MarkBass R-500 or GK 700RB-II

gridpower · #1 05-26-2010, 07:32 AM

I need to update my amp and have the opportunity to purchase a used MarkBass R-500 for $425 or a used GK 700RB-II for $350.

I will be driving a 410 8 ohm Carvin cabinet with this head (rated at 400W)

I mainly play rock, but also want to be able to have some flexibility with some smoother low key bass lines. Think "coffeehouse" jams.

Any thoughts on these 2 amps. (Especially reliabilty?)

It seems like the R500 is a pretty sweet deal for such a pricey amp. There aren't too many of the R500 amps that I have seen offered used.

Both amps are in mint condition, so take that into account.

Thanks in advance

Gridpower

jelwood · #2 05-26-2010, 08:54 AM

I toss my vote to the GK. I've never owned or played that other amp but I can tell you my GK rig does it right every time. GK has exceptional customer service these days. If your amp were to fail, could you contact Markbass and get a response from one of their techs in a day or so?

Really, though, why don't you play both amps and decide for yourself?

Spinal Tapper · #3 05-26-2010, 08:58 AM

I'd go for the Markbass R500 - I own one - it's my only gigging head, and I love it. Great for tubey warm tone, or punchy middy tone - whatever you desire.

Got it for $460 from GC almost 2 years ago - it's a real awesome, lightweight, reliable head.

I had an old GK 400RB and I think my Markbass head smashes it.

pasta4lnch · #4 05-26-2010, 08:58 AM

I use a MB LMII and love it - I did a gig a while back on a brand new 700RB through an ampeg 8x10 and I was much less than impressed . . . by no means is that an authority on either so ymmv

it's strange to me that the r500 never got as much love as the other MB amps. . . but if it's like the other 2 MB products I have, they are built to last!!

Spinal Tapper · #5 05-26-2010, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pasta4lnch

it's strange to me that the r500 never got as much love as the other MB amps. . . but if it's like the other 2 MB products I have, they are built to last!!

+500

jtc_hunter · #6 05-26-2010, 09:21 AM

I dont think you can go wrong with either one. If $ is an issue , the 700rbII is a wonderful amp.

Jaco who? · #7 05-26-2010, 09:37 AM

Haven't ever used an R500, but generally amps with tube pre amps sound way, way different than RB series GKs, particularly that one. Kinda' like asking do you like peanut butter and jelly or tuna salad?

**B-string** · #8 05-26-2010, 10:18 AM

You'll have to bank on the MarkBass holding up. Several people here have tryed to get repair info from MarkBass on used heads. It didn't happen. The G-K is very reliable and a simple email gets you info, a call gets you parts. Play them bolth to decide and take the warning for whatever you wish.

Spinal Tapper · #9 05-26-2010, 10:47 AM

can you snag a deal?? maybe offer $700 for both? then you'll have a backup or can sell one off later

georgestrings · #10 05-26-2010, 11:19 AM

Here's another vote for the G-K... IMO, the 700rb-II is destined be become known as one of the all-time greats, following the 800rb's footsteps... They have an excellent reliability track record, and have been used on more than a few tours, by some pretty big names... Also, at $350 you could easily flip it and get your money back, if you decide you don't like it...

- georgestrings

JimmyM · #11 05-26-2010, 01:39 PM

tonally, i'd go r500 any day of the week. however, i too was a little disappointed to find out how much it can be to get out-of-warranty service for a markbass amp, and how non-forthcoming they are with any info about the build.

gridpower · #12 05-26-2010, 08:39 PM

Thanks to everyone for all of the replies. I REALLY appreciate it.

I A/B'd both amps using my MM Ray34 and 410 cabinet. I found that both of these amps sound really good in their own way.

The R500 really has woolly great tone for days, but the 700RB-II has the quicker response I was looking for and is still pretty warm/smooth. I could dial in a great bass sound on the GK really quickly.

I also noticed right away that the 700RB-II also has a lot versatility and I can really change my sound to the task at hand by just using the 3band EQ on the Ray34 which is a huge plus. Seems like the GK was made for the MM Ray34.

I couldn't get the same sound changes on the R500 without changing the EQ on the head as well which is a bit inconvenient. The more I cranked the GK, the cleaner it stayed in comparison to the MB. But damn, the R500 would GROWL when turned up, but I don't need that much distortion with what I am doing.

I am going to stick with the GK for my purposes, although I know the R500 would be great for a backup or specific uses. It has lush warmness and can growl pretty well when cranked.

As it stands the GK for me seems to be the best tool for the "live" playing I expect to use it for and the current equipment I am using.

Thanks again.....

chiplexic · #13 05-26-2010, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-string

You'll have to bank on the MarkBass holding up. Several people here have tryed to get repair info from MarkBass on used heads. It didn't happen. The G-K is very reliable and a simple email gets you info, a call gets you parts. Play them bolth to decide and take the warning for whatever you wish.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

tonally, i'd go r500 any day of the week. however, i too was a little disappointed to find out how much it can be to get out-of-warranty service for a markbass amp, and how non-forthcoming they are with any info about the build.

Ahhhh, You guys would have to bring this back up now. I'm currently trying to put aside this fact about MarkBass service cost/info sharing situation and just buy one. But I can't deny it really eats at me. The day after the warranty runs out I'll be the guy who needs service. Only to find it cost 2/3 the value of the amp. They have a very low failure rate. But the stories are out there. Dam my stupid conscience.

georgestrings · #14 05-26-2010, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gridpower

Thanks to everyone for all of the replies. I REALLY appreciate it.

I A/B'd both amps using my MM Ray34 and 410 cabinet. I found that both of these amps sound really good in their own way.

The R500 really has woolly great tone for days, but the 700RB-II has the quicker response I was looking for and is still pretty warm/smooth. I could dial in a great bass sound on the GK really quickly.

I also noticed right away that the 700RB-II also has a lot versatility and I can really change my sound to the task at hand by just using the 3band EQ on the Ray34 which is a huge plus. Seems like the GK was made for the MM Ray34.

I couldn't get the same sound changes on the R500 without changing the EQ on the head as well which is a bit inconvenient. The more I cranked the GK, the cleaner it stayed in comparison to the MB. But damn, the R500 would GROWL when turned up, but I don't need that much distortion with what I am doing.

I am going to stick with the GK for my purposes, although I know the R500 would be great for a backup or specific uses. It has lush warmness and can growl pretty well when cranked.

As it stands the GK for me seems to be the best tool for the "live" playing I expect to use it for and the current equipment I am using.

Thanks again.....

IME, you can get ALOT of tonal variety with the 700rb-II by keeping the 4 band fairly flat, and instead using the Contour, Presence, and Boost knobs - although the 4 band EQ adds alot of versatility in it's own right... Also, using the 5 string button sounds killer for powerful low end, but *can* be tough on drivers if you're not careful... These amps are extremely powerful for their ratings - but really shine on stage...

Congrats on a wise choice...

- georgestrings