Gallien Krueger doubt

Bilboom · #1 11-26-2011, 09:22 AM

Okay, after buying my first amp with help of the TBcommunity, im now planning on buying a new amp, this time a head, to later on, buy a cab, so i been thinkong about two models, the Gallien Krueger Fusion 550, or the Rb1001 can you tell me which one would you choose and why, and pros and cons of them please? Thank you once again TBcommunity

**robthebassplaye** · #2 11-26-2011, 09:32 AM

For me, I'm always worried about reliablity, and the fact that there is a tube in it scares me a little bit. Id be more comfortable with their non tube heads, like the MB500 (I own one, and I love it !!!).

But, I like clean, and not everyone does, so up to you. But, I have to say I love GK stuff.

I also have a MB212 combo, plus a lot of custom gear (see my builds at Ultra Light Weight Bass Cabinet )

Rob

slap5string · #3 11-26-2011, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilboom

Okay, after buying my first amp with help of the TBcommunity, im now planning on buying a new amp, this time a head, to later on, buy a cab, so i been thinkong about two models, the Gallien Krueger Fusion 550, or the Rb1001 can you tell me which one would you choose and why, and pros and cons of them please? Thank you once again TBcommunity

Depending on how loud you plan to be or what the size of the venues you play in - i would go with the 700rbII. That growly GK sound comes from pushing the power stage in the amp. The 1001rb may be too loud to effectively "push" its gain stage. Im using a 700rbII thru a Mesa PH610 and its plenty loud and plenty growly!

Joe Louvar · #4 11-26-2011, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilboom

Okay, after buying my first amp with help of the TBcommunity, im now planning on buying a new amp, this time a head, to later on, buy a cab, so i been thinkong about two models, the Gallien Krueger Fusion 550, or the Rb1001 can you tell me which one would you choose and why, and pros and cons of them please? Thank you once again TBcommunity

Size, design, weight, price, etc, but both are good - go to your local music store, try them out and buy the one you like the best.

TripleDouble · #5 11-26-2011, 11:37 AM

The non-micro GK stuff is rugged as heck. Can't personally speak for the class Ds.

**B-string** · #6 11-26-2011, 01:44 PM

That is a tough choice! I would say also to play both and try the 700RB II with them. I almost bought the 700RB II when a killer deal came up on the Fusion 550. I've owned many all tube amps in my time so I liked the idea of the tube front end in the Fusion 550. I also wanted to see how RAG did with some dual triodes in the preamp. I have not been disappointed in any way. I get a tickle every time another bassist uses my amp, they always turn around, look at the amp with this cheshire cat look.

NicJimBass · #7 11-26-2011, 01:47 PM

I've played all (1001RB-II, 700RB-II and Fusion 550), and currently use the 1001. Why? Clean headroom, which is what I've been into these days. If you want your sound a bit "dirtier" the 700 is the way to go... if you want your sound a bit "blurrier" and "rounder", go with the Fusion.

Milk_Steak · #8 11-26-2011, 01:47 PM

ive got a 1001rb im trying to sell, I havent listed an ad on here yet but you should let me know if your interested

aproud1 · #9 11-26-2011, 01:51 PM

I'd go 700 or 1001. The fusion550 is cool but is bigger and has motorized knobs which I try to avoid if I can. Never played it though so I can't comment on sound. I really like the 700 and 1001.The 700 would likely be plenty for you but the 1001 just seems to have limitless power. Really an unbelievable head for the price.

**B-string** · #10 11-26-2011, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicJimBass

I've played all (1001RB-II, 700RB-II and Fusion 550), and currently use the 1001. Why? Clean headroom, which is what I've been into these days. If you want your sound a bit "dirtier" the 700 is the way to go... if you want your sound a bit "blurrier" and "rounder", go with the Fusion.

Not the Fusion 550 I have, every note I play gets heard out front for the first time with any amp head.

NicJimBass · #11 11-26-2011, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-string

Not the Fusion 550 I have, every note I play gets heard out front for the first time with any amp head.

Same with the one I had, I was trying to use a descriptor for the tube pre on that one... I think "rounder" was much more accurate.

Pilgrim · #12 11-26-2011, 02:04 PM

Longevity of tubes is a NON-issue. they last for decades.

**B-string** · #13 11-26-2011, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicJimBass

Same with the one I had, I was trying to use a descriptor for the tube pre on that one... I think "rounder" was much more accurate.

I'll agree with that

It satisfies the old tube lover in me without all the carry weight. It can be clean and classic to very dirty with little effort, I just set preset two up for Metallica

Catbuster · #14 11-26-2011, 03:56 PM

I use the 1001RB with a 700RBII backup. Stacked 410s. I used the Fusion 550 with the NEO 410s I use, and it was bigger, warmer and rounder than my RB series heads.

It was about as clean as the 1001RB, but it didn't have the headroom, though it was bigger and lacked the 'GK' factor, or the tightened bite of compressed hi-midrange.