Why should I not buy a new GK Backline 600?

scubaduba · #1 08-13-2010, 08:25 AM

I'm looking for the best "inexpensive" amp I can get right now. Don't need more wattage than the Backline is capable of right now as I'm not relying on the amp/cab to drive my entire sound. I typically play small venues and/or run into DI.

I am looking for something with excellent low end and top end clarity. Do want mud. Don't want just big boom. I like a little bit of "growl" but not distortion. I'll be playing through a 2x12 cab.

I'm also considering picking up one of those new GK MB200 heads. Those things are so tiny and sound great. Just not sure if there's enough versatility and power to those things.

I'll likely be playing a Lakland 55-02 through this amp.

So talk me out of buying a Backline 600 if you think there's something better I should be shooting for.

PSPookie · #2 08-13-2010, 08:31 AM

Well, my only quibble here is that you could buy a nicer amp on the used market for the same money or simply spend less on the Backline 600 by going used.

Aside from that, I owned a Backline 600 and it was solid.

Bassman7PM · #3 08-13-2010, 08:32 AM

I'm very impressed with the Backline 600, compact, great tone and features. For rehearsals and small gigs this head delivers and it has an overdrive feature. I ran mine thru an Avatar 210 and it was a perfect match. The other plus is that you can find them at a good price on CL.

rhopper · #4 08-13-2010, 08:34 AM

I hear good things about this...

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ampeg-Mi...12-i1454335.gc

scubaduba · #5 08-13-2010, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhopper

I hear good things about this...

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ampeg-Mi...12-i1454335.gc

Wish I had somewhere near me where I could play through one of those.

somegeezer · #6 08-13-2010, 08:51 AM

It's a solid amp. Very reliable. I'm thinking about getting myself one as a backup to my 1001RB-II. I doub't I'd ever need a backup for it though.

rappa29 · #7 08-13-2010, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSPookie

Well, my only quibble here is that you could buy a nicer amp on the used market for the same money or simply spend less on the Backline 600 by going used.

This! Used in either case is a winner! As a point of reference, I sold my GK700RBII here for around $375, shipped....only to buy another one later because I missed it!

j.kernodle · #8 08-13-2010, 08:55 AM

Play thru it first. Make sure your basses "play well" with it. I had an active sterling that overdrove the passive input no matter how low I had the input gain, had to use the attenuator which took out a lot of the top end response on the amp. I didn't have problems with the Markbass LMII or Mesa Carbine head, I could use the passive input all day long. (i know those amps obviously cost more though)

Bluedevilxx · #9 08-13-2010, 08:58 AM

I used the heck out of my old Backline 600. I still regret selling it

I never had any issues, was super durable, and it always sounded nice.

sooooo to answer your question...there are NO reasons not to pick one up

smogg · #10 08-13-2010, 09:01 AM

IMHO if you are set on the GK sound, your best bet (considering your budget) would be a used MB 500. Just make sure it is a least version A05 or higher.

Floridabwoy · #11 08-13-2010, 09:05 AM

I purchased a used one for $100. I beat the crap out of mine, into a 4X10. The fan sensor eventually failed. It is a great little amp, I traded it for an Yamaha PB-1. I kind of miss the tone. Kind of.

DrewGK · #12 08-13-2010, 09:13 AM

NO. NO. NO.

I am a HUGE GK fan, my freaking username has GK in it, but do not buy anyhting from the backline series. period. The cabs are horrible and will break and the amps distort at low volumes (not that the tone was ever good form them anyway)

ANY other GK product is an amazing choice. I have a 700RB and ive played the rest of the RB heads and even the MB ones and theyre all great.

All GK USA made products are amazing IMO, but stay away from the backline series. I am trying to warn you.

RB FTW

Floridabwoy · #13 08-13-2010, 09:17 AM

meh... agreed that the cabs suck. But the BL600 is great if you dont want to spend $700 for a backup amp.

PSPookie · #14 08-13-2010, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floridabwoy

meh... agreed that the cabs suck. But the BL600 is great if you dont want to spend $700 for a backup amp.

+1 That head is the only product from the Backline series that I would recommend.

Chowowbus · #15 08-13-2010, 10:30 AM

Bakckline 600 is the best deal on a new amp IMHO. I have gigged the hell out of mine. I use an MB-500 now and still have the 600 for a back up. If I was to have one it would be the MB 500 tho...

Later

rpsands · #16 08-13-2010, 10:37 AM

Meh. I got my Mb500 for 400 bucks on Music123. It's such an amazing deal for a gigging amp I don't think I'd go with anything cheaper except used stuff.

sowegafly · #17 08-13-2010, 07:14 PM

I've played an 800rb for about 15 years and the other day I a/b'd my 800rb with my buddys bl600. I was shocked. The bl600 seemed to have a fuller sound when both heads were eq'd flat. he has had his a few years and never had a problem with it. I'm actually gonna pick one up myself

rpsands · #18 08-13-2010, 08:00 PM

The BL600 is very scooped when set "flat", which is probably why it sounds fuller. Eqing "flat" is a ridiculous test since every amp has a different preset eq curve.

BigOldHarry · #19 08-13-2010, 08:16 PM

Have you actually played one?

If not, do not buy it. If you HAVE played one and dig, it then go for it.

But don't just buy it based on a MF list...

scubaduba · #20 08-13-2010, 08:24 PM

Yes I've played through one many times. I do like them a lot. Just concerned about quality. I don't need something extravagant as this would be a backup head.