I need a new head...

DamianDust · #1 09-12-2011, 03:46 AM

I'm currently using a GK 800RB, and I want to beef it up a bit. I have a GK Goldline 4X10 and 1X15. I was looking at the GK Fusion 1050, which would give me a little more wattage and a bit of tube character, but it's so damn expensive I was wondering if there's another option? I'd like to stick with GK, but I'm open to other brands. I just want to maintain my punchy, upfront tone. I am not a pocket bassist. Maintaining attack and heaviness are important to me, as well as sounding good with a lot of effects. Thoughts?

NOT · #2 09-12-2011, 03:52 AM

I had your exact same setup. I found out my speakers were the problem

I would not suggest GK Goldline speakers or GK Goldline head.

They lasted six months, before I got a muddy tone

I bought a GK 1001rb while my goldline speakers were the problem. I would suggest you look at Duff Mckagan's GK gear, and look for something around your price range.

Regards

alecduncan · #3 09-12-2011, 06:35 AM

Hey Damien,

I'm a huge GK fanboy but the Goldline series has never sounded good to me. Also there have been MANY reports on talkbass and other websites concerning the Goldlines' unreliability and poor quality.

I have used the GK 1001RBII and 410RBH set up for a while now, and would definitely reccomend it. Like a lot of talkbassers, I'm against mixing drivers in a stack (4x10 + 1x15/2x12/etc.), so that may be another "issue" with your tone. I will say that if you feel unsatisfied with the GK 800RB's tone, I feel that the pre-amp on that head is the best of the company and is heavily emulated by the other RB series. I guarentee you that getting new speaker cabinets will breathe new life into your rig. I reccomend any American-made cab, and would suggest:

2 x GK 410RBH (8ohm)
2 x GK 212Neo (8ohm)
2 x GK 410Neo (8ohm)
1 x GK 810Neo (4ohm)
1 x GK 412Neo (4ohm)

I'm using two 410RBH's myself.

I've heard of some people liking the RBX and MBE series cabinets, but I don't have enough experience with those to comment. I would stay away from Backline, Goldline, and SBX.
The 1x15's are great cabinets, but decidedly not for you if you want a punchy tone.

Hope this all helps,
Alec

CrackBass · #4 09-12-2011, 07:05 AM

You need new speakers.

hover · #5 09-12-2011, 07:10 AM

the 800rb is the very definition of punchy heavy upfront tone.

You do not need a new head, you need a new cab(s).

The Goldlines are garbage. I've often wondered why I never saw them listed on the GK website proper.

DamianDust · #6 09-13-2011, 08:29 PM

Thanks for the help, folks. Very insightful. I'm think now I should just sell the whole rig and try a single set of neo2x12 and maybe... MB500? Any one have any experience with that head? I may be playing some heavier bands soon, and the boost channel and tube preamplifier appeal to me. 500watts at 4 lbs sounds nice too.

dmusic148 · #7 09-13-2011, 08:35 PM

I play an 800RB thru a 4 Ohm SWR Golight 4x10 and it sounds like God. Flip for better cab (s) first and see what you think. If you sell the 800, you will regret it someday.

Catbuster · #8 09-13-2011, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

I play an 800RB thru a 4 Ohm SWR Golight 4x10 and it sounds like God. Flip for better cab (s) first and see what you think. If you sell the 800, you will regret it someday.

Yeah... I went from a 700RB and a 410 to an MB500/410. Needless to say, the I regret selling the 700. The RB series heads are everything a good rock bass head should be, IMO. Punchy, agressive, and up-front.

**B-string** · #9 09-13-2011, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DamianDust

I'm currently using a GK 800RB, and I want to beef it up a bit. I have a GK Goldline 4X10 and 1X15. I was looking at the GK Fusion 1050, which would give me a little more wattage and a bit of tube character, but it's so damn expensive I was wondering if there's another option? I'd like to stick with GK, but I'm open to other brands. I just want to maintain my punchy, upfront tone. I am not a pocket bassist. Maintaining attack and heaviness are important to me, as well as sounding good with a lot of effects. Thoughts?

I agree the cabs are a problem! If you still want more beef after some good cabs, the Fusion 550 is the ticket. The 550 test at bursts of over 800 watts. Owning one I believe it!

OzzyGreg · #10 09-13-2011, 09:32 PM

.
I need a new head too.

Preferably one with a lot more hair on it!

Greg

rodl2005 · #11 09-13-2011, 11:11 PM

I need one with a new brain

DamianDust · #12 09-16-2011, 10:12 PM

Made a mistake, it was the MB fusion I was looking at, not the MB500. I'm sold on the speakers and will be trading my pair of goldlines in for a singe neo 212, but in still interested in adding some tube power to my rig, so the mb fusion is appealing

**B-string** · #13 09-16-2011, 10:42 PM

I have the Fusion 550 and if the MB Fusion (550's preamp) sounds anything like it......it will be SAWEET.
That NEO212 is going to wakeup your current head, seriously!