• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Help me out on an Amp Decision

A

aaronweinacht

Mar 2, 2010
12
5
#1
All:

I'm going to have to get a new bass amp. I think I should have been using the limiter function on my GK 115, which I've had for about 10 years. It is now on it's way out.

I really like the sound of the single 15, but I've been using it with an EQ pedal, as I've been playing a lot of slap and wanted to get some more highs. I mostly play at home, my wife and I do a lot of solo bass and vocal stuff, and I do the occasional small-venue gig. the GK 115 I've got generally had sufficient volume, though I think I'm going to go a big bigger, just so I don't push it so hard on gigs. (I did an outside gig on a trailer last 4th of July, for instance). Oh, and I play a Modulus Genesis 5 string (it's one of the one's they did with MTD. I've also got a Tacoma Thunderchief (pre-Fender) acoustic, but I don't plug it in much).

So, I've been looking at the following two amps:

The GK 212, that's got 2 12's and a horn

The Markbass 151, that's got a single 15 and a "piezo tweeter." (I don't know what piezo means, but oh well).

These two amps are pretty close to the same price (I think about $125 difference).

So two questions:
1. If you were me, and you had to pick one of these two amps, which one would you go with? If I like the boomy sound of a 15, but need some highs too, would you be happy with the GK 2 12 option? Or, is the Markbass amp going to split the difference a little better?

2. Given what I've said above, is there some other amp (separate units or combo) that you think would be better than either of the above options, that I could put together for say, less that 1200 bucks brand new?

Thanks, Aaron

Oh yeah, one thing I forgot: I'm probably going to buy blind here. I live at least 5-6 hours from anywhere I'd be able to play something like this in person.
 
Last edited:
#2
A piezo tweeter is one that works using piezo electronics: its a completely different principle to a conventional moving coil loudspeaker.
They don't always have a good reputation, because the nature of the design makes it possible to make cheap and nasty tweeters and install them in a cheap and nasty way. They seem fine to me when done properly.
---------------------------
The buy blind thing needs a co-operative solution in the future really: there must be any number of bass players and a good selection of different kit within reach of you, but how to find them?
 
Last edited:
#5
Try to seek among low watt tubs amp. I was looking for guitar accessories and found a lot of really good tubs amp. I've checked some reviews Link Removed about Fender '57 Custom Champ 5W 1x8 and Monoprice 15-Watt, 1x12 Guitar Combo Tube Amplifier. Still can't choose
 
Last edited:
#6
A little clarification would help. Which GK 115 combo do you currently have, as there are several models that meet that description?

For instance, if you're talking about the MB series combos (210, 410, 115, 212) all of these have a piezo tweeter that they call a "horn" because of its shape. All of these models have a switch to activate/deactivate the tweeter and if yours is off may be the reason you're boosting highs with your EQ pedal. The other nice option with the MB series is that you can add a MBP 115 powered extension cabinet for situations where you need more power and volume.

The G-K Microbass MB-150S/E on the other hand doesn't have a tweeter at all and in my opinion are a bit power shy.
All of the above combos offer a built-in limiter function, which may or may not be of relevance.

The older Backline 115 combo has neither tweeter nor limiter.

So what's wrong with your current combo?
 
#7
JimChjones said:
A piezo tweeter is one that works using piezo electronics: its a completely different principle to a conventional moving coil loudspeaker.
They don't always have a good reputation, because the nature of the design makes it possible to make cheap and nasty tweeters and install them in a cheap and nasty way. They seem fine to me when done properly.
---------------------------
The buy blind thing needs a co-operative solution in the future really: there must be any number of bass players and a good selection of different kit within reach of you, but how to find them?
Click to expand...

I live in rural Montana so no, no such people are within reach.I just checked, as I was curious: The county I live in is approximately 11% of the size of England, and it has 10,000 total people in it. :-)

Aaron
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Pocket4, wildman2 and mikewalker
#8
abarson said:
A little clarification would help. Which GK 115 combo do you currently have, as there are several models that meet that description?

