Backline or MB150

murph36251 · #1 08-11-2009, 08:40 PM

I'm attending college to study music next month and am looking for a small but powerful combo. I can't decide on the Gallien Krueger Backline 110 or forking out more for the MB150. Tell me what you think.

clink · #2 08-11-2009, 09:32 PM

The 150 is amazing for it's size. I tried the Backline once in a store with electric and once when sitting in on DB. I wouldn't recommend it.
This has received high marks for DB as well:
Yorkville XM50 combo - loud, yet little 50 watt combo from Canada!

salcott · #3 08-11-2009, 09:34 PM

MB 150 without a doubt. It's proven to be a workhorse amp for both basses, and if you need more oomph, the extension cab is not expensive. I've had mine for 20+ years. I've heard nothing but negative comments about the Backline series.

Rvl · #4 08-12-2009, 05:54 AM

MB150 is very small and very portable
Not the greatest sound but it is good

Thanks

Robert VanLane

murph36251 · #5 08-12-2009, 08:26 PM

Thanks for your advice I think I'm going to go with MB150. They are offering it for $830 new at long and Mcquade. I think this is a reasonable price?

fdeck · #6 08-12-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murph36251

Thanks for your advice I think I'm going to go with MB150. They are offering it for $830 new at long and Mcquade. I think this is a reasonable price?

Reputedly, the best GK prices in the US are at RMC Audio, if you want to compare with the price that you're getting at L&M.

fdeck · #7 08-12-2009, 08:59 PM

On this subject, you can get a rolling cart called a "pack n roll" at an office supply store. It is just right for your MB150 combo, with enough space for cables, books, music stand, etc. Not super rugged, but inexpensive.

clink · #8 08-12-2009, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murph36251

Thanks for your advice I think I'm going to go with MB150. They are offering it for $830 new at long and Mcquade. I think this is a reasonable price?

The MB150S is rumored to sound better for DB than the 150E and it's cheaper to boot. They often turn up used for under $500 and due to their reliability you might want to consider a used one.

salcott · #9 08-12-2009, 10:23 PM

I can't keep track of model numbers. Just make sure NOT to get the one with chorus.

clink · #10 08-12-2009, 11:23 PM

http://www.gallien.com/products_mb_series.html
That would be the E version.

salcott · #11 08-12-2009, 11:44 PM

Thanks.

Michael Case · #12 08-13-2009, 12:08 AM

I've used an MB 150 and own a Backline 250 head. I liked the MB 150 overall, it's a well built amp, sounds good, and is light weight. I liked the Bcakline head, I had it paired with an SWR workingpro 10 cab. The sound was similar, but I wouldn't recommend the Backline stuff cause it's not as well built and even though it's still kicking, it has it's problems.

Ric Vice · #13 08-13-2009, 12:50 PM

I know that not all will agree with this, but I've owned both and I prefer the EQ on the MBS for Double Bass. If you are going to use both DB and Slab then the MBE is probably a better choice. The best choice would be a used 200 MB if you were going for the best DB EQ but they are pretty hard to find these days, not impossible mind you, but it's challenging to locate one. Remember, if you are using both DB and EB then the MBE is the better choice IMHO.

Ric

ctregan · #14 08-16-2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murph36251

I'm attending college to study music next month and am looking for a small but powerful combo. I can't decide on the Gallien Krueger Backline 110 or forking out more for the MB150. Tell me what you think.

If you want small and powerful, you should look into a small head (EA micro, Little Mark II, Genz Benz shuttle, etc.) You can get a lot more power than a combo, and its easier to trade up if you want to upgrade you gear. Look in the used gear section on the TB double bass and the electric bass classified adds, there are some good deals to be found.

Most of the new lightweight amp heads will fit in your book bag.

Rvl · #15 08-17-2009, 04:17 AM

I used to have a 200mb and now use a GK 12" cab and a EA Micro
The separate EA head is much easier to travel with , because sometimes clubs have cabinets and sometimes they dont
I just plug my head into the club's cabinet and the club already has it miked. Saves me setup and takedown time

Check out small suitcases if you are going to travel with it
I got one and it is perfect for carrying all the cables and such
2nd photo is my spare amp and head
3rd photos are my spare spare amps