I hear y'all. I really didn't expect this amp to be this much fun. I played my first URB gig w/it today... straight in, no preamp (I've been using an L.R.Baggs usually). It sounded great! ...and surpassed my expectations. I just used channel A, gain set about 10:00. It was as clean as the Eden I've been using just about forever, but had a new depth on the low notes that was a total surprise (using my carved '30's Mittenwald bass). Egads, I'm thinking of selling off everything else...! ...nah, just kidding.
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Got my GK MB Fusion today!!!!
- Thread starter 77jazz
- Start date
It's the 4 ohm version...haven't needed more power yet but I haven't done a LOUD gig yet either.
Chef
In Memoriam
TomB:
I like that Baggs preamp.
I use a K&K two band and bassmax preamp; and I did leave that in line.
I did a large stage, outdoor show this afternoon.
Mic'd one 112 cab. The sound guys were ecstactic, and one cab (only brought one, multiband show, on and off quick was required) was plenty for my near filed monitoriing. Everyone else got me in their monitors, and I went thru mains to the crowd.
I like that Baggs preamp.
I use a K&K two band and bassmax preamp; and I did leave that in line.
I did a large stage, outdoor show this afternoon.
Mic'd one 112 cab. The sound guys were ecstactic, and one cab (only brought one, multiband show, on and off quick was required) was plenty for my near filed monitoriing. Everyone else got me in their monitors, and I went thru mains to the crowd.
Today's was a very low volume /quick load-in & out deal, so, to be honest, I'm sure I'll want to use the preamp at most times. I'm pretty used to the Baggs for my EQ, and I will definitely need it for volume matching when I double w/electric through an A/B box. I use a Bassmax pickup on this bass for most gigs... I too like the K&K stuff a lot.
Still, I found the MBF to be a better basic sound for the Old German... I've always struggled w/my WT400 to get the mids right, and today I forgot all about them and focused on tweaking the top and bottom... very cool.
I've just pull the trigger on a MB Fusion.
I've recently sold my Thunderfunk TFB550 as I discovered tube goodness with an Ampeg V4B but, tired of carrying the 68 lbs monster around, I decided to buy a lightweight micro head.
Recently I played a gig where the house provided me a GK 800RB with an Hartke 410 and ... boy... what an incredible punch and growl! I don't know ... I've experienced GK 400RB before (always through single 12" or 15" cabs) and never liked it, it sounded too thin, but with this setup for the first time I really enjoyed the GK sound ... maybe it could have been the 800RB, maybe the 410 cab or maybe how the whole thing worked with my Carl Thompson bass (which is a dark voiced beast by its nature).
However that experience was the reason I decided to give a GK product a try. I was between a 700RBII, an MB500 and the Fusion but at the end I opted for the MB Fusion. I've read here you could get into 800RB or 700RB sound with it plus a lot more ... and, hey, it also has tubes in it! I'll run it through an Accugroove Tri112L and I hope to experience that punchy growl again with this setup.
Any thoughts?
I've recently sold my Thunderfunk TFB550 as I discovered tube goodness with an Ampeg V4B but, tired of carrying the 68 lbs monster around, I decided to buy a lightweight micro head.
Recently I played a gig where the house provided me a GK 800RB with an Hartke 410 and ... boy... what an incredible punch and growl! I don't know ... I've experienced GK 400RB before (always through single 12" or 15" cabs) and never liked it, it sounded too thin, but with this setup for the first time I really enjoyed the GK sound ... maybe it could have been the 800RB, maybe the 410 cab or maybe how the whole thing worked with my Carl Thompson bass (which is a dark voiced beast by its nature).
However that experience was the reason I decided to give a GK product a try. I was between a 700RBII, an MB500 and the Fusion but at the end I opted for the MB Fusion. I've read here you could get into 800RB or 700RB sound with it plus a lot more ... and, hey, it also has tubes in it! I'll run it through an Accugroove Tri112L and I hope to experience that punchy growl again with this setup.
Any thoughts?
I am interested in the MB Fusion as well.
I used to have the Gibson GB440 - the TF predecessor, then I got the Mesa Walkabout head and now I am lurking for the quick responsive head with ample headroom.
So I am on the similar boat as you - the "Thunderfunk" experience, then the tube warmth period and now looking for the punchier and quick head.
Please let us know your thoughts when you get it!
Especially the comparison with TF.. albeit from the memory, as you sold it already.
I used to have the Gibson GB440 - the TF predecessor, then I got the Mesa Walkabout head and now I am lurking for the quick responsive head with ample headroom.
So I am on the similar boat as you - the "Thunderfunk" experience, then the tube warmth period and now looking for the punchier and quick head.
Please let us know your thoughts when you get it!
Especially the comparison with TF.. albeit from the memory, as you sold it already.
Chef
In Memoriam
IMO, from old school tubey, to fast and more modern, and, also in terms of headroom:
Walkabout, TFB, MB-F.
Walkabout, TFB, MB-F.
