800rb fried....now what? 3 weeks until tour!

JoshuaTSP · #1 02-13-2011, 03:01 PM

Last night my 800RB fried at a show. looks like a few resistors and a diode. (not sure if I should fix it or sell it?)

Got 2 gigs this weekend, and going on tour next month.

I should be able to use my Ampeg V4-B Classic this coming weekend, they have a nice PA. DI.

....but I do not think it's loud enough (with enough headroom) for crappy PA gigs.

I guess I'm asking......what's good these days?

I was looking at the Ampeg SVTII(or pro), SVT Classic, SUNN 1200S.......Mesa 400?

All I know is that I need something quick.

I like the 800RB overall.....but not sure I want another?

drewdunkin · #2 02-13-2011, 03:15 PM

I think you might like the gk 1001rb ii; I have one, and its a fantastic head. Its voiced fairly similiar to the 800rb ,but with added headroom
soo it Should get plenty loud. U can find em pretty cheap too.. I got mine for just about 200$

JimmyM · #3 02-13-2011, 03:18 PM

well you know what i'd get, but don't sell your v4b short, bro. i used to be able to raise a pretty good ruckus with one into an 810.

JoshuaTSP · #4 02-13-2011, 03:37 PM

The vintage V4B or the V4BH?

I have the V4BH (aka classic) and have used it at rehearsal.....it's pretty loud....don't get me wrong.....but it runs out of power quickly. The low end can get kind of sloppy. IMO.

I'm running into a 2x15 with kappalites.

I'll really have to crank up the V4BH at rehearsal Tuesday and see how it handles it.

Maybe I should try master full blast and adjust the gain to taste??

Govier966 · #5 02-13-2011, 03:41 PM

i would go for a 700rb or 1001 rb

JimmyM · #6 02-13-2011, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshuaTSP

The vintage V4B or the V4BH?

I have the V4BH (aka classic) and have used it at rehearsal.....it's pretty loud....don't get me wrong.....but it runs out of power quickly. The low end can get kind of sloppy. IMO.

I'm running into a 2x15 with kappalites.

I'll really have to crank up the V4BH at rehearsal Tuesday and see how it handles it.

Maybe I should try master full blast and adjust the gain to taste??

mine was a 73. but now that i know you're running a 215, maybe you should snag something with more power.

JoshuaTSP · #7 02-13-2011, 03:51 PM

any reliability issues with those?

The SUNN 1200S is becoming a more feasible possibility.

JoshuaTSP · #8 02-13-2011, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

mine was a 73. but now that i know you're running a 215, maybe you should snag something with more power.

Those old ones have a little more wattage with the 7027s....I think? not much in volume....but a little more headroom.

Plus they're much more mid-focused.

I think the V4BH is more like their modern solid state amps.....just with tubes.
It sounds really good.....and would work for most people.....except I'm playing in a loud stoner rock type band.

lkngro · #9 02-13-2011, 04:19 PM

Ampeg Pro7? I mean...that has 1000 watts, so I don't think you'll have any shortage of volume.

christw · #10 02-13-2011, 04:22 PM

SVT-II running all out. They're quite close in spec to vintage SVT's, second only to the VR.

AdamR · #11 02-13-2011, 04:30 PM

another 800 or a 700. Im also very happy with my ashdown

rpsands · #12 02-13-2011, 05:10 PM

Buy an MB500 with a coupon.

JoshuaTSP · #13 02-13-2011, 06:25 PM

mb500 with a coupon?

musocat · #14 02-13-2011, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshuaTSP

Last night my 800RB fried at a show. looks like a few resistors and a diode. (not sure if I should fix it or sell it?)

Got 2 gigs this weekend, and going on tour next month.

I should be able to use my Ampeg V4-B Classic this coming weekend, they have a nice PA. DI.

....but I do not think it's loud enough (with enough headroom) for crappy PA gigs.

I guess I'm asking......what's good these days?

I was looking at the Ampeg SVTII(or pro), SVT Classic, SUNN 1200S.......Mesa 400?

All I know is that I need something quick.

I like the 800RB overall.....but not sure I want another?

You croaked an 800rb? You are more man than I! :-)

With 3 weeks, you could easily have it repaired, if there is a decent amp shop in your area. Everybody should know that amp, kinda like every watchmaker knows knows how to work on Rolex.

Your V4 should get you through the weekend.

As for the SVTs, I'd go with the Classic over the II. But that's just my dislike of graphic eq on bass amps talking. SVTs, like 800rbs, are good to have on the road since every amp guy worth anything knows how to work on them. The Mesa 400 might be good in that regard, as well.

All the amps you mentioned sound damn good - it's a matter of whether they get the sound you like.

jastacey · #15 02-13-2011, 06:54 PM

The Sunn 1200s did have some heat issues, make sure it has the latest updates, the Bassman 1200 is the last of that run of those amps, and has the upgrades ..... it has tone for days and is pretty loud, with my Berg NV 425 & NV 610 ... if you like the Fender tone, look into the Fender TB 600/1200 amps

lbwdog · #16 02-13-2011, 06:57 PM

If you liked your G-K sound, i'd say go for a 700RB II. Plenty of power, and a little more versatile tonally than the 800RB. If your 800 was powerful enough for you, I don't see the need for a 1001RB. You might not be able to drive it hard enough to get the Grind. The 700RB has 475 w. as opposed to 300 w. for the 800RB.

I own both and have been a happy camper for 23 years!

4Mal · #17 02-13-2011, 08:17 PM

3 weeks to tour. Me? I would buy another 800 and slate an amp review for when my tour was finished. Not sure about your tour but I never wanted any more variables to juggle prior to heading out on the road.

JoshuaTSP · #18 02-13-2011, 09:16 PM

I like two things about he GK sound......the boost control and the low end drop off.

I wouldn't mind something else.

My cab is 900w........so that's what I have to work with.

My tone isn't 100% GK either, I run a lot of overdrive.
I'm a little weird about getting a tube amp....since it's reliability wouldn't be tested........

JoshuaTSP · #19 02-13-2011, 09:51 PM

There are a lot of cool amps out there....like the GBE1200, Shuttle, Markbass.....etc.....

I'm just afraid those aren't very good for a base to overdrive or fuzz?

not much out there otherwise.

rpsands · #20 02-13-2011, 09:58 PM

Get a GK MB500 - it rocks with fuzz and all kinds of distortion. And is super cheap, and as loud as an 800RB in 1/4th the weight and size.

* Also, by coupon I meant get a coupon and get it from an online dealer. You can get 10% off at least from Rmc and usually 15-20 from the other places. I paid 440 for mine with a +2 year warranty.