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Two amps, one paycheck

BrandoFlex

BrandoFlex

Jan 15, 2013
37
0
#1
This will not be the only amp I will ever buy, but for the first 3 years of my career if very well may be.

I want a combo because it is just easier to truck around to friends places to jam. By the time I get good enough to play in bars or clubs I will probably upgrade.

I don't want to buy used as I am not comfortable with evaluating the "state of repair" of something that has some miles on it.

I have read about the TC BG250 enough on here, and it is on my list to demo, but I am wondering about this Traynor http://traynoramps.com/bass/small_block/product/sb115/

as compared to its GK counterpart the MB115 II. Both are 200w and the same price.

Naturally I will let my ears be the final judge, but was curious what some of the more experienced tbasers think of these two compared by the specs alone.
 
#4
B-string said:
IMO G-K and Traynor's specs are less deceptive. Again that is in my opinion.
Click to expand...

Less deceptive as compared to what? BG250?

I will buy what makes sense and sounds best, but all other things being equal I would like to buy from Traynor as they are made around the corner from me here in Canada.

Because of that they don't get as much write up in places like this, hence my post.
 
#5
There is actually a decent amount written about Traynor on here, if you do some searches.

Anyway, Traynors are awesome, you cannot go wrong with them. They come at all sorts of price points and power points.

Also, FWIW, I would feel completely comfortable buying used gear from Long and McQuade. They warranty it, and they also wouldn't even have it up for sale if it wasn't already a good piece of gear.
 
#7
BrandoFlex said:
Less deceptive as compared to what? BG250?

I will buy what makes sense and sounds best, but all other things being equal I would like to buy from Traynor as they are made around the corner from me here in Canada.

Because of that they don't get as much write up in places like this, hence my post.
Click to expand...

There was some controversy over amp power claims made by TC Electronics some time ago. I didn't pay much attention - and still don't.

Is it the best sounding amp ever? Maybe not - but it has plenty of volume and is a huge bargain.
 
#10
Just a thought, I know it's slightly off topic, but:
with all these micro-heads today, there is no big difference rg. weight/size whether you buy a combo or a head/speaker combination. However, in terms of upgrading later, you have much more flexibility if you own a head/speaker instead of a combo.

The GK MB200 or the TC 250 are extremely light and powerful amps e.g.
 
#11
BrandoFlex said:
Less deceptive as compared to what? BG250?

I will buy what makes sense and sounds best, but all other things being equal I would like to buy from Traynor as they are made around the corner from me here in Canada.

Because of that they don't get as much write up in places like this, hence my post.
Click to expand...

I was trying not to go there ;) Some people like toys, I like tools so the G-K or Traynor are my preference out of the three. Ultimately play what sounds good to your ears not what anyone (including myself) types on the internet. :)
 
#14
I just got back from Guitar Center. While there I checked out the new GK MB combos. They had the 115 and 210. Both sounded very good, although I liked the 210 a bit more. It is 500 watts instead of 200 and it's also $200 more. As I was getting ready to walk out of the bass area the TC Electronics BG250 caught my eye. I wasn't even going to try it but went ahead. Glad I did! IMO the TC sounded better than the GK MB115II. Louder and more punchy to me. It has more features, and is $100 less. I liked the warmth and growl that the tube tone can give. The Tone Print is cool but I don't know how much I would actually use it because I really like my Zoom B3. I am a GK fan, but if I were going to buy a light weight combo, which I may be doing after today, then I would seriously consider the BG250.
 
#16
The BG is fun but the treble control is renowned for not doing lots. Might be something to keep an eye on.

If you're after a fun amp that's also useful I'd go the TC. If you're after a reliable tool grab the GK. I know I'd have the TC out of those choices, but that's only because I already have a 700w GK amp. If I didn't already own a workhorse it would be a different story.
 

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