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Double Bass Gallien-Krueger
- Thread starter shoreacres29
- Start date
Right I'm sorry that's what I meant. Duh...I've just been looking at the GK site which I hadn't done yet. Some good concise info there and interesting to see the setups that different musicians playing different genres have.
Okay - so from that..... If I HAD the money, I think I'd like (for the sake of strength) something like a 1001RBII head then a Neo115 cabinet, with a Neo410 cabinet for bigger gigs. That's three items - around $1850. Ouch.
So instead - the MB150E combo with the GK112MBX ext cab - two items for around $1100. My only concern would be how much can that two piece combo carry. Would it work outdoors? Can I carry a decent size venue w/o going through the main PA system?
Thx.
Okay - so from that..... If I HAD the money, I think I'd like (for the sake of strength) something like a 1001RBII head then a Neo115 cabinet, with a Neo410 cabinet for bigger gigs. That's three items - around $1850. Ouch.
So instead - the MB150E combo with the GK112MBX ext cab - two items for around $1100. My only concern would be how much can that two piece combo carry. Would it work outdoors? Can I carry a decent size venue w/o going through the main PA system?
Thx.
Another two cents, guess that's four cents now! The 112MBX cab is great if you are only double bass bound. I like the focused, tight sound of the small sealed cabs, and it is certainly better for feedback purposes, but if you would like dual purpose rig or something with a little more bottom. a ported cab with a little more air space is nice. The NEO112 is a larger ported cab, and I can personally recomend this cab, though it may be a bit much for double bass. As to my Kolbe cabinets, you can check out the specs at
http://www.soundsmith.com/one12.htm
This is not a specifically "bass" cab, and I doubt you will find someone else using them as such. Regardless, the folks at soundsmith do an excellent job. Had I not tried the cabs on a whim, I would never had thought I would be using them for the past 10 years! Having said that, check out some other cabinets. The MB series is very versatile and you can definitely drive another 8 ohm cab with the internal speaker on or a 4 ohm cab with the internal speaker off, regardless of who makes the cabinet. There is a lot of quality equipment out there these days to check out. And don't be afraid to go through the mains. There were times when I just did not want to break out my rig of last resort, a '67 SVT with TWO matching cabs ( that around 500 pounds!!!), and the MB combo served as my faithful preamp and monitor while the sound guy took care of the loud stuff.
http://www.soundsmith.com/one12.htm
This is not a specifically "bass" cab, and I doubt you will find someone else using them as such. Regardless, the folks at soundsmith do an excellent job. Had I not tried the cabs on a whim, I would never had thought I would be using them for the past 10 years! Having said that, check out some other cabinets. The MB series is very versatile and you can definitely drive another 8 ohm cab with the internal speaker on or a 4 ohm cab with the internal speaker off, regardless of who makes the cabinet. There is a lot of quality equipment out there these days to check out. And don't be afraid to go through the mains. There were times when I just did not want to break out my rig of last resort, a '67 SVT with TWO matching cabs ( that around 500 pounds!!!), and the MB combo served as my faithful preamp and monitor while the sound guy took care of the loud stuff.
Currently there's a GK MB150S III head for sale in the TBDB classified for a very reasonable price. Add a GK 112MBX, which can found new online for around $250, and you've got a GK MB150 combo, but with more versatility. (Used with an efficient 4-ohm cab like an EA Wizzy M, the MB150S head can get surprisingly loud -- about as loud as a MB150 combo with a 112MBX extension in fact.)
Thx for all the input. I'm still in a struggle (internally of course). I want to lean toward the simplicity of the 150E combo and the ext speaker, but am not convinced that's going to be great for electric bass, and for good sound w/ outdoor and larger venue gigs. Maybe I just need to trust the sound guy for that.
I do think that head for sale is a great deal but then if I was to get that w/ a Wizzy and it's the same as the combo plus ext, I'd rather just get the latter. I think if I got a head I should go w/ something more powerful - the 700RB or 1001RB? But then... do I lose the fine sound replication on the DB I heard with the combo?
