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Ampeg or Gallien Krueger?

A

Argonot

May 11, 2011
10
0
#1
Hi to everyone.

I've decided to buy an amplifier combo but I'm unsure about which one I will pick up. I have 2 options right now:

- Ampeg BA115 BassAmp Series 1x15 (100W)
OR
- Gallien Krueger MB115 Ultralight 1x15 (200W)

I'm in a tribute band to System of a Down and I need the amp for small gigs in bars and clubs. Which one would you recommend?
 
#2
You should go in to a guitar center and play both but I can tell you right now the mb115 is going to win it over. You'll find the increased headroom nice and the fact that it can get dirty without needing a pedal in your chain. But if your playing SOAD I would make sure to test run each in the drop tunings they do.
 
#3
I can only speak from the Ampeg side of things, but basically: don't get the Ampeg (this particular model, anyway). Too little headroom, not far enough volume to use safely without risking a blown speaker, and the tone just seemed to leave something to be desired.
 
#6
If you're going to have PA support the MB115 'might' do the job. Honesty it sounds nice up to a certain volume, not so nice after. I just sold mine after my buddy lent me his markbass cmd115 for few weeks & going back to the GK I realized how little power it had to keep up with a heavy hitting drummer. I was able to coax a little more headroom from the GK with a compressor pedal + sansamp bddi. If you're playing with a reasonably loud drummer & 2 electric guitars I think you'll serve yourself better spending the $400 on a used 300w-450w head with a 1x15 or 4x10 cab. The extra power can really make the difference between your bass having some punch w/out needing to be too loud or having something bordering on a bodyless loud mushy fart.
Just my .02 after suffering in the 200w combo limbo for 1.5yrs
 

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