I just looked at the video you mentioned up close, and I'm pretty sure it's one of these.
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Double Bass GK MB150s discontinued. What to replace it with?
- Thread starter 834federal
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Owned a new GK MB150E-112 in 1992 that died on a gig- 3rd time I used it. Piece of crap or unlucky? Replaced it with my Ampeg B1 combo which I use to this day. Lighter, more modern addition is my Acoustic Image Coda S4 Plus.
Unlucky. GK would have probably made it right. I am currently using an 80's 200mb for 99% of my gigs and other than regular wear and tear, it's been absolutely bulletproof. I like it so much that I bought another for a backup/rental. I had an early 90's mb150 that I bought used that lasted at least 20 years after I got it before the rattles took over.
Re rattles. I purchased my 2nd MB150 used off of Reverb and discovered the grill rattles at certain frequencies. Tightened screws and helped some, but didn’t fix. Upon trying to remove the grill, I discovered it had been surgically glued in! So, I used a bungee cord and pipe insulation to keep pressure on the grill. It works!
I certainly can't dispute the solution. As for being glued in, I think the amps were built with some thin foam rubber gasket material in between the joints -- my MB150E-112 is that way. It wouldn't surprise me if the foam got sticky over time. You might have to completely loosen one of the sides in order to pry the grille out. Have to decide if it's worth doing, and be hyper-aware that the screw threads are easy to strip out.
I’ve had mine since the early 90s and have used on quite a few gigs and rehearsals.
Had my first problem with late last year… the input jack was shorting out. I had it repaired and thoroughly cleaned and works like a champ.
Had my first problem with late last year… the input jack was shorting out. I had it repaired and thoroughly cleaned and works like a champ.
GK has some combos that are similar, pricey.
I recently got a Mark Bass CMD 1x12. Sounds good, 28 lbs
and plenty of power, DI out, good EQ also.
GC has been running a sale @ $750.00.
I paid $950 last year.
I recently got a Mark Bass CMD 1x12. Sounds good, 28 lbs
and plenty of power, DI out, good EQ also.
GC has been running a sale @ $750.00.
I paid $950 last year.
I've had a hankering for a replacement ever since my MB150s died a few years ago.
I would love to see an updated version.
I could hold on another year or two - but don't make me wait too long, GK.
I would love to see an updated version.
I could hold on another year or two - but don't make me wait too long, GK.
For whatever reason, there's an absolute glut of these little fellows in the Kijiji ads across Canada. I routinely do a country-wide search for G-K gear and about every second ad is for an MB150 of some sort. No idea why that's the case, but for any of you living up here north of the 49th parallel, there's no problem getting one. Mine is happily serving me very well after a routine control cleaning.
It's not a combo, but I just bought a Warwick Gnome head and a PJB C2 to replace my GK MB150E - early signs are that it sounds better, it's easier to dial in a usable sound, it's at least as loud, plus it's smaller and lighter. I don't have any gigs for a week or two but I'll report back once I've taken it "on the road".
Assuming all goes well I'll put the GK up for sale...
Assuming all goes well I'll put the GK up for sale...
My trusty GK got ruined in a flood. I finally chose a Phil Jones Bass Bg450 to replace it. I’m happy with it. Similar footprint, sounds good, well built. No rattles either.
Greg Clinkingbeard
Commercial User
I took an Acoustic Image cabinet and Clarus head to a gig last week and couldn’t get a decent sound. First the sax player asked me to turn up and then the drummer commented that he couldn’t hear me well. He actually asked me why I didn’t just bring the GK because I always sounded good with that. Piano player too. Well, the AI sounds better and sounded fabulous on a duo gig the week before in a smaller room, and, and……
Why do I question the almighty GK 150? Somehow that old amp just sounds good on the bandstand, although I’m not really sure why.
Why do I question the almighty GK 150? Somehow that old amp just sounds good on the bandstand, although I’m not really sure why.
Can you run an electric into the input and a double bass into the effect return and switch between the seamlessly?
I too had a GK black metal box for over a decade when I was working a lot - 300+gigs/year - and I loved it. It started falling intermittently so I bought AI stuff. A couple of years ago I dusted off the GK and got it repaired. I was astounded at how boxy and nasally it sounded, so I put it in the classifieds and got rid of it. I think equipment is improving. When my AI dies I'm sure I'll find something great. BTW for subway travel to gigs the PJ Double 4 with a preamp is pretty cool. That new improved Cub looks interesting.
I've heard this description of this amp for many years, and I can only say that different pickups and different basses will respond differently to each amp. Mine sounds warm and thick in the mids. IDK? I've owned AI, EA, WW, Phil Jones etc. and I usually come right back to my 200mb.
