- Jun 16, 2005
- 3,584
- 31
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Spector, Aguilar, Darkglass
My prototypes for diechris are being laser cut now... I'll let everyone know when and if they work.
cant wait!
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Gallien-Krueger MB2-500: Part II
- Thread starter Kelly Lee
- Start date
cant wait!
- Mar 24, 2003
- 809
- 2,523
- Disclosures
- Robert A. Gallien, President Gallien-Krueger
My prototypes for diechris are being laser cut now... I'll let everyone know when and if they work.
I brought the first parts off the die casting tool back from China yesterday. They look great, we should have them in stock in 45 days.
I just got mine on Friday. I put it through the paces on the weekend - practice and then the Sunday morning church gig.
It ROCKS!
Old amp was an SWR workingman's 200W. I fiddled and twiddled with it forever. It gave me boom, honk, clank, but never quite what I was looking for. Adding an ART Tube MP in front made it tolerable. This GK, on the other hand... WOW. Plug in, adjust the volume, and the tone is there. I got a number of compliments on the sound.
My only issue is that it's almost too loud. This is a small church, with about 200 seats maximum. The primary instrument is a piano, and I have to blend with that. With the -10db engaged, I was running the Gain and Master both at about 9:00. Boost was difficult. I had to run the boost master at just a hair above zero to get any grind. Maybe I need a less efficient cab?
It ROCKS!
Old amp was an SWR workingman's 200W. I fiddled and twiddled with it forever. It gave me boom, honk, clank, but never quite what I was looking for. Adding an ART Tube MP in front made it tolerable. This GK, on the other hand... WOW. Plug in, adjust the volume, and the tone is there. I got a number of compliments on the sound.
My only issue is that it's almost too loud. This is a small church, with about 200 seats maximum. The primary instrument is a piano, and I have to blend with that. With the -10db engaged, I was running the Gain and Master both at about 9:00. Boost was difficult. I had to run the boost master at just a hair above zero to get any grind. Maybe I need a less efficient cab?
I just got mine on Friday. I put it through the paces on the weekend - practice and then the Sunday morning church gig.
It ROCKS!
Old amp was an SWR workingman's 200W. I fiddled and twiddled with it forever. Adding an ART Tube MP in front made it acceptable. This GK, on the other hand... WOW. Plug in, adjust the volume, and the tone is there. I got a number of compliments on the sound.
My only issue is that it's almost too loud. This is a small church, with about 200 seats maximum. The primary instrument is a piano, and I have to blend with that. With the -10db engaged, I was running the Gain and Master both at about 9:00. Boost was difficult. I had to run the boost master at just a hair above zero to get any grind. Maybe I need a less efficient cab?
Just FYI, but there really isn't such a thing as an amp that is 'too loud'. First, get that -10db out of there (that is sucking the grind out of your tone). Then, turn the master WAY down so that the amp isn't loud, and then set the pre gain and boost to the tone you like. THEN, set the master to the correct volume. Whether the master is set at almost off or at noon doesn't matter, that's what it's for.
Enjoy that nice amp!
Yeah, I understand that stuff. Thanks. I probably shouldn't have even said that. It's just that when the master is down that low, the difference between Zero and Too Loud is only a finger twitch. Now I've just got to learn how to twitch my fingers. Not really a complaint, just something to adjust to.
Bottom line: the amp rocks.
Bottom line: the amp rocks.
So you suggest not to use the -10db ? Does it affect the tone ?
I'm finding it doesn't take much to overdrive the the gain. I have a Birdsong fretless that is passive but if I slap at all the red light comes on each thumb hit and the gain is not that high probably around 8 o'clock. I also have a Landing bass that has a 18V preamp and there is no way to use that bass without the -10db switch engaged. Even with the -10db engaged I can't run the bass volume at full.
I don't use the -10db setting. I turn gain and master to noon and adjust volume from the my bass.
