New Player with gear issues, please help!

brokeamp

brokeamp

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Jan 6, 2016
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#1
Hi, long time lurker, first time poster. I decided to take the plunge and buy a bass and amp, both off ebay to keep the cost down. They arrived today (two different sellers). The bass was supposed to be new, but has gouges in the finish that the seller clearly took their photos in an attempt to avoid showing. Looking at the listing photos now (knowing what to look for) I can just barely see the beginning of one of the marks, so it is clear it wasn't damaged in shipping. So I am working to fix that through ebay. But that isn't the real issue.

I bought a GK mb115 (mark 1). I turn it on and it starts up just fine, with the light around the start button starting red then transitioning to blue. The tweeter makes a slight hiss (not as bad as some have complained of). But then when you plug in the guitar, the volume is practically nothing! With all the knobs at 12 o'clock it is quieter than a practice amp. With everything maxed it works, but makes the output of what I would have associated with maybe a ten or 15 watt practice amp. I played drums in a band where the bass player had a GK mb112, and I was always impressed by its sound, and its volume. Any idea what is wrong with my amp? I still have the plastic covering the pickups on the bass (because it was "new") but I don't think that would make much difference.

I am pretty sure the guitar's pickups are working ok. I plugged it into a Fender Excelsior 13 watt tube guitar amp I have lying around and (very gently and on the G string) tried it out to make sure it wasn't a problem with the guitar. Seemed to work as well as it should in that situation (and louder than the 200 watt bass amp!).

Any Ideas?
 
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#3
I was afraid of that. Well back it goes, guitar too. I am undeterred however, and will be back! Guitar seller seems pretty cool about the whole thing and is getting me a replacement.

The amp was used, any recommendations for what I should buy to replace it? Should I be Leary of GK, or maybe get a made in America mb115 version 2?
 
#5
The mark II's are built here in the US. Hard to say what it might be with the one you bought, damaged speaker, damaged preamp, someone "replaced" the G-K power amp with something else. Used is always a crapshoot and you can roll snake eyes.
 
#7
I look for 98% or better feedback, good pictures, a background selling the kind of thing I'm buying and a description that suggests that they know what they are talking about. I totally avoid items described as 'untested' or 'chord cut, can't test, but looks good'. For electronics I like to see 'all controls functional, with no static', 'tested and works as intended', and an item that appears to have been well taken care of. Skid marks, ' worked before being stored in basement or garage for 20 years, etc are major disqualifiers. If you live near a major city, CL can be a very good place to look.
 
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#8
With very few exceptions, I've bought all my equipment used. I have yet to put my trust in Ebay sellers (or Craigslist). Instead, I've only bought from Guitar Center's Used department (they have a return policy for online purchases, and you can test in-store items) and other TB members. I've done really well, with good experiences all around.

I recommend these resources your next purchases before you brave Ebay again. But if you do see a good deal on Ebay, definitely follow AstroSonic's advice. It's pure gold.
 
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#15
Hate to beat a dead horse here but more gear drama. The store (on ebay) that I got the scratched up 'new' bass from got my return 3 days ago. I asked when they were going to send me a new one and they said they ordered my replacement from fender and when it came in it was the wrong model. They said they were getting another in, but I have no time line. I ordered this bass December 28th, and I still don't have it. Is it unreasonable to ask them for a refund at this point and just buy it from somewhere else?

I would have bought the guitar locally (visited 3 separate local stores) but it was right after Christmas and they didn't have any in inventory.

New Rumble 200 should be here tomorrow though!
 
#17
Had a similar magnet issue with a DNA 410 supposedly ups store packed from a seller. Major headache and never a refund. Best is to buy on TB, maybe Craigslist as you can try befor buy.

Only ship via FedEx ground never UPS.
 
#19
Rumble 200 combo got here a couple days ago, brand new. Noticably better fit and finish than the GK (and the magnet stayed on!). Finally got a refund on my still missing guitar. Reordered from an online place I have bought from before, should be here around Friday. So ends my gear drama, thanks for the advice.
 
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#20
Welcome to TB! Glad you got everything sorted out. Post up some pics when you get everything together. We like pics even if it's gear we've seen a zillion times, we still like pics!

BTW, in spite of your recent gear drama, let it be known that GK is some of the BEST bass gear on the planet. I've had plenty of GK gear(I still have a 700RB-II)and it always rocked! GK makes great stuff...:thumbsup:
 
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