For instance, if you're talking about the MB series combos (210, 410, 115, 212) all of these have a piezo tweeter that they call a "horn" because of its shape. All of these models have a switch to activate/deactivate the tweeter and if yours is off may be the reason you're boosting highs with your EQ pedal. The other nice option with the MB series is that you can add a MBP 115 powered extension cabinet for situations where you need more power and volume.

I've got the MB series combo. I should have clarified that the first time, sorry.

The G-K Microbass MB-150S/E on the other hand doesn't have a tweeter at all and in my opinion are a bit power shy.
All of the above combos offer a built-in limiter function, which may or may not be of relevance.

The older Backline 115 combo has neither tweeter nor limiter.

So what's wrong with your current combo?
Click to expand...

The speaker is going bad, I'm getting all kinds of fuzz on the low notes, which I can only fix if I turned the bass all the way down on the built-in EQ, as well as on my EQ pedal. After doing some reading around, looks like the most likely scenario is that my speaker is going bad.
 
#9
Given all the recent issues folks have been posting about their recent Markbass problems and your long relationship with GK, I would be only looking at GK as a solution to your problem. You know the GK sound, you just need to find a size that meets your needs.... and if it were me, I would consider more amp then I think I will need, just in case you need it.
Fishheadjoe
 
  • Like
Reactions: smogg and EatS1stBassist
#11
Fishheadjoe said:
Given all the recent issues folks have been posting about their recent Markbass problems and your long relationship with GK, I would be only looking at GK as a solution to your problem. You know the GK sound, you just need to find a size that meets your needs.... and if it were me, I would consider more amp then I think I will need, just in case you need it.
Fishheadjoe
Click to expand...
Yeah, I was kind of leaning that way, but was intrigued by the built in tweeter I originally asked about, in the Markbass amp.
 
#13
aaronweinacht said:
The speaker is going bad, I'm getting all kinds of fuzz on the low notes, which I can only fix if I turned the bass all the way down on the built-in EQ, as well as on my EQ pedal. After doing some reading around, looks like the most likely scenario is that my speaker is going bad.
Click to expand...


Usually speakers are fried/blown/torn, or they are fine—though sometimes very old speakers lose some performance. I don't doubt that you may have damaged the speaker, but a replacement would be a lot cheaper than a whole new rig.

Is there gas at play, LOL? :thumbsup:

Exactly which model/year GK 115 combo are you using? There are several.
 
#15
Wow, you really don't have a lot of options for music stores in you vicinity!
In your situation, I agree that it is safe to stick with a platform you know and like. In my experience, Markbass has a very distinct color to its tone that you either love or hate.

Depending on your financial situation, you could have your 15" speaker reconed or replaced, which should be less costly than a new combo.

Most combos today do have a tweeter of some sort. It's not unique to Markbass.
 
  • Like
Reactions: EatS1stBassist
#16
I love the Markbass tone best out of those two, however it comes with challenges. GK will be easier and friendlier when it comes to servicing the amp, cheaper all around too. Also I would personally get the Jeff Berlin model, without the tweeter. That piezo tweeter is AWFUL.
 
#18
Recently, I heard (in the audience), and then played through an Aguilar two 1x12/Mark Bass Big Bang (?) at a pro jam I go to. It sounded REAL GOOD, both in the audience and on stage. I was surprised at the deep low end. Very articulate & full, powerful. Plenty of highs. Really great definition and articulation across the board. This was the house band's substitute bass player's rig as the regular guy couldn't make it. So this was the first time I played through it. That sound has stuck in my mind - always a good sign :)

Just for reference: I like the GK/Hartke 4x10/1x15 combination, but I use Hartke amps (just what came up at rt $). I've also used the vintage Kustom "tuck & roll" amps & cabs (1x15 or 2x15) w/JBL D140 and Standel also with JBL D140.
 
#19
Not using your limiter wasn't the problem. The problem was you turning it up so loud that it would overheat your speaker. Either get a bigger cab or learn a little discipline. You can also have your current speaker reconed or you can replace it with one from GK.
 
  • Like
Reactions: EatS1stBassist

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back