Gallien-Krueger BP 250 Half Stack: Good purchase?

SPAZ5446 · #1 01-23-2011, 07:24 AM

I came across an ad on craigslist for the now discontinued Gallien-Krueger BP 250 Half Stack, which features the BP250 head (125 watts) and the 115BPX speaker cab (15 inch, 200 watts). I have a couple of questions.

1. I've heard the tone on this can get growly, is that a fact? I'm trying to get a nice clean tone, but if it's only a tiny bit growly it's not much of a problem.

2. Would it be able to fill up an auditorium, aka my bands practice space, that's about 1/3 the size of a basketball court? (Rough estimate, probably a little smaller. Currently my 75 watt, 10 inch speaker combo amp was able to fill the room up, but I could do better.)

SPAZ5446 · #2 01-23-2011, 09:40 AM

Really? Not one thing to say about a GK?

RickenBoogie · #3 01-23-2011, 10:18 AM

Don't know about that particular amp, but as with ANY bass rig, it's the speaker that gets you the volume. So, a 1x15, no matter how many watts you have, will be the limiting factor here. It may be enough, may not. Usually, multiple speakers are advised, in this case, a 2nd 1x15.

ilovenofrets · #4 01-23-2011, 10:19 AM

Well, how much is it selling for? As I remember, MF and GC blew these out for around $250.00 new with the dustcovers for both head and cab. I've heard mixed reviews on the cabs, but I own an original BL250 BP head that I still sometimes use on smaller gigs. With my Avatar B210N, it sounds great. Yes, they can get growly(that's one of GK's hallmarks), but you can get a nice straight-up clean tone with it easily. I'd say if you're getting it for a good price, and it's all in full-functioning condition, go for it. Worst-case scenario, you'll end up putting a better driver in the cab and have a great moderate-powered rig. Hope this helps. Cheers!!!

ilovenofrets · #5 01-23-2011, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Don't know about that particular amp, but as with ANY bass rig, it's the speaker that gets you the volume. So, a 1x15, no matter how many watts you have, will be the limiting factor here. It may be enough, may not. Usually, multiple speakers are advised, in this case, a 2nd 1x15.

Unfortunately, you really can't run multiple cabs on this one. It's a single 8 ohm output. But RickenBoogie is correct. You may find the 15 a bit limiting. As I said, I used mine with the Avatar 2x10, and it sounds great. However, if you're used to just a 1x10 combo, more wattage on a good 1x15 WILL be an improvement.

christw · #6 01-23-2011, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPAZ5446

I came across an ad on craigslist for the now discontinued Gallien-Krueger BP 250 Half Stack, which features the BP250 head (125 watts) and the 115BPX speaker cab (15 inch, 200 watts). I have a couple of questions.

1. I've heard the tone on this can get growly, is that a fact? I'm trying to get a nice clean tone, but if it's only a tiny bit growly it's not much of a problem.

It's easy to get clean sounds out of GK gear.

Quote:

2. Would it be able to fill up an auditorium, aka my bands practice space, that's about 1/3 the size of a basketball court? (Rough estimate, probably a little smaller. Currently my 75 watt, 10 inch speaker combo amp was able to fill the room up, but I could do better.)

It'll do more than your current amp, that's for sure.