upgrading GK 400rbIII to.... ???

j_nition · #1 07-02-2011, 11:22 PM

Been loving this little guys through my GK neo 212 cab.

Recently started getting the itch to upgrade and weighing the options. I like the tone I'm getting but desire a little more headroom. I also find I run it almost exclusively with a VT bass to warm it up to my likeing.

IDEAS:
-Should I continue to run the VT pedal and look into a 700rbII for the same sound with extra wattage and bi-amping capabilities?

-If I like the VT sound, perhaps I should consider looking into Ampeg gear? An all tube SVT is defintily outside my budget range but are there other more affordable offerings in the Ampeg line up that can get a similar warmth of the SVT setting on the VT pedal?

-Or would the GK Fusion 550 be the most elegant solution to GK tone with the warmth of a tube pre?

WingKL · #2 07-03-2011, 01:12 AM

The 700RB sounds like just the ticket if you like the GK sound but need more headroom. The 700RB in my opinion probably has the best tone in the family of the modern GK heads. If the 400RBIII sounds like the Backline 600 then I'll say you'll be pleasantly surprised at the improvement in tone when you upgrade to the 700RB.

JimmyM · #3 07-03-2011, 01:30 AM

If you like the VT sound and can't swing an SVT, I'd suggest checking out the SVT 7 Pro or the PF500. PF500 is cheaper and sounds great, but the tube preamp in the 7 Pro makes a difference. GK stuff is good, but if you prefer the Ampeg sound, then get Ampeg, and then use the VT as a dirt box.

wcriley · #4 07-03-2011, 05:23 AM

Have you considered buying a power amp instead of another head? I've read here that the VT can drive a power amp directly, though I have no personal experience.

Something along the lines of a Peavey IPR1600 would give you lots of headroom and added versatility (including a backup for the PA, if ever needed). And you save $300 over the 700RB, assuming you buy new. If you find the G-K is an important part of the "sound", use the DI out (post EQ) from the head to feed the power amp.

georgestrings · #5 07-03-2011, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WingKL

The 700RB sounds like just the ticket if you like the GK sound but need more headroom. The 700RB in my opinion probably has the best tone in the family of the modern GK heads. If the 400RBIII sounds like the Backline 600 then I'll say you'll be pleasantly surprised at the improvement in tone when you upgrade to the 700RB.

Agreed, with the clarification that it's the 700rb-II that the OP wants... The 700rb-II can get as warm as one wants, merely by using the Boost and EQ - yet can run clean at loud gigging volumes... IMO, it's one of the best bass amps ever made...

- georgestrings

j_nition · #6 07-03-2011, 10:14 AM

thanks for the input guys.

-Is the bi-amping capabilities of the 700rbII a big deal? Always been very interested in this.

-Definitly feel like I should give a real ampeg head like the PF500 a go to see what its all about. The only experience I have with ampeg is a quick demo of the Micro VR (not totaly blown away) and the VT bass if you can even call that Ampeg experience.

agreatheight · #7 07-03-2011, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WingKL

The 700RB sounds like just the ticket if you like the GK sound but need more headroom. The 700RB in my opinion probably has the best tone in the family of the modern GK heads. If the 400RBIII sounds like the Backline 600 then I'll say you'll be pleasantly surprised at the improvement in tone when you upgrade to the 700RB.

Yup.

agreatheight · #8 07-03-2011, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j_nition

thanks for the input guys.

-Is the bi-amping capabilities of the 700rbII a big deal? Always been very interested in this.

It's a big deal to some, not to others. I don't use the bi-amp at all.

wcriley · #9 07-03-2011, 12:02 PM

I've been using a 1001RB for 4 years without ever using the bi-amp function (except to roll off everything above 5K on the DI)

**B-string** · #10 07-03-2011, 01:59 PM

Fusion 550 user here. Find the H.M.S. (Horn Management System) useful. Thats about it. It is a feature not a deal breaker? Bi-amp is not the correct wording BTW as it only functions to control the horns in GK cabs so equipped.

madmatt · #11 07-03-2011, 02:05 PM

Get an 800RB?
It would work great with that VT too.

**B-string** · #12 07-03-2011, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmatt

Get an 800RB?

800RB is a true bi-amp head but voiced different than the 400 and the main amp only very slightly more power.

Unrepresented · #13 07-03-2011, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j_nition

thanks for the input guys.

-Is the bi-amping capabilities of the 700rbII a big deal? Always been very interested in this.

-Definitly feel like I should give a real ampeg head like the PF500 a go to see what its all about. The only experience I have with ampeg is a quick demo of the Micro VR (not totaly blown away) and the VT bass if you can even call that Ampeg experience.

Bi-amping is probably not a big deal if you're trying to go "warm" since warm usually means decreasing the ultra-hi range that the tweeter is going to offer.

I own an all tube Ampeg SVT-II and a 700RB-II.

I'd played through the Ampeg for years and bandmates loved the tone. On telling them that I was planning on getting a second amp I got a lot of concerns about "losing my tone." I ended up bringing in the GK head and playing through it during a practice without anyone actually noticing. They are different, but sonically, I can get them close enough that my needs are covered.

At the budget you're at, I'd recommend going with the 700RB-II. You can always add dirt to it, and honestly, I've never loved Ampeg's non-power tube offerings that much.

georgestrings · #14 07-03-2011, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agreatheight

It's a big deal to some, not to others. I don't use the bi-amp at all.

Same here - I just use a 2 conductor speakon cable, and control my horn with the cab's attentuator, on my cabs that have horns...

- georgestrings