GK MB115 or Ampeg BA115......?

[mcv]

both new, same price.
i'm a guitarist looking to get a bass amp combo for our band, the combo would have to compete with 2 guitar players using 40-50W guitar combos. we are an '80s hair metal cover band.
mostly need it for band practice, as we can always hook it to the board live.
please advise......
also, i found a used Acoustic B200 for $100 less than any of the 2 above, is it comparable?
thanks in advance!

 

[bobba66]

My BA-115 was a problem child for a long time. Always in the shop. It's been reliable the last year or so but it doesn't really sound that good. I would pick something else.

 

[thudfromafar]

Out of those two, definitely the GK. It will get louder, and sound better.

However, depending how loud your 2 guitarists are (in your hair metal band with their 50w combos), you might want to look at a separate head and two large cabs....

 

[Craig_S]

The BA-115 will not compete with 50 watt combos. I just used one in a rehearsal and couldn't hear the bass at all. I wouldn't consider any 100 watt bass amp in a band situation. 200 watts might get you there. 300 watts should do the job for you.

 

[mcv]

Out of those two, definitely the GK. It will get louder, and sound better.

However, depending how loud your 2 guitarists are (in your hair metal band with their 50w combos), you might want to look at a separate head and two large cabs....

reasonable loud, not too loud as the vocalist keeps complaining that he does't hear himself! so 200W should do it.
how bout the Acoustic......is it a good deal (have great reviews)

 

[ncpilot2]

I'm picking up a new MB115 later today and will play through it at the local coffee shop tonight, so I'll post up my impressions later.

 

[ncpilot2]

After a couple of shipping hiccups, I finally got mine. Man, this thing is awesome!!!!! And it's light!!!!!

 

[jsolberg]

I like my BA115 a lot, but it will not do the job for a band with electric guitars and a drummer.

 

[DynaFlow]

Go with the GK MB115. As others indicate, the BA115 can't hang in a rock band situation, even for rehearsal (I've tried, believe me).

The Acoustic B200 is a decent amp, but is way heavier than the MB115, without really offering anything more in the way of volume.

 

[smgleitch]

The acoustic B200. Best suggestion is to play them. I hate to say that but I went int gc they other day with one thing in mind and started playing and walked out with something completely different. Played the Ampeg ba115 and was not impressed but it might be what you like. It is pretty clear cut when you but a bass to it.

 

[Bmorefoozler]

Consider the new Carvin Microbass combo. The 1x15 is the same price as well, and expandable with an extension cab to 250 watts at 4 ohms. That way you could add another 1x15 if necessary.