Double Bass Gallien Krueger MB150 E vs MB150 S

[contrabassie]

I want to buy a Gallien Krueger MB 150-combo for using with my double bass (and maybe with my bassguitars - but for electric stuff, I'm very happy with my Ampeg B15S)
There are 2 choice for the moment: the MB E and the MB S. What's the best one for using with the double bass?

 

[johnz]

I think it's six of one or a half-a-dozen of the other.

They are both fine amps. The only difference (that I'm aware of), is that the /S adds parametric EQ for the mids and has a chorus.

If you PM me I'll be happy to send you a PDF version of the manual (which is common for both the /S and /E models).

 

[Pas]

I think it's six of one or a half-a-dozen of the other.

They are both fine amps. The only difference (that I'm aware of), is that the /S adds parametric EQ for the mids and has a chorus.

If you PM me I'll be happy to send you a PDF version of the manual (which is common for both the /S and /E models).

Actually the "S" is the "Standard model" which has a single para mid control, while the "E" is the Effects model with two para mids, chorus, etc...the "E" has alot more features. Alot of the stuff on the S model is moved to the rear of the amp due to space limitations...definatly check out the manual before making your choice and check out the front/rear panels of each...GK is really good about labeling their features and controls. As for the power section they are identical...its just the preamp sections that are different.

 

[Ric Vice]

I want to buy a Gallien Krueger MB 150-combo for using with my double bass (and maybe with my bassguitars - but for electric stuff, I'm very happy with my Ampeg B15S)
There are 2 choice for the moment: the MB E and the MB S. What's the best one for using with the double bass?

It kind of depends on whether you intend to use the amp for both instruments or just Double Bass. Personally, I prefer the pre amp voicing on the MBS for upright. Actually, if you could find one of the older 200 MB's used, it's even better (there not that easy to come by these days). That amp has one of the best pre amps for DB IMHO. If you intend to use it for both instruments then I'd go with the MBE. All three of the amps are very light weight and portable. The MBS and MBE are also more powerful.

Ric

 

[Gary Lynch]

I have the S. If you want it to do all that's possible, buy the E and you will be happy. Read the specs carefully. The E is usually $100 more than the price of the S. Both are built very well, tough in fact. They are not real loud but they are clean sounding. They make a great monitor amp as well when you run the DI out to the house and have that little guy on a stand right next to you on stage for you personal monitor.

Many of the online stores have them on sale at Christmas and right after Christmas for over $100 off!

 

[McGryff]

You may want to consider one of the new MB combos GK just introduced. It sounds like the MB210 & MB115 may both be pretty good for DB, and they're both within 10 pounds of the MB150 combos.

 

[Marc Piane]

I have the S. To me the amp either sounds good flat or else pick something else. The internal speaker has some pretty serious limitations. I personally like it and you can't beat the portability but if you are in a challenging room there is not much the eq will do.

I do sometimes use it with an extension speaker that is a 10" and a horn and then the eq is more effective.

 

[Gary Lynch]

I have the S. To me the amp either sounds good flat or else pick something else. The internal speaker has some pretty serious limitations. I personally like it and you can't beat the portability but if you are in a challenging room there is not much the eq will do.

I do sometimes use it with an extension speaker that is a 10" and a horn and then the eq is more effective.

I agree. It's a great practice amp for say a string band or folk type group. It even works for tiny/small venues or informal parties, etc. But it's certainly not a 'one size fits all' type amp.

I will say it's built tough and I take it to many practices and informal gigs and it has worked perfectly.

I have the external speaker they sell that matches it. I find no great change in volume or air movement with it but it does fill out the tone/volume a hair more.

Like many musicians out there who do not need a real loud or expensive set up, I am looking at the new light combos GK just released for sale. If they will actually hold up under working conditions for the price they are selling for, they are a real score.

 

[Ric Vice]

I agree. It's a great practice amp for say a string band or folk type group. It even works for tiny/small venues or informal parties, etc. But it's certainly not a 'one size fits all' type amp.............

Yeah, it's really a "casual amp"

I will say it's built tough and I take it to many practices and informal gigs and it has worked perfectly.......

True, but be sure not to drop it from shoulder height like I did once with my 200MB. It crapped the power transformer in the bottom of the box. The MBS and MBE have a different design so I don't think that's a problem anymore.

