Double Bass GK MB200 Micro Head with Double Bass?

[jmlee]

I used to have an Fusion 500MB which was excellent except it had a fan which would kick in randomly. Not a problem on a rock gig with the EB but was an issue in quieter acoustic environments with DB. From memory the 200mb has no fan... (?)

It's got a fan, but darned if I've ever noticed it coming on.

 

[Groove Doctor]

What I'd like to find is a single 10 or 12 cab that sounds like my original 1985 GK 200MB combo, only with a bit more volume. Even at 100w it's a wonderful combo amp! The MB200 head is similar but still looking for a (affordable) small cab.

I'd like to know that too. Anyone wanna have a guess?

 

[Marty Forrer]

I recently got a used MB200 as a backup to my MB800. I've decided I don't like the single volume knob, it runs out of clean at about 12 o'clock, but I'll keep it as a spare.

 

[BuckyBass]

Another vote for MB200 coupled with a Bag End s15, but it can get boomy.

What I'd like to find is a single 10 or 12 cab that sounds like my original 1985 GK 200MB combo, only with a bit more volume. Even at 100w it's a wonderful combo amp! The MB200 head is similar but still looking for a (affordable) small cab.

If you can put up with a slightly larger cab, the GK MB210 works great for me on double bass with a realist pickup. Noon on everything but the bass, which is at 2 or 3 pm.

 

[BuckyBass]

I'd like to know that too. Anyone wanna have a guess?

GK MB210 -- if you can deal with the larger cab

 

[BHBassman]

Greetings. I own both- GK MB200 & MB500.
Great amps! Got to learn how to set the amp to get a good sound on BG or UB with cabs, usually with a Markbass 2 10 or 15.
Only used the MB200 a few times-bought it as a backup when it came out after reading posts on TB.
(Also recall reading that many MB 200s were overheating & not working, so I was reluctant to use the amp.
I usually bring another amp head- Amped PF 350, which fits in a bag with cables.
Coincidentally, also read the same about the Ampeg head on TB. Thank God-Good so far.....
Never liked the sound of the MB 200, but, after seeing the recent posts, used it last night on a River Boat Jazz gig with the GK NE0 112 cab, 1940 Kay, Underwood PU & Zyex strings.
Totally surprised at the tone quality, especially without a preamp.
Much better combo with the cab & amp setting.
So glad I read the posts.
Who knew?!!

 

[BHBassman]

Update-Used the same setup last night at a large/upscale & loud restaurant Jazz quartet gig with female vocalist with my American Standard UB, Underwood PU & EP Weichs. Not quite as happy with the UB or setup due to the room acoustics.
The band gets loud at times & swings hard, and the leader calls fast & faster tunes. Tough for me soloing-didn't seem to have the power with the EQ & tone I get on other rigs used there in the past.
Used to have carpet & a better quality sound.
Owner took out the carpet-now large ceramic tiles everywhere! Huge factor !?!
Couldn't EQ enough to make me happy without turning the amp volume louder.
Got through the gig, but with have to bring a different amp next time.
Was reluctant to use a preamp with the MB 200, but will experiment at home.

 

[Groove Doctor]

Tough for me soloing-didn't seem to have the power with the EQ & tone I get on other rigs used there in the past.....
Couldn't EQ enough to make me happy without turning the amp volume louder.
Got through the gig, but with have to bring a different amp next time.
Was reluctant to use a preamp with the MB 200, but will experiment at home.

I've found maxing all four EQ knobs then cutting makes a huge difference in perceived push of the amp.

I'll run my EB thru a Sansamp Paradriver to fatten it up with the MB200. If DB needs more oomph for loud/fast stuff, I'll use the ParaDriver on DB too. Blending in the Wet signal about 25-50% really makes a substantial difference to the 'body' or fundamental of each note. HPF not needed with the GK.

 

[BHBassman]

Thanks GD-Will report back after trying with a Fishman Pro EQ, then a Tonebone.
Could be that the GKNEO112 cab's bright quality accentuates the high end, and gives a the feeling that there isn't enough power/ headroom to compete with a louder band!?!
I do have a Markbass 2 10, & 15- both having a warmer sound & more power.

 

[jthisdell]

A couple years ago I demoed a ToneHammer 500 and an MB500 using the same Berg NV115 cab that I had recently purchased. These two are both nice but are at opposite ends of the tonal spectrum. I found the MB way too bright for my personal test, have to qualify that I was using an unfamiliar G&L electric. I have liked my TH for both electric and EUB but I know that the MB200 is also very popular.