describe the GK sound vs. Mesa sound

[j_nition]

Just looking for some insight in to how you guys would describe the basic characteristics of these amps and how they differ from each other.

[mrkreuzschlitz]

Mesa's, IME, are MUCH darker sounding than the GK's, with a heavier midrange. I personally prefer Mesa, but both sound awesome.

[Crabby]

There is more then one Mesa sound but there are similarities between the various models. The MPulse line has a common thread of being fat and tubey sounding with a lot of complex midrange. The Walkabout sounds like a warm tube amp even though it is a hybrid. These amps all have tons of torque and all seem more powerful then their conservative power ratings.

The Carbine series is much more modern sounding and are a lot brighter. They have gobs and gobs of power, are very quick and punchy but still have a very sweet tube pre amp stage. I don't think you need a compressor with the any of the Mesa amps as the tube input adds mild compression when pushed and the input gain knob actually controls the input level going to the tube. This is not the case with the Eden and SWR tube pre amps where the gain control comes after the tube stage.

The GK sound is more sterile but not in a negative way. The GK tone is very fast and articulate with tons of crisp high end and a unique take on "growl" with their Boost circuit.

I have owned the Big Block750 and the 800RB and currently own an M9 Carbine, Walkabout and a new GK MB-500. I love them all for what they have to offer.

[James Simonson]

Well stated Crabby. I agree %100. I'll take the Mesa if I had to choose simply because I feel the Mesa has a bit more "character" or "vibe". My Mesa Walkabout, as a stand alone head, is the best in terms of power, tube tone, and weight. I find it to hit so incredibly well on so many levels. Is amazing with an 8x10.

GK is, without a doubt, a very reliable choice.

[Jim C]

I have no personal experience but have recently read a huge number of threads regarding Mesa's. From what I can tell the experts say:
* Walkabout is a forum favorite; very few if any threads that offer anything but high praise
* M-Pulse does not sound like a 600 watt version of the Walkabout and that some have been disappointed that it was not as tubelicious
* MB500 may sound closer than older GK designs and the Fusion is the closest

Will be interested to hear what Vic, Chef, & Tom Bowlus say about this thread as I believe they both have extensive experiences with the above

[greenboy]

Originally Posted by Jim C

{...}
* Walkabout is a forum favorite; very few if any threads that offer anything but high praise
{...}

I know a few tbers who aren't especially fond of them, but wouldn't wish to be shouted down. I myself think they are another horse for another course, and a pretty cool execution of a certain concept, but I couldn't live there.

[johnk_10]

Originally Posted by greenboy

I know a few tbers who aren't especially fond of them, but wouldn't wish to be shouted down. I myself think they are another horse for another course, and a pretty cool execution of a certain concept, but I couldn't live there.

+1.
i never played thru a Mesa that i would buy or use either.

[rayzak]

I have a Mesa Titan V-12 and a GK 700RBII. I love 'em both. The Mesa, like has been mentioned is more mid-oriented, not as "glassy" or "clean" as the GK.... much more tube-like. The GK is cleaner but with its signature growl. If I had to choose, i'd probably stick with the Mesa, but I think GK is the best deal going out there for the price.

[pfschim]

Originally Posted by greenboy

I know a few tbers who aren't especially fond of them, but wouldn't wish to be shouted down. I myself think they are another horse for another course, and a pretty cool execution of a certain concept, but I couldn't live there.

huh?, I have not seen anyone "shouted down" by any of the Walkabout supporters hereabouts. In fact the mighty 3 segment Walkabout MegaThread has been one of the most civil "fan" threads on TB IME/IMO. Much better tempered than the B15 thread in any event

Even as a very happy Walkabout owner, I would agree with your other statement; it's just another piece of gear, however well made, for us bassplayers to choose from. It's very cool to have so much great gear to choose from.


enjoy!