Like many musicians out there who do not need a real loud or expensive set up, I am looking at the new light combos GK just released for sale.

+1

Although I've played lots of trio gigs with a MBE and the 200MB it's not a suitable amp concerts and outdoor venues. Unless you're Dave Holland and I never have figured out how he pulls it off. Once they get all the "tweaks" worked out with the MB2 500 (maybe they already have) it's got a lot more bang for the buck and a better EQ section to boot.

 

[Roger Davis]

No matter what your 'first' amp is, it's always good to have an MB around as a backup. I used one for many years and would still be using it today if it weren't for Talkbass/GAS.

Only problem is its volume is a bit limited for loud gigs/big halls. I sometimes take it to a gig when space in the bus is limited. The drummer always makes a point of telling me my sound is best through the GK. But he's a drummer.

 

[tornadobass]

I'm debating what to do with my MB150E. I found it quite handy for small gigs, but the Wizzy 10 + Micro 300 sounds way better and is equally portable.

I keep thinking I should just hang onto it, even for just occasional use. The speaker really lacks the clarity and punch I get from the other rig.

 

[Jefenator]

I used the heck out of my 150S for over a decade and never once longed for the extra bells & whistles of the E model.

Mine is in semi-retirement now (since I got a 1x12 and a micro-head). But I'll never sell it. It's wonderful for practicing at home (cat-proof) and still comes in very handy for certain calls.

 

[Jaromir]

The E version has XLR out POST EQ. To me, this is essential.

 

[cst bass]

hi all,

has anyone noticed hissing with this amp? ive had the mbe3 for about 1.5 years, and recently noticed some hissing even when all vol knobs, eq, down, no instrument in.

i have never used headphones with it, but plugged some in and noticed hissing there as well.

i suppose some noise is normal, but just wondering if anyone else has experienced this.

Thanks,

 

[Jaromir]

Of course I did notice. The introduced hiss is the main "improvement" over the previous models. I intended to buy a new model of GK 150 MBE but when I noticed the hiss I bought an old MBE instead, which is totally silent.
This is called "the false progress", a favorite trick of corporations trying to get our money for nothing.

 

[cst bass]

yikes. i wish i had been able to hear that prior to buying. couldn't find anything local to test it out first, so just ordered one.

not sure how i missed hearing it for so long. i think i was more focused on playing, and then again i wasn't always using the amp until more recently now.

the noise is subtle, but it will drive me a bit crazy.

 

[Jaromir]

On the other hand, if you didn't notice until recently, it's not a big deal. On stage, in the middle of battle, the hiss disappears. I believe the sound of the combo is essentially the same and the increased level of hiss is something hardly noticeable in real life. The GK combos are great, I prefer them by far over the AI for example. Just my personal taste, of course.

 

[emblymouse]

My MBS gets more use than all my other amps combined. It can cut it in a small rehearsal with my 5er, and it sounds great with my EUB too. I have used it on a big stage by itself in a 7 pc. band and it delivered (I did have it at ear level though). I sold my MBE and kept this guy. I don't need no stinkin' chorus
That said, I do want to try the Wizzy 10 with my Walkabout head...

 

[Roger Davis]

My MBS gets more use than all my other amps combined. It can cut it in a small rehearsal with my 5er, and it sounds great with my EUB too. I have used it on a big stage by itself in a 7 pc. band and it delivered (I did have it at ear level though). I sold my MBE and kept this guy. I don't need no stinkin' chorus
That said, I do want to try the Wizzy 10 with my Walkabout head...

My Wizzy 10 sounds great with my new tiny MB200 head (by G-K, of course).

 

[cst bass]

On the other hand, if you didn't notice until recently, it's not a big deal. On stage, in the middle of battle, the hiss disappears. I believe the sound of the combo is essentially the same and the increased level of hiss is something hardly noticeable in real life. The GK combos are great, I prefer them by far over the AI for example. Just my personal taste, of course.

I appreciate your comment Jaromir. Helped me refocus. Once you get to the playing you don't notice it. The sound is great. Just going to appreciate what I have.

sometimes i can get too focused on tone, and forget to play and have fun and realize the sound is pretty nice.