What feelings on the GK Backline 600?

De93 · #1 01-22-2011, 08:47 AM

There's one available for 157 USD, and I need an amplifier to learn bass on (I'm primarily a guitarist). It can run 600W at 2 ohms, and 300 at 4 ohms, so it should be plenty loud enough for band situation, or so I assume. I'm mostly going to be playing alternative, punk, and maybe dabble in some funk/rock stylings if I can get the chops.

upandb · #2 01-22-2011, 08:49 AM

Sounds perfect for you honestly. I have one and love it. It's a really good budget amp.

jnewmark · #3 01-22-2011, 08:50 AM

I've only used one once, backline provided rig, and really did'nt like it much. Did'nt have enough time to adjust settings, but could'nt really find a usuable tone, as compared to a GK RB700II, which sounds good right out of the box.

upandb · #4 01-22-2011, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnewmark

I've only used one once, backline provided rig, and really did'nt like it much. Did'nt have enough time to adjust settings, but could'nt really find a usuable tone, as compared to a GK RB700II, which sounds good right out of the box.

I haven't tried the 700, but that's a different beast altogether.

Also, a Backline 600 for 157USD is basically half off. Is it used?

Even so, I'd still say get it. I've never been short on volume or tone on mine. No matter what I do it sounds good. After almost every show my band plays, someone comes up to me and says "OMG WHY DOES YOUR BASS SOUND SO GOOD?"

jnewmark · #5 01-22-2011, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upandb

I haven't tried the 700, but that's a different beast altogether.

Also, a Backline 600 for 157USD is basically half off. Is it used?

Even so, I'd still say get it. I've never been short on volume or tone on mine. No matter what I do it sounds good. After almost every show my band plays, someone comes up to me and says "OMG WHY DOES YOUR BASS SOUND SO GOOD?"

No doubt, it's a good deal, provided it's in good shape. Also, that rig I got stuck with had a Goldline 410 cab with it that sounded like pure mud. Might be a good head with a different cab. Alot of bang for the buck.

TC.65 · #6 01-22-2011, 09:10 AM

you might want to do more research I'm pretty sure it does 180 watts at 8 ohms and 300 at 4 ohms. It is not made to run at 2 ohms. I've got a 700rb-II and I really like it.

Gravedigger · #7 01-22-2011, 09:11 AM

I've used a GK BL600 for going on two years now with no problems and plenty of compliments. If you know how to set it up, there are some great tones to be had. By the way, DO NOT RUN IT AT 2 OHMS!!!!! It will overheat!!!! I asked the Techs at GK about running it at 2 ohms, and that's what they told me. The only drawback to the BL600 is if you use a 5 string or low tuning. It loses a little of that oomph. I wish I could add the 4/5 string switch to it that the 700rb and higher have.

De93 · #8 01-22-2011, 11:25 AM

Would 300 watts at 4 ohms be enough power behind an Ampeg Classic 8x10? I have access to one for practices, and might have the option of taking it off the owners hands in the near future.

hoshbrown41 · #9 01-22-2011, 11:28 AM

I had one for a couple years. It was okay - plenty of power and clarity, but I never found a sound I fell in love with.

RickenBoogie · #10 01-22-2011, 12:01 PM

As far as entry level gear goes, it seems GK's Backlines are a cut above most other brands budget gear. At that price, it's a no-brainer.

impactwrench · #11 01-22-2011, 12:12 PM

I use one frequently. Its definitely only 300 watts at 4 ohms, 180 at 8 ohms. From what I understand the BL600 is just a 400RB-IV but made in china, and has the 2001RB distortion circuit. It's a great amp and at the price youre paying, well worth it. I also have a 400RB-III and will have a 700RB-II in a couple more days. I don't hesitate to use the BL600 at gigs. I don't think it gets as much credit around here as the 400RB, though I've seen Bob Gallien say it has been the most reliable of their amps. Makes sense considering its been around in some form (400B --> 400RB-IV) for like 30 years. (im guessing so don't quote me on it

Chowowbus · #12 01-22-2011, 01:41 PM

I had one. It as my first amp and I gigged the heck out of it. I replaced it with a GK mb 500 and to be honest, it was really a good amp. I replaced it only because I had a case of "gear aquisition syndrome"..It should serve you well for what you need.

gregoire1 · #13 01-22-2011, 01:42 PM

I just bought a BL600 off an internet auction site (that starts with an "E" and ends with "bay") for $102 plus $30 shipping. Great shape, some paint scuffed from a corner. I love it, so much better sounding than my Ampeg Portabass! I wish the "boost" knob went to "11".

De93 · #14 01-22-2011, 02:37 PM

I'm waiting for the seller to respond, but do you guys thing 300W is enough for an 8x10?

fdeck · #15 01-22-2011, 02:46 PM

I've got a geeky review of the BL600 at my website. I still like it, though I have since then jumped onto the micro bandwagon. The innards of the BL600 appear to be of the same quality as other GK gear.

Scott549 · #16 01-22-2011, 03:17 PM

I've got one, using it with an Avatar 112 and a Hartke 115 and I get plenty of volume. As a comparison, the new GK MB115 I just played through at Guitar Center will not go nearly as loud. So I'm definitely partial to the BL 600 and separate cab(s). I can't say whether it's enough for one of those monster Ampeg 8x10 cabinets, though.

Chowowbus · #17 01-22-2011, 03:45 PM

fdeck...I purchased my backline after reading your review a few years ago. Never got the chance to say thanks...so thanks! I wish all reviews were like that!

gregoire1 · #18 01-22-2011, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chowowbus

fdeck...I purchased my backline after reading your review a few years ago. Never got the chance to say thanks...so thanks! I wish all reviews were like that!

Wow! I did the same thing! I never considered the BL600,(I'm a closet gear snob), but after reading your review, I realized, it fit my needs perfectly. I'm glad I did.

ElectraPhoenix · #19 01-22-2011, 03:53 PM

The BL600 is a great head; I run it with an Ashdown 410 and it sounds pretty good. It's pretty inexpensive for the power it provides, too. fdeck's review is great and gives tips on how to set the amp to a neutral setting.

tocs100 · #20 01-22-2011, 03:55 PM

Hmm, well unlike the many bad reviews that complain of overheating (ikely from ignoring the top vent) and auto-switching to the terrible o.d. channel, my unit's defect(?) is that the post-eq d.i. output is SO quiet and easy to overload that plugging-into the mixer is just hissy crap (pre-eq d.i. is fine tho).

I solved that by using an Aphex Big Bottom d.i. in the fx loop, which improves the preamp/eq section from good to great. There's also one in the classifieds here for $180 shipped, and another guy has an Aphex d.i. for $35.

I'd say it's loud enough for 75% of the indoor gigs you'll play on the club circuit, with a 4ohm 410 cab or larger. Avoid the Goldline or Backline cabs tho I hear quite often.