Gallien Krueger with hartke cabs?

[ChrisPCream]

I tested a GK amp a while back, not sure what model (looking back I'm guessing it was a 700rb-ii or 1000rb-ii) at the store it was paired with a matching gk cab.

Of course I fell in love with the deep low I've never heard from a bass rig before. Which is no surprise given all the reviews I have read about these models.
I plan on getting a 700rb-ii, but I've been seeing Hartke cabs at affordable prices around.

My question is Does GK rely on their cabs alot, and am I gonna lose that famous gk growl going with the hartke cabs instead?

[Windreaper]

The "famous GK growl" is distortion from the amp's boost circuit. More to do with marketing, less to do with cabs.

The low end Hartke cabs are cheap for a reason, I leave it at that. Many people like them, though. I would definitely get GK Neo series cabinets to go with that head (btw, get the 700RB-II, already has more power than you will ever need).

[perogato02]

Get the Hartke XL-cabs and astonish the world!

[ChrisPCream]

Thanks man I was also wondering if those neos were any good so u actually answered that question, the cabs i saw were the xl series, but if I can get low end out of lightweight cabs sounds good

[basslinejam]

800RB with 410xl and 115xl cabs used to be state of the art.

[CLPalacio]

Originally Posted by perogato02

Get the Hartke XL-cabs and astonish the world!

Indeed!

[agreatheight]

GK -> Hartke 410XL is good stuff. I personally slightly prefer my GK700RB -> GK410RBH, but both kick some butt. I have both! With that said, the Hartke is a hell of a lot cheaper.

[MODELL]

Originally Posted by basslinejam

800RB with 410xl and 115xl cabs used to be state of the art.

Tons of backlines in the 80's had this exact set up. I think some of the digital modeling amps, etc. call this "The California sound"

[UncleJimmy]

I have the 700RBII which I use with the Hartke 4.5 XL, Hartke Hydrive 410 and 115 (not at the same time- the mismatched cab police can calm down..). All sound awesome. The XL series kicks ***and is my favorite cab. The weight however, makes it no fun to gig with. The hydrives, although pricier would be the better choice IMO.

[DougD]

Originally Posted by Windreaper

The "famous GK growl" is distortion from the amp's boost circuit. More to do with marketing, less to do with cabs.

The low end Hartke cabs are cheap for a reason, I leave it at that. Many people like them, though. I would definitely get GK Neo series cabinets to go with that head (btw, get the 700RB-II, already has more power than you will ever need).

+1 to this.
However, I have used my 1001rbII with lots of different cabs, including Hartke. Sounds good with them all. I prefer the GK Neo line, due to great sound and relatively low cost. I also use my GK neo cabs with my Markbass LMIII and they sound great together. IMHO, GK Neo speakers are on par with the boutique cabs, but at a reasonable cost. they are just not the cab du jour here on TB. But a GK head will sound good wit any cab. You'll just need to tweak a few knobs to find the tone fore you.

[madmatt]

I know Hartke cabs are cheaper, but I use a HA2500 and a 210XL and it is loud and proud. Stands up to two loud guitarists and a loud drum machine.

[FretlessMainly]

I have the GK 700RB-II paired with a GK 2x12 Neo. Great combination and I really like the bi-amp setup using the speakon cable. Keeps adjustments close at hand. Not sure if you can use a speakon with the Hartke or not.