Affordable giggable combo

[Jake S]

My current amp is an Ampeg b-100r. It was my first amp, bought it like 13 or so years ago. I've had a couple others come and go, but always retained this one. I love it, love the tone, always use it to record, and with my sansamp pedal it's generally plenty loud for gigs. Problem is I don't want to take it on the road anymore, I don't want it further deteriorating. So, I'm looking at picking up one of the newer light-weight combos for gigs.

My initial interest was in the BA210v2, however I haven't been reading many great reviews about it. Also of interest are the GK MB210 or MB212 and the Fender Rumble Combo.

Any thoughts or opinions? Anyone own the BA210v2 and love it or hate it?

Thanks!

 

[MrLenny1]

My buddy uses a GK MB 2x12 in a 8 pc pop/funk dance band
and it works very well.

 

[JakobT]

The Rumble 200 and 500 combos are giggable, light, and loud. Since you're used to a 210, the 500 would be the natural choice, with the possible adddition of a 210 cab if you need to melt people's ears.

 

[Jake S]

I played one of the gk mb210's at a music shop nearby, it was definitely plenty loud. I still prefer the ampeg tone, but the gk's seem more reliable...important for gigging.

 

[hrodbert696]

Using a GK MB210 here. What can I say? It does what I need it to do. Honestly, I think it's kinda six-of-one-half-a-dozen-of-the-other in this price range. The GK, the Rumble, the Ampeg, all around that $500-600 range, are not all that different IMO.

 

[Jake S]

Yeah, I don't think there's much difference between the three. It comes down to three factors: tone, portability and price. To my ear the Ampeg wins on tone, and the gk wins on portability (being 10 pounds lighter). At the moment the Ampeg is the better deal, so unless I find a great deal on a gk in the next few days, I'll probably go with the Ampeg (Pro-Audio Star has new BA210v2's for $370, with no tax since I'm in CA).

 

[plav1959]

Are you sure they're new BA210v2s? If so, jump all over it. Everyone else is selling them for $499. They did have a $100 rebate deal, but that expired on 4/30.

 

[Jake S]

Yeah, they're new. I've been discussing the deal with their sales dept. They're also on sale right now at the guitar center in my neighborhood for $420, and the sale began prior to the rebate expiring..I'm kicking myself for missing that opportunity. I'll likely end up with one. I also really like the micro vr stack, but doubt it's a capable gigging rig. I'm mostly into it for the aesthetics, although I'm sure it has good tone. It's possible it would be fine once paired with my sansamp...but I'm looking for something a little more powerful.

 

[shawshank72]

If one of your options is the GK MB212 then that is all you need.

 

[Jake S]

Anyone know if the original gk mb series amps are as good as the new gk mb-II's?

 

[mexicant]

Done plenty of gigs with the gk mb115, very capable and light,37 pounds. Great tone and relliable.

 

[Jake S]

I've got my eye on a used gk mb212 series 1 on Craigslist for $350, or an mb210 series 1 for $300. I've been reading a lot about issues with rattling on these amps when used at high volumes...but those deals are pretty appealing.