What a morning. I just read through all 25 pages. Great dialogue gentlemen (and Julie). I'm in the market for a micro. Been lugging my Ashdown ABM500 for non-upright gigs. Cabs: Berg mini stack (older HT/EX), NOT ER. Last night I finally played through a Streamliner 900 > Bergantino AE210. I wrote about the experience here: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/comparison-streamliner-walkabout-svt-other-tube-amp-743066/
Sounds like I'd be happy with MB-F or SL600/900, with a nod to MB-F as it may be a better doubler amp for upright, though my trusty Phil Jones D-200 currently covers those gigs. Sadly, I no longer own a WW but i digress. Chef's mid-scooped comment on the SL had me worried, but, given the sound of the Bergs pronounced mid-voice, maybe the SL would work fine. Chef, if you know the sound of the Berg's maybe you can comment? I hope TomB or Ken will chime in. Something else, I dug the SL tone, but, the gig was a jazz quartet. I'd be using the MB-F in a variety of genres, LOUD, fast Rock and Roll being one of them. Can the MB-F cook loud and fast? FWIW, my doubts about micro's stem from a lack-luster time with my Shuttle 9.0. Seems like this 3 tube, 6 stage pre has finally made D class tight, warm and ballsy.
Sounds like I'd be happy with MB-F or SL600/900, with a nod to MB-F as it may be a better doubler amp for upright, though my trusty Phil Jones D-200 currently covers those gigs. Sadly, I no longer own a WW but i digress. Chef's mid-scooped comment on the SL had me worried, but, given the sound of the Bergs pronounced mid-voice, maybe the SL would work fine. Chef, if you know the sound of the Berg's maybe you can comment? I hope TomB or Ken will chime in. Something else, I dug the SL tone, but, the gig was a jazz quartet. I'd be using the MB-F in a variety of genres, LOUD, fast Rock and Roll being one of them. Can the MB-F cook loud and fast? FWIW, my doubts about micro's stem from a lack-luster time with my Shuttle 9.0. Seems like this 3 tube, 6 stage pre has finally made D class tight, warm and ballsy.
Chef
In Memoriam
The MBF can sure do loud and fast.
It's acceptable enough for DB; but I still like the Walkabout better.
I never used the SL900 with any berg cabs. I didn't like that head with electric, and liked it less for double bass. YMMV on that though. Personally, I'd never buy an doubling gear I couldn't audition anymore, I've thrown away too much cash like that.
It's acceptable enough for DB; but I still like the Walkabout better.
I never used the SL900 with any berg cabs. I didn't like that head with electric, and liked it less for double bass. YMMV on that though. Personally, I'd never buy an doubling gear I couldn't audition anymore, I've thrown away too much cash like that.
Thanks for the response Chef. And I hear you on doubling gear. I prolly shouldn't have added that element to my post. I've no problem keeping my PJB for upright. Still open to comparisons of these heads w/Berg stack.
Chef
In Memoriam
Chef
In Memoriam
I would agree that loud & fast is in the MBF's wheelhouse; it loves classic rock and I love it for that stuff.
I'm also happy w/it so far for URB, but as I mentioned earlier, my experience is limited to direct in at fairly low volume so far. I've yet to try using the A & B channels for doubling EB + URB, for instance, though I have a plan & it works out great at home. I just don't have the right gig for it any time soon.
I also can't help w/your question about about the SL, since I've never tried one. I haven't seen much feedback about it for URB though... maybe I'm not watching close enough. God knows there are enough comments on TB
.
I did use a Walkabout for a busy weekend years ago. It's a wonderful, tube-ampish tone, no question, but I couuldn't make happy with the control scheme on a couple big stages in a row, so that was it for me... probably too rash, but when you're biusy... I know many folks who love 'em (plenty right here on TB) but most I know use 'em for EB, not URB, so I'd rely on Chef for that particular assessment.
I do play with a WW once a month (EB) and can say that (at the risk of many flames I'm sure) for EB at least the MBF is closer soundwise IMO to the WW than the Walkabout as I remember it. I'm sorry to say that I've never gotten to use a WW for URB giggage, where many of its biggest fans reside.
Good luck with your choice!
I'm also happy w/it so far for URB, but as I mentioned earlier, my experience is limited to direct in at fairly low volume so far. I've yet to try using the A & B channels for doubling EB + URB, for instance, though I have a plan & it works out great at home. I just don't have the right gig for it any time soon.
I also can't help w/your question about about the SL, since I've never tried one. I haven't seen much feedback about it for URB though... maybe I'm not watching close enough. God knows there are enough comments on TB
.I did use a Walkabout for a busy weekend years ago. It's a wonderful, tube-ampish tone, no question, but I couuldn't make happy with the control scheme on a couple big stages in a row, so that was it for me... probably too rash, but when you're biusy... I know many folks who love 'em (plenty right here on TB) but most I know use 'em for EB, not URB, so I'd rely on Chef for that particular assessment.
I do play with a WW once a month (EB) and can say that (at the risk of many flames I'm sure) for EB at least the MBF is closer soundwise IMO to the WW than the Walkabout as I remember it. I'm sorry to say that I've never gotten to use a WW for URB giggage, where many of its biggest fans reside.
Good luck with your choice!
What do you mean mini stack? I have a pair of AE210's and a pair of AE112's. I don't have an SL, but I do have an MBF.
I ran the Fusion with my AE210 (which I hear you got to play last night Larry, thanks for sitting in while I was puking 
). Very aggressive/up-front tone, very quick.
). Very aggressive/up-front tone, very quick.
I ran the Fusion with my AE210 (which I hear you got to play last night Larry, thanks for sitting in while I was puking
Hope you're feeling better man. Dug the rig a ton.
Check your email.
