Hello. I am on a quest for a new rig, and looked at GK, but it is out of my price range. I was wondering if Ampeg or Peavy were good alternatives to this brand.
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Alternatives to Gallien Krueger?
- Thread starter Bass Boy J
- Start date
What sound are going after? What styles of music do you play? Have you looked at used GK equipment?
A mix between the Duff Mckagan GnR sound, and a Cliff Burton/Lemmy Kilmister Hybrid sound.
And yes I looked at used GK stuff, but a lot of the stuff that is in my price range is pretty old. I just want to have a head that will last me until I am 18 or 20, because I am 15.
I also play a lot of punk/hard rock music, like gnr, velvet revolver, Metallica, etc.
Al Kraft
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- May 2, 2016
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Is used gear from a reliable seller an option? I would think $500 could get you something like a used 700RB (which will likely last until you're 30) or an MB500 which should also be reliable enough to serve you into your 20's.
If you have a sound in your head and GK gets you there, I would not be afraid of buying used. GK, especially the RB line, is as reliable as anything out there IME. I have friends with 20 and 30 year old GK gear that plays fine...my SWR SM-400S is from the early 90's, was recently checked out, found to be in fine order, and still sounds killer. Don't be afraid of higher quality older gear as long as you know who owned it and how it was cared for.
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I have two 400RBs from the mid to late 80s, an MB200 and an MB500 from from 2012ish. Never had an issue with any of them and they are all gigged regularly. I don't think you have to worry too much about a used GK amp lasting you 3-5 years.
You should be able to find a 400RB for about half your budget, and an 800 RB for right about at your budget. These are getting a little harder to find now that their getting a little older, but earlier 1001s and 700s should be in your budget too. The used one’s should be pretty reliable too. I’ve had at least one GK amp in my possession non-stop for the last 35 years and never needed service on any of them.
You could also pick up one of these Zoom MS-60B MultiStomp Bass Pedal ($120) or it's big brother B3n Multi-Effects Processor ($220) and use the GK amp sim through any rig. There's also this Plex Preamp — Gallien-Krueger ($360) but then you've nearly blown your budget.
Thanks! But how do I get the GK sound? Do I just download it from Zoom's website?
Maybe a power amp & a pre amp pedal will get you the various sounds you are looking for
Easily get an ampeg pf350 or pf500 used and still have $$ left over in the budget
