Double Bass Gallien-Krueger MB2-500

[DaveKirkpatrick]

Cool can't wait to see a full review. Anybody know what the input impedance is on the MB2-500? It would be great if it was piezo friendly.

 

[Ric Vice]

Cool can't wait to see a full review. Anybody know what the input impedance is on the MB2-500? It would be great if it was piezo friendly.

Kirkowitz,
Most of the GK amps are 1 Megohm, so it's probably a safe bet that it is. The MBS and MBE both are. That's what we like about them.

Ric

 

[Brian Clark]

Yes, the input impedence is 1 megaohm

 

[Barcza]

For me the main question is, the the MB2 sounds closer to the MB150 or closer to the rest of GK heads? I prefer the sound of MB150 than the rest of GK heads.

 

[zac2944]

For me the main question is, the the MB2 sounds closer to the MB150 or closer to the rest of GK heads? I prefer the sound of MB150 than the rest of GK heads.

I'm on the other end of this spectrum. I'm really hoping this amp get that RB tone. I use a 1001RB these days, but my favorite is an old 400RB I used to have.

 

[bolo]

I'm on the other end of this spectrum.

You're also in the upright bass forum.

That's cool. It's cool that this head is potentially going to be attractive to both DB and EB players. I did a gig on upright w/ a 10 piece big band Friday. Got an outdoor gig w/ my Lakland JO tonight. It's all good.

 

[DaveKirkpatrick]

I've got an old GK 200 RCB I'd like to retire if this amp works out. Sometimes she just runs out of juice. Shouldn't be a problem with 500 watts!

 

[zac2944]

You're also in the upright bass forum.

Oops. Sorry about that. I'll slither back over to the slab side. Thanks for having mercy.

 

[DaveKirkpatrick]

Some reviews popping up on the slab side about this amp, anybody tried it on a bass? Really hope this is a good upright amp!

 

[DaveKirkpatrick]

OK Thumped on the slab through one of these amps today at GC. It sounded great. The tone controls seem very responsive. If they don't blow up on gigs, I'm going to get one.

 

[tombowlus]

Chris Fitzgerald doesn't know it yet, but he's going to be doing the 'upright' portion of our review of the MB2-500 in issue #3.

I'll be offering a 'Quick Look' at the MB2-500 (and Fusion 550) in issue #2.

Tom.

 

[DaveKirkpatrick]

Chris Fitzgerald doesn't know it yet, but he's going to be doing the 'upright' portion of our review of the MB2-500 in issue #3.

I'll be offering a 'Quick Look' at the MB2-500 (and Fusion 550) in issue #2.

Tom.

That's fantastic! I really love the format you guys are using for your reviews in the mag. I'm subscribed and will keep my eyes open for it. I've been searching high and low and haven't really heard of any major problems with this amp. One DOA and one with a malfunctioning led. Not bad for a first run. It seems like this amp would match up quite well with my aguilar 2x8 cab I hope I can hold out till issue #3.

Dave

 

[DaveKirkpatrick]

So.......nobody has tried this amp on DB yet? Come on......

 

[Fran Diaz]

So.......nobody has tried this amp on DB yet? Come on......

+1, I also want to know how this works on DB.

 

[Phil Smith]

Didn't try it with a DB but with a passive BG it had quite a bit of bass in the "flat" sound.

 

[B String]

I've been checking out the MB2-500 with a Berg HT112 box,
next to a Markbass 121P combo at home for the last few
days. My usual amp with the Ht112 is a Focus I. I have a
carved German bass from about 1946, with a Full Circle and
an Underwood in it. I'm using D'addario med Hybrids.

As I've said on the slab side, the GK MB2 with the HT112 is
just a wonderful combo. It also works well for upright bass
although it does sound more electric bass like than the 121P.
The 121P definately sounds more organic and woody, while
the GK has more push to the sound. My favorite is still the
Focus I Berg HT112, for upright. For doubling, the MB2/Berg
combo will work very well.
One option... Since the effects loop on the GK is in series,
I can use my Sansamp Acoustic DI as my preamp, instead of
the GK, and use the GK pre for my electric bass. Again, good
for doubling.

 

[fdeck]

Anybody who gets a MB2 should measure its preamp response, try to dial a "flat" curve, and report the knob settings. This is what I did with the GK Backline 600 head. You can use the free software from my web page. Otherwise, perhaps GK would be willing to do it for us.

What I found with the BL600 head, was that once I dialed out the electric bass oriented voicing, it turned into a perfectly good head for upright. In fact, I would still recommend it for anybody who needs a fair amount of power in an affordable head, except that I am now on the lightweight bandwagon.

I don't claim that flat response is the be-all and end-all, but only that it seems to be the preferable starting point for upright bass.

 

[tombowlus]

Anybody who gets a MB2 should measure its preamp response, try to dial a "flat" curve, and report the knob settings.

We will do this as part of our 'full' review of the MB2​-500.

 

[fdeck]

By the way I should note that my knob-twiddling on the GK amp doesn't diminish the fact that its voicing and EQ give it a sound that makes it a desirable bass amp.

On an amusing side note, I just fixed an old 250ML guitar amp for a relative. It also has the GK signature 4-band on it, and he says it's the most effective guitar EQ he has ever used.

 

[Roger Mouton]

Yes, the input impedence is 1 megaohm

I played a Polytone for several years. It definitely needed a pre-amp. I was shopping and didn't want to have to use a pre-amp if I could avoid it. Before I acquired my AI Clarus Series 3 (1M ohm input impedance) I inquired of GK regarding the necessity of using a pre-amp for either their heads or the MB-150s. The GK tech that replied said that "yes" a pre-amp is needed.

I was under the impression that if the amp's input impedance was 1M ohm a pre-amp is not necessary. Did the tech err or was he correct to suggest a pre is needed? Does a pre make the GK stuff sound that much better that the tech would advise me to use one??