't get it loud enough for my taste, and that was sitting right in front of it. And the Fenders at 50 lbs. each...not really wanting to be back there (although the Bassman 60 at $150 is almost too good to pass up if it is in good condition). Meanwhile, I guess I will continue to wait for my GK.

dhagler · #5 12-30-2010, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Second guessing a purchase is not a healthy thing for the ol' brain box! It's a quite normal thing when dropping a load of money on an item that you hope upon hope that you have made the right decision. We all do it. That said, there's a time when you just have to live with the decision you made.

Enjoy your new toy!!!

Thanks, Paul! I think I am going to be happy with the GK once it gets here. That is, unless it's going to take an inordinately long amount of time and I get so impatient that I go with one of the others...

richbassboy · #6 01-02-2011, 07:38 PM

fender bassman tv 15 retro combo

rhopper · #7 01-02-2011, 07:49 PM

I like the GK MB115 a lot... and it is available now!

**LoTone** · #8 01-28-2011, 02:16 PM

I am exactly in the same position you are and I am considering mostly the same combos. Based on a couple of recent trials in stores last weekend:

1) Gallien-Krueger MB112
2) Acoustic 260 ministack: 100 watts, 34 pounds, $300 new
3) Line 6 Low Down Studio 110: 75 watts, 24 pounds, $300 new

I have no experience with the other combos and I am generally distrustful of Fender combo amps with the exception of the expensive TV series.

Eden E12: 80 watts, 43 pounds, $300 new
Fender Rumble 75: 75 watts, 55 pounds, $250 (I think) new
Fender Bassman 60: 60 watts, 50 pounds, on Craigslist for $150 used

I also like the Ampeg Micro-VR mini-stack but $600 is a bit much.