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112 Decision Time: Bergantino, Epifani, GK

Man, I think the issue with the highs is more of an issue with the MB than the cabinet. I've just spent the last 2 days with a MB500 head..... I really want to like this thing, because it would make the perfect backup, but the highs on it don't sound anything like my 700rbii. Maybe it's the pairing with the my GK 12's?..... but they sound so good with the 700rbii, that I'm not sure I'd like the MB with any horn loaded cabinet. It's almost as if it's like the 700 with the treble and presence all the way up.

Yes, the MB-500 is brighter than the 700RB-II through the Neo 112 cabs. For lack of a better term, the MB-500 doesn't sound as "natural" as the RB head with everything set flat, especially in the highs. It's not much trouble to dial out the brightness though, and I still think it sounds great. The footswitchable boost channel is awesome. Tone-wise, I do prefer the 700RB-II, but the weight saving of the MB head is a huge bonus and I expect to use it most of the time.

I've seen the Harke cab at Sam Ash. I didn't have time to try it, but two things stood out: really small footprint, and switching between 4 and 8 ohms. The latter is a wonderful feature IMO, especially for use with smaller heads like the G-K MB-200, and combos like my Roland Cube 100 that has its extension speaker output wired in series with the internal speaker, and thus requires a 4 ohm extension cab for full power. I'll test it with the Roland one of these days.
 
You know guys, I thought about that. In fact, as I was playing it I wondered how the fusion's tube pre might sound better! Darn, now I wish I would have plugged in another head!

Ned is right.... it's really not a big deal to dial down those highs. And in all honesty, the mb sounded really good through my 212 (better than the 112). The 112 sounded good, but the horn was dialed way down, and the treble down to about 8-9:00...... and really, that may not be such a stretch, as I usually run the 700 with the tweeter at about 9:00 (the HMS). The mb sounded great with the VT in front..... and it's probably an excellent solution for easily dialing down some of those highs.

Part of my problem is that I'm just totally into the 700rbII (that, and I find that as I get older, I don't like to change a whole lot once I've got something figured out...LOL). I've just been looking for a smaller, plug and play solution that I can use for home and as a backup. The MB just isn't it..... but if it was my primary head, I could definitely make it work with both my 112 and my 212.

I think the low cost of the GK cabs makes them worth trying for a week or two to find a workable solution.
 
Dude-
Call The Perfect Bass and see what 1x12's they have in stock. Bring your ax-n-amp and GO there. Play thru every one they've got

and buy the one that simply inspires your playing most. Simple as that. Be done and get on w/making music.
 
Dude-
Call The Perfect Bass and see what 1x12's they have in stock. Bring your ax-n-amp and GO there. Play thru every one they've got

and buy the one that simply inspires your playing most. Simple as that. Be done and get on w/making music.

You know, for some reason they have not had any PS112's or Neo112's in stock for quite some time.

I am going to go over to GC today and try out a few things. I think I'm ultimately go with the GK's, change heads or maybe try to warm it up a bit with somtething like the VT pedal or the like.
 
Went to Guitar Center. Tried the GK MB2-500 with some Markbass cabs, the 112 and the 4-6". They sounded alot better with the Markbass head with tube preamp than with my GK. It did not match up as well. I like the 4-6" cab better actually, but worried that it would not be enough on its own in alot of live situations.
I also tried the Mesa Walkabout combo. I liked the tone, but it is alot of $$ for a 300 watt 1-12" pretty heavy as well.
 
OK, the decision is made. I just ordered one GK Neo112 from RMC Audio and the second one is coming used from birminghambass. The cab really seems to offer everything I'm looking for in design (no rat fur, side handles, size, weight) with enough low end to get the job done. Plus, the price point is really good. I know those Bergs probably kill, but I also want to have a little cash in reserve for my visit to Sadowsky next month on my NYC trip. That difference is enough for a deposit!!! ; )
I'll just try to tame the top end with a VT pedal, EQ or possibly replacing my MB2-500. I figured I'd get the cabs and go from there.

I'll keep everyone posted as things progress. I have a gig on the 28th of next month that I'll plan on taking them too.

Thanks for everyone's awesome feedback!!!
 
I feel as though I am Tom Bowlus Jr., in that I have the GK Neo 2x12's, the Bergantino HT 112 er and the Epi UL112, and I love them all. Since you have decided which cabs you want, no need in voicing my opinion, so enjoy.
 
I feel as though I am Tom Bowlus Jr., in that I have the GK Neo 2x12's, the Bergantino HT 112 er and the Epi UL112, and I love them all. Since you have decided which cabs you want, no need in voicing my opinion, so enjoy.

You are a man of excellent tastes, my friend. :cool:
 
Just recieved my 1st Neo 112 and it is a great cab. Just for kicks I paired it with my Berg AE 112 and well it really sounds good if I roll off the tweeter in the GK. The GK doesn't have the mid bump of the berg but the overall woofer sound is similar. Tweeters are a different story. The Bergs crystal like quality still takes top honors, it will actually bring tears to your eyes. The GK tweeters is great on its own but when compared to the Berg it sounds almost harsh. I will be able to AB them next week. I can give thoughts if anyone is interested.