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Best 200+watts under $500 combo amp
- Thread starter himluis1
- Start date
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I like the TC Electronic BG500 combo. Sounds awesome, plenty of volume if you want, and many usable features.
I had the 115 (got stolen), and preferred it over my GK MB500 head/212MBE cab (also awesome), which I’m presently using.
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I like the TC Electronic BG500 combo. Sounds awesome, plenty of volume if you want, and many usable features.
I had the 115 (got stolen), and preferred it over my GK MB500 head/212MBE cab (also awesome), which I’m presently using.
GK only if its the older RB series,, the new heads I think are very unreliable. if you can find the british made trace elliots like the commando's they are pretty nice.. the eden's are nice someSWR's where good and alot where bad after the company was sold. peavey believe it or not the original TNT's sounded really nice and I played them at some big shows, the guy from darkbuster in Boston uses one so I played through it a couple times and it sounded really good..
me personally I avoid the newer GK stuff and the Hartke stuff because of my experiences and friends experiences, if your gigging alot avoid them.... BUT the 400 & 800 Rb's are simple awesome and you'll see MOST hardcore and punk bands I know are using them while on tour. if I could buy just one combo amp right out of the gate and I was trying to save money I'd find a Fender BXR300C for 150 to 250 and if the input jacks are fine then its all good but the input jacks are fragile when it comes to yanking the bass cords side ways so use a 20' at least.
but buy a GK400RB and any 1x15 cab, cut out a square sectin on the top back of the cab so the GK slides inside and walla theres a sick combo right there, even mount from inside to recess the knobs for when packing gear in the truck.
me personally I avoid the newer GK stuff and the Hartke stuff because of my experiences and friends experiences, if your gigging alot avoid them.... BUT the 400 & 800 Rb's are simple awesome and you'll see MOST hardcore and punk bands I know are using them while on tour. if I could buy just one combo amp right out of the gate and I was trying to save money I'd find a Fender BXR300C for 150 to 250 and if the input jacks are fine then its all good but the input jacks are fragile when it comes to yanking the bass cords side ways so use a 20' at least.
but buy a GK400RB and any 1x15 cab, cut out a square sectin on the top back of the cab so the GK slides inside and walla theres a sick combo right there, even mount from inside to recess the knobs for when packing gear in the truck.
I have owned almost all of the first gen GK combos and still own my MB112 and just got the new serires ll MB115,,,,,, I also owned the TC BG250.
My opinion,,, the BG250 would be my last choice for a combo,,, BG tone was not good,,, muddy and no balls.
The GK tone simply destroys the BG250.
200 watts, under $500.00, that has killer tone,,,,, the new series ll MB115 all the way !!!!
For what its worth,,,,, The only reason I sold my first gen GK MB combos was to upgrade to the new GK series ll combos,,,, also I'm not just suggesting GK cuz that's all I own,,,, I also own Ampeg gear for the really big gigs,,,,,, but for combos the GK MB's can't be beat.
Cheers
Davyo
My opinion,,, the BG250 would be my last choice for a combo,,, BG tone was not good,,, muddy and no balls.
The GK tone simply destroys the BG250.
200 watts, under $500.00, that has killer tone,,,,, the new series ll MB115 all the way !!!!
For what its worth,,,,, The only reason I sold my first gen GK MB combos was to upgrade to the new GK series ll combos,,,, also I'm not just suggesting GK cuz that's all I own,,,, I also own Ampeg gear for the really big gigs,,,,,, but for combos the GK MB's can't be beat.
Cheers
Davyo
well i havent made any purchase yet , still deciding between gk n tc bg250 , like both but can only buy one of them , i checked on availability on the gk mb115 ii on both gc n sam ash close to my house n they dont have it in store , they both have bg's im 2 weeks away from making the purchase !!! ill post on my decision soon !!!
i decided to go with the tc e bg250 !!! like i said i had gk in the past and like it a lot also acoustic b200 n tc for a while , but this time im keeping the bg250 for a long time !!! i went to sam ash and compared both amps head to head with my bass and bg250 is louder + tuner , tube drive and tone print is a plus !!! im not planing to add any extension cab or splitter or anything like that , just the amp and my bass , jazz mim fender , so i think this is a good combination !!! thanks to all of u for the help !!!
TC Electronic BG250. Just bought one and LOVE it. I have owned GK equipment before and it has failed on me. Hartke is always a good choice. The TC literally gives you more bang for your buck. and the tone quality is superior. sorry GK fans. on the other hand i am sewing a cover for mine as we speak. it does seem a little more fragile than the GK but personally i take care of my stuff. lol. i do plan on giging with this amp, we will see how well she holds up.
No problem for me, I play more for the crowd so we get hired back and that is where G-K shines.
I've been using GK amps since 1985 and I've never had one fail. I don't understand all of these reports of bad GK experiences.
I have a Peavey TNT 600 watt combo at church that costs $500.
I'm not a fan of Peavey stuff because it sounds, well it sounds like Peavey!
But as we run a DI into the board, it does quite well and it is bulletproof!!
They also have the TKO combo at $400 that is 400 watts.
I'm not a fan of Peavey stuff because it sounds, well it sounds like Peavey!
But as we run a DI into the board, it does quite well and it is bulletproof!!
They also have the TKO combo at $400 that is 400 watts.
If you dont mind a dent or scratch Carvin takes $ off and ships from their factory. You can call and talk to them.
Check out the Carvin MB series. I have the MB15/15 combo. Very light versatile and sounds fantastic. Price is right too. 200 Watts by itself, 250 with the extension.
I live/work near a GC and always try out new combos. I OWN two Carvin amps and can say that the Carvin MB amps have this price range in the bag. Great EQ section, plenty of power to drive an extension, great punchy/articulate tone.
349.00 + 39.00 for shipping right now.
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349.00 + 39.00 for shipping right now.
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No problem for me, I play more for the crowd so we get hired back and that is where G-K shines.
Uh Yea, The Carvin gear is impressive, but when it comes to getting serious, and trying to make a living with you're gear, GK is the only way to go!!!
