Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Great video!
This aligns well with the difference I heard between my Legacy 800 and my 700RB-II; the Legacy could easily get the "scooped" sound that GK is often known for, but its starting point is much more even and balanced with an astounding amount of snap and clarity.
With my bass and my cabs, it was too much of a good thing.
Not sure if this is the right place to ask buy here goes.
Hi all, new member here. I have an opportunity to get a used first generation GK MB 210 for $500 or a new one for $900. Would lover to hear pros and cons, I know there are many, that's why I'm asking the experts. In hind sight, I'm not sure if it's a first gen or not. The combo has an aluminum grill speaker cover.
Thanks
Hi all, new member here. I have an opportunity to get a used first generation GK MB 210 for $500 or a new one for $900. Would lover to hear pros and cons, I know there are many, that's why I'm asking the experts. In hind sight, I'm not sure if it's a first gen or not. The combo has an aluminum grill speaker cover.
Thanks
If you post a picture, ppl here will be able to confirm which gen it is for you.
I’ve been using the MB 210 combo for ten years and never had any issues with it whatsoever. It is my main amp and it’s seen hundreds of gigs in all kinds of weather.
The brushed aluminum grille was a feature of the first generation MB combos.
The Gen II have a black fabric grille.
Sound-wise and electronically, I'm not sure there's much difference, but the Gen I may have been built in China.
$500 for any lightweight GK 2x10 combo is pretty good - $900 is too much, unless it's one of the newer Legacy or Fusion combos.
$900 for a new MB210-II is a great price.
Whether new vs. used is worth the $400 difference is up to you.
That’s the first generation, and is the same one that I have been using for the last decade. It’s a great amp!
There's also a 1st gen MB212 on the GC used site for under $500.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
One important distinction between the 210-ll and 212-ll is that the 210 offers a powered speakon / amp output on the cabinet rear to add a passive cab. The 212 uses the "G-K's Chain Out" XLR send that requires a powered extension speaker. For me the 210 offers more versatility with the Speakon option. For me I prefer 10's to 12's anyway but for those that may feel bigger is better it's good to know.
Now, like the others have also said above, I have used both the MB210-l and MB210-ll for a long long time and they have been my #1 amp of choice. There hasn't been a job it can't handle and I love the sound. Perfect for me. I do have three MB500 heads and one 410MBE-ll cab and that cab doesn't get a lot of love from me for an 800W, 4x10 cab. It feels like I get better live performance from the 210 combo.
I did prefer the metal grill of the gen 1 combos though. The thinner wood and cloth grills, with a pretty cabinet fragile finish makes the gen 2 a LOT less travel worthy IMHO.
Last edited:
BUT... another thing to consider regarding power of the MB210 vs the MB212.
MB210 as a straight combo = 350W
MB210 + 4Ω Ext cab = 500W
MB212 as a straight combo = 500W
MB212 + 212MBP = 1000W! (but the MBPs aren't easy to find, and are expensive, as they are a 500W 2x12 knobless combo.)
...and about those MBPs...
Does anyone have any experience connecting non-GK products to one? I've used them with a GK Plex with success, but was pondering connecting a Line Out on a Phil Jones Bass Double Four Plus to my MBP112 for gits and shiggles.
Looks doable...
From the MBP112 Manual
Does anyone have any experience connecting non-GK products to one? I've used them with a GK Plex with success, but was pondering connecting a Line Out on a Phil Jones Bass Double Four Plus to my MBP112 for gits and shiggles.
Looks doable...
From the MBP112 Manual
Connecting your MBP to an MB Head: When connecting an MB head to an MBP cabinet, a cable with a male 1/4” Tip/Ring/Sleeve to a male XLR end must be used. Plug the 1/4” TRS into the Headphone/Line Out/Chain Out jack of the MB head and press the corresponding button to the 2 position, Line Out/ Chain Out.
From the MB200 Manual
Headphone/line out/chain out: When switched, this output allows the user to send a direct (unbalanced) line out to devices with unbalanced inputs such as personal multitrack recorders. This connection requires a shielded patch cord. The Chain out allows the user to connect directly to a GK MBP powered extension cabinet. This connection is made with a balanced, tip, ring, sleeve to male XLR cable.
I've got the appropriate cable, used from Plex to MBP with success.
Last edited:
