Ampeg SVT-3 or GK1001Rb?

Post Mortal · #1 06-28-2011, 12:23 PM

Hey everyone, I currently own the SVT-3 pro. But I'm looking to upgrade and get the tone I'm trying to find most. I played a GK1001rb with a 410rbh cab and fell in love. It was the thrashy, metal sound I've been looking for. I was just wondering if it would be worth it to sell my rig now and get that. Is the 1001rb more powerful? I didn't have too much time on it, all I know is I loved the sound. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

-Doug

dereksilloway · #2 06-28-2011, 02:30 PM

If you dont think the SVT3 is doing for you what you want and you feel the GK will then why not go with the GK? I know if I found a setup that got the tone I wanted and my old rig didnt id make the change.

Then sell me the SVT3

Post Mortal · #3 06-28-2011, 03:15 PM

That's what Im planning to do, I just want to make sure I'm not down grading at all.

Haha shipping can be expensive with heads, where are you located?

derridiandrift · #4 06-28-2011, 03:52 PM

I own a 1001RBII and the only thing I can slight about it is that the pots need maintenance more regularly than any other amp I've owned. I have no idea why, but they get scratchy often. I owned an SVT4-Pro for a decade and the pots never got cleaned once. It was fine the whole time.

The 1001RBII is crazy loud. In fact, it's way more power than I'll put to use. I think the 3Pro has a more versatile EQ section, and the tube preamp has a great sound. If you lived near me I'd do a straight trade with you for your 3Pro because in my mind they are pretty much equivalent amps in terms of value, but they each have a different character.

audiomitch · #5 06-28-2011, 04:37 PM

The GK is a lot louder than the Ampeg. I prefer the Ampeg tone, but the 1001RB is a monster for sheer volume.

Post Mortal · #6 06-28-2011, 05:54 PM

So it sounds like a good deal if I swap off then. I just don't want to be disappointed in the long run. I want the power, and the thrashy tone and it seems like it has it.

Before I make a decision I would like to play a Peavey bass amp, anyone have any experience with them?

dhsierra1 · #7 06-28-2011, 06:01 PM

Peavey's are well built, heavy, and a good deal.

They have a different tonal character than the GKs in general, though (I have several of both makes).

If you like the GK grind, go for it, they're well built, too. Just a matter of what you like to hear.

TBird1958 · #8 06-28-2011, 06:13 PM

I've used a RB1001 II paired with 2 4x10 SBX cabs for about 5 years now, the real issue I've had with it has been that it wants a 20amp curcuit -some older buildings with crappy wiring etc. can make that a problem. I read the comment about the pots getting dirty with interest, I haven't had that happen tho. It is beyond loud! - I don't think you'll be downgrading.

cbass1 · #9 06-28-2011, 06:17 PM

I have also used a 1001rbII and two SBX+ 410s. My only complaint, is when I do get the chance to have my rig at home, I can barely crank it, the problem with that is that the head needs you to crank before it really begins to blossom. On stage it is a stone cold killer bass rig !!

hyp.spec · #10 06-28-2011, 08:43 PM

I play a GK 700rb-II w/ an Ampeg 810 in a loud as **** metal band and hardly have to to turn past 10 o'clock to overpower pretty much everything

... and thats only 480 watts....

Post Mortal · #11 06-29-2011, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hyp.spec

I play a GK 700rb-II w/ an Ampeg 810 in a loud as **** metal band and hardly have to to turn past 10 o'clock to overpower pretty much everything

... and thats only 480 watts....

Haha nice, and you like that head for metal? What type of metal do you play?

bassgod0dmw · #12 06-29-2011, 12:30 PM

IMO you would be upgrading considerably. I like Ampeg gear, but not the 3 pro for some reason. I've just read too many bad things about it.

CrackBass · #13 06-29-2011, 12:35 PM

The GK will absolutely destroy the 3pro volume-wise. Tone-wise? That's subjective. Personally, I like the GK much better, but some prefer the Ampeg.

Post Mortal · #14 06-29-2011, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

IMO you would be upgrading considerably. I like Ampeg gear, but not the 3 pro for some reason. I've just read too many bad things about it.

Yeah, it did great for me for what I used it for. (School talent shows/little outside gigs at house and stuff like that) and now I just need an upgrade and I was making sure this would be a good choice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrackBass

The GK will absolutely destroy the 3pro volume-wise. Tone-wise? That's subjective. Personally, I like the GK much better, but some prefer the Ampeg.

I love the GK tone, the only the that has me questionable is the 9 band EQ on the 3pro. I could get a lot of tones from that and I don't want to miss that on the GK.

bassgod0dmw · #15 06-29-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Post Mortal

I love the GK tone, the only the that has me questionable is the 9 band EQ on the 3pro. I could get a lot of tones from that and I don't want to miss that on the GK.

I don't think you will miss it at all. The GK has got plenty of tweakability between the lo & hi mids, the contour, and presence, etc. They really make a great product.

I'm looking to add an 800RB to my amp stable in addition to my 2001RB

Post Mortal · #16 06-29-2011, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

I don't think you will miss it at all. The GK has got plenty of tweakability between the lo & hi mids, the contour, and presence, etc. They really make a great product.

I'm looking to add an 800RB to my amp stable in addition to my 2001RB

Just got done playing it again at guitar center, man I love the tone and the power. had it on maybe 2 and a half and I was bumping the place. And yeah I noticed the tweaks on it. How could you possibly need all that power? O.O

dhsierra1 · #17 06-29-2011, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Post Mortal

Just got done playing it again at guitar center, man I love the tone and the power. had it on maybe 2 and a half and I was bumping the place. And yeah I noticed the tweaks on it. How could you possibly need all that power? O.O

you might want to check out the 700RB as well, lower power but you can get the GK growl easier at lower volumes. Can't lose w/either amp, though.

TheNightLife · #18 06-29-2011, 05:19 PM

I would also check out the ampeg svt7pro. Its a great head and way powerful.

derridiandrift · #19 06-29-2011, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhsierra1

you might want to check out the 700RB as well, lower power but you can get the GK growl easier at lower volumes. Can't lose w/either amp, though.

This is good advice... the 700rbII might be all the power you ever need.

Hopkins · #20 06-29-2011, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhsierra1

you might want to check out the 700RB as well, lower power but you can get the GK growl easier at lower volumes. Can't lose w/either amp, though.

+1 with enough speakers you will more than enough volume, and that GK tone is absolutely killer