GK 400RB's vs 700RB's vs MB200/500 ??

[tjh]

I would be very interested in hearing from those that have used/tried/have any of the combination above to hear why they have chosen the head that they have, and specific characteristics of each above that they feel are pros and cons ...

BTW, I like very simple heads, that I can just set flat and flavor slightly as needed ... I get lost in an EQ jungle ... and, I prefer the sound of 10's, so I would be using my choice above with probably a 210 and a second one sitting in the wait if needed ...

[Definitely]

Originally Posted by tjh

I would be very interested in hearing from those that have used/tried/have any of the combination above to hear why they have chosen the head that they have, and specific characteristics of each above that they feel are pros and cons ...

BTW, I like very simple heads, that I can just set flat and flavor slightly as needed ... I get lost in an EQ jungle ... and, I prefer the sound of 10's, so I would be using my choice above with probably a 210 and a second one sitting in the wait if needed ...

vs. 16, 17, 18, 1000 abcdefg85, xyz100/350, think you got enough listed?

[tjh]

Originally Posted by Definitely

vs. 16, 17, 18, 1000 abcdefg85, xyz100/350, think you got enough listed?

well, its not rocket science ... chances are you haven't used them all, just pick what you are familiar with ... if any ... if you play a GK, chances are you stay up on the differences ... I dont

... besides I hate to let anybody feel left out

[Slowgypsy]

Originally Posted by tjh

I would be very interested in hearing from those that have used/tried/have any of the combination above to hear why they have chosen the head that they have, and specific characteristics of each above that they feel are pros and cons ...

BTW, I like very simple heads, that I can just set flat and flavor slightly as needed ... I get lost in an EQ jungle ... and, I prefer the sound of 10's, so I would be using my choice above with probably a 210 and a second one sitting in the wait if needed ...

Actually, you're asking a question that is broad enough to suggest you don't actually understand the GK product line. Visit their site and read the product literature. Lots of good info there.

Some big differences are power outputs. That alone can help determine why one amp is chosen over another. I currently own/gig the RB700-II and MB200. I owned the 800 for years and have borrowed a friends MB500 enough to have a good understanding of it.

But really... start with the GK website.

[Sifl]

My 400RB through my Ampeg 810 sounds so good. First amp I ever used that sounded great from the get go. Only 200 watts, but it's plenty loud with the 810.

Always wanted a 700RB-II, but never got one since my 400 worked so well.

[garagebassman]

I don't know if this is what you're looking for, but being a gearhead, I still have 86 400RB, (usually through older gk 410), but also have a 700RBII and an MB500 (ea through a different 212 cab).

Very simple, loud for 200w. Excellent cut through in mix....seriously gritty midrange, all w/ eq flat.
Downside....not really heavy on low end (especially with those mid-voiced cabs), with any cab really. Less than ideal for 5 stringers, but never noticed any lack of lows live ( I play 4's mostly)....it's more noticeable A/B ing with newer bass "heavier" rigs

I have 700 RB. Love it. Through a 212Neo. Extreme headroom.....huge bottom, very refined top end, with control on front panel (HMS). Mids need to be caoxed out more in live settings (to me). Nice to have contour and presence knob (not on older 400RB) also to tweak

my fav is the MB500 though.

I try 'em all out some nights at home practicing/comparing , but going to the gig it's always the 500 and 212MBE that gets hauled out and up the stairs.

As gritty as the old 400 through 10's, not quite as full on the low end as the 700/212, but more than enough for me. Headroom not as extreme as the 700 either, but I've never approached midway on the volume, so plenty for me (with the one cab)

Again, love the contour knob vs switch.
The size and weight is just an added bonus

hope this helps out !

[metron]

I have a 1001rb-2 i used for years as well as an mb200. I usually run them with simple eq. They both sound good. With the obvious differences aside, i like the rb sound more. The mb sounds a bit more zingy than i like but it can be eq'd a bit. The features of the rb amps are really useful for tone shaping if you want it but its "neutral" tone is good as is.

[tjh]

Thanks guys ... Slowgypsy's comment (thanks for it) shows me that I didnt articulate the question clearly enough ... I am aware of the differences in specs on each of the heads inquired about, but have only played through a BL series GK in the last 40 years (not sure how I have accomplished that).

I guess I was looking for more of the personal opinions and 'why this head works best for me after trying them all' type of responses ... Sifl and metron thanks for the comments, the 400rb has been what is pretty much leading this new interest in early/current GK gear ... and garagebassman, exactly the kind of info I was looking for ... thank you

[agreatheight]

I have owned both a 400rb and a 700rb and I still own the 700rb. Both are great amps, tho.

