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Gallien Krueger Club. GK Rules !

#4,861
I kept my MB 500 fusion when I received my 550 fusion. I'll probably sell the MB in a few months. Right now I play with settings on the MB on my (fairly) new Warwick at home, write them down, and try them on the 550 at the gig. As Chef says, no difference in the pre - b-u-u-u-t the 550 can get louder in my opinion. If playing outdoors it is the rig of choice. Small to medium venue indoors - probably the MB will do just fine. It's early for me with the 550 so I'm still experimenting. I run both through one GK 212 NEO II cab.
 
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#4,863
Passive always
Bright on
Other features off

Also
That photo is showing channel 1 which is gain structured for a mild overdrive
Channel two is clean with input gain low and master high
 
#4,864
Okay, this may have been addressed but a quick search didn't turn up much so maybe I need to be more direct.

Question: I currently have a Backline 112 that I love. I know it's only 100W but for small bars and pizza joints, etc., it's more than enough for me. And the tone is damn near as sweet as the tone from my RB400-IV, which I love. However, I'm no spring chicken and the weight of the Backline is getting to be too much. The last time I took it across an icy parking lot pretty much cleared things up for me. I need something lighter. I've been looking into and MB110 combo and it's looks nice and all, but I've heard that it doesn't have the GK sound. Getting a small gig amp that weighs less than half of what I have now seems like a dream but not if it doesn't sound right. Please tell me your thoughts on the sound differences between the Backline 112 and the MB 110. (Except for the speaker size because, yeah, I know. :) )
 
#4,865
As mentioned earlier, all the GK fusions sound similar, but the MB 500 / MB 500 fusion are the lightest. I think mine is less than 5 pounds. One GK 1x12 NEO cab like Chef uses would work pretty well but you'd be putting 350 watts into a 30 pound cab rated at 300 watts. So you'd need to just listen and be wise. I've played thru the GK 112 combo and although nice it didn't have the GK sound and it wasn't light. BTW I'm 68 myself so I have to be careful also. Not much fun.
 
#4,868
Chef, my BL hollered at me tonight and said "What did you do?" He walked over and said you really sound good; what did you do?" I just showed him my notes from your settings and said that was what I did. He said he liked how I sounded. A few minutes later he yelled from the opposite side of the stage "and you sound good over here too!" So, thank you Chef. My BL is very impressed.
 
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#4,871
NAMM Hall D Booth 5999 Saturday Jan 21 - 1:00PM
Mike Lull Demo by: Tony Puleo
Playing the latest By GK

4l0z10.jpg
 
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#4,878
Mike Wilson said:
Question: I currently have a Backline 112 that I love. I know it's only 100W but for small bars and pizza joints, etc., it's more than enough for me.... I need something lighter. (Except for the speaker size because, yeah, I know. :) )
Click to expand...
If you're moderately handy, disassemble your amp some time and see what portion of the weight comes from the electronics and speaker, and what portion is the cabinet.

Why I say that is because I traded a Peavey 115 combo to Dave Homer of Gigmaster Soundworks a couple years ago, and he re-loaded the amp section and an Eminence Neo driver into a lightweight plywood cab.

I think the weight went from the high 80s to the low 30s...

My guess is that the Backline could be put into a custom cab to give you something lighter...or, replace the stock driver with an Eminence Neo to get even lighter (and probably louder, too).
 
#4,879
groovaholic said:
If you're moderately handy, disassemble your amp some time and see what portion of the weight comes from the electronics and speaker, and what portion is the cabinet.

Why I say that is because I traded a Peavey 115 combo to Dave Homer of Gigmaster Soundworks a couple years ago, and he re-loaded the amp section and an Eminence Neo driver into a lightweight plywood cab.

I think the weight went from the high 80s to the low 30s...

My guess is that the Backline could be put into a custom cab to give you something lighter...or, replace the stock driver with an Eminence Neo to get even lighter (and probably louder, too).
Click to expand...

Interesting. But would it lose that "GK" sound? Or is that more a matter of adjusting various dials, knobs, etc.?
 
#4,880
Mike Wilson said:
Done that. It still would be easier to just pick it up and carry it. In any case, does this mean people prefer the Backline's sound to the MB's sound? And that I shouldn't bother getting a newer amp?
Click to expand...
Can't say anything about preferences, but I have or have had a few of those different lines. Here are the ones I've had, and my thoughts on them. Hope it helps.

I have a Backline 112, and think it's a great little combo. I wish it had the 4 band GK EQ, but it is perfect for my needs and expectations of it. For me, it is a small practice combo I can use without disturbing the wife/baby, as well as use the headphone out when I want to be totally silent.

I used to have the Backline 600 head, which is essentially a Chinese made 400RB (which RAG had meticulously monitored for quality) with a distortion channel. Not a single negative to be said about that head from me. I traded "up" to an actual 400RB.

The 400RB is my lower volume back up should my 700RB ever go down. It has done everything I need from it. I could likely just use this for most things, but I like the extra headroom and other options on the 700RB.

The 700RB is my main head, and a fantastic one. Never had a single issue, and can level the rest of my band should I need it to. The RB series is all that you hear, and their reputation is well earned.

The last one is the MB200. Also a great little head. It is my emergency back up and headphone amp. I keep it in the rack with my 700 should I ever have a problem at a gig (or have a gig!) and need the backup right away. Also amazing at what it does. It used to be on my pedal board when I lived in an apartment and wanted to have a practice option without cans, and it was a perfect solution for that.

If I had to comment on the differences between Backline and MB series, I would say they are both fantastic, and can get great sounds. The MB seems a little more hi-fi, and the Backline seems to be smaller RB type stuff. I actually think the OD on my Backline combo is pretty darn great. So if you need OD, go that route. If you want ultra clean (or use pedals for dirt like me), go MB. You really can't go wrong, as long as you make sure your volume needs are met.

If I were you, I would go MB combo and a dirt pedal (if you need dirt). Since weight seems to be your big issue, this would solve that.
 
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