[georgestrings]

Originally Posted by rayzak

I have a Mesa Titan V-12 and a GK 700RBII. I love 'em both. The Mesa, like has been mentioned is more mid-oriented, not as "glassy" or "clean" as the GK.... much more tube-like. The GK is cleaner but with its signature growl. If I had to choose, i'd probably stick with the Mesa, but I think GK is the best deal going out there for the price.

This states things very well from my POV, too - only I currently own an M-pulse 600, and before that had a Big Block 750 - and have owned a pair of 700rb-IIs and kept one of them...


- georgestrings

[lomo]

IMHO neither company has "a" sound. The Walkabout alone can produce a wide array of tones and so can the GK gear.

[j_nition]

thanks guys,

sounds like I cant go wrong on sound quality with either but the GK stuff is easier on the wallet.

[ljazz]

Originally Posted by j_nition

thanks guys,

sounds like I cant go wrong on sound quality with either but the GK stuff is easier on the wallet.

The GK stuff is the best value out there..... hands down. And when I say value, I'm talking tone to price ratio..... killer stuff.

[kosmicwizard]

I own both a G-K 1001RBII and a MESA/Boogie BASS 400, they are both very good quality. I find that if something goes wrong with MESA stuff they bring it back and fix it, G-K eliminates the line and adds a number to it (the G-K 2000RB is a perfect example) ... I like my G-K, but I love the 400! I would be okay if the 1001RBII was stolen, I could replace it with a few different heads and feel alright about it. If someone stole my Bass 400, I would cry and be depressed until I got another, nothing else compares to this head in my mind, it is THE bass tone that I have been trying to find. For big powered all tube heads I have tried Ampeg SVT-CL and VR, as well as the Ampeg 2 PRO, and I didn't like them as much as the 400. And while both of these companies have their followers and distinctive characteristics each to their own, no matter how hard they try G-K can't sound like MESA.

Cheers.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Crabby

There is more then one Mesa sound but there are similarities between the various models. The MPulse line has a common thread of being fat and tubey sounding with a lot of complex midrange. The Walkabout sounds like a warm tube amp even though it is a hybrid. These amps all have tons of torque and all seem more powerful then their conservative power ratings.

The Carbine series is much more modern sounding and are a lot brighter. They have gobs and gobs of power, are very quick and punchy but still have a very sweet tube pre amp stage. I don't think you need a compressor with the any of the Mesa amps as the tube input adds mild compression when pushed and the input gain knob actually controls the input level going to the tube. This is not the case with the Eden and SWR tube pre amps where the gain control comes after the tube stage.

The GK sound is more sterile but not in a negative way. The GK tone is very fast and articulate with tons of crisp high end and a unique take on "growl" with their Boost circuit.

I have owned the Big Block750 and the 800RB and currently own an M9 Carbine, Walkabout and a new GK MB-500. I love them all for what they have to offer.

+1 This exactly matches my experience with all these heads. I guess I would only add that the older GK designs deliver that 'classic GK' tone (tight low end, grindy upper mids... massive punch, not a lot of deep low end), while the newer models are wider and more even, but still with that unique 'GK solid state grind'.

[bolophonic]

I recently switched to a GK 700RB-II and it is giving me the clearest, richest sound I have ever gotten out of my bass. Never messed with Mesa, though.

[datsaxguy]

Originally Posted by bolophonic

I recently switched to a GK 700RB-II and it is giving me the clearest, richest sound I have ever gotten out of my bass. Never messed with Mesa, though.

+1 on the 700rb II on my 5 string jazz bass. Beautiful and versatile.

[iamdenialNJ]

I love my 80s 400rb. Best $100 I ever spent.

[Frankie Fender]

I think they both make great sounding products, either one will work. The GK is especially the best bang for the buck.

[Bearwolf]

I've been doing a little searching on the new gk fusions heads but still having a little difficulty in deciding which would be better for the mostly 80's hard rock/metal. The heads in question are the 700rb-II and fusion 500/550. I currently have the gk mb115 but am wanting to take it up a little more power wise and whichever heads would provide a little tighter and deeper lows. My mb115 is a little more mid sounding than deep clear and tight lows with my current bass.