Which Amp should I pick?

HiltonHeadEd · #1 04-26-2011, 12:58 PM

I "THINK" I want the GK 410RBH as my cabinet.

My choices on amps have been narrowed down to:

1. ORANGE BT500H

2. Little Mark Tube 800

3. GK Fusion 550

4. GK 1001RB-II (I know it does not have tubes)

I like a phat jazz tone and a cispy punch with great growl..... Clear as mud for you?

I am open to different heads and cabs but this is what I came up with. (not being able to listen to any of them, I live in no mans land)

**cheezewiz** · #2 04-26-2011, 01:15 PM

All good amps. It depends what kind of "phat" tone you're looking for.

jeff7bass · #3 04-26-2011, 01:22 PM

Consider this new Kustom head. 300watts with pre-amp tube. Cool retro look and price just dropped 100 bucks at Amazon.com (299.00).

Amazon.com: Kustom Deep End DE300HD 300w Bass Amplifier Head: Musical Instruments

I’m gassing for one myself.

jeff7bass · #4 04-26-2011, 01:29 PM

Damn that 1-click shopping!
Free shipping pushed me over the edge!

dukeisdog · #5 04-26-2011, 02:51 PM

I would advise you to stay away from the orange if you need a clean tone. These things get pretty dirty at high volumes from what I hear.

HiltonHeadEd · #6 04-26-2011, 08:53 PM

thanks.... Im thinking the fusion....

dukeisdog · #7 04-26-2011, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiltonHeadEd

thanks.... Im thinking the fusion....

I've heard lots of great things about the fusion. Also the 1001rb. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the amps. Check them all out if you can, and watch as many YouTube demos on the amps as you can. Hopefully you can find something that you love!

Bump for more opinions.

Rick Auricchio · #8 04-27-2011, 10:43 AM

Beef, Pork, Chicken, and Fish. They're all different foods, and your amp choices are about as different. How can any of us decide what your ears will like?

Since you don't even mention your speaker cabinets---which have a big influence on tone---it's even more ridiculous offering ideas.

Calaverasgrande · #9 04-27-2011, 10:51 AM

The only thing abuot GK amps (and I hope someone from GK reads this) is that the durability of the knobs and buttons has declined over the years. I was actually thinking of picking up a new GK last year for use as a backup amp and to pipe synths through when I am playing bass and synth. I went into a store, plugged in a stingray and pressed the mid-scoop button to disengage it. It flew off. I have since seen this happen multiple times on the newer 400RB, 700RB etc. A fella I was sharing a practice space with only had one of the original buttons still intact.

brndn123 · #10 04-27-2011, 10:56 AM

FWIW I run a GK-1001RBII w/ a 410RBH (when I'm not running my Avatar 2x12

) The rig is HUGE. For some of the smaller gigs, I don't even need PA support. I think the Fusion would be definitely something to check out, but the motorized knobs worry me a bit. Also I don't think I would really find the second channel that useful for my situation...but the tubes do cause a bit of envy. Opinion: You can't go wrong with either mentioned in your list, I recommend going to GC and trying out as much gear as you can. The 1001rb and matching cab are a hard match to beat in the solid-state biz, but if you're into warmth, heavy tube heads, and occasional maintenence...tube ALL THE WAY

brndn123 · #11 04-27-2011, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calaverasgrande

The only thing abuot GK amps (and I hope someone from GK reads this) is that the durability of the knobs and buttons has declined over the years. I was actually thinking of picking up a new GK last year for use as a backup amp and to pipe synths through when I am playing bass and synth. I went into a store, plugged in a stingray and pressed the mid-scoop button to disengage it. It flew off. I have since seen this happen multiple times on the newer 400RB, 700RB etc. A fella I was sharing a practice space with only had one of the original buttons still intact.

This is kind of like the whole squier debate, very subjective. Its really a matter of QC continuity. I've dropped my 1001 knob-first 3 feet on to concrete and was left with a few scuff marks.

HiltonHeadEd · #12 04-30-2011, 08:56 AM

Thanks everyone, I love reading your opinions.

Rick, you're a donkey. The first sentence stated was about the cabinet. AND, Never once did I mention food.

Now I am on diff cabs and amps. I just posted and asked for a comparison on a differ thread.

Rick Auricchio · #13 04-30-2011, 08:16 PM

You're right. I missed that you were thinking about the GK 410RBH.

Nonetheless, those four amps are quite different from each other.

And you did say you were open to different cab choices, which kinda opens the field to everything out there, doesn't it?

joeydavidson · #14 04-30-2011, 09:32 PM

There all worthwhile amps to consider.

Through DI recording and careful EQing I can get my Orange BT and GK 1001rbII to sound almost identical, (which kinda refutes the idea that some people have of that GK sounding sterile) both sound good with a Jazz bass too.

bluewine · #15 04-30-2011, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheezewiz

All good amps. It depends what kind of "phat" tone you're looking for.

No, it depends on what kind of player he is.

I don't know where you younger generation players think tone comes from an amp or a particular bass. If you can play you can get the tone you want out of any pro level amp.

JimmyM · #16 05-01-2011, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluewine

No, it depends on what kind of player he is.

I don't know where you younger generation players think tone comes from an amp or a particular bass. If you can play you can get the tone you want out of any pro level amp.

agreed. if i can't get a good tone, i blame me, not the amp. doesn't mean i'll always like it, but i can find a workable tone out of any amp you hand me as long as it's got enough power to cover the gig.