[Duke21]

Originally Posted by Definitely

vs. 16, 17, 18, 1000 abcdefg85, xyz100/350, think you got enough listed?

I find the OP question legit and interesting. Web sides tell you more about the technical aspects but not really what these amps are, how they sound and performs during regular use by a regular user.

[Din Of Win]

I use a GK400rb mooooost of the time. Mine is an early-mid 80's model, and i love that little amp. I've also used it out of an 8x10 and the sound is incredible.

I haven't been much of a fan of the 700rb, but i do also like the 800rb and MB500.

In my experience, the 800rb is a little too overlaping with the 400rb, so if/when i buy another amp... the MB500 is at the top of my list... specifically, one of th MB210 combos...

[dhsierra1]

I have a late 80s 400RB as well as the 800RB. Love them both and use them in different applications. Agreed w/one of the above poster's comments on the 400RB not having quite the low end heft as it's more powerful brothers.

The 400 RB using either 1 or 2 10"s in DIY ported cabs is my go to for upright bass, absolutely shines. EQ is generally at noon unless I need to tweak a bit to accomodate a room. Easy schlep.

The 800RB is used biamped into 2-10s for the lows and a Bose Panaray 802 for the mids/highs for my Pbass and Turner RB-4 for rock/RnB, etc. Lots of low end with that great GK growl. Not as easy a schlep but then it's a lot easier than a 4/6/8-10, 2-15 etc.

Have tried the MB Fusion and really liked it but haven't played it enough to say I like it more or less than my RBs.

[Session1969]

I'd go with the 700rb because it will give you the most amount of headroom. I owned a 1001, a friend has a 700(same as 1001, just lower watts), and I tried a mb500(they sound thinner to me). GK undersells and over produces, WHICH IS A GREAT SALES PHILOSOPHY. What I mean is that their wattage claims on the rb's blow away anything I've tried from others who claim the same watts. I didn't hear that with my ears when trying the MB's, btw.

[tjh]

interesting ... this is what I was after

[anonymous1015111]

I used an 800Rb for years, but mostly only at 8ohms (200watts). Recently purchased an MB200 which I run at 4 ohms (200watts). To be very honest, I can set the MB200 to sound damn near identical to my 800RB. If I run the 800 at 4ohms I do get a bit more headroom, but for my uses the MB200 works great. I primarily play rock/hard rock with a loud drummer and 2 guitars. With my MB200, a 1x10 and 1x15 I have no trouble keeping up (gain is usually set at noon). Tons of punch and very useful EQ make it my favorite amp. I haven't used an 800 now for a few months I like the MB200 so much.
-P

[NKUSigEp]

Originally Posted by tjh

I would be very interested in hearing from those that have used/tried/have any of the combination above to hear why they have chosen the head that they have, and specific characteristics of each above that they feel are pros and cons ...

BTW, I like very simple heads, that I can just set flat and flavor slightly as needed ... I get lost in an EQ jungle ... and, I prefer the sound of 10's, so I would be using my choice above with probably a 210 and a second one sitting in the wait if needed ...

I've heard good things about all three, but have only owned the 700RBII. I have no desire to own anything else than the 700RBII at this point...with the exception of a vintage Ampeg or an old Sunn tube head.

If you know what the GK sound is, you'll basically get that out of all three with slight differences. The 700RBII just has that "it" factor though and it also isn't too hard on the wallet. The MB seems like a decent trade-off if weight is a factor. The 400 might be a decent trade-off if money is more of a factor and lower volumes/headroom is not.

[Slowgypsy]

Originally Posted by tjh

Thanks guys ... Slowgypsy's comment (thanks for it) shows me that I didnt articulate the question clearly enough ... I am aware of the differences in specs on each of the heads inquired about, but have only played through a BL series GK in the last 40 years (not sure how I have accomplished that).

I guess I was looking for more of the personal opinions and 'why this head works best for me after trying them all' type of responses ... Sifl and metron thanks for the comments, the 400rb has been what is pretty much leading this new interest in early/current GK gear ... and garagebassman, exactly the kind of info I was looking for ... thank you

The range of amps you've listed are so broad it's next to impossible to suggest "THE" amp.

What type of gigs are you playing? Or are you looking for a good practice amp? If you're playing with other folks what's the venue size? What's the band makeup? What type of music?

As I mentioned, I currently own/gig both the RB700II and MB200. I choose my amp/cab combo based on the makeup of the group and the venue size. If you're simply looking for a "one size fits all" amp that will probably cover all your needs the RB700II or MB500 is the way to go. But those might be more power than you need. Only you can answer that one....