GK is 200 watts too, and has the 12" speaker I like. I'll try them both out, since a combo is apparently going to be a better choice for me.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
$500 for an amp and cab
- Thread starter sing-modulator
- Start date
GK is 200 watts too, and has the 12" speaker I like. I'll try them both out, since a combo is apparently going to be a better choice for me.
Al Kraft
Supporting Member
- May 2, 2016
- 10,779
- 40,469
- Disclosures
- Mesa Boogie beta product tester and player support
I'm not trying to be challenging, but rather to better understand the requirement you want to fill. It sounds like you have a very gig-worthy combo now, unless you simply like it for home use/practice and it's not really cutting it on gigs. Is the 115 rig too much for the gigs you do, not voiced right,...? It's not clear what you want to accomplish with five hundred dollar's worth of a low power head and 112 cab (e.g. easy to transport, better match for your typical gig volumes, etc.).
If you want bang for the buck in the easiest to transport size that takes yo to one place. If you want to start a system with flexibility to add and change up downstream that takes you in another direction. Since you're gigging, I'd assume you have specific needs that would tend to drive choices and associated pros and cons. If budget is a hard limit, would you consider selling/trading the combo to get into a higher grade of gear? It's just that a really nice cab and head for $500 (even used) tends to limit your options a bit unless you get the deal of the century.
Finally, my experience is that talking yourself into low wattage, especially when Watts are fairly cheap, isn't usually a decision you'll be happy with downstream. You can always turn the power/volume down, you can't breath headroom in amp is at its limits - although I'll admit that a HPF can help a bit. Also FWIW, 12" loaded cabs can be found in all voicing varieties and might sound exactly like 10" or 15" loaded cabs - do not make any assumptions on how a cab will sound based on the diameter of the speaker it contains.
Fantastic amp. If you are playing low to medium power, it's all you'd ever need volume wise. If you needed more (unlikely) you can buy the matching powered extension for a nice modular setup. I am playing a MB112ii in a rock band with a loud drummer, and amazingly enough, it is loud enough by itself. I keep telling myself that if I ever run into an instance when it isn't enough I'm getting the powered extension, but that hasn't happened yet. The Fender Rumbles have a prettier tone played solo, but in a mix the GK just sits better in my experience. I used to have a Rumble 100 and immediately sold it after comparing to the GK in a band mix.
That powered extension seals the deal for me. Same reason I dug the old GK I had that blew up on me
That powered extension seals the deal for me. Same reason I dug the old GK I had that blew up on me
I know the version two MB combos have a better build quality and are made in the USA now, so it should be less likely to blow up on you than your last one, if your old one was version one.
yeah, mine was an old mbs 112. Power section blew up and 3 trips to the repair shop couldnt save it for more than an hour at a time...
Al Kraft
Supporting Member
- May 2, 2016
- 10,779
- 40,469
- Disclosures
- Mesa Boogie beta product tester and player support
Find a new repair shop! A good tech should be able to troubleshoot down to the root cause of a failure and test the system so that you have either a rock solid repair or a good reason why the amp is not worth repairing. This is totally different than simply finding the bad/blown part and just replacing it.
TCElectronic RS112 and a BH250 gets you there-ish ($350+$250). This would do the trick for the conditions you describe.
I had this very Ampeg for about a week. It is in fine condition, has all the power and headroom you would want, it is 2 ohm capable, was marketed as a 2 channel option for electric/upright players, US made, and it’s just over the river in St Louis. I wanted something more tube-y, and that’s the only reason I returned it. Attached is a pic I took at the GC where I purchased it. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
As for 12” cabs, I sold an Aguilar GS212 in excellent shape for $400. I’ve seen a few listed for even less. They are excellent, front ported, rich sounding cabs. The single GS 12’s don’t sell for much less, so why not have two? If $700-750 is simply out of the question for an Ampeg/Aguilar rig, then maybe a Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0 (I own one) would save you a little $ on the power end of things.
As for 12” cabs, I sold an Aguilar GS212 in excellent shape for $400. I’ve seen a few listed for even less. They are excellent, front ported, rich sounding cabs. The single GS 12’s don’t sell for much less, so why not have two? If $700-750 is simply out of the question for an Ampeg/Aguilar rig, then maybe a Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0 (I own one) would save you a little $ on the power end of things.
Depending on where OP is in Illinois, there's a BH250 at the Kenosha, WI Music-Go-Round for $219. You could, most likely, talk em down as I have never paid asking price for anything in there.
I have all GK stuff. I really wanted to like Fenders but GK just sounded better to my ears. The Rumbles were more muffled. I recommend a used GK MB200 or MB500 and an Eden EX112 cab. Under $500, brand new, and cranks like a mutha! I can guarantee you many years of faithful service.
Back to your question about the GK MB112-- it CRUSHES for a 112 combo. You would not do better for a 112 combo. Excellent excellent tone, and down the road, you can add a GK 112 powered cab for double the power!
Good luck and keep us posted!
I got a used GK mb200 and a GK neo 112-II for around 400 used. I think I paid like $225 and $175 respectively. Total weight < 40 lbs, and sounds good. Not super loud, but loud enough for my purposes. I prefer ampless, but realistically sometimes you gotta have an amp. This does it for me, both for DB and BG, active and passive.
When I test drove a new bass at a local shop they ran it through a GK with 1/12 and it sounded perfect. I have a GK 400RB w/4x10, but for lower price and smaller footprint I'd be happy with the smaller GK.
okcrum
in your chest
New to the OP or new from the factory? Either interpretation works as stated.
Used Fender Rumble 200c(Guitar Center), $300 and a Broughton always on High Pass Filter: protects speakers, improves stage andFOH mix, adds clarity and headroom, $105(with power supply). Raise/Tilt back stand, about $50. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GFWGTRAMP--gator-gfw-gtr-amp-combo-amp-stand
Perfect for small to medium sized gigs.
See my HPF Mega thread for more info.
Perfect for small to medium sized gigs.
See my HPF Mega thread for more info.
Last edited:
I'm a Rumble guy all day... but I would also consider a Hartke 15" Kickback. I have played through my friend's several times and am impressed. If you're concerned that the 15" speaker won't produce the mids/highs you may be looking for, don't worry about that... Hartke's spreakers are voiced and balanced great for overall great tone. Or, go the 12" route (like Linnin stated) since you have a fondness for 12" speakers. Good luck.
Rich Gallien pulled out of China when he had issues with quality control. So, the new MB’s are built here in the GK factory.
That would be my exact recommandations: GK MB200 + Eden EX112 or GK MB112 + (if needed later) MBP112 or GK Plex and MBP112 (add a second one when needed)I have all GK stuff. I really wanted to like Fenders but GK just sounded better to my ears. The Rumbles were more muffled. I recommend a used GK MB200 or MB500 and an Eden EX112 cab. Under $500, brand new, and cranks like a mutha! I can guarantee you many years of faithful service.
Back to your question about the GK MB112-- it CRUSHES for a 112 combo. You would not do better for a 112 combo. Excellent excellent tone, and down the road, you can add a GK 112 powered cab for double the power!
Good luck and keep us posted!
