Combo decision help

[StudioGC]

I have been the relatively happy owner of GK MB 212 II. However, I've had two issues now where I've had to take the amp in for service. The latest is the amp starts cutting out at volumes above 11 o'clock.

This happened at band rehearsal yesterday as we were doing our last practice for a gig at the end of the month (we had to do War Pigs at a way too loud level. My dilemma is I'm away traveling starting today (currently at the airport) and won't have time to get the amp fixed before the gig.

Even though I like this amp, is there more out there that I should consider? I'm thinking of ordering an amp via Sweetwater or similar so it can be delivered before the gig.

I've got my eye on the Fender Rumble 500, or possibly the Rumble 200 and get an extension cab. Most of my gigs are bar gigs, so not too much power needed. The GK I usually had at only 10 o'clock and that is usually good enough for our gigs.

Markbass is another option. Any opinions?

I play originals mixed in with some of the usual rock n roll that's required at bars. Keyboards and a fairly load guitarists to be heard over. My only pedal is a Sansamp Tech 21 and I play a passive American standard P bass.

 

[Linnin]

I've got my eye on the Fender Rumble 500, or possibly the Rumble 200 and get an extension cab.

You've got a good eye! Fender Rumbles are as famous for their rock solid reliability as they are for their fabulous Fender tone.

 

[1stnamebassist]

What Linnin said. My personal favorite is the Carvin combo's but they take some time to get. I have a Rumble 40 and I have tried the 200. I don't think you can go wrong with the Rumble. Check reviews on them. I don't see a lot of negative input on them. They sound really nice and they can get very loud, and the EQ is very simple so you won't spend half the night twiddling with knobs. Even set flat sounds great. And the price is very reasonable even though they went up a bit.

 

[jlepre]

I vote for the Rumble 500 for a few reasons. First it has amazing tone and can get loud, but sounds amazing even at lower volume. Second it has an amazing eq section that is extremely responsive. You can get any tone with a small twist of one or two knobs. Lastly for the price it gives you the most bang for your buck, and had the headroom.

 

[mbelue]

How much is this pedal boosted?

My only pedal is a Sansamp Tech 21

A very strong signal can make volume Knob positions irrelevant.

The latest is the amp starts cutting out at volumes above 11 o'clock.

If you drive the preamp hard enough you could be engaging the limiter on that amp. Which would be all the output your going to get.

I mean this to say you might need more than one 2x10 to replace it. Matter of fact you might think about more than the 2x12 if extreme volumes persist.

Two 2x10s with that rumble500 would be a healthy boost in volume.

Or a gk 112mbp with your (repaired) 212 II might put your volume up where you need it. Better yet double up with the 212mbp.

 

[StudioGC]

How much is this pedal boosted?


A very strong signal can make volume Knob positions irrelevant.


If you drive the preamp hard enough you could be engaging the limiter on that amp. Which would be all the output your going to get.

I mean this to say you might need more than one 2x10 to replace it. Matter of fact you might think about more than the 2x12 if extreme volumes persist.

Two 2x10s with that rumble500 would be a healthy boost in volume.

Or a gk 112mbp with your (repaired) 212 II might put your volume up where you need it. Better yet double up with the 212mbp.

Firstly, thanks all for the great responses. It's making me think it's worth trying out the Rumble 500.

As far as volume goes, I really don't crank the amp much past 11 o'clock (and I try to match the Sansamp with that volume to keep it equal). I also have the limiter engaged.

I've certainly thought about a 112mpb to go with the MB212. That's another way to go.

 

[StudioGC]

Ok, I have a Rumble 500 on the way from Sweetwater. I figure I can A/B it with my GK 212ii and make a decision on which one to keep.

Or maybe keep both? Run as stereo for gigs? Then I'll have a back up amp as well, although it's a fair bit of money to have in close to duplicate amps.

 

[Linnin]

Ok, I have a Rumble 500 on the way from Sweetwater.

WOOT Rumbles Rock!

 

[swamp_bass]

I aint got nothin bad to say about the rumbles. Certainly a solid choice.

If I were getting a combo today, it would be the TC Electronic BG250-115. Tried one out in the store just to see what it sounded like, and I was very impressed. Nice flexibility in tones as well.