First amp/cab

[Madlister]

So I've been looking about a lot lately - tired of plugging my P-Bass straight into the board, and needing an amp/cab for the gigs we're looking to start doing by Spring.

Since there's been no shortage of info lately on the Markbass phenomenon, I've been looking at their gear due to reviews of solid tone (there's always dissension, since it's all subjective anyway - but in general). The portability of LMKII and their 2x10 cab also have a lot of appeal to me.

But I've seen this deal from Guitar Center: Invalid Link Removed

And I know GK is quality stuff. Does anyone have first hand experience with this amp/cab combo? Please also consider that for portability, I have a 1996 Mustang - so I know the 4x10 might be hard to move around. But is this a really good deal? Is this not one of their better lines? If I'm going to spend the $$, should I go ahead and either get the MB gear for a bit more, or look at a better line from GK?

This will be my first amp/cab purchase for bass (been full time drummer and halfass guitard for several years - just recently discovered that I really love playing bass and that it's a much better fit for me than guitar.

So is this GK combo a keeper? Will it stand up to small and hopefully soon after - medium - club gigs? Will it cooperate well in the studio?

Should I stick more for the MB? (I can spend the extra $$ on the MB gear - but if I can find something that'll do the exact same thing for half the price - obviously I'll hang on to the $$).





Any tips from the old hats around? I really like to know what I'm getting into before I take a big step like this.


Thankyas in advance!


**EDIT - Addendum: The style of music we'll be playing is mostly straightforward rock, with some variances going from very Stones-y to quasi light funk (think Jackson Five as far as bass lines go, crunchier guitar work though) to more straight ahead rock a la Cracker, Screaming Trees, etc. If any of that helps.**

 

[musicmedic]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/GallienKrueger-700RB-210-Combo?sku=482579

This is what I personally would use for the small to medium sized gig. I have the 700rbII head (not the combo) and that amp is quite loud for the stated wattage. The combo version seems to fit your portability issues. The Backline series is GK's budget line. I've not tried one but folks seem to say they are decent. Plus, there's a direct out built in (with level control and ground lift) if you need some PA support.

 

[JimmyM]

The Backline line is OK, but their top of the line stuff is much better. But having played both 2-10" combos, my vote is for the Markbass. I think it sounds warmer and more to my liking than GK. Try both. But I would stay away from the Backline stuff. It's good for what it is, but it doesn't compare to the top GK stuff or the Markbass line.

 

[Madlister]

Thanks for the replies so far.

The more I'm digging, the less enthused I'm feeling about the Backline series.

The 410 might be a bit harder to tote around than will be convenient anyway.

Might swing back by GC and give a second test drive on the LMII + 102HF and/or 102P.

I've really liked how those have sounded so far.

Would anyone have any recommendations for other amp/small cab setups that would perform similarly to those? I'm not a hardcore brand loyalist by any stretch - I'm too new to the game for that. I've just liked the sound and portability of the MB so far. I'm definitely open to trying other similar setups from other manufacturers for comparison.


Thanks again for any input.

 

[CharlesHartman]

<snip>
Would anyone have any recommendations for other amp/small cab setups that would perform similarly to those?... I'm definitely open to trying other similar setups from other manufacturers for comparison.


Thanks again for any input.</snip>

Yes, see if you can listen to some Genz Benz gear. They have a new batch of goodies that will be introduced at upcoming NAMM conference. Here is a link to a thread with some info about the new gear. Also see if you can get your ears on some Bergantino cabs. I have an HT112 and love both the size and the sound. I'm into a more old school rock and blues thing and I feel this cab gives me the flexibilty to get that tone or something brighter if needed as well. I am using an Ashdown MAG300 for now, but I really want that new GB 600w Shuttle head to get to my local dealer...

 

[wingnut]

+1 to musicmedic's response. The 700RB combo is awesome and it will easilly fit in your car. Or you could go with a Markbass combo. I would try both. I have tried the goldline cabs and found them to sound not so great. There are people out here who have used the backline series of heads and had problems with them. The higher end RB stuff from GK is rugged as hell. I went with Markbass as the uprights I play don't get along with the GK stuff. If you only play BG, you could use either amp and be totally happy. As I've stated before, IME it's easier to get a dirty tone from a Markbass than it is to get a clean tone from a GK. I hope this helps, good luck.

 

[BuffaloBass]

While GC has discontinued MESA, they had a 12" Scout in the local store ( I use a 15" Scout), which allowed me a good A-B comparo. While MarkBass was good,real good, not "sterile" like some, imho the tube preamp of the MESA rules. I dial it up to a little over half throttle, and .... ahhhhhhh hot jazz thru tubes.... bliss.....

MESA for us "old skool" guys. Hear Thrunderfunk does that well, as well.

IMHO, the MESA Scout blew the MB 12" away. Insta SVT on the MESA, none on the MB.
My ears, not yours. YMMV! And thats the point, you gotta hear em all.

 

[Madlister]

I'll definitely look into the GB gear on that tip, as well as the 700RB - and if I can find a Scout I'll give that a whirl.

Shouldn't be too hard to find all that around Nashville.

Thanks again for all the input and for going easy on the newly coverted bassist-in-training.