MB200 vs Session 400 Limited driving 15" Black Widow

Dan Fullmer · Post by **Dan Fullmer** » 26 Aug 2014 11:23 am

Can anyone make a comparison of a MB200 vs Session 400 Limited head driving a 15" Black Widow? I've pulled my black widow and installed into one of Tommy Huff's cabinets. Now, wondering if I should use the Session 400 head, which I like real well (still somewhat heavy), or get something super light? I don't own an MB200 and I'm wondering if it's worth the reduction in weight.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 26 Aug 2014 12:25 pm

I've not run the MB, but I cannot imagine it sounding better than either the best or second best steel amp Peavey made (depending on whose ears)

David Nugent · Post by **David Nugent** » 26 Aug 2014 1:45 pm

Currently using an 'MB 200' through a cab loaded with a 1501 BW speaker (neo magnet) for some jobs and while it will not outperform my "Fox' or my 'Milkman', it still sounds very good. Plus, the unit weighs slightly over 2 pounds versus the Peavey's 40 or so pounds and factoring in the extreme portability,it's well worth considering.

Len Amaral · Post by **Len Amaral** » 26 Aug 2014 1:58 pm

Like David said, The MB-200 is nice amp to add to your gear selection. I use mine with a 12 Peavey 1201-4 neo and performs well. However, if could carry my Fox vintage amp or my Sarno rack with two speakers I would.

Chuck Snider · Post by **Chuck Snider** » 26 Aug 2014 7:50 pm

I'm using a MB-200, with a EH Holy Grail Nano reverb,and a speaker cab with a Black Widow 1502-4 speaker. Very happy with it so far. I recently replaced a Boss RV5 reverb unit which had a problem with the Holy Grail Nano, and it made a big difference. Before this configuration I was using one of either a NV400, NV112, or Vibrosonic. In a gig environment, this is much better, and MUCH lighter. I don't feel like I've lost any tone. In a studio environment I might use something different, but maybe not. I like how it is sounding now.

-Chuck

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 27 Aug 2014 4:26 am

I don't have a Session 400 so I can't compare. I'm currently using an MB200 and a 15" Eminence EPS-15C speaker combo.

I've got some clips of the MB200 using a Nashville 112 and the MB200 on my web site of the Eminence speaker (which was designed to be a direct replacement for the Peavey 1501-4 BW Speaker). The Eminence was new and not broke in when I made the clips.

http://www.gulfcoaststeelguitar.com/sptest.htm

Dan Fullmer · Post by **Dan Fullmer** » 27 Aug 2014 7:30 am

Since I don't have an MB200 I thought I'd try playing steel through my SWR 350X bass amp driving the 15" BW. The 350X has Bass, Treble and a sweepable Mid. Tried many settings and it sounded very nice indeed. Then plugged the BW into the head of my Session 400. Oh man what a difference. I don't know how to describe it other than smooth and sweet, no harsh highs, clear and clean bottom. I think it's worth the weight. Thank you all for your comments. I'd still like to try an MB200 though.

Justin Griffith · Post by **Justin Griffith** » 27 Aug 2014 1:03 pm

I think he has a Session 400 LIMITED. Those sound nothing like a real Session 400. Just wondering if you guys noticed that.

Dan Fullmer · Post by **Dan Fullmer** » 27 Aug 2014 1:19 pm

Justin, thanks for pointing that out.

I put the Lemay mod in a few years back and it made quite a difference in getting rid of the midrange "honk". Still, I wish I had one of the older Session 400s. This Limited was my first steel amp, about 20 years ago, and I didn't really know what I was getting at the time. The sales guy said that this amp is what all the steel players are using these days. I guess he didn't know the difference either. Oh well. It's been a good amp, I just can't handle the weight any more.

Dan Fullmer · Post by **Dan Fullmer** » 27 Aug 2014 1:23 pm

Now that I know it's NOT the coveted Session 400, I don't feel too bad about chopping it in half.

Dan Fullmer · Post by **Dan Fullmer** » 27 Aug 2014 1:32 pm

One more thing.

I had Tommy Huff make me a cabinet for the speaker. He does such nice work. You've all seen pictures so I won't post another. Just let me say it's beautiful.

Dan Fullmer · Post by **Dan Fullmer** » 28 Aug 2014 9:02 am

I'm joining the MB200 club.

Allen Peterson · Post by **Allen Peterson** » 28 Aug 2014 10:25 am

This is the cabinet I built to use with my MB200. 16"X16"X9". It has a 12" Blue Marvel speaker. It weighs 15 pounds. Sounds great.

Allen Peterson

Allen Peterson · Post by **Allen Peterson** » 28 Aug 2014 10:34 am

Here's a back view.

Allen Peterson

Steve English · Post by **Steve English** » 28 Aug 2014 11:28 am

Nice work Allen

James Yoder · Post by **James Yoder** » 28 Aug 2014 2:17 pm

I just built this. I love it.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 28 Aug 2014 4:33 pm

This is my speaker cabinet for the EPS-15C. It is the same dimensions as a Nashville 112 except 1" taller to accommodate 15" speaker.

Ray Uhl · Post by **Ray Uhl** » 28 Aug 2014 9:33 pm

I have a MB500, using my Vegas 400 speaker. I use an Alesis Midiverb and completely satisfied with the sound. I leave the amp at the show and just hook up the MB and Alesis to the speaker. I also have the old blackface Sessions 400 Limited. Both amps have the older BW1501-4 speakers. I recently purchased the EPS 15in neo speaker for the MB, but put it in my Nashville 400 with Lemay mod. Good sounding also.

Justin Griffith · Post by **Justin Griffith** » 30 Aug 2014 11:36 am

Dan Fullmer wrote:Now that I know it's NOT the coveted Session 400, I don't feel too bad about chopping it in half.

Dan,
I happened re-read my post while catching up on this thread. After reading, it sure does look like I was bashing your Session 400 Limited amp.
Please be assured that was not my intention at all. I was just pointing out that the "limited" is much different in timbre than the original model.

My personal opinion of any amp other than the ones at hand are not relevant to this post.

I'm sorry if I offended you or anyone. I didn't intend that.

Best,
Justin

Dan Fullmer · Post by **Dan Fullmer** » 30 Aug 2014 1:57 pm

Justin, No offense taken.

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