Gallien-Krueger MB500 Bass Amp Head Review

This review was submitted by Guitar Jar contributor: Rocky Laber

As I was looking to upgrade my 10+ year old bass rig, I played a gig using a backline provided by another band. It was the first time I played through a micro bass head (hooked up to a 4×10 cab) and I was blown away by the tone, power, and portability.

…Owning GK gear has been an outstanding experience…

Being loyal to the GK sound and brand, the MB500 turned out to be just what I was looking for in pricing, availability, size and features.

Features:

Standard GK features that I was familiar with: 4 band EQ, tuner and effects loops, contour, XLR direct output. Features new to me that I like: footswitchable boost channel, speakon outputs.

Ease of use:

Easy to set up, there is labelling on the edge of the top panel that makes it easier to hook up connections without looking at the back of the unit, but its greatest virtue is it portability.

Sound Quality:

I’m very happy with the tonal range. I play a few basses: Singray, P Bass, J Bass, through an Ampeg 4×10 cabinet. I’m not a maniac when it comes to volume, but I’m able to cut through whether playing with a loud guitarist and drummer, or a 12 band with singers and horns.

Reliability:

Owning GK gear has been an outstanding experience, and I expect this head to follow suit. I’ve had my old amp services a couple times in 12 years, I’m lucky to be close enough to an authorized GK repair shop, CAE Sound in San Mateo CA.

Overall Rating:

Very happy with this product, it gives me the sound I want and has balls to spare. I also went from playing a 2×10 with a 1×15, I get a better sound with a single 4×10, so everything is a bit easier to transport as well.

This review was submitted by Guitar Jar contributor: Rocky Laber