Double Bass GK MB 110

[TroyK]

It seems like this little combo has been out for a while and I see BG posts on it, but no DB reviews.

This seems to tick the boxes for jazz DB guys, has anyone tried it yet?

 

[John Chambliss]

I have a GK MB112 that I often use with a double bass, but I have never played through a MB110. Regardless, it’s probably a good fit based on the 112. I did open the cabinet and installed some acoustic dampening fabric to the back and one side to improve the sound a bit - not really necessary though.

 

[Jason Hollar]

I’ve been looking at one of these as a lightweight option.

I love GK for my electric basses. I also like the simple layout of the controls, 1MOhm input (I think), and it looks like a slightly taller cab with the 10” up a bit in the cab.

 

[Gervais Cote]

I'm a p bass guy so my comments might be pointless but…….
I gave a try to this GK MB 110 and like most of the 1x10 combos, it didn’t cut the mustard for me, no bass slam or depth.
On the other hand, I tried the GK MB 115 and oh my god ! Punchy will being sweet, very deep bass without being flabby and micro details included without all the string noises a poor bass player like me can make. Heavier and pricier but a hell of a combo for electric bass IMO.

 

[TroyK]

It's not the same thing.

 

[Ric Vice]

I owned and loved the original GK 200MB combo (I bought two of them) The GK EQ section isn’t quite the same now as it was then. The MBS was close but not as warm for lack of a better description. You should definitely demo one on a gig to decide if it works with your bass. If I understand it correctly GK EQ Controls don’t interact with each other so there isn’t much if any overlap
between the four frequency bands. Older amps used a different design where there was some overlap. This overlap to my ears produces a warmer sound. Just my take.

 

[Ric Vice]

I owned and loved the original GK 200MB combo (I bought two of them) The GK EQ section isn’t quite the same now as it was then. The MBS was close but not as warm for lack of a better description. You should definitely demo one on a gig to decide if it works with your bass. I really like the way the Traynor SB amps sound.

 

[Jason Hollar]

I'm a p bass guy so my comments might be pointless but…….
I gave a try to this GK MB 110 and like most of the 1x10 combos, it didn’t cut the mustard for me, no bass slam or depth.
On the other hand, I tried the GK MB 115 and oh my god ! Punchy will being sweet, very deep bass without being flabby and micro details included without all the string noises a poor bass player like me can make. Heavier and pricier but a hell of a combo for electric bass IMO.

I appreciate this! My buddy has an MB 1x15 and it’s amazing. He’s a busy working electric player and that thing has been on a million gigs.

I think us upright players are looking for that impact - but in the smallest, most portable package.

I also own and gig the new GK Legacy 1x12 combo and it’s incredible - just a little too big for most of the smaller jobs I play.

 

[Ric Vice]

I really wish that Traynor would apply the technology they used for the SB 106 to build something like a SB 108 at a higher wattage, say 200 watt into 8 ohms.
I actually wrote them a letter about that and I guess they weren't interested. Seems like they are a smart little company that doesn't go far off brand with new products.

 

[Jason Hollar]

@Ric Vice

I’ve been following your posts on the SB106 with great interest.

I’m also eyeing up the new Phil Jones BG 120. Just wish I could try before I buy.

Looking for that sub 20lb amp for the Drummerless duo gigs in small city spaces!

Would love to not bring a preamp but the fdeck HPF might be nonnegotiable with one of these mini combos.

 

[Jason Hollar]

@TroyK

Sorry for the thread hijack!

 

[Ric Vice]

@TroyK

Sorry for the thread hijack!

Ditto

 

[TroyK]

Not a hijack! Good discussion.

Ric, are you finding some limitations with the 106?

 

[TroyK]

I'd like for the PJB Bass Cub Pro to be a good option too. Not a lot of love for the original Bass Cub. More for the double four combo for some reason.

I've been watching for a used C2, which is basically that cabinet to be driven by my EA Micro head, but I haven't seen one yet. I'd rather have a plug and play combo, but it's kinda going to come down to what shows up first and whether my EA sells.

 

[Brad_Pearson]

I really wish that Traynor would apply the technology they used for the SB 106 to build something like a SB 108 at a higher wattage, say 200 watt into 8 ohms.
I actually wrote them a letter about that and I guess they weren't interested. Seems like they are a smart little company that doesn't go far off brand with new products.

@Ric Vice I work work for Long and McQuade up here in Canada who owns Traynor and I agree, unless a new product idea comes from their inner circle they just don't respond to feedback or suggestions. I've emailed them several times in the past (from my company email no less) with ideas for cabs (completely in line with what every other major manufacturer sells) and even a repeatable issue regarding some of the early SB106 models, and got zip back.

They build amazing products but I guess when they get something right they want to stick with it, and sit on it for a while to recoup development costs, before thinking about anything else. They are also part of the Yorkville camp so likely the designers are very busy coming up with new things on the PA/Pro Audio side of things.

 

[J R Knots]

I am curious to how the GK MB 110 compares to the GK MBE150.

I am lucky enough to own one but it is 30 years old and I always fear it won’t last forever.

The MBE150 sounds great, light weight and very portable and can be surprisingly loud when you need it to be.

 

[TroyK]

I had an MB150. It was a great amp. I probably should have kept it.

It didn't scale very well, meaning as volume went up, the sound changed. It was always loud enough, but some nights, in some rooms it fought me.

The kicker for me was that it didn't really "carry" that light. The MB110 is about 1/3 lighter.

The GR Bass amps are insanely light. The Traynor 106, which Ric compares to the MB200 is a little over 1/2 the weight of my old MB150.

I've got big rooms covered now, but I'd really like something that could take care of me in reasonable small group situations without the farmer's carry when I can't unload right at the door.

 

[Earl]

@Ric Vice

I’ve been following your posts on the SB106 with great interest.

I’m also eyeing up the new Phil Jones BG 120. Just wish I could try before I buy.

Looking for that sub 20lb amp for the Drummerless duo gigs in small city spaces!

Would love to not bring a preamp but the fdeck HPF might be nonnegotiable with one of these mini combos.

I think you would like the SB106. Great amp. If you are ever in Jersey you can try mine.

 

[Ric Vice]

I’ve been using the SB106 for Cabaret Shows, Small Clubs, Church Concerts, and Casuals. I do have a RedEye Preamp in front of the amps pre.

The 200MB’s I owned always got me through the same gigs I was very dissatisfied with the MBE 150 I purchased new, because it sounded better with EB and tinny with DB. The MBS 150 had a better DB sound. Just my take.

 

[bherman]

I'm also in the hunt for a small combo for trio practice/small gigs. So far the closest contenders seem to be the GK MB110 and the Traynor SB110. Specs are nearly identical ie, size, weight, power. There's an older Roland Cube 60XL available locally in great shape for $100, but not sure that I want to schlep around a 35 lb combo thats almost as big as my RevSound 112 cabs. Will keep my eye on this thread for more insights as they unfold.