• 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.

Gallien-Krueger MB2-500: Part II

#882
bassvi said:
I ordered a new MB2-500 this past weekend during the 20% off sale GC was having. IF I had read about all the problems with these I probably wouldn't have done it, but my curiosity and GAS got the best of me. I was hoping for the GK sound in a small box, sounds like these are hit or miss. I hope mine works right, I'll send it back for another micro head if it doesn't. I've really liked the GK stuff I've encountered before.
Click to expand...

I have had one for three months that I gig with frequently. Zero issues and great GK tone. I would buy another.
 
#885
deekay911 said:
Your's isn't the original version. A01 is the version where GK put in more mids and highs - A00 was the original version with 'too much low end'. Subsequent versions A02 and A03 address radio interference. Glad you like it, to my ears the A01 and above has he perfect balance.
Click to expand...

so they did take care of the radio interference? I purchased one a while back and couldn't use it due to the radio signals. I really liked the overall sound and weight of the amp.
 
#887
Ditto with my A07. RFI is gone, DI is cleaner (though not completely noiseless). I finally got a chance to give it a good workout at a gig last Saturday. I unexpectedly had no FOH support so I had to "crank" it up to about 12:00 in both gain and volume running through my Avatar SB112 to fill a bar with about 100 people. No issues running that way for 3+ hours.
 
#888
B String said:
Just for kicks, try running a little stomp box eq in the effects
loop. Boost the lows and highs just a bit. And... See how you
like them apples?
Click to expand...

Go you one better? I have run the Fusion 550's pre (effects send) to my 800RB. MASSIVE. The low frequency cut is in the 800RB's preamp, the poweramp will make speaker cones fly.

Side note: The sign up filter didn't recognize that there was a "B String" so sorry for the confusion. It must look to others that we are talking to ourselves? :D
 
#889
cyclopathic said:
With the way they designed (lack of any internal shielding with Class D pwr amp/switch pwr supply and component selection) they are bound to have issues.
Click to expand...

Your statement strikes me as an extreme statment that is not true if attention to other details is exercised.

I design Class D switching states for industrial actuators and valves (even have patent on one concept). We place Class D switching stages inside packages which also contain microprocessor and sensitive analog sensing circuits. Shielding is one of many tools in the packaging design / EMI tool box. And usually the most expensive. With proper geometric considerations, PCB layout, connecter design, wire routing, filtering on sensitive circuits, etc Class D switching noise can be alleviated. If the only solution is to shield, that to me is indicative of a rookie design that failed to plan the architecture optimally at the beginning the design.
 
#893
Well, I ordered mine last Sunday and on my GC account the status is still listed as "approved order", rather than "shipping" so I called and a nice lady who told me she doesn't know why it hasn't shipped but basically it's still waiting to be packed up and sent. I didn't pay for rush delivery, but seriously how long should it take after an order has been made for them to box the darned thing up and ship it out? If it takes a week or longer before they even ship it, I may cancel the order and look for one somewhere else, though I will lose the discount (maybe) Guess I'm a little impatient, LOL. Hope I'm not disappointed.
I really want a 700RBII but the small size and weight of the MB2-500 really attracted my attention. Hope it's worth the wait.
 
#894
Just got back from Guitar Center at Indianapolis, In.
Went there specifically to play on a Fender "Road Worn" Jazz bass.
I plugged the Road Worn into a G.K. MB2-500 and a 410 cab.
The Road Worn is still at Indianapolis...The MB2-500 came home with me!!!
HOW DO I EXPLAIN THIS TO MY G.K. 800 THAT I'VE BEEN USING FOR THE LAST 26 YEARS!!!!!!!! :help: :D :D
 
#896
shoot-r said:
Just got back from Guitar Center at Indianapolis, In.
Went there specifically to play on a Fender "Road Worn" Jazz bass.
I plugged the Road Worn into a G.K. MB2-500 and a 410 cab.
The Road Worn is still at Indianapolis...The MB2-500 came home with me!!!
HOW DO I EXPLAIN THIS TO MY G.K. 800 THAT I'VE BEEN USING FOR THE LAST 26 YEARS!!!!!!!! :help: :D :D
Click to expand...

Just tell the 800RB it has a new brother, that's what I told mine when the Fusion showed up. They play very nice with each other! :D
 
#897
Got a Item has Shipped email last night and tracking indicates Out for Delivery this morning! I guess the phone call got things moving, eh? I probably won't get much time with it until Sunday, but I'm excited. I was about ready to cancel and look for something else.
 
#898
We’ll I tried the LMIII, the 700RB, and the MB2-500 thru my GS112 and RV5. I ended up coming home with the MB2-500. The GK bottom end tightness is what sold me. The LMIII just didn’t jump out at me like the GK. The high mid voicing of the LMIII may be good in the mix, but I feel I can get that by boosting the GK high mid if needed.

In a short A/B I found the MB2 to sound more punchy and crisp than the 700RB. I wanted to make sure that the 700RB did not sound noticeably better and it did not. My guitar playing buddy agreed that the MB2-500 sounded the best of the three.

So here’s the dilemma. This was ordered by GC and arrived at the store with a A00 serial number. Whenever I slap the clip light goes nuts. The same settings on the 700RB did not light up the clip light at all. So what’s up with GC still stocking A00. I have 30 days to return it and most likely will unless I can get some resolution on the serial number.
 
#899
Everyone says to deal with GK directly, they are supposed to have really great CS. I haven't had to use them yet but may soon, if my new MB2-500 has any issues. Still waiting for the delivery........... (I've always wanted a GK amp, this will be my first!!) Should get here anytime today......excitement..... must...keep...mind..on...work.....aarghh!
 
#900
Wow...

I think I should have gone GK a long time ago. I'm very impressed.
Even if the little bastard stops working this is the cleanest, most articulate sound I think I've ever gotten from any amp. Boost channel is addicting. Sounds really great through my GBNeox212t. Can't wait to run it through my two GK 212 neo cabs.

No hint of any RFI or anything wrong with it that I can tell . It's an A00 serial # if I'm reading it correctly.

It's even smaller than I thought it would be. Controls feel great, nothing cheap about it. Best $400 I ever spent. Did I say I like this amp? I think I'm in love.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back