British Amp Through American Power?

[AndyBob09]

I'm going to the States soon for a long work contract. I plan on taking a lightweight head with me (GK MB500).

I know NOTHING about electricity which I know is pretty dangerous. I do know that our electricity is a bit different to that in the States.

I guess what I want to know is, is it safe to take my MB500 and plug it straight in to an American socket with my British kettle lead with an adapter on the end? Would it work just as well to grab an American kettle lead?

Also, pedals and pedal adapters. Once again, can I just buy an American pedal cable to power my pedals?

Cheers in advance!

[JapanAxe]

Don't bother taking it. There is a US version marked 100-110V, and another version marked with 220-240V (or similar). Yours will not work on US mains.

[Billy Apple]

Why don't you email GK? There maybe a mod a tech could do.

[dadofsix]

IMHO the puff of smoke you'll see is what'll be coming from the back of your amp after you plug it in and turn it on anywhere here in the states.

Just rent something here to play that runs on US voltages.

[Mykesbass]

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1431977982' post='2776943']
Why don't you email GK? There maybe a mod a tech could do.
[/quote]

You would have thought so, but I just had a quick look on-line at the manual and it is very specific about there being different units for the different voltages. So looks like a no go.

[stevie]

Search Google for :[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif] [size=4]"GK MB500 (MB2-500) Supply Voltage Change"[/size][/font][/size] and you'll get the information you need. Please use a tech if in any doubt, but it does look like it's doable (although old man Krueger jumps into the Talkbass thread and is obviously not happy).

[Edit] - and there's a Basschat thread too. Here: http://basschat.co.uk/topic/31330-gk-mb2-500/page__st__20

Edited May 18, 2015 by stevie

[leschirons]

Maybe see if you can borrow (or buy) a GB Shuttle 3.0 or 6.0. They have self configuring power supply. Just plug them in anywhere and it'll work.

[AndyBob09]

Wow. I think I'll just leave it. Bloody power. I'll blame the Yanks! I was genuinely just gonna go with my amp and an adapter and hope for the best (lol)! There may be an option of a European 220V socket where I'm at, so I'll look in to that. If not, I'll just leave it. It seems like a shedload of hassle. To be honest, I was hoping to take it just so I had a decent little headphone amp to practice through. I'll have a main gigging amp out there which is a big affair and not too portable and not too practiceable with but I'll sort something out.

Thanks for the help though guys. I'm glad I asked!

[yorks5stringer]

You do know they drive on the right hand side of the road over there?

[dadofsix]

Seems right to me! lol

[uncle psychosis]

If you're there for a while buy something (probably second hand) and then sell it when you leave. Most gear is a lot cheaper in the US than it is in Europe.

[theyellowcar]

[quote name='AndyBob09' timestamp='1431986656' post='2777098']
I was hoping to take it just so I had a decent little headphone amp to practice through.
[/quote]

Take a look at the new iRig from IK - they have versions for Apple and Android devices these days so they work with most smartphones or tablets.

Otherwise I think Vox just updated the Amplug with some new features which looked quite cool.

[leschirons]

Alternatively, you could pick up an old Zoom 50whatever or a B3 for about £25 (takes AA bats) and just plug your lead and phones into that. Silent practice and the benefit of effects.