Pricing and availability

Average Price: $450

Standard/Professional

$200

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Introducing the Gallien Krueger MB 800, a powerhouse in a compact package that's ready to redefine your bass experience. This mini bass amplifier packs a serious punch with its 800 watts of power at 4 ohms, making it an ideal choice for both intimate venues and large stages. Designed with the modern bassist in mind, it features two distinct gain channels, allowing you to seamlessly switch between clean and overdriven tones to suit any genre or style.

The MB 800's 4-band EQ and contour control offer precise tonal shaping, letting you dial in your signature sound with ease. Whether you're looking for a punchy midrange or a silky-smooth bass, this amp has you covered. The inclusion of an effects loop expands your creative possibilities, inviting you to integrate your favorite pedals and processors effortlessly.

For those gigging musicians who need adaptability, the MB 800 includes a -10dB pad for active basses and a convenient mute switch for silent tuning between songs. Weighing in at just 4.9 pounds, this amplifier is as portable as it is powerful, making it a perfect companion for the road. Its versatility and robust performance ensure that it won't just meet your expectations—it will exceed them.

Key Features:

  • 800 watts at 4 ohms
  • Two distinct gain channels
  • 4-band EQ with contour control
  • Effects loop for pedal integration
  • Mute switch for silent tuning
  • -10dB pad for active basses
  • Lightweight design at 4.9 pounds

Product specs

Brand Gallien-Krueger
Model MB800 800w Ultra Light Bass Head
Finish Silver
Year 2010s
Categories Bass Heads
Electronics Solid State
Impedance 4 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 800
Power Tube Type None
Reverb None

FAQs

What type of power does the Gallien-Krueger MB 800 provide?

The Gallien-Krueger MB 800 delivers 800 watts at 4 ohms and 500 watts at 8 ohms, making it powerful enough for both small gigs and larger venues.

Does the Gallien-Krueger MB 800 have a built-in effects loop?

Yes, the MB 800 features an effects loop, allowing you to integrate external effects processors into your signal chain for enhanced sound versatility.

What are the EQ controls available on the Gallien-Krueger MB 800?

The MB 800 includes a 4-band active EQ with a variable contour control, providing flexible tone shaping to suit various playing styles and genres.

Is the Gallien-Krueger MB 800 suitable for silent practice?

Yes, the MB 800 offers a headphone/line output, enabling silent practice sessions without disturbing others.

What connectivity options does the Gallien-Krueger MB 800 offer for live performances?

The MB 800 includes two Speakon outputs for speaker connections and an XLR out with pre/post EQ options for direct connection to a PA system.

BassTheWorld.com

BassTheWorld.com

GALLIEN KRUEGER MB800

Video thumbnail for GALLIEN KRUEGER MB800 by BassTheWorld.com

GALLIEN KRUEGER MB800

BassTheWorld.com

BassTheWorld.com

Video thumbnail for Gallien Krueger MB800 D-Class Bass Amplifier Review - Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 10 by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Gallien Krueger MB800 D-Class Bass Amplifier Review - Guitar Interactive Magazine Issue 10

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Gallien-Krueger MB 800 Demo by Norm Stockton by Gallien-Krueger

Gallien-Krueger MB 800 Demo by Norm Stockton

Gallien-Krueger

Gallien-Krueger

Video thumbnail for Summer NAMM '11   Gallien-Krueger   MB800 Demo by Premier Guitar

Summer NAMM '11 Gallien-Krueger MB800 Demo

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Norm Stockton and the GK MB800 by Gallien-Krueger

Norm Stockton and the GK MB800

Gallien-Krueger

Gallien-Krueger

Video thumbnail for Gallien-Krueger MB800 by Fili2009able

Gallien-Krueger MB800

Fili2009able

Fili2009able

Video thumbnail for Gallien-Krueger MB 800 Bass Head by N Stuff Music

Gallien-Krueger MB 800 Bass Head

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gallien-Krueger MB 800.

Features and functionality

  • Some users experience white noise issues with the MB 800, particularly when using cabinets with tweeters, which are not consistently resolved by repairs.

    Source
  • The MB800 Fusion model offers a more tube-like sound, which some users prefer when they rely on pedals for their main tone.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the MB 800 can initially perform well after service but may revert to producing noise, suggesting potential recurring issues.

    Source
  • Some owners express dissatisfaction with GK's customer support, especially for international customers, noting poor communication and reluctance to provide replacements.

    Source
  • One owner transitioned from a heavy rack setup to an MB800, appreciating the portability and ease of transportation without sacrificing clean headroom.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MB 800 has been compared to the Fender Rumble 200, Markbass Momark, and Ampeg PF-800, with users noting it had more noise issues than these models.

    Source
  • The MB800 is praised for its lightweight design, weighing only about 5 pounds compared to the 22-pound 1001RB-II, making it significantly easier to transport.

    Source

Build quality

  • Issues reported with the Ice module in the power amplifier, which may need replacement if problems persist.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners who prefer clean headroom at lower volumes, rather than cranking for distortion, tend to favor the MB800 over the 1001RB-II.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • MB800 heads are starting to appear on the used market, typically priced around $450-600, comparable to used 1001RB models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gallien-Krueger MB800 Bass Amp Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Gallien-Krueger MB800 impresses with its potent 800-watt output and lightweight, compact design, making it a powerhouse in the micro-amp world. It offers versatile controls like a contour knob and illuminated front-panel indicators, enhancing usability in low-light settings. While its portability and power are highlights, the amp lacks the warmth of tube amps, which might deter purists. Nevertheless, the MB800 excels in delivering punchy, modern tones, especially when paired with a 4x10 cabinet, and shines with active electronics. It's a stellar choice for bassists seeking a balance between power and practicality.

positive

Gallien Krueger MB800

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Gallien Krueger MB800 is a compact, powerful bass amp that excels in delivering the signature G-K punch and clarity. Its FET preamp offers a valve-like feel, ensuring the renowned 'G-K growl' is ever-present. The amp's user-friendly design includes dual gain controls, a four-band EQ, and a foot-switchable channel function, making tone shaping a breeze. Despite the audible fan noise, the MB800's sonic performance and fair pricing make it a standout choice for any gig. With robust features packed into a lightweight frame, it's a new favorite among gig bag amplifiers.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skylinerr

good

i had this for ages i mostly use it when i have 10 minutes to play bass and dont want to warm up valves

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Harris uses Gallien-Krueger MB 800

Steve Harris

Bassist, Composer

Iron Maiden

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, you can see Gallien-Krueger MB800 head at 2:33 in Steve's rack.

See how Duff McKagan uses Gallien-Krueger MB 800

Duff McKagan

Singer, Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Photo

Duff posted this photo on his Facebook, you can see 3 MB-800's are the bottom right.

See how Armistead Burwell Smith IV uses Gallien-Krueger MB 800

Armistead Burwell Smith IV

Bassist, Composer

Pinback

...
Verified via Gallien-Krueger

Listed in his profile on the Gallien Krueger website.

See how Jerry Dixon uses Gallien-Krueger MB 800

Jerry Dixon

Bassist

Warrant

...
Verified via Guitar World

"I’ve always been a GK [Gallien-Krueger] guy amp-wise and recently got the GK RB800 and their smaller model, the MB800, which is 800 watts of pure terror."

See how S A C H uses Gallien-Krueger MB 800

S A C H

Bassist

...
Verified via Gallien-Krueger

S A C H uses the Gallien Krueger MB 800 for its excellent performance at small and outdoor gigs, as detailed in the MB 800 Specs by Gallien-Krueger.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gallien-Krueger MB 800, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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