• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Alternatives to Gallien Krueger?

Darkglass Microtubes 500. Problem is, you'll need another $100. Cut a few lawns next week and you're there. But the advantage is you get an incredible amp that's NEW with a warranty and already has all the dirt pedals you need built in (heck that will save you $300 right there). It's small and weighs nothing. Not only will it last until you are 18, it will last until your kids are 18 if you take care of it.

Darkglass Microtubes 500 - 500-watt Bass Head

FrontM500.jpg
 
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.

When I was your age I had bought a used GK 700RB (it was an older first edition) and this was probably 15 years ago. In my experience they are very reliable and don't often require much for maintenance so it should last you a few years. I think the only trouble I ever had from mine was needing to get something in it cleaned and that was after owning it for like 10 years. It is also powerful enough for most people's needs I would think.
 
  • Like
Reactions: IamGroot
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 don’t think you need to worry about it lasting till you’re 18. You could live to 80 and Probably be buried with your 400/700rb.

But no you probably don’t want to carry those to school. In the last 5 minutes I saw half a dozen mb500s in your price range between here and reverb. Weighs 3.75 lbs. You can get a brand new one for 579. Seems to check all the boxes.
 
I also want something that is no more than 7 lbs
Strongly recommend a used MB500 or MB800 (my fav). Definitely within your price and weight range. There is also a gig bag available that makes carrying a breeze. (Many of us also purchased the gig bags when we bought our amps, just for that reason.)

800 watts in a form factor the size of a text book. :thumbsup:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Clark W
Got it in 79 - my 1979 GK 400B, still works. It was my bass stack, on two cabinets when the 1989 earth quake hit the SF bay area, the whole stack fell forward, the amp hit the floor face first. The impact was so great it bent the back of the metal head inward (the front was ok, it hit carpet). It didn't work so I opened it up, found some barrel shaped things unplugged, plugged them back in, and it's still going today (now it's a distant back up head).