GK MB200 mute mod?

[blmeier7]

I have a GK MB200 that I bought a few years ago as a backup amp, and because my MB Fusion didn't have an aux input. I like the tone of the MB200 so much that it's my main amp right now and I've since sold the MB Fusion. My biggest complaint with the MB200 is that it doesn't have a mute switch, which is a feature I use often for tuning and switching basses.

So my question is: how difficult would it be to add a mute switch to the MB200? I'd like to still get a signal so I can use my tuner through the rear output jack. Therefore the mute would just cut signal to the speakon out. I don't mind drilling the top cover to mount a rocker switch. Or, I wouldn't mind using the existing contour switch as the mute switch (I never use the contour as it's too extreme for my tastes, wish it was an adjustable knob like the other MB heads).

Anyone done something like this? I'm not concerned with resale value but I don't want to attempt anything like this unless I'm sure it can be done correctly without any possible damage to the amp electronics.

 

[tbirdsp]

Sorry - I have to ask - doesn't your tuner function as a mute? Why not just use it in line with your bass?

 

[blmeier7]

I have a couple of Korg tuners but nothing that goes inline and has a mute option. I've thought about getting a pedal tuner but then that's one more thing between my bass and amp, and two cables instead of one. Not sure why but I just don't like the idea of having anything plugged into my amp besides the bass. My thinking was that for a few dollars in parts I could add the mute. Going with a tuner pedal that has true bypass is not out of the question.

 

[Lindex]

In this case I would simply pull the instrument cable ~1/2 of an inch out of the amp so it doesn't have contact anymore and then you can do whatever you want at the other end.

 

[MOSCOWBASS]

I use one of these The Turbo Tuner ST-200 Stompbox Strobe Tuner - Owner's Manual with my MB800...even though it's got a mute switch. It usually sits on top of the amp with a very short FX pedal lead going into the amp....you can thread the cables through the GK amp ears. Never had any problems.

 

[tbirdsp]

In this case I would simply pull the instrument cable ~1/2 of an inch out of the amp so it doesn't have contact anymore and then you can do whatever you want at the other end.

But - he said he wants to use the 1/4" out on the back to his tuner - he needs the signal from the instrument.

 

[kikstand454]

Anything can be done- at the right price.

You could have a pro wire the contour circuit into an actual knob you can use- and make it a push/pull for your mute as well.

That'd be pretty pimp.

 

[strictlybass_ic]

You could mod it, but you'd be time and money ahead to do as MOSCOWBASS said and just put a small pedal tuner (battery powered is easiest) next to your super micro amp and use that. MB200 warranty, resale value, and undisturbed innards all remain intact.

The push/pull pot idea would be sweet but I have to assume also costly (like almost as much as an other MB200). But I never used that switch and you might be able to make it a mute instead (which is what it should have been in the first place IMO).

 

[DWBass]

I'm sure the amp could be modded but I wouldn't. Not really worth it. Why not just get a headstock tuner and be done! I have one of these Invalid Link Removed on every bass.

 

[MOSCOWBASS]

But - he said he wants to use the 1/4" out on the back to his tuner - he needs the signal from the instrument.

Yes, he also said "Going with a tuner pedal that has true bypass is not out of the question." This seemed a cheaper and easier option to me.

 

[tbirdsp]

Uh - yeah, I said that in the second post in this thread. But "Lindex" talked about just partially unplugging the instrument cable - that's who I was replying too.

 

[NWB]

I could see a mute switch replacing the mid-scoop switch being useful.

 

[BassmanPaul]

I too am behind the folks who say leave the amp alone. it's just wasted money. A simple metal box with a pair of phone jacks and a foot switch is all that is needed.

For my pedal board that I'm playing around with, I built a switch unit in a Hammond box. It allows me to route my bass signal through two different loops and to my tuner. As the output of the tuner connects to nothing the same switch also acts as a mute. The LEDs indicate where the signal is routed.

 

[blmeier7]

Thanks for the replies and ideas everyone. I was hoping for a magic answer but looks like modding the amp may not be the best idea. The separate pedal tuner is really the only option that meets most of my goals that a simple mute switch on the amp would provide. MOSCOWBASS - I had thought about keeping a pedal tuner up on top of the cabs and using a small patch cable, I may give that a try.

It seems like the addition of a mute switch to an amp during the design phase and during production would be a very small cost. Maybe there are a lot of players out there that don't find a mute switch on the amp that useful.

 

[lz4005]

It seems like the addition of a mute switch to an amp during the design phase and during production would be a very small cost. Maybe there are a lot of players out there that don't find a mute switch on the amp that useful.

On the MB200 there's so little real estate adding two more jacks on the back (foot switch and tuner out) and another switch on the front would be the bigger problem.

It wouldn't cost much, but it would also remove upsale potential to whatever larger, more expensive version of that amp they make.