gig with MB200

[Malcolm]

Used the MB200 for gig last night and it performed well, was working in Edinburgh with American singer/songwriter Barbara Nesbitt,due to usual M8 traffic had virtually no time for rehearsal, so went with "Steve English " settings from bOb's forum. These sounded pretty good with stacks of volume available, didn't want to experiment too much during performance, but felt that given more time and in a band situation I could probably have found a better tone.Difficult to tell from stage, but I think it perhaps a slightly warmer tone could have been dialed in, will be able to tell on Sunday when Mr Gamble will be coming along, and I am assured of a truly independent opinion from him.Overall I am pretty pleased with it in both tone, volume, and weight, and recon it was money well spent.

[STEDDIE EDDIE]

good to hear your review Malcolm, keep us updated on how it performs, plus what cab you are using as well as fx, are you mic'ing through the PA etc,

[Malcolm]

Eddie, cabinet was built by Willie Gamble and myself to plans of Steve English on bOb's forum, basically 16 1/2 inches outside dimensions. It is fitted with a lightweight Sica 250 watt 4 ohm speaker I got from Hot Rox Nottingham, (they had to get this from Italian factory ( Jensen speakers) as they only stock 8 ohm ones at present, but if steel players wanted them they would bring them into stock.I am using Digitech RP150 effect , again started using Steve/Dick sexton setting, and am slowly getting round to tweaking them to my own preference.As I said, there is certainly plenty of power from this lightweight unit and I believe it matches up to my 112 tonewise.I and Willie were more than a little sceptical about how such a lightweight speaker would cope, but it does, and last night held up well against the lead guitar, with no break up or distortion.Micky Byrne, if you are reading this, it could well be the answer to your weight problem, it certainly is for mine.Eddie ,would probably expect to mic it at larger gigs , but for smaller or medium venues don't think you would have to.

[Malcolm]

Gave the MB it's second run tonight, and was extremely pleased with it.This time I had Willie Gamble out front and he told me that the tone,clarity of notes and volume were excellent. Our band did a half hour set then we backed Barbara Nesbitt from Austin Texas, and she is superb, I would suggest if you have not heard her you go on to her web site and listen.She is probably one of the best female singer/songwriters I have heard.I was more than pleased with the amp through the different range of material we played,"folky to country to rockier numbers, and have no hesitation recommending it as a viable contender for steel guitar.I am sure we are going to see lots more players using this set up in the near future.

[Malcolm]

Update on MB 200 performance- Used it last night in a large marquee and was very pleased with it.I did use the XLR out with just a slight touch through PA so lead player on other side of large stage could have it in his monitor.Again ran it about half max gain (set in twelve o'clock position) and had more than enough "wellie".Sound man said amp was sounding good and more than comparable with my 112, (which didn't have to come out of car), he was amazed at power, tone and clarity from such a small lightweight unit.A few gigs coming up this week , one with a particularly loud band, but have every confidence amp will cope.

[STEDDIE EDDIE]

all is sounding good then Malcolm, thanks for posting your personal reviews

[Donny Johnston]

Malcolm, where are your gigs this week, would like like to pop along and check out the new set up. Donny.

[Malcolm]

Donny, Townhead bowling club Kilmarnock Sunday Afternoon, and Silver Spur Linwood Sunday night.