GK vs Epifani?

[bassistloaded21]

I currently have a UL502 and UL410 S1 that is used with a Lakland 5502. Ive been looking at getting the GK Fusion 550 with the Neo 212 and 112 (both 8ohm) to replace it. I like the Epifani, but i do notice a "honkyness" with my bass and this setup. I also am kinda going for a more thicker tone than the refined and super clean sound of the Epifani gear. I want a little coloration. My band is like Funk/Rock/Blues band(www.myspace.com/fourfingerfive). Do you guys think that i would benegit from changing over to the GK setup? I dont have any way to try this gear, but i dont mind buying blindly, thanks to talkbass. Help me out?

[bassistloaded21]

btw the UL412 is too big for me right now

[T. Alan Smith]

Epi cabs have a pretty schmoove sound to my ears. With that Epi rig, your likely hearing more of the cab character than the head character, as that's a very clear sounding head. Have you simply tried the Fusion550 with your UL410...to get a thicker sound?

[bassistloaded21]

Have not, im just thinking of getting the Fusion. I think i read somewhere on the forums that the GK heads dont pair up well with the Epifani cabs

[Thombas]

Hi! I used to have the UL310 S1 with my UL501 - which I'm now running through a Shroeder BMF212. The low-mid heavy Schroe cab suits the wiiiiiiiiiide head much better, than the equally wiiiiiiiiiiide UL cab. NO honkyness here, a breeze to schlep around. I put a VT pedal in for when I need a little tubey coloration - and it rocks . This is just an alternative to getting rid of the entire rig, that might solve your problem.

[bassistloaded21]

Yea im good on the shroeder cabs

[bassistloaded21]

ANybody? need some help, i need to try to buy this stuff today i think lol

[B-string]

I'd say try the Epif's with the Fusion before you go looking at any new cabs! The G-K's are great cabs, super value, but a little like leaving a Rolls Royce for a Lincoln?

[T. Alan Smith]

Originally Posted by bassistloaded21

Have not, im just thinking of getting the Fusion. I think i read somewhere on the forums that the GK heads dont pair up well with the Epifani cabs

I'd let your own ears decide that. Otherwise, maybe try a cab like an Aguilar 1x12" with your Epi head. Both the DB & GS are nicely colored, and another way to thicken up your current tone. I pair of those would rock.

[bassistloaded21]

Yea, i was thinking to just try the Fusion w the Epifani cab too. Just thought id seen somewhere that the two arent a good pairing. O well, I guess its worth a try

[T. Alan Smith]

Absolutely! In fact, try everything; every mix n match combination you can.
For example, I run a MB LMII atop a Berg 1x12" and a buddy runs an Aggie DB750 atop an Epi 3x10". I swapped heads and found that I MUCH preferred the Aggie tone with the Berg(despite the obvious size mismatch) and MUCH preferred my LMII thru the Epi.

[B-string]

Originally Posted by bassistloaded21

Yea, i was thinking to just try the Fusion w the Epifani cab too. Just thought id seen somewhere that the two arent a good pairing. O well, I guess its worth a try

Know two different players using Epif with G-K that love the combo!

[lomo]

Originally Posted by B-string

I'd say try the Epif's with the Fusion before you go looking at any new cabs! The G-K's are great cabs, super value, but a little like leaving a Rolls Royce for a Lincoln?

+1

[BigOldHarry]

Originally Posted by B-string

I'd say try the Epif's with the Fusion before you go looking at any new cabs! The G-K's are great cabs, super value, but a little like leaving a Rolls Royce for a Lincoln?

Agreed. Epifani is more or less the best you can buy (depending on your tastes) and while GK is good gear, it just isn't Epi.

And your tone description is odd - the *last* thing my Epi setup is is "Honky"...

[beggar98]

Personally, I can never get a good tone out of GK stuff. I've heard Markbass heads played through Epi cabs and absolutely loved it. They really work well together.

[jmiles45]

I've used a GK 800rb with an epi NYC 210 for a while and loved the tone. Smooth, no apparent "honkyness", great low end. Haven't played through the fusion but I know the GK sound and it's always worked with my epi cabs including my PS 410 (previous generation/ not with the new drivers)

[lomo]

Another thought is that a good pedal will get you your color of choice....for less dough. An EBS Valvedrive or Multidrive or Dave Hall VT-1 or a host of others. Juss sayin'.

[bassistloaded21]

I thought about the Valve Drive. My epifani head just doesnt seem to get me that rich, thick tone that im looking for. I got to play the GK 212 combo today and loved it, was more my tone than the Epifani. I understand Epifani is consideired the best, but I dont think that means that Gk cant sound better for some people. Price isnt everything, ive been learning that here on talkbass a lot

[T. Alan Smith]

That Aguilar preamp pedal might be an excellent match with your current rig as well.

[T. Alan Smith]

Originally Posted by bassistloaded21

I thought about the Valve Drive. My epifani head just doesnt seem to get me that rich, thick tone that im looking for. I got to play the GK 212 combo today and loved it, was more my tone than the Epifani. I understand Epifani is consideired the best, but I dont think that means that Gk cant sound better for some people. Price isnt everything, ive been learning that here on talkbass a lot

It just depends on your situation. I'm fortunate to be playing in a situation where I can hear all the nuances of my playing, so my Berg/LMII rig works for me. In fact, I'm looking into upgrading to a head like an Aguilar to enrich my tone.
If I were playing in a typical rock-style situation, I'd simply be rocking an 800RB thru a neo loaded cab like the new Ampeg 4x10".