Amp repair (GK MB Fusion) Los Angeles

Ok guys my almost new, (6 weeks old) MB fusion is making a noise. A whistling squeeling type type, not loud but gets louder the longer I play. I isolated it to the signal chain, it's definitely an internal fault with the amp. The vendor (Bass San Diego) sent me to GK, GK via email is recommending I take it to one of their service centers in Los Angeles area.

I was hoping to switch it out for a new one seeing as it's so new but oh well.

Can anyone recommend which service center to go to. I have no idea at this point who is good and who is not (they're all good right?)

MUSIC TEK SERVICES Burbank

AUDIO REPAIR SPECIALISTS Canoga Park

SOLUTIONS Downtown Los Angeles

AUDIO DESIGN & SERVICE North Hollywood

Anyone have any experience with these guys before I flip the coin so to speak?

I must say I'm bummed. I think that little head has a really great tone. I hope it's a quick and easy fix.

Thanks for listening

 

Yup, I was thinking microphonic tube too. I would fix it myself but, I don't want too void the warranty by opening it up. Besides I can't be 100% that's the fault. BTW I did get an email from Brian at GK, no specifics so I suppose if it's a tube then anyone can fix it. I am over thinking this as usual. (Took me 6 months to pick a new amp!)

Thanks for the support bassists, I do appreciate your input. I'll will let you know what the outcome is.

 

I hope the tubes are covered, it's barely a month old!

Thanks for the heads up on that, I woke up during the night and thought, I'll just change the tubes myself, but it's probably not a good idea. I don't want anyone to have a reason to deny warranty coverage on this amp.

I checked the yelp.com reviews this morning regarding repair shops around here, seems like everyone has mixed opinions, so I'm just going to take it to the closest place I think.

Funny, my old Eden head never had any issues, bought it new in 1995, it has a tube too. I have heard GK is good quality too so I'm just unlucky.

I'm debating if I should have gotten the MB800 instead, no tubes, more power. I did like the tone of the fusion better in the store though, it is much fatter sounding than I was expecting. It sounds sweeter IMHO than my Eden WT300, especially through the Eden Cabs (2x10T and 115T). Grindy but not harsh with crisp highs. Good useable tone for me i think.


Maybe I'll call the store again and see if they will switch it out for a new one.

 

Update:

Well, my MB Fusion is on it's way back to Bass San Diego for refund or replacement.

I had it dropped off at Audio Repair Specialists in Canoga Park, Los Angeles for warranty repair, unfortunately they did not find a fault. I brought it home, and sure enough after a few minutes of playing the high pitched whine is back. Funnily enough if i touch the speaker cable jack housing the pitch of the whine/whistle changes, it also goes away when I engage the limiter button. The volume does not have to be up at all to hear it, it only needs to be plugged into a speaker. After experimenting with different cables again I am convinced the amp is defective.

George at Bass San Diego is stepping up here to take care of me, so a big thanks to him for helping.

I'm disappointed that ARS did not find a problem, it cost me a $25 bench fee to hear that the amp was OK.

Naturally I could replace it with another MB Fusion, I can't help being a little leery about doing so.

I may try something else. I play through an SVT and an 8X10 at rehearsal, which sounds and feels great (no surprise). George has suggested the Aguilar TH-500 as an alternative. I use either an Accugroove Tri-115 or an Eden 2x10T + 115 stack. Not sure what I'll do now, but at least my problem is solved and I feel better.

 

I'm debating it, it was a nice sound.

 

Update:

The Vendor has the MB Fusion in question now and has confirmed that it is making a squealing sound. GK has requested that the amp be sent back to them for diagnosis. Once I find out their diagnosis I will attempt to get my money back from Audio Repair Specialists. It's not much but its the principal that counts IMO. I'm still amazed the tech couldn't duplicate the issue.

In the meantime I have the option to get another amp, leaning toward the Aguilar today.

Thanks to all who helped out here. The outcome of course is I know where I will not take my gear for repair in future.

P.S. Just ordered a TH-500 from Bass San Diego