Has anyone "upgraded" from a GK 400rb to an 800rb?

[Din Of Win]

Hey TB,

So i've been playing a 400rb for a while now. I recently joined a cover band, and in our set we're doing a few No Doubt songs. I was pretty into them in the 90's, but i wasn't a bass-gear-nerd then like i am now. So as i'm listening to the, i'm REALLY digging Tony's tone. Enough so that i looked into his set up (besides the obvious Yamaha Basses). Seems like he uses (used) a GK 800rb and an Ampeg 8x10.

Now... How much of a difference would i really be making if i 'upgraded' from a 400rb to an 800rb? Volume? Tone options? I think it's only maybe 100w difference, especially if i'm not bi-amping.

Thoughts?

[garagebassman]

my experience is that I've had a couple 800RB's, one 400RB (86).....I've never considered getting rid of the 400.

Each time I'd mess around, try different cabs, even some bi-amping phases for a couple of years (410/115)....I always came back to the 400 and found it slightly "warmer" and more "compressed' sounding ? Could always run it a bit hotter, maybe that's why. master 10-11 oclock, input and boost 11-1 oclock eq flat, no voicing filters engaged althoug i went through a mid scoop switch "on" phase for a few years, that may have actually been done a tiny bit better by the 800
I'm sure the 800 may have had a bit more "oomph" in somelive settings, it was never noticeable to me, and the 400 is just a great amp (even if a bit dated)

but you may be able to find a used 800 cheap enough to try out...but....I'd hang onto that 400 "just in case" !

[Din Of Win]

Man, that's EXACTLY the info i wanted


My 400rb is also an 80's model (one with the attached power cord). I've had many'an amp come and go, but my 400rb (and Kustom200) have stayed with me throughout.

I LOVE the 400rb's tone, and i'd only be interested in an 800rb if i knew it could reproduce the tone, just with more power backing it up.

You run yours simmilarly to mine... mostly flat but i do tend to bump the low-mids with my Fender Jazz.

I doub't i'd sell my 400rb to fund an 800rb... i just wouldn't want to get one, only to be dissapointed that it wasn't just a more powerful version of the 400.

[jackcheez]

I've never owned a 400, just a couple 800's, but I've played through a 400 and my experience was they sound very similar. The extra power comes in handy when you're pushing eight 10's.

[pedulla1]

Originally Posted by garagebassman

my experience is that I've had a couple 800RB's, one 400RB (86).....I've never considered getting rid of the 400.

Each time I'd mess around, try different cabs, even some bi-amping phases for a couple of years (410/115)....I always came back to the 400 and found it slightly "warmer" and more "compressed' sounding ? Could always run it a bit hotter, maybe that's why. master 10-11 oclock, input and boost 11-1 oclock eq flat, no voicing filters engaged althoug i went through a mid scoop switch "on" phase for a few years, that may have actually been done a tiny bit better by the 800
I'm sure the 800 may have had a bit more "oomph" in somelive settings, it was never noticeable to me, and the 400 is just a great amp (even if a bit dated)

but you may be able to find a used 800 cheap enough to try out...but....I'd hang onto that 400 "just in case" !

I second the above. My old 400RB was warmer and punchier with an Ampeg SVT3 Pro-like vibe. Still liked the Ampeg over the 400 but definitely the 400 over the 800. The 800 was too clean but more power for sure.