So many thoughts.... haha.
Hmm.
I do think that head for sale is a great deal but then if I was to get that w/ a Wizzy and it's the same as the combo plus ext, I'd rather just get the latter. I think if I got a head I should go w/ something more powerful - the 700RB or 1001RB? But then... do I lose the fine sound replication on the DB I heard with the combo?
So many thoughts.... haha.
Hmm.
The MB150 and the GK112 extension put out a surprising amount of sound for both horizontal and upright basses. I've used this rig in all kinds of situations and have never had a problem with output.
Simplicity is great but the flexibility of a separate head makes it easier to adapt to different gig situations.
I really think that you should consider the MB2 500. It's essentially the same amplifier as the MBE with more DB friendly EQ and 500 watts.
If you want to duplicate that sound than the MBX cabinet should do the trick. I think that GK Cabinets are a good match for GK amps.
Infinite variations infinitely variable.
awesome stuff. thx for the input. i'm now leaning toward NOT gettin the combo b/c of the versatility like you said. that 500 MB2 head looks good. that and maybe two cabinets. would it power something like both a Neo 112 or 115 and a 210? also... do the heads come with hard case?
along those lines as my last question.. and guys i'm sorry i realize i'm showing my ignorance. if i was to get a 500w amp (500MB2) can that power a 600w cabinet AND a 300w cabinet (the Neo 212 and 112)
Shore Acres,
Well, I think that might be really pushing that little head. I will tell you that if you can afford it a Bergantino AE 210 would probably be a great match. It's expensive but it sounds great. KJung loves that cabinet and their 410 as well.
Ric
The important thing to remember is don't go below the amp's minimum load impedance, which is 4 ohms for most GK amps. You can use any number of cabinets you want as long as the total impedance isn't less than 4 ohms. BTW cabinet power ratings such as 300 watts or 600 watts are power handling capability ratings. They tell you how much continuous power the manufacturer thinks the cabinet can safely handle. As long as you avoid amplifier clipping (gross distortion), most speakers can handle considerable more power.
Shoreacers,
I frequently use a Walter Woods Ultra that's rated at 800 watts into 8 ohms into EA VL 208 that's rated at @475 watts. It's not really a problem .
Ric
nice. good input.
this doesn't look like a bad setup or price. then i could add another cab to it if needed? thoughts anyone?
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this doesn't look like a bad setup or price. then i could add another cab to it if needed? thoughts anyone?
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Shoreacers,
The 700 RB II is a very different amplifier from the MB2 500 or the MBS , Here's what stops me dead in my tracks. 700 RB II weight 16.5 lbs vs MB2 at 3.5 lbs. If you are going to schlep a upright and a cabinet. Then, at least for me weight is a major factor.
Ric
The 700 RB II is a very different amplifier from the MB2 500 or the MBS , Here's what stops me dead in my tracks. 700 RB II weight 16.5 lbs vs MB2 at 3.5 lbs. If you are going to schlep a upright and a cabinet. Then, at least for me weight is a major factor.
Ric
yeah and i'd be shlepping an electric as well. alright.... so - i'm thinking out loud and wanna make a flippin decision! the 500 RB is comparable to the MBE combo that i've tried out. but gives more versatility right? so the bergantino - i can't locate this big price i'm scared of - ballpark of it's cost?
Hmmmm.... just to add to your confusion and choices I was gonna say I use the GK 1001rb/210 combo for my small room jazz gigs. Apparently GK doesn't make 'em any more looking at their site.
Very versatile and "present" without being boomy at all. Has a 540@4ohm output for an extension cab. Very loud with extension cab for large room rock gigs. I pair it with an old Sunn 12+18 cab -- works well!
It is a weighty little thing (80 lbs), but has rollers and a luggage style handle for hauling.
Very versatile and "present" without being boomy at all. Has a 540@4ohm output for an extension cab. Very loud with extension cab for large room rock gigs. I pair it with an old Sunn 12+18 cab -- works well!
It is a weighty little thing (80 lbs), but has rollers and a luggage style handle for hauling.
