Gallien-Krueger MB212-II Or?

[Buzz E]

 

[Buzz E]

The MB 2x12 is simply better in every way. More durable feeling, louder, more powerful, cleaner tone but will still be dirty girl when you need her to. I think it's 5 lbs heavier than the Rumble. If you don't like markbass, and I'm not sure why you wouldn't, the GK in that price range is simply the best out there, IMO.

This. Exactly this.

 

[thebreakman]

Those GK combos are all great. I personally went with the 115. Don't discount that until you try both!!!!!

 

[rogerbmiller]

It's an amazing combo. Powerful, light and sounds great. I love mine. Played a 400 cap gig with it and I had volume on 4 out of 10.

 

[azureblue]

I'm also very happy with mine. That contour button on it gives it a whole new range of tones.. Well worth the money. Tip - Don't play it loud on hard floors - it will walk away from you.. I carry a small rubber mat for that. But all that great sound, and you can walk out with the box in one hand and bass in the other...

 

[BearCave]

Another happy MB212-II user here. I had the first version of the MB212 and had nothing but problems with it. GK replaced it with the "II" version a few years ago and it's just been awesome and slams! Great tone with the controls set flat. I usually set the master at 3 O'Clock, the boost at about 11 O'Clock, and then use the gain for volume (never really needed to turn the gain past 9 O'Clock or "3"). Everything else is set flat for the most part. Kapow! I eventually want to get the MBP212 powered extension for even more kapow!

 

[FirewalZ]

Another happy MB212-II user here. I had the first version of the MB212 and had nothing but problems with it. GK replaced it with the "II" version a few years ago and it's just been awesome and slams! Great tone with the controls set flat. I usually set the master at 3 O'Clock, the boost at about 11 O'Clock, and then use the gain for volume (never really needed to turn the gain past 9 O'Clock or "3"). Everything else is set flat for the most part. Kapow! I eventually want to get the MBP212 powered extension for even more kapow!

Thats a whole lot of Kapow I was generally doing the same with the eq and keeping the gain low and adjusting with a higher master volume. However after playing a series of real muddy/boxy rooms, I started setting the gain and boost higher, enabling the tweeter, than turn the master down. This really brings out the GK crunch and bite to the tone, it cuts through the worst acoustics.

 

[fjadams]

I have been gigging regularly for the last 2 years with my MB212-ii....more than enough volume and power for anywhere ill play. However on many smaller stages when im too close I have trouble hearing. Ive been looking for an amp stand, the above works with this combo?

Yes, it works perfect. Lets you adjust the angle so you can position it where you need it. Will hold it without even knowing it's there, light weight, folds up compact, rubber on ends so no digging into the amp. I generally have my Orange Terror 500 combo on it and supports that easily. I used to live in an apartment and it definitely helped with the crabby lady downstairs. She'd come up and complain every time I fired up any amp at any volume, complained about my tv, complained if I ran the water too long as it annoyed her.

 

[Spector2112]

Kapow.

 

[Thornton Davis]

The ultimate kapow! MB410-II & MBP410

TD

 

[fjadams]

MB212 II with the MBP115.

Orange Terror 500 with extra 2x12 cabinet.

 

[BassGuyFL]

Another vote for the MB212. Great amp awesome tone and very portable. I've played everything from small bars to big outdoor amphitheaters with it and it always delivers.

 

[JimHouchin]

I have the GK MB112-II and LOVE IT... (I also have the MB110 as my main practice amp.) I wonder if the MB112 with the extension 112 would be more versatile then the MB212?

 

[lowendblues]

I have a MB212, I like to call it the "king of the hill" of combo amps.

 

[donahue]

This is great! I was just about to post a thread for combo suggestions, same budget as op. I was leaning towards MB212 but this thread sold me.
I was wondering if the black and silver "ii" model is the same amp as the all black "ii", just different looks? If anyone knows I'd appreciate it.

 

[farace]

This is great! I was just about to post a thread for combo suggestions, same budget as op. I was leaning towards MB212 but this thread sold me.
I was wondering if the black and silver "ii" model is the same amp as the all black "ii", just different looks? If anyone knows I'd appreciate it.

If I'm not mistaken, the version with the silver grate grille is not the II version, and was assembled in China. The II version is made in the US. There were, as I understand, some issues with the first version, one being that the XLR connector was oriented in a way that made it difficult to press the unlock tab and remove a cable. I also read about some fit-and-finish issues. Reviews that I read before I bought mine indicated that the US-made version was a significant improvement.

 

[donahue]

Thanks! I wasn't sure. I thought I read that there was a US made transitional model that looked the same as the 1st. but was a "ii"

 

[farace]

Thanks! I wasn't sure. I thought I read that there was a US made transitional model that looked the same as the 1st. but was a "ii"

That I don't know, but I'm not an expert.

 

[BearCave]

If I'm not mistaken, the version with the silver grate grille is not the II version, and was assembled in China. The II version is made in the US. There were, as I understand, some issues with the first version, one being that the XLR connector was oriented in a way that made it difficult to press the unlock tab and remove a cable. I also read about some fit-and-finish issues. Reviews that I read before I bought mine indicated that the US-made version was a significant improvement.

This is correct. I had the "first" version with the silver grille and had nothing but problems with it. Yes, the way they had the XLR output oriented was a pain (I had to use a car key to disconnect my cable every time). First it was a speaker issue. Then next it was bad soldering. Finally, the power unit inside the amp blew about 20 minutes before I was to play a wedding!! (luckily I had my SansAmp BDDI that I ran direct to the PA). All of this happened within just a year of buying the amp. Not too long after I purchased it, GK came out with the all-black "II" version. When my service tech told me that the power unit had blown, he also told me that he contacted GK and that they told him they were going to ship me a brand new "II" version and that the tech could just keep the old amp for parts. I received a new "II" (all-black) version at my doorstep directly from GK and the amp has been flawless and awesome. That was almost 3 years ago now and it's still going strong. The "II" version is a HUGE improvement over the older version.

 

[FirewalZ]

This is correct. I had the "first" version with the silver grille and had nothing but problems with it. Yes, the way they had the XLR output oriented was a pain (I had to use a car key to disconnect my cable every time). First it was a speaker issue. Then next it was bad soldering. Finally, the power unit inside the amp blew about 20 minutes before I was to play a wedding!! (luckily I had my SansAmp BDDI that I ran direct to the PA). All of this happened within just a year of buying the amp. Not too long after I purchased it, GK came out with the all-black "II" version. When my service tech told me that the power unit had blown, he also told me that he contacted GK and that they told him they were going to ship me a brand new "II" version and that the tech could just keep the old amp for parts. I received a new "II" (all-black) version at my doorstep directly from GK and the amp has been flawless and awesome. That was almost 3 years ago now and it's still going strong. The "II" version is a HUGE improvement over the older version.

+1 the MB212-ii combo has been my only gigging amp the last 2 and a half years.