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GK mb 210 1st gen or recent gen?

Y

Yahvol

Aug 3, 2023
22
9
Phil
#1
Hi all, new member here. I have an opportunity to get a used first generation GK MB 210 for $500 or a new one for $900. Would lover to hear pros and cons, I know there are many, that's why I'm asking the experts.
Thanks
 
#4
Gen1
  • No support for MBP powered extension cabinets (discontinued and rare).
  • Separate passive/active inputs. Gen2 used a single jack with pad switch.
  • Contour on/off switch. Gen2 has knob adjustment.
  • No pre/post selection on DI XLR.
  • Orientation of the DI XLR. This was a big deal for lots of people.
  • 2 lbs. lighter, 1/2" shorter
Both first- and second-gen MB210 support the addition of a passive 8 ohms extension cabinet.
New Gallien Krueger MB 210 & MB 115 | TalkBass.com
 
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#6
abarson said:
Gen1
  • No support for MBP powered extension cabinets (discontinued and rare).
  • Separate passive/active inputs. mine has Gen2 used a single jack with pad switch.
  • Contour on/off switch. Gen2 has knob adjustment. mine doesn't have
  • No pre/post selection on DI XLR. mine doesn't have
  • Orientation of the DI XLR. This was a big deal for lots of people.
  • 2 lbs. lighter, 1/2" shorter 34 lbs vs 40 lbs
Both first- and second-gen MB210 support the addition of a passive 8 ohms extension cabinet.
New Gallien Krueger MB 210 & MB 115 | TalkBass.com
Click to expand...
Now that I see all you listed, I not sure about it being a 1st gen. I thought it was 1st gen because it had the aluminum speaker cover. I didn't get a manual with it. In the back it has speaker output but not chain output.
Do you think it's worth the $400 savings?
 
#10
friskinator said:
The only con I’m aware of on the 1st generation is the DI placement. Apparently it can be difficult to plug the XLR cable in/out due to the positioning of the release tab.
Click to expand...
Yeah, that’s a bit of a pain but nothing major. It’s easy to pop out with a pick or other thin material.

Yahvol said:
Interesting, I've not heard that.
How about first gen reliability?
Click to expand...
They’re perfectly reliable. I bought mine used in 2013 and have been dragging it around ever since. Never once had a problem with anything!
 
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#12
A tip from an MB212 owner: "off" does not mean off. It's sort of a standby. I found out the hard way, when the power surged at my practice room, when I was away. The house had a back up generator, and when it kicked on it blew the Power amp section. Normally, that would be it for the amp, but GK uses a standard B&O stereo (!) power amp / power supply board, which can be bought on Ebay. It is a direct drop in - same mount, same connectors. I swapped out in 15 minutes. For techs, the little resistor before the fuse cooked - it is sacrificial. When I had time, I replaced it with a 15 cent part, so now I have 2 power amps.
So, if you live in an area with wobbly power or have a power generator, unplug it when you aren't using it..
 

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