Gallien-Krueger MB2-500

[robgrow]

I would love to see this head matched up with the MB150 cab...

GK 112MBX extension cabinet for the MB150: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. I have used this cab with two different amps with 300-watt ratings (MB LMII and WW M300), and it sounds amazing for such a small cab. The 112MBX can easily handle 300 watts if you're careful and don't push it too hard.

 

[HeavyDuty]

I have one of those extension cabs that I use with my MB150. A pair with a MB2? Hmmm...

 

[Christian Waiau]

so how is everyone transporting their mb2-500?

 

[jshilgebass]

so how is everyone transporting their mb2-500?

I transport my GK MB2-500 in a laptop bag, like some have mentioned earlier. Actually, I have on occasion packed both this amp and a Shuttle 6.0 in the SAME laptop bag, and then made a decision which one to use at the gig location. It's nice to have choices.


Joe Hilgeman

 

[ghiadub]

so how is everyone transporting their mb2-500?

I have a spare bag for my Mesa Walkabout that I use for the MB2. The bag is way too big, but I toss some cords and my tuner in there and everything fits nice.

I had been putting it in my gig bag but there are lots of things in there that could scratch it up, break off knobs etc...

GK amps will last forever if you take good care of them.

FWIW, a new chassis is coming out that will take rack ears and allow you to remove the feet without voiding your warranty. Effectively making it a 1u 500 watt amp.

 

[zac2944]

so how is everyone transporting their mb2-500?

Goes right into my gig back with my cords, strap, tuner, etc. I only carry a gig bag and a cab to gigs. I've got a 23lb 210 for small-medium gigs and a Schroeder 1212R with corner casters and a pop up luggage-type handle for louder gigs. Never more than one trip and never break a sweat.

Last night I took the subway to my gig. Set up was 6pm, but even in Friday rush hour on the T (Boston subway) transport was a piece of cake. I'm really loving the MB2-500.

 

[tallboybass]

FWIW, a new chassis is coming out that will take rack ears and allow you to remove the feet without voiding your warranty. Effectively making it a 1u 500 watt amp.

How you know this?

 

[ghiadub]

How you know this?

A little bird told me, a bird that works there.

Note to MB2 owners: do not try and remove the feet.

 

[synterx]

bummer part will be all the existing owners who really want that capability, but will have to sell theirs to get a new one - and more people will want a newer one, so the resale value of the originals will take a hit. Oh well, such is life.

On a side note, I gigged with my A00 version last night for the 3rd time, and had no problems. Only at low volume and low gain levels do I have issues. At gig volumes, that sucker has been rock solid and capable of way more volume than I could ever use, even with the -10db activated. nice!

 

[Folmeister]

These just showed up in my local GC. Can anyone tell me where exactly the serial number is on the unit, and can someone remind me what numbers are first generation and which second? I want one, but I want to be absolutely sure I am getting the later production unit. Thanks!

 

[Vic]

These just showed up in my local GC. Can anyone tell me where exactly the serial number is on the unit, and can someone remind me what numbers are first generation and which second? I want one, but I want to be absolutely sure I am getting the later production unit. Thanks!

Within the serial number, A01-A03, as I recall.

 

[deekay911]

Well I have had them all, so I can categorically tell you:
A00 - original unit, boomy bottom end, some RFI reported (mine quite bad)
A01 - EQ modified - more mids
A02 - RFI modification I
A03 - RFI modification II

Serial number is found on the side of the unit. The A0x referred to above is the middle part of the serial number ie: xxxxA03xxxxxx

 

[Kro]

Alright, so had an awesome gig on Fri where I used my new A03 MB2 and it was AMAZING. Maybe GK was trying to take their amps in a new direction with the new sound of the original MB2, though I have to say that with the mod and EQ set flat this thing feels just like home to me. I love it. I possibly might have learned to love the other one's sound equally well in time, but now I don't have to.

As far as transporting this thing, I rack mine up courtesy of some F1 rack ears.

FWIW, a new chassis is coming out that will take rack ears and allow you to remove the feet without voiding your warranty. Effectively making it a 1u 500 watt amp.

I'd like to mention that I called the stupidity of the foot thing pages ago. While I'm glad to see that GK is addressing it, I'm curious where this leaves me - either I go another exchange, or I just keep it secured with my makeshift system.

If changes are going to be made to the chassis though, what if a system could be developed so that the MB2 could be easily slid into and out of a rack via a system like their combos. I would LOVE this.

 

[Vic]

I'd like to mention that I called the stupidity of the foot thing pages ago. While I'm glad to see that GK is addressing it, I'm curious where this leaves me - either I go another exchange, or I just keep it secured with my makeshift system.

I would say call GK and see what they suggest/offer and relay that back to us.

 

[Kro]

I would say call GK and see what they suggest/offer and relay that back to us.

I've been keeping in touch with the rep over there concerning the timing on the ears, though this is the first time I've heard of a chassis redesign. I just assumed that to have the feet removed without voiding the warranty GK would just recommend taking it to a certified shop to get them taken off for rack mounting.

Not that I've got the patience for that... I just unscrewed the front feet and opened the lid enough to let the two screws drop out - back feet hang down still attached behind my tuner.

Unless they really make it something incredible (like my idea in my post above), I'll probably just end up keeping my current one as it works 'good enough' what with the RFI fixed and EQ defaults all nice now. Maybe there will be a chance that the GK rack ears will still work with my version.

 

[Vic]

...Unless they really make it something incredible (like my idea in my post above), I'll probably just end up keeping my current one...

Sounds reasonable.

 

[gktechgk]

Well I have had them all, so I can categorically tell you:
A00 - original unit, boomy bottom end, some RFI reported (mine quite bad)
A01 - EQ modified - more mids
A02 - RFI modification I
A03 - RFI modification II

There is no A03 revision. There were (I believe) 7 units sent out that were mislabeled. The current version is A02.

A00 - original unit
A01 - EQ modified - more mids
A02 - RFI modification
A03 - Currently does not exist

 

[Kro]

There is no A03 revision. There were (I believe) 7 units sent out that were mislabeled. The current version is A02.

A00 - original unit
A01 - EQ modified - more mids
A02 - RFI modification
A03 - Currently does not exist

Looks like I got one of the 7... certifiably A03.

 

[deekay911]

There is no A03 revision. There were (I believe) 7 units sent out that were mislabeled. The current version is A02.

A00 - original unit
A01 - EQ modified - more mids
A02 - RFI modification
A03 - Currently does not exist

My final return has yet to arrive and Christine did confirm it would show A02, although it is supposedly an additional RFI mod over the original A02. I guess it would be A02.5

 

[gktechgk]

It's not an additional change; there was a change made to the pre-amp and I/O board grounding. Both changes fell under the same ECO (Engineering Change Order). The person who makes the labels assumed a Revision up-rev. without actually looking at the ECO; but now it's corrected.