IMHO if I was going to put together a GK rig, it would be a MBF-500 and two GK 115 neo's.
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GK Questions.
- Thread starter RyanHutchison9
- Start date
IMHO if I was going to put together a GK rig, it would be a MBF-500 and two GK 115 neo's.
One of the biggest issues I see that could come up is that with running the MB-500 and a 212 Neo is that you're only going to use around 350 watts of the head's power, since it's going into an 8 ohm load (single cab). Of course, you can get 2 cabs to run a full 500 watts at 4 oms, but if you're conscious of your bank account, the other option would be to get a MB 212-II combo, which as a unit is rated at 500 watts, with the option of chaining a 212 MBP powered cab, which would push 1000 watts, total.
I wouldnt want to tie myself to a combo. For me that is more limiting than an 8 Ohm cab. Also fwiw, I doubt the jump in power from 350 to 500 watts equates to much useable volume if any.
Yeah, the tube equipped GKs are certainly my preference - micro or not.
The SS GK press are still pure grindy gold though.
The SS GK press are still pure grindy gold though.
Last edited:
Hopkins
Commercial User
I've got a GK 115 II combo & a 410 MBP Powered cab that chains to the combo, it drains nothing from the 15 and the 410 has great punch, it is for sale in another thread.
Yep, the 115s actually go pretty deep, but are voiced tightly. 500 watts is plenty to put into them IME.
Another vote for the MBF 500 (assuming the 800 is above budget) and 12's. Given loud, I'd start with the 212 neo and add a 112 neo when you can. That's a loud and versatile rig.
Years ago I bi-amped - briefly. I wouldn't worry about it unless you have some novel effects treatment you wish to apply to either signal - and that's tricky.
Years ago I bi-amped - briefly. I wouldn't worry about it unless you have some novel effects treatment you wish to apply to either signal - and that's tricky.
Agree with the others - don't worry about bi-amping. I'm running a MB 500 Fusion into a 4 ohm Avatar B212 Neo - sounds great and plenty loud.
I'm seriously interested in the MB212-II after doing some further research... It doesn't look like there are any compromises and the price is incredible... Any opinions?
Thanks everyone for the suggestions and input so far.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions and input so far.
Believe me, I jumped, head first, into the GK pool! While I can certainly attest to the strength of a 112/212 stack(I run mine with a 700RB-II and a Fusion 550), there are enough reasons NOT to go that route. As has been said, a 112 won't be enough by itself(I do use mine for rehearsal and it does well enough), but 2x112 should be plenty. 2x212's would be more than plenty and give you some flexibility.
I think the MB212-II is a great combo and if you pair it with the matching extension cab, it'd make a great stack! I do agree with CL400Peavey though, I'm not sure I'd want to tie myself to a combo amp. I'd go for an MB amp and 2x212 NEOs.
I think the MB212-II is a great combo and if you pair it with the matching extension cab, it'd make a great stack! I do agree with CL400Peavey though, I'm not sure I'd want to tie myself to a combo amp. I'd go for an MB amp and 2x212 NEOs.
I just ordered the NEO 212 and a MB800 fusion. I have a local bud who is going to sell me his NEO 412 as soon as I get the cash together. As far as budget goes for the OP, try emailing forums@musiciansfrienddotcom and ask for the TB discount. You'll be greatly surprised at how close the 800 will come to the usual price of the mb500! BTW, my neo212 arrives tomorrow, just in time for my gig with a new band! PUMPED!!!!
I've never been a bi-amping fan. Just not enough benefit for the hassle.
I usually run two 2x10s and am plenty happy for it.
But you should look at used gear - and gear that you can HEAR before you buy. Go to a store and check some stuff out. Don't count on specs, marketing or opinion to drive your purchase.
I've looked for used gear with very little luck, unfortunately it's quite difficult to find stuff in Australia. I was never going to buy before I tried
, I just want to research everything so when I head down to the Bass Centre I'll have a clear idea in my head of what I want to try out. Thanks for your help. 
I've looked for used gear with very little luck, unfortunately it's quite difficult to find stuff in Australia. I was never going to buy before I tried
Yeah... outside the US it's tricky. Man, good luck to you!
I use a MB500 and one Neo 212 for rehearsals all the time. Plenty of power to keep up with two marshall half-stacks and a loud drummer. I usually have the gain set at 3-4 and the volume at 5, so there's plenty of head-room. I use the boost feature for a "grind" like tone.
For what it's worth, my previous rig was two GK 410RBH's and a 1001RB-II and I don't miss the bi-amp at all.
For what it's worth, my previous rig was two GK 410RBH's and a 1001RB-II and I don't miss the bi-amp at all.
Thanks for your input, Definitely looking at 2x12 initially... still can't decide whether I want to go MB212-II or MB500 with 212 Neo. I think if the band got to a stage where we were playing much bigger shows I would change to a head/cab solution and use the combo for practice but I'm really not sure...
Looked at your links and seriously impressed, keep up the awesome work.
