Peavey > GK ?

[brndn123]

For the past three years, my main rig has consisted of a GK 1001rbII paired with either a 410rbh or Avatar 212. After a gig last week, my prized 1001 turned up missing. I have my suspicions, but had no time to point fingers. Whilst pondering a suitable replacement (perhaps the same head), I reverted back to my trusty Peavey 450 max. This was my first "serious" bass amp purchased at the ripe ol' age of 14. Anyways, I had the opportunity to pair it with both previously mentioned cabs this past weekend and I am left absolutely speachless.

That little 450 was warmer, deeper, and more present than I could ever eq my 1001 to sound. The irony was that I spent months dialing in a suitable tone on my 1001 only to change it around depending on which bass I was playing. On the other hand, the 450 was set flat with a slight boost in lows and highs and the thing roared. When I plugged in a P bass, I nearly poo'd myself. Even my bandmates commented on the tone. So...what gives? Do any of you have any similar experiences with other brands of equipment? Commence!

[Savage_Dreams]

i dont think you could say one is better than the other, they are just two very different amps. just a matter of what tone you're looking for.

[snyderz]

Got my 1001 and Peavey Bam at about the same time. GK is long gone. Peavey is gigged once a week. YMMV

[brndn123]

Originally Posted by Savage_Dreams

i dont think you could say one is better than the other, they are just two very different amps. just a matter of what tone you're looking for.

I thought my opinion vs. fact was implied, my apologies

[Daniel Piper]

I have owned the max450 and a 700rbII and really liked both of them. Both had a nice clean zingy tone. I guess the thread is really about finding 'your tone' on gear that isn't on someone else's must-have list. I have recently been loving my classic450, which is at the bottom of the tc electronics pile, so to speak. We don't all need a streamliner or carbine or walkabout etc to be happy.

[Daniel Piper]

As for the title of the thread,

Peavey > GK

Not in my experience.

[bass_lord_mutha]

I've always liked Peavey stuff. I still wish I had my BAM 210. GK's good stuff, too, just not for me.

[WingKL]

It's a fallacy to conclude the one brand is better than another based on the subjective experience of just one amp in the line up from one company vs another. I've played with a Peavey Mark IV rig that worked but had a one dimensional tone and didn't respond like I wanted it to. Then there's the GK 700RB that gave me the tone that was in my head (G'n'R) when it was cranked. So it depends. By the way, a 700RB would have been warmer than the 1001RB, and would sound punchier in the 4 string mode and can be cranked at lower volumes for the GK growl.

[brndn123]

I guess the title of my thread was a little too black and white, let me clarify...I've been playing for a number of years. The age old "x vs y" debate is strictly based upon preference and I assumed most of us on here realized this along time ago. What I was implying was if any of you had similar experience with having a less reputable bass amp sound better than a more well regarded bass amp, including but not limited to Peavey and GK. Some of you guys understood where I was coming from To those that did not, my apologies. I guess I should stick to playing bass lawlz

More on topic...It was a cute little surprise. I was anticipating a tonal nightmare on the few gigs I used my 450 but as it turned out, not sure if I will be going back to my GK.

[Ursus Tyrannus]

I guess I'm supremely under qualified to post...but I will.
I have been using the first amp I bought in 1991. A Peavey Mark VI with a Peavey 2x15D cab, I really like it, never had a complaint, and even had a few compliments...the country guys love my rig, especially with the Peavey 2X10 added. I prefer the sound with a second Genz Benz 2x15 added. It is as strong as the day it was made and that includes being gigged in a punk/metal band for several years then stored in a cellar for more than a decade while I quit playin music and "grew up".
It sound great to me, sounds great to others, it does exactly what I want with no troubles... of course I've had it 20 years, I better know how to set it. But I typically do very little tweaking on it, but I also only play with a quiet old school country/Americana jam group (I'm the kid of the group being in my 40's) and not loud rock (oh how I wish I knew some hard rock guys!).
I've never had a need for another amp so I've never had that cheapie out performed the more highly regarded brand experience in amps.
But I sure have in basses.

[brndn123]

Oh noes! I've awaken the GK militia. Please...SPARE ME!

[georgestrings]

Originally Posted by Daniel Piper

As for the title of the thread,

Peavey > GK

Not in my experience.

Agreed - and I've owned atleast a dozen Peavey amps over the years, and probably close to as many of their cabs... I still own a couple of their cabs - but still view Peavey gear to be good, solid gear, but not quite as good as G-K...

I prefer the 700rb-II over the 1001rb-II, as it's easier to "warm up" at my typical playing volumes...


- georgestrings

[KsPiNeSh]

Looks like for you, yes, Peavey > GK.

[JxBass]

Originally Posted by Ursus Tyrannus

I guess I'm supremely under qualified to post...but I will.

Hmmm ... this looks like a great signature

[Savage_Dreams]

Originally Posted by brndn123

What I was implying was if any of you had similar experience with having a less reputable bass amp sound better than a more well regarded bass amp, including but not limited to Peavey and GK. Some of you guys understood where I was coming from To those that did not, my apologies. I guess I should stick to playing bass lawlz

i guess i wouldnt have looked at the original question that way because ive never heard of peavey as being less reputable. peavey has stood the test of time and has always made great stuff, especially for the great price they usually maintain. peavey was my first real amp also

[jeff7bass]

Originally Posted by WingKL

It's a fallacy to conclude the one brand is better than another based on the subjective experience of just one amp in the line up from one company vs another. I've played with a Peavey Mark IV rig that worked but had a one dimensional tone and didn't respond like I wanted it to. Then there's the GK 700RB that gave me the tone that was in my head (G'n'R) when it was cranked. So it depends. By the way, a 700RB would have been warmer than the 1001RB, and would sound punchier in the 4 string mode and can be cranked at lower volumes for the GK growl.

All that’s true and depending on the cabs you’re driving, the “preferred” head may change. Like if you were driving a pair of GK 410’s, the 1001RB would likely win the battle with the Peavey.
The GK has more features for direct out also, plus a bi-amp function (suited for GK cabs). All that being said, the Peavey’s are simple, powerful, great-value heads. For the Avatar 212, I would actually buy the Peavey Tour 450 before the 1001RB.

[MNAirHead]

I own both (and other brands)...

Bit depends on the exact model and what you're doing.

IF going on a long road trip or needing durability first... there's only one answer in my book (and it's not my Eden stuff).

The reality is your paying audience can't hear or care.

Tim

[Bilboom]

yes, i tried a gk backline 600 and it was a good head, i tried a ampeg combo, the one of 220 watts it was for me even better oou but theeen, i tried a bass combo of a mexican brand called Myth it was a 160B o my god the thing let me astonished it was incredible the sound was so good i buy it, and i have to say is a very good investment 160w, graphic Eq, active/passive input etc, if you find one, dobt doubt on buying one

[brndn123]

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

For the Avatar 212, I would actually buy the Peavey Tour 450 before the 1001RB.

Definitely. The Avatar is actually my mini rig for those fun upstairs/downstairs gigs. I can't image lugging my rbh around like that. Another thing: sometimes I felt that the 1001 was a bit more headroom than I needed for one cab. I would assume this may be why the 700rb is so well regarded around here. Maybe I should look into a 700?

[jeff7bass]

The 700rb would be a very good match for the RBH 410, you'll get the "growl" a bit sooner than the 1001rb. I had one for years, great amp.