GK MB200 vs. 700RB

soundfan75

soundfan75

Dec 5, 2011
39
6
4,551
Texas
#1
I currently have a GK 700RB II. Paired with a 4 ohm cab, the only one I have, the volume is way too much for practicing at the house. The MB200 looks interesting as a practice amp; the main difference I see is that the MB only has a gain knob, where the 700RB has a volume, boost, master combination. I prefer the boost between 9 - 12 o'clock, but I have also noticed that this knob has a big effect on volume. Will the MB200 give you the growly tones of similar to the 700RB using boost at a reasonable volume?
 
#5
I have the MB200 and love it, one of my all time favorite amps. But I do wish it has separate gain and volume knobs so you could push the pre a little for those grittier tones. The MB200 is clean, but it makes an excellent practice amp...I've even gigged it with (2) 115's and it has enough output for small to medium gigs. I've also thought about picking up another 700RB because I miss the growl that it provides.
 
#8
Good feedback guys, I guess it just felt odd to only crack the master volume, thinking that I might not be getting all out of the amp (maybe that's more of a tube amp thing?). I will save the money and keep on playing the 700RB!
 
#14
Do you really need the growl or exact tone you want for low volume practice/gig? I bought an MB200 for a private gig we play which I go direct but still have a cab/amp on stage for some sound. Everything else I use my SVT but the MB200 does a fine job for low volume settings.
 
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#16
Maybe it depends on what kind of bass you are using....

I have a super hot (for passive) P bass that has DiMarzio Will Power middles in them, not to mention my Ibanez SRX3EX, that both grind pretty hard playing through my MB200 and Avatar Neo 2x10. With a pick it's a fantastic tone, it also handles effects really well too. If you essentially want a lower-volume 700RB, then the 400RB would probably be where you need to look. While the MB200 is a slightly different animal, I'd venture to say it stands tall next to several other micro heads.

They make a great backup head, practice head, or even main gigging head if you just do small venues. Beware though, it's louder than you think lol.
 
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