After spending so much time reading and appreciating the thoughts and experiences of other TB'ers regarding both of these products in isolation, I thought I would create a thread (my first) regarding how these two actually play together. Edit: thanks to Vic who has very helpfully posted briefly in many threads about his experiences running his RH450 into his GK 12's.
I am posting because there has been a lot of interest on TB around both companies innovations. And with so many people seeming to be 'on the lookout' for light/micro options, maybe someone will find this useful.
I suppose I will add to this as my knowledge of this combo grows. And hopefully others can chime in with their experiences too.
I must admit that although I LOVE reading the detailed and thorough posts by people such as KJung and Eublet, I simply cannot even begin to approach the levels of bass word-smithery they employ. The sound of the Classic450/RH450 is already VERY well documented, as is the sound of the Neo line of enclosures, so I will try not to wander into pointless description.
But I should begin.
After a long, long process of research and selling off of old gear, I have finally put together my loud, but lightweight rig. My previous two combinations have been: GK 700RBII + Mesa Powerhouse (great combo) and Traynor YBA200 + XC808 cab (big + loud, but found the tone far too colored)
In looking for a new bass head (already owning the GK 212-II and 115-III for a few months and running them with a Peavey Max 450) I really wanted something that would sandwich (ying yang?) nicely between my kinda bright Musicman Reflex, and the Neo cabinets which have a strong and even response across the spectrum.
Well, after a couple of days of playing through the combination, I have to say that I think that this combo certainly does the trick.
With the Peavey head, I was really impressed with how, when playing smooth fingerstyle, the cabs had a very clear and sweet top end, and the ability to go pretty low down too. I found however that when slapping, popping or going pickstyle, that clarity could easily turn into harshness. Not so with the TC Classic. That 5k lo-pass, while taming some of the 'brilliance' that heaps of people love, seems to help emphasise the 'meat' in the mids - which the Neo cabs translate really well. Lots of punch.
The Neo cabs are known for having a lot of treble. With other heads I have had to turn the horn right down. The TC tames this treble response right down, resulting in a really pleasing (to me) top end. It is a bonus however having such a flexible and tasteful onboard preamp in my Reflex, which makes adding a nice treble sheen effortless.
I think this combo would be awesome for Stingray/Sterling players who love their instruments, but struggle with the 'clank' that can sometimes be overbearing - especially through brighter solid state amps.
Time will tell if I will miss the more sizzly top end of my old RB series Gk.
I can't wait to hear how this will sound in my Scott Pilgrim-esque 3 piece, when we reconvene later in the year.
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