GK MB 200: Part Two

[RoadRanger]

Hey, 50 years from now collectors will be paying top dollar for that ultra-rare "USA sticker" model .

 

[dougjwray]

I prefer to think that my "made in China" specimen will be the coveted collector's item!

(But, seriously-- big congratulations to GK for bringing the manufacturing back to the U.S.)

 

[MX21]

I think my hiss-less speakon / 1/4" combo jack version will be most sought after.

 

[froghat]

Hooray for the MB200! In 40 years of playing I've never actually had an amp fail at a gig. For the last 10 years though, I've made a habit of having a backup. A few months ago I bought an MB200 for that purpose, because it fits into my gig bag pocket.

Last night at sound check, powered up my Streamliner, and no sound. Checked knobs and cables, then moved the speaker and input cords to the MB200. Played the entire night through it and it was fine. Really justifies the purchase.

Now to get the GB fixed. The lights were normal (no protect), but nothing was coming out. Sigh...

Props where they are due - within a few hours of posting this I heard from Agedhorse and then Jeff Genzler (on a Sunday night). The amp is heading back to Scottsdale for repair. You cannot beat Genz's customer service!

 

[RoadRanger]

I prefer to think that my "made in China" specimen will be the coveted collector's item!

Is yours one of the most prized "green jack" ones like mine?

 

[tomersg]

I have a question please.
is it possible to run the MB200 as a preamp/DI only? connect to powered cabinet or PA system, without the load of cab?
can it make any damage to the head?
and that i connect with the XLR DI output?

 

[dtotheatothevto]

Yes, you can run it w/o cab...says so in manual.

 

[dtotheatothevto]

Is yours one of the most prized "green jack" ones like mine?

I'll give you $87458 for it....if it doesn't hiss...

 

[Outsider]

Getting my MB200 on Wednesday \o/

 

[dougjwray]

Is yours one of the most prized "green jack" ones like mine?

Yes, it is!

Maybe we could start an exclusive made-in-China, green jack, hiss-less MB200 club!

 

[tombowlus]

Yes, it is!

Maybe we could start an exclusive made-in-China, green jack, hiss-less MB200 club!

I'm in!

 

[dtotheatothevto]

It seems to ooze kickass tone (despite the hiss) so, I emailed GK support today to request an RMA. I was considering just returning it (even went & tried out the Ampeg Micro-VR again), but after playing through the DI > MOTU Ultralitemk3 > Mac Pro > DAC > out to my hi-fi stereo it just sounded amazing...even with my horrible bass skills!

Like others it's just the headphone & line-out (I don't have a Speakon cab to test that) with the "hissues" with the DI being fine. I was playing through the DI > MOTU Ultralitemk3 > Mac Pro > DAC > to my hi-fi stereo and it sounded amazing!

 

[MX21]

Yes, it is!

Maybe we could start an exclusive made-in-China, green jack, hiss-less MB200 club!

I'll take #2.

 

[dougjwray]

I'll take #2.

Sorry... I was suggesting it tongue-in-cheek, and not volunteering to be the "administrator" of the club... so it'll be unofficial, unless someone else steps up.
However, I believe I'm #1, Tom is #2, and you're #3!

 

[MX21]

Sorry... I was suggesting it tongue-in-cheek, and not volunteering to be the "administrator" of the club... so it'll be unofficial, unless someone else steps up.
However, I believe I'm #1, Tom is #2, and you're #3!

So was I (where is the tongue in cheek icon?), but I'll take #3 anyway.

 

[rovito]

I'll take #4!

 

[dtotheatothevto]

LOL...love the signature. That's why I have a couple Telecasters all the same color...

 

[havuk]

so does everyone recommend the GK neo cabs to pair with this amp? I was looking at schroeder/epifani/berg

 

[CH Design]

so does everyone recommend the GK neo cabs to pair with this amp? I was looking at schroeder/epifani/berg

I use an Epifani UL-110. It sounds great, but isn't very loud. I think any of the cabs you mentioned would work. If volume is a concern, go for lots of cone area and a 4 ohm load to get the most out it.

 

[Vic]

so does everyone recommend the GK neo cabs to pair with this amp? I was looking at schroeder/epifani/berg

My favorite is the pair of Neo112-II cabs (I know, I'm repeating myself), but I have also played through a pair of Epifani cabs... a UL110/UL112 "mini stack", which comes in at a VERY close second... also sounds wonderful.

But really, ANY cabs (IMHO) will sound great with this amp.