The Official Gallien Krueger 400RB picture thread/fanclub

[Z-Bass]

I have a line on a 400RB locally. However, I also spotted some 400RBIVs for sale through GearNuts (? - via Amazon) for $399. Any reason to consider the IV over the older version? Some differences I can see on the IV is a bit more power, a balanced DI, and a contour control knob instead of the 3 contour buttons. I think they also have the 4/5 string button but that seems to boost a very low frequency for it's own good. My understanding is that IV's are also voiced differently. The price of $399 has me thinking as well, it's getting closer to a new 700RBII range. My main goal was to get a classic GK amp to go along with my MB500 that I've been using but was looking used to keep the cost down.

[garp]

Originally Posted by TravTrav

What are some compact cabs that you guys like to use with the 400rb? I was thinking about picking up an Ampeg SVT 210AV.....

For 90% of my gigs, I use Avatar’s SB112 Neo and B210 Neo cabs with my 400RB-IV. The amp’s rated 280W gives me more than enough volume for most indoor gigs. And for larger outdoor venues, I simply use the amp’s direct out to feed the P.A.

[cybersnyder]

Picked up a MkI this weekend in perfect shape for $150. Had to get it just for nostalgia as it was the first real amp I played through.

[2cooltoolz]

Wow!! I just noticed there's one under my desk!!

[MuthaFunk]

Originally Posted by TravTrav

Where's a dude to get a road case like that?

I'm pretty sure it's a 3 space SKB. They shouldn't be hard to find.

[TravTrav]

Thanks, man.

[B-string]

Originally Posted by TravTrav

If this is referring to the same problem that is diagnosed by cleaning the molex connectors (as I quoted above), how does putting a patch cable in the effects loop prevent anything?

Also, are there road cases are just a single rack space that I could use for the 400RB?

No this is the fretting problem that happens with any amp head with a serial effects loop. The connection between the preamp and power amp are interrupted inside the effects return jack. Unused that connection corrodes (frets).

[TravTrav]

Originally Posted by B-string

No this is the fretting problem that happens with any amp head with a serial effects loop. The connection between the preamp and power amp are interrupted inside the effects return jack. Unused that connection corrodes (frets).

Okay, now that makes sense. Thanks, B-string.

[B-string]

Originally Posted by TravTrav

Okay, now that makes sense. Thanks, B-string.

No trouble, I have seen so many weird problems just do to the effects return jacks. No sound, weak sound, lack of low end, squealing, humming, pops, fades, cutting in and out, the list continues. (Basic amp maintenance by a tech.)

[Atlanta Dave]

Quick 400RB series one update follows, from our live show in Atlanta yesterday. What a great amp!

[Atlanta Dave]

As I was saying, me and my GK400 RB and Ampeg B410 HLF (4 ohm) played in a local bar last night that seats about 150 and the amp/cab drew rave reviews for our tone. I let the opening band use my GK/Ampeg rig and they also got compliments on the sound. Never went above 10 O'clock on master input, boost stays at about 1:30, EQs at noon except for Bass, dialed down to about 10 O'clock. I play a Fender Highway One Precision and the previous band used a Schector 4. Can't say enough about this awesome rig IMO!

[K-roth]

I have a late-'80's 400 RB, I believe it's a series II, currently using it with an SWR Henry 8x8 and it rocks like crazy! Crystal clear articulation, tight low-end, just the right amount of grit, and stupid loud for the small-ish bars we play here in Central Florida sometimes with PA support, sometimes not. Bought it off E(vil ) Bay for $150, spent $30 getting the electronics de-gunked, and it has become my go-to head for most of my gigs

[Standalone]

Originally Posted by K-roth

I have a late-'80's 400 RB, I believe it's a series II, currently using it with an SWR Henry 8x8 and it rocks like crazy! Crystal clear articulation, tight low-end, just the right amount of grit, and stupid loud for the small-ish bars we play here in Central Florida sometimes with PA support, sometimes not. Bought it off E(vil ) Bay for $150, spent $30 getting the electronics de-gunked, and it has become my go-to head for most of my gigs

I would love to hear my 400 RB through an 'Henry the 8x8! What a great rig.

[Jeff Scott]

I had a 400RB for a while in the mid '90s, before the II and later versions. I sold it to finance my first 700RB, which was a great amp, also. Actually, all the Gallien-Krueger gear I have owned over the years has been great, starting with the 200MB combo amp I bought in the late '80s.

[bassgod0dmw]

I've got a 400RB coming my way. I'm not sure if it's a series 1 or 2 yet, I can only see a smallish picture of the front of the amp. It was a great price on GC's used site and it looks to be in decent shape along with 5 stars. So now I'll have an 800RB, MB200, MB500, 2001RB, and this. I have a problem...

Just out of curiosity, pending it's a series 1, is it possible to replace the attached power cable with an IEC? Has anybody done it?

[Atlanta Dave]

I'm not sure about the cable upgrade but I had to replace my series 1 400RB with another wired cord, and it was pretty easy. My power cord was actually hacked off at the amp when I bought it last year.

[ljazz]

Lovin' my '90 400rb through 2x112 gk neo's. What a sweet tone.... and it's as grunty/throaty as all get out! The 800rb I let go of last year was nice, but it just couldn't "sing" like this little 400rb does. This may be about the best club gigging amp ever. I've been going back and forth on whether or not to pick up a couple 115 cabs, or even a 2x15 cab, but running my 12's with the tweeter off is yielding some incredible tone..... pretty darn loud too.

[TravTrav]

I got two Ampeg PF115LF cabs coming soon, I'll be excited to see how they pair up with the 400RB!

[garagebassman]

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

I've got a 400RB coming my way. I'm not sure if it's a series 1 or 2 yet, I can only see a smallish picture of the front of the amp. It was a great price on GC's used site and it looks to be in decent shape along with 5 stars. So now I'll have an 800RB, MB200, MB500, 2001RB, and this. I have a problem...

Just out of curiosity, pending it's a series 1, is it possible to replace the attached power cable with an IEC? Has anybody done it?

There is room to add the IEC receptacle. I did it myself on my '86 (is mine series I or II ?, has red lights with horizontal power switch) . That's the only thing I've done to it besides a $30 routine service/solder check trip not long after I purchased it used like 15 yrs ago...will never sell it !

btw...i have similar problem (400RB, 700RBII and MB500)

[bassgod0dmw]

Good to know, thanks! I'll check it out when it comes in and see if it's something I want to tackle.