Is going from a GK 700RB-II to a Thunderfunk TFB420 a good idea?

Cloverfield · #1 10-01-2010, 12:50 AM

Obviously this is all very subjective, but I have a few legitimate, somewhat-objective (I think) questions...in addition to some hugely subjective ones of course.

1) This would entail making a switch from the GK's 480w at 4 ohms to the Thunderfunk TFB420's 400w at 4 ohms. Would I be able to hear a noticeable difference? I've heard the TFB420 pushes a lot of air, so I'm guessing (read: hoping) not.

2) I've read that the TFB420 starts to lose its character, or its prominence in the mix, when it's really pushed hard. Anyone care to comment? I play out and about in a country band and in other situations live and need an amp that can sound as good or better when it's really being pushed than it does at bedroom levels.

3) Can anyone explain to me the difference(s) I'll hear tonally if I make this switch? Obviously Thunderfunk amps aren't something I can exactly run down to a music shop in the area and jam through, so I'm limited to online research, which usually does a pretty damn good job for me, but, alas, I digress.

4) I want a solid amp for band-playing, an amp that can sit authoritatively in the mix. Can the TFB420 do this? (The GK does this pretty well, I'd say, but I'm interested in making the switch anyway, just because I think I'd like a Thunderfunk head from what I've read...so yes, I'm essentially fixing something that's not broken. You guys understand GAS; don't judge me.)

5) In addition to band situations, I'm very interested in more solo/virtuous-type playing. Can the TFB420 pull off this type of sound? I'm thinking Victor Wooten / Doug Johns type stuff. (I know, how vague

)

6) I've read that the TFB420 is a solid amp but that it's bigger TF brothers outshine it in multiple aspects, beyond just increased headroom. If I do pull the trigger on a Thunderfunk head, would it be a good idea to think about getting one of the 550's or the 750?

Thanks to anyone who actually made it through all this mumbo-jumbo and feels like offering a brother some advice/feedback.

Stick_Player · #2 10-01-2010, 12:59 AM

Quote:

I've heard the TFB420 pushes a lot of air

Maybe hot air?

I have a 700RB and do not see a reason to change.

Go get this other amp and try it out.

WingKL · #3 10-01-2010, 05:14 AM

I have a Thunderfunk TFB 512 transition model and auditioned a 700RB. I believe the GK is louder and holds together better at higher volumes and has that great GK growl when pushed. The GK is a high current design while the TF uses a high voltage but lower current design. The GK will also be less noisy than the Thunderfunk.

thebisch · #4 10-01-2010, 07:26 AM

I had a TFB-420. While I had it I found a mint 1001rb for a crazy price and borrowed it to try. My thinking was I could sell the 420 and keep the 1001 and pocket a few bucks. Well, for me, the 420 smoked the GK. The tone and presence of the TF is hard to beat IMO. The perceived power was more from the TF also. As far a pushing the amp, all amps lose their composure when pushed too hard IMO. Bottom line is that only you can decided what works better for you.

Too show that I am not just a GK basher, I currently have a GK MB500.

Cloverfield · #5 10-02-2010, 02:34 AM

Hmm... So two for sticking with the GK and not making a rash decision and one for going with the Thunderfunk.
More opinions?

Alexander · #6 10-02-2010, 02:55 AM

I think the GK line is a bright\quick while the TF is warm\quick. The GK has a more full range tone while the TFB is more mid-focused with very tight lows and somewhat attenuated top end (though for me was perfect through a nice tweeter). Both are loud for their ratings - with the TF, I guess it is mid-focus and quality of the amp and with the GK, who knows (just IME, they are VERY loud). Not sure if you'll notice a big dip in perceived volume, between the two but I certainly agree that the TF tone begins to loosen up\become unfocused a bit and loses its punch when really pushed.All in all, I like the TF tone better than GK.

