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Gallien-Krueger MB2-500: Part II

#282
Washishimi said:
It could also be thought of a good thing. Think of all the products out there that could use a few fixes and never get them.
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Like what? We're not talking about upgrades we're talking about things that don't work properly. I can't think of a single item I've purchased that didn't work properly that I decided to keep...

I don't know call me old fashion but when I walk into a store and buy something I expect it to work properly. I don't care how nice they are to me when I send it back, I still spent my hard earned money on something that doesn't work.
 
#283
First some background.
I'm not flamin' G.K.
I love the G.K. 800 I bought new in "84" and I'm still using.
I'm always bragging about how much it's been used and how it's never went down, never been in the shop.
A few weeks ago I drove many miles to a G.C. that had a G.K. MB500 that just came in. I was thinking of a micro G.K. to replace my aging 800 and I got to see one.
Note: I said.... "got to see one" ....cause I didn't get to play through it.
The sales person unsealed and unboxed it while I was standing there.
Plugged it in, snap..crack, DOA!
I still want to hear one, but I'll wait till the bugs have been worked out.
 
#286
peterpalmieri said:
Like what? We're not talking about upgrades we're talking about things that don't work properly. I can't think of a single item I've purchased that didn't work properly that I decided to keep...
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Obviously, You've never owned an automobile. :D The EQ points on the first version worked just fine. After several here said they wished for some changes, they were done. I guess I would call that an upgrade IMO.
 
#290
I just purchased an MB2 500 and used it for the first time yesterday on a gig. Medium loud 4-piece roots rock/blues/americana band, all "experienced" (over 45) semi pros, 2 guitars/keys, drums, bass. Playing a passive P bass, PA support, medium size club.

I was really digging the clear, articulate tone I was getting from the MB2 and the remarkable volume the little amp produced, and appreciating the tonal differences from my usual amp (longtime diehard Eden user). However, midway through the first set I hit a low D and the bottom fell out - volume dropped, awful distortion, fuzzy, crackling sounds. I managed to baby it through the set by reducing gain and backing off the bass and low mids. Fortunately I had my trusty WT400 with me and switched during the break.

Is this the distortion that others have experienced with their MB2s, or something different? Since I am not the original owner (3rd I believe) will G-K stand behind this unit and repair or replace? Should I contact G-K directly or go through a local service center?

I have no patience with gear that is not reliable, or with a manufacturer that produces a product that appears to have so many defects. Once I have repaired this unit I will probably sell it and move on.

Advice from G-K aficionados is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
#292
DaveM said:
...
I was really digging the clear, articulate tone I was getting from the MB2 and the remarkable volume the little amp produced, and appreciating the tonal differences from my usual amp (longtime diehard Eden user). However, midway through the first set I hit a low D and the bottom fell out - volume dropped, awful distortion, fuzzy, crackling sounds. I managed to baby it through the set by reducing gain and backing off the bass and low mids. Fortunately I had my trusty WT400 with me and switched during the break.

Is this the distortion that others have experienced with their MB2s, or something different?
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Similar the second time, the first time was mostly interference and high freq noise.
Should I contact G-K directly or go through a local service center?
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Most of us contacted G-K. Fast turnaround, one week tops each time.

I have no patience with gear that is not reliable, or with a manufacturer that produces a product that appears to have so many defects.
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Yet you have enough patience to ask us? :D

Once I have repaired this unit I will probably sell it and move on.
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Or, hang onto it as a spare. But, I feel you; mine came back with a serial number lower than the previous two I sent in, and my confidence level immediately dropped. It sounded great, but it's been sitting in the trunk of my car for four weeks since my LG1000 and Carvin BX500 came in. Maybe I can sell the G-K locally. In the interest of full disclosure, I was a huge fan of the product when it came out.
 
#294
lindseyp said:
Most of us contacted G-K. Fast turnaround, one week tops each time.
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As others have posted here, the G-K customer service people were very helpful. I stated up front that I was not the original owner, but they gave me a return authorization and told me they would upgrade it to "A04" specs. It's boxed up and UPS-labeled, ready for pick up later today.

lindseyp said:
Yet you have enough patience to ask us? :D
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Only out of desperation! :)
 
#296
As far as I know, all have been except one: several of us have had the head develop a noticeable distortion that wasn't there initially. GK has been very good about dealing with this by replacing people's amps quickly and at no cost but so far no explanation has been offered about what the cause is. So there's no way to know how likely anybody (including those of us with replacement amps) is to encounter the problem. Further explanation from GK would be welcome.
 
#300
I picked up a v. A03 Saturday night. Picked up a 410 NEO yesterday. Played at church tonight. Played both my Warwick FNA and my Fender P. I loved it. Got lots of compliments on the new gear. House holds about 300, had about 100 there tonight.

Even the drummer complimented it. lol

I'm really happy with this rig. MUCH more power than I need in this building. And SWEET sounding.

Thanks to the folks that helped me with my choices in other threads.
 

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