• 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.

Attention GK Combo Owners! (MB210, 212 etc)

Have you had problems with a GK MB combo that you've owned?

  • Yes, with one, the next one was perfectly fine.

    Votes: 6 5.9%

  • Yes, with several different ones.

    Votes: 6 5.9%

  • Yes, with one, and I bought something else instead.

    Votes: 15 14.7%

  • No, it's been awesome right from the start with no issues.

    Votes: 75 73.5%
  • Total voters
    102
Evil Undead

Evil Undead

Oct 31, 2009
3,844
587
#1
I'm wanting to know how many of you have had issues with these combos and how many have them with no issues at all.

Mods, if this is not allowed, I apologise - I'm just looking to get a clear indication of these combos and the percentage chance of getting one with a problem. In no way am I dissing GK, I love their stuff!
 
#2
I had an MB210 with an MBE115, at first I really liked it but the longer I had it the more frustrated I became by the boominess and bass heavy nature of the EQ, the bass EQ had to be kept really low with the lo-mid up to compensate, the louder the rig got the more boomy, muddy and undefined the sound became, I sold it .
I also had an MB212 which self destructed after 20 minutes of an easy going rehearsal, so I guess you could say I am not a fan :D
 
#3
I have had my MB212 since shortly after they came out. Mine developed a rattle after about a year. The local warranty shop fixed it up for me and I haven't had a problem since. I still love the sounds I get from this thing.

I have heard a few people complain about boomy bass from these combos, but how you EQ the thing does make quite a difference. My current favorite setting is HIGH at 1:30, HI-MID at 1:00, LO-MID at 1:00, BASS at 11:30-12 depending on the room. I'm running a p-bass with Chromes and SD 1/4 pounders.
 
#7
I'm contemplating the purchase of an MB210. But I've been thrilled with all of my GK stuff over the years, so I'm not worried. And judging by the poll results, I think I'll be all right.
(knock on wood!)
 
#8
Kinda shocked at the current poll results. Check the older threads. Im guessing many of the people who have reported problems havent voted.

I had a MB212 that had issues and I returned it for an MB210. The tweeter was very hissy so I played with it off.
 
#10
philter25 said:
Kinda shocked at the current poll results. Check the older threads. Im guessing many of the people who have reported problems havent voted.

I had a MB212 that had issues and I returned it for an MB210. The tweeter was very hissy so I played with it off.
Click to expand...

I posted a poll regards number of breakdowns with the MB212 and it returned a fail rate of over 50% ?
I guess the people who reported probs have moved onto other gear or as you say not voted .

I am glad to hear there are happy owners as these amps
 
#12
My MB212 is about a year and a half old and I have never had a problem with it. I also eq a lot of the bass out of it to cut down the boom. I even did a little bracing inside which has helped tighten things up. I liked the sound of my SWR 750 with 8x10 cab better but I couldn't fit it in my front seat either or lift it with one hand. To my ears the amp doesn't seem to have much character but you can't beat it for it's size to volume ratio.
I may one day get a different amp but I will always keep this one around.
 
#13
Been several revisions of these amps. The MB cabs, as far as I'm concerned may be a good deal, but consider it a mod project. Bracing and lining must be added. With revisions, maybe the newer the better? Combination of a less than rock-hard amp in a flimsy combo cab is a recipe for trouble if you ask me.

Coming from a GK fan here, but a fair one. I wouldn't buy one of these. Too much stuff cheaped out on, especially construction. Give me my 800rb any day, but not this stuff. All kinds of stories of rattles, vibrations, etc. after a few months. That kind of stuff spells death for the "amp" in "combo amp". Haven't heard near as many trouble stories from people using the MB stand-alone amps sitting on sturdy cabs. Might be more of a cab construction quality issue than an amp build quality issue.
 
#17
Evil - due to a shoulder injury I traded in my much loved (but built like a tank) Ashdown MAG300 evoII 210 bass combo about 6 months ago for a much lighter and easier to schlep GK MB210. At 500watts, 30pounds total weight, one hand carry, extension cab capability and xlr out - I couldn't be happier. Paid under $500USD for it at Guitar Center. It's performed flawlessly so far and is not boomy at all. It does appear to be bass happy so if I got an extension cab it would most likely be another 210 or maybe a 410. I also play with the tweeter off. This is my small to medium size go to rig. It plays equally well with my acoustics, my Fender P and Js and even my Spector REX5.
I'm very pleased with the purchase.
 
#18
GBassNorth said:
Evil - due to a shoulder injury I traded in my much loved (but built like a tank) Ashdown MAG300 evoII 210 bass combo about 6 months ago for a much lighter and easier to schlep GK MB210. At 500watts, 30pounds total weight, one hand carry, extension cab capability and xlr out - I couldn't be happier. Paid under $500USD for it at Guitar Center. It's performed flawlessly so far and is not boomy at all. It does appear to be bass happy so if I got an extension cab it would most likely be another 210 or maybe a 410. I also play with the tweeter off. This is my small to medium size go to rig. It plays equally well with my acoustics, my Fender P and Js and even my Spector REX5.
I'm very pleased with the purchase.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input G, and it's great to hear from you.

I bought my MB212 on Wednesday after doing plenty of research and trawling through threads, and to be honest it's been fine so far besides a slight clicking noise from the speakers when my fingers are a bit sweaty. Don't know what that's all about. Like you say it's extremely bass heavy but I've EQ'd that out.

I guess I'm just really nervous and not sure whether I can trust this amp on gigs or not. Which isn't the ideal situation to be in with an amp.

I thought about returning it and getting a Markbass CMD 121P but I don't know whether that would be loud enough on it's own with my classic rock covers band, and I wouldn't be able to afford the extension cab for ages.

I guess the only thing to do is give it a chance and see what happens! Hopefully I'm in the 70% who got a good one :)
 
#19
I have an MB210, and it is boomy when set flat. The trick is too simply cut the bass down a lot and lean more to the low and high mids. I think it is a great bass for the money, but I do miss my Markbass CMP 121P. If I can sell some stuff, I may get another Markbass when GC has a July Fourth sale.

To be clear, my GK is a fine amp, but the Markbass is much warmer tonally while is very clean and modern. It can border on being a bit sterile.
 
#20
I've had my MB210 for a couple of years now. For large stages, I run an Eden 210 extension cab with it. I have a few other amps, in fact, my main gigging rig used to be a SWR SM400 on top of a SWR Son of Bertha 115 and a SWR Triad (all of which I still have). I picked up the MB210 as an alternative to dragging all of that other heavy crap around with me.

Overall I have to say I'm happy with the amp. It has a voice I really like although I do use a Sansamp pedal with it to add some grit and warmth. And, I kinda dig its boominess, it works well with the classic hard rock stuff I play.

I have a couple of minor complaints with it: First, no effects loop. Second, it clips at high volume when I don't use the extension cab (happens with or without the Sansamp).
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back