That said, I probably wouldn't buy a TFB420 again - while the overall character is amazing, it is just too mid-focused for my taste. Now the TFB750 is a COMPLETELY different animal. Has that great warm, complex midrange, but with more overall girth, more open tone, bigger hard-hitting low end. Has great improvements in features as well. It doesn't seem to be significantly louder, which is surprising - I guess that is from the extra low-end it is pushing. Still not a full-range amp, but great sounding - especially in a mix, where that big bloomy low end often doesn't help anyway. The 750 is (to me) one of the best amps on the market...

c-ba55 · #7 10-02-2010, 02:05 PM

I have owned several GKs, and now play Thunderfunk. The TF is an eye-opener. Much more musical sound, to me with dramatic increase in authority. I played the 420 for several years, and just a few months back got a 550 when I saw a decent deal on one. So, great news is...you can buy my 420!

Cloverfield · #8 10-03-2010, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexander

I think the GK line is a bright\quick while the TF is warm\quick. The GK has a more full range tone while the TFB is more mid-focused with very tight lows and somewhat attenuated top end (though for me was perfect through a nice tweeter). Both are loud for their ratings - with the TF, I guess it is mid-focus and quality of the amp and with the GK, who knows (just IME, they are VERY loud). Not sure if you'll notice a big dip in perceived volume, between the two but I certainly agree that the TF tone begins to loosen up\become unfocused a bit and loses its punch when really pushed.All in all, I like the TF tone better than GK.

That said, I probably wouldn't buy a TFB420 again - while the overall character is amazing, it is just too mid-focused for my taste. Now the TFB750 is a COMPLETELY different animal. Has that great warm, complex midrange, but with more overall girth, more open tone, bigger hard-hitting low end. Has great improvements in features as well. It doesn't seem to be significantly louder, which is surprising - I guess that is from the extra low-end it is pushing. Still not a full-range amp, but great sounding - especially in a mix, where that big bloomy low end often doesn't help anyway. The 750 is (to me) one of the best amps on the market...

Huh... Wow. Thanks. Lots of information there.

Yeah, from a lot of the personal reading I've done I think I've come to the conclusion as well that a TFB750 would definitely be worth the investment and that it's a great amp, whereas the TFB420 is getting much more mixed reviews from different people.
The thing is I'm not at all looking to spend anywhere near ~$1000+ on an amp right now, unfortunately. :/

I'll probably just stick with my GK 700RB-II for now. Sorry, c-ba55!

That being said, more opinions/feedback are/is absolutely welcome!

rptrsn2 · #9 10-03-2010, 02:21 AM

Played th TF before as well as a lot of others and have yet to find anything that would even make me think about getting rid of my GK70rbii( still waiting to try a Fusion ). Just got done about a hour ago playing a gig with a 500w Trace and still not leaving GK.

Cloverfield · #10 10-03-2010, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rptrsn2

Played th TF before as well as a lot of others and have yet to find anything that would even make me think about getting rid of my GK70rbii( still waiting to try a Fusion ). Just got done about a hour ago playing a gig with a 500w Trace and still not leaving GK.

Yeah, I really do like mostly everything about my GK 700RB-II, although there are some exceptions.
Maybe this is a typical case of the grass being greener on the other side.

Stick_Player · #11 10-04-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Maybe this is a typical case of the grass being greener on the other side.

Be careful, that might just be AstroTurf on the other side.

rptrsn2 · #12 10-04-2010, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloverfield

Maybe this is a typical case of the grass being greener on the other side.

know what you mean, everytime i gig with a backline and get there and they have good quality gear. But then i get home and plug my P into the GK and i,m hooked all over agian.

joeydavidson · #13 10-04-2010, 06:45 PM

GK is hard to beat imo, I got a hybrid amp thinking it would be better than my GK but I still like the GK more, even if an amp has a better tone it still doesn't mean it will feel and sound better in the mix. I also had a VT bass for some time and recently sold it after realising I like the GK better plugging straight into it.

Cloverfield · #14 10-04-2010, 07:34 PM

Wow. I think after this overwhelmingly unanimous response I should stick with my GK 700RB-II, that is until I am ready to drop the cash for a used TFB750.

c-ba55 · #15 10-04-2010, 09:18 PM

I went back and listened to stuff I had recorded with my GK. Same bass, same me. There is always a grind there. Which can be great, depending on the band. The TF by contrast is a more rounded tone. For most aggressive bands where the instruments are fighting each other, GK would be better. For bands where the bass is given room to be heard, the TF would be better (I play in these type of bands). For 'virtuouso stuff' the TF would be better. My opinion, of course. And of course, you can always get a pedal in front of the TF for when you want some grind.