GK 1001RB-II, did I make a mistake?

Waspinators · #1 07-28-2011, 03:05 PM

I recently bought one of these badboys (used) as the first piece of my first real rig. I plan to get a GK Neo 212 cab when I can scrape up the dough to pair the two up. I have yet to even get a chance to play on it as I'm cab-less, but after reading countless threads about how impossible it is to get a good warm/rumbly rock tone out of it vs. the 700RB-II at reasonable volumes, I'm already experiencing slight buyer's remorse.

I've been playing small coffeehouse/backyard type gigs with a lowly Crate BT50 50W practice amp, but I've been loving the tone I get out of it when it's pushed to its limits. Not distorted but ever-so-slightly fuzzy/overdriven. Is it possible to get this kind of deal on a 1001RB-II through playing around with the boost/contour/presence knobs? Or can you only get it at ear-splitting metal festival levels? I'll be using this rig for small to medium-size club gigs and such, so chances are it won't be even near cranked.

GrinningMouth88 · #2 07-28-2011, 03:18 PM

You probably have a little too much juice for what you're looking for if you want that warm, growly gk sound with lower volume. I have a 700rb II and in my experience these amps really like their legs stretched. Although the 700rb II doesn't need to get to as ridiculous of volume as its bigger brother to fully shine, it still needs to get up there. What type of music are you playing?

Waspinators · #3 07-28-2011, 03:27 PM

A hard rock/punk type deal with only one other guitarist. So the sound mostly stays clean unless it's pushed (regardless of boost control)?

kosmicwizard · #4 07-28-2011, 03:57 PM

Dude, don't think you made a mistake, you have a very nice head! I own one and use it as a backup to a Ampeg SVT II, you are right that it has to be darn near maxed on the woofer to sound like an SVT, but if you want to add some tube like overdrive, buy a Tech21 VT Bass pedal, it will get you close at any volume allowing you to sound good in any setting. BTW, the 700RB-II is not that much quieter if you want to drive a G-K amp in a small venue you need to get a smaller amp. Look into getting an 800RB or even a 400RB-III. Cheers.

Crazyeelboy · #5 07-28-2011, 04:15 PM

Stop worrying. Check out the boost feature - it is intended to give you a way to overdrive without cranking the amp to max volume.

countrybass007 · #6 07-28-2011, 05:07 PM

I have a GK 1001RBII and a Gk Neo 212 and it sounds great. I do find it too clean for my tastes, but a good sounding rig. Doesn't sound like a mistake to me.

rayzak · #7 07-28-2011, 05:16 PM

Yeah, bro.... don't sweat it! You picked up a GREAT head that sounds awesome at any volume. And if you need a little extra.... you'll have it!
Careful about reading too much into things on this site. You're already giving yourself GAS for a new head before you've even heard your new one

If you have a headache and search for causes on-line, you'll convince yourself that you've got a brain tumor the size of a basketball and only have hours to live. In other words....stop doubting the awesomeness of your GK, and enjoy your new toy. You made a great choice

Joe Gress · #8 07-28-2011, 05:19 PM

If you can't dial in a bit of grit with the boost control (just crank it all the way), try trading off (as in one all the way up and the other to taste for volume) the volume and woofer knobs. If that doesn't get you the grit either, try a overdrive pedal. Something like an OCD, VT, Rustybox, or a used geminidrive will get you there for sure.

jelwood · #9 07-28-2011, 06:51 PM

I used to be a fan of the pushed GK sound until I discovered the boost knob. Use it. The pushed GK sound now stands in second place

johnk_10 · #10 07-28-2011, 06:55 PM

i have one and it think it's a great head. just keep the input up at around 11-12 o'clock, use the boost near the max, and use the master volume to adjust how loud you want it to be, and it'll distort at almost any level.

i prefer having the headroom if i need it, so IMO, it wasn't a mistake by any means.

Rockmusician · #11 07-28-2011, 06:57 PM

I have used a 1001RB-II for years. I play everything from small venues to large outdoor festivals and I have never had any issues at all. Read the manual for suggested settings and adjust them according to the room.

Bart277 · #12 07-28-2011, 08:17 PM

you would of made a mistake if you hadnt brought it.

**B-string** · #13 07-28-2011, 08:31 PM

DUDE A HUGE MISTAKE! NO CAB TO PLAY THROUGH

Couldn't help it

Crazyeelboy · #14 08-01-2011, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by countrybass007

I have a GK 1001RBII and a Gk Neo 212 and it sounds great. I do find it too clean for my tastes, but a good sounding rig. Doesn't sound like a mistake to me.

I have the 1001/212 combo and find that the 212 really isn't enough to take the 1001 when cranked a bit. I'm not talking dimed, either. I'm getting a second 212 cab to pick up the slack. By the way, you can get a dirtier tone with the boost feature even at lower volumes.