GK 800RB why it never changed?

bassike · #1 12-10-2010, 03:03 PM

Hi
I have been checking a few GK RB and I noticed that the 800RB never changed.

at least lookwise.

is there anything special about this head.

Morning Beer · #2 12-10-2010, 03:06 PM

Its a classic, if it ain't broke.................

brndn123 · #3 12-10-2010, 03:07 PM

Sounds like troll, but I'll bite...

Do a quick search of the 800rb before the other TBers get to ya

bassike · #4 12-10-2010, 03:09 PM

I'm on it

cheers

woody357 · #5 12-10-2010, 05:13 PM

Mine looks different from the new ones!

Rebmo · #6 12-10-2010, 05:15 PM

I wouldn't change my 2.

jeff7bass · #7 12-10-2010, 07:34 PM

The 800RB is like good vanilla ice cream. That is a compliment.

Jack · #8 12-11-2010, 06:52 AM

Because people are still buying them.

BassGreaser · #9 12-11-2010, 06:53 AM

well its like the SVT... why change something that kicks a$$

Bill Whitehurst · #10 12-11-2010, 06:54 AM

It does what it does perfectly.
Why mess with that?

greenboy · #11 12-11-2010, 07:02 AM

I think they need to update it. And call it the GK811RRRB.

lbwdog · #12 12-11-2010, 07:07 AM

IMO, the 800RB was a milestone in bass guitar amplification. I still have mine from 1988, and it's been through everything from the road, to a hurricane.

As a matter of fact, after Katrina, I was describing my affected gear to a rep from one of the helping foundations. She asked "What kind of amp do you have?" "Wait, don't tell me, a GK 800RB?"

chi-town_mike · #13 12-11-2010, 07:11 AM

The guts have changed somewhat.
Toroidal transformer, updated layouts to the pcb's and such. But if I remember correctly, the power transistors are still the same. At least I think so....

jg919 · #14 12-11-2010, 07:48 AM

Hi mate,
actually they have changed - some time around the early to mid 90's. They sound a little more modern now - the older ones are a bit more 'organic' sounding.
The older ones can be identified by having a horizontal power switch, metal input jacks, 2 outputs for the high/100w amp, no holes for rack-ears on the chassis, and usually a date sticker on the back.
I have one from feb '86 - and I have never loved an amp more - get one if you can, but I'd reccommend the older ones, as described.
My playing style involves an aggressive slap tone, mixed with staccato finger-style, harmonics, tapping and (haha) pretty much anything else I feel like. The 800rb covers it all, and is beautiful for my style - make sure it suits you too - because it's a very unique sounding amp, and can be a love-or-hate thing.
All the best!
JOHN

BassGreaser · #15 12-11-2010, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jg919

Hi mate,
actually they have changed - some time around the early to mid 90's. They sound a little more modern now - the older ones are a bit more 'organic' sounding.
The older ones can be identified by having a horizontal power switch, metal input jacks, 2 outputs for the high/100w amp, no holes for rack-ears on the chassis, and usually a date sticker on the back.
JOHN

Is the same true for the 400RB I just picked up this beast and was wondering if it will have that older 'organic' tone

shoot-r · #16 12-11-2010, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassike

Hi
I have been checking a few GK RB and I noticed that the 800RB never changed.

at least lookwise.

is there anything special about this head.

Bought mine brand new in 1984, it's been in close to constant use since, (used it last night.)
It's never given me any problems of any kind.
Give it's 300 watts at 4 ohms power section enough speakers to work through, (like a 4 ohm 810), and it'll amaze you what it's capable of.
Only design flaw, no forced air cooling system. I placed a very inexpensive Radio Shack 4" fan blowing on the back cooling fins of mine when it was new...problem solved!
Recently I bought a new GK MB2-500 micro head...love em' both!

bassike · #17 12-12-2010, 05:10 PM

cool info.
I didn't know that it was such a unique head. I taught all the RB were the same just more power.

I have a 400RB III and i like it but it is jut not enough power, so i was checking the 700RB and the 800 so I got curious why all the new RB have the new look and the 800 still looks like an old GK and why so big compared to the othrer ones.

billfitzmaurice · #18 12-12-2010, 06:11 PM

Google 'amortization'. The longer a product remains in production the lower the production cost and the higher the return on the original R&D investment. And if it ain't broke there's no reason to fix it.

Crabby · #19 12-12-2010, 10:04 PM

I sure liked mine. I finally moved to something else once I started playing a 5 string as the 800RB just didn't seem to like reproducing the low notes. I have since read that the amp was specifically voiced to have a low end roll off to allow for maximum volume. Makes sense as this is the loudest 300 watts I ever made use of.

bassike · #20 01-20-2011, 07:47 AM

would anyone prefer the 1001RB over the 800RB?

any diferences besides more power?