I was suggesting that specifically to the poster who was having trouble getting the growl he liked out of the amp. He was using the -10db switch to 'make the amp softer', which is not what that input pad is for.
In your case, where you have a bass with a very hot output, the -10db pad is totally appropriate.
+1 This is why I wish all amp manufacturers used non-linear (audio taper) master volume controls (like EA, Glockenklang and TecAmp, among others). Since the DB scale (i.e., the way we hear volume increases) is non-linear, having a non-linear taper results in the ability to very finely tune your volume (i.e., if forces the volume curve back to being linear). The 'downside' is that you have to turn the master volume control almost all the way up to get the amp to full power, which I guess leads some to think that the amp is not as 'powerful' as those amps with the linear taper masters that reach full volume at 10 o'clock to noon.
Sorry for the OT... back to the GK
Unfortunately it looks like mine will be going back, again. I have been getting a nasty distortion, even at low volumes after about an hour. The first couple of times, I wrote it off to a dying pup battery in my Spector, then the other Spector. But it has happened my last 3 gigs and just now while practicing at very low volume. Not being on stage gave me the opportunity to check it out and switch everything, basses, cables, batteries, plug direct in, - still kept creeping up. Usually doesnt happen for atleast an hour. Off & on, or replugging usually clears it up for a while. It is cool to the touch. I'm not using the "give" channel. Gain at 12 o'clock, master anywhere from 7'oclock to midnight.
I am a GK die-hard, currently with a 400 and 1001 in the stable as well. I think the sound of the MB is the best of the bunch (for the 1st hour or so), and you absolutely cant beat the convenience, but it is starting to get hard to stay in love with this little guy.
I am a GK die-hard, currently with a 400 and 1001 in the stable as well. I think the sound of the MB is the best of the bunch (for the 1st hour or so), and you absolutely cant beat the convenience, but it is starting to get hard to stay in love with this little guy.
I really think it's time for RAG to let us know what's behind this distortion so the rest of us can have some idea of whether or not we are likely to develop the problem.
I am now on my 3rd MB2 500. Customer service was very good. In the two weeks that I have had mine, no further distortion has occurred. 'Keeping my fingers crossed. 'Believe in my s/n that there is "AO4" revision.
Anybody know if something is up over at GK? I emailed Brian last Thursday morning and have gotten no response. Seems strange, he has always be very prompt.
Don't worry, they'll send you another one in no time. I waited less than a week both times, cost me nothing.
After a conversation with Bob and Brian at GK about my headphone distortion, they had me send my MB2-500 in for the second time. I'm waiting for a replacement right now... I actually had to send my 2001RB in for the second time as well
I don't get it. There really is some brand loyalty going on.
Generally speaking a working musician has to have reliable gear that doesn't need to be sent back twice right out of the box.
Why?
Yeah, these heads seem to be problematic at this point. Massive number of problems and returns posted in a variety of threads. Hopefully, they will get it right with the next generation.
I'm guessing it's just because he likes the amp so much that he's willing to put up with this up front hassle, based on the assumption they'll get something figured out, and then it will be at the appropriate level of reliability.
I'm willing to bet nobody actually prefers to have gear they can't rely on... no matter how much they may or may not like the product and/or the company.
The majority of you on here are being VERY kind by not losing your temper/patience.
Perhaps this unit was rushed to market a bit to fast? My guess is that the MarkBass LMII was taking a bite out of sales. I bet their next release will have a huge amount of R&D and field testing.
Perhaps this unit was rushed to market a bit to fast? My guess is that the MarkBass LMII was taking a bite out of sales. I bet their next release will have a huge amount of R&D and field testing.
That's the very reason I stuck by the product, it was a smaller form factor. Like I said, it cost me nothing to send it back since G-K provided the return shipping label both times. I like the overall concept and already played through a reliable Yamaha BBT500H, so there was no downside for me. In the meantime, I picked up two LG1000s and a Carvin BX500 (a company I am loyal to) so I have no problem being an early adopter with the G-K and seeing how things work out.
