Alternatives to Gallien Krueger?

[Peteyboy]

Two used for under $400

Gallien-Krueger MB500 500-Watt Ultra Light Bass Head | Reverb

MB500 for $350 w/free shipping? This is a good deal on a lightweight powerful amp. Well under budget.

To the OP: You got good taste kid.

 

[Doug Parent]

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.

Lots of used GK 700RBii and 1001RB's on the classifieds sometimes. If they're straight up 100% functional you can't beat the value and they slam.

 

[jeff7bass]

I got GAS for this one. If too expensive, people seem to like the TC Electronic Thrust BQ500.
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/amp...er RM-500 EVO II 500W Bass Amp Head | $549.99

 

[equalizin]

GK is one of the few brands that doesn't really have any alternatives. Fender and Ampeg have many copies but GK is their own thing. I think Hartke might come the closest with the clean hifi tone but you'll never get that gk grind.

 

[Jazz Ad]

MB series fit your requirements and budget, so there really isn't a question.

 

[NeonVomit]

You might find some new old stock MB heads available because stores are clearing them out to make way for the next generation of GK class D heads. Also keep an eye on used, sometimes you'll get lucky and find someone who's just clearing out stuff they don't need/use for cheap.

But failing that, I think your best bet is the Hartke TX600 - it can kind of get the GK type sound you're after and is right in your budget, plus weighs exactly 7lb.

Trace Elliot ELF is also a possibility, but it's only 200w so not super-loud (but the convenience factor is a big one).

 

[Thumpin6string]

A GK RB head should only be around 15 pounds. At 15, you should be able to lug around a 35+ pound head. I'm in my 60s and still lug around a 19 pound head.

 

[Tim Schnautz]

I also want something that is no more than 7 lbs

What more are you asking for?

 

[johnson79]

An MB500 is a great choice. I have an old 400RB and it's pretty light for being a full-size head, I doubt it's more than 10 pounds.

 

[BOOG]

Sure. Plus I am not trying to sound exactly like duff. His tone is just a key component in my sound.

You'll be glad you got the GK head. If you don't get it you're going to regret it, and end up with one eventually, anyway. You're young so, don't start teaching yourself to settle early in life. Go after what you want and don't stop.

 

[Marc DLarosa]

Where are You?

 

[BOOG]

View attachment 3828306

Will fit in your lunchbox.

+1
Love mine and it actually has gotten the most use because of it's size and convenience with the elf cabs. Plus, the darn thing just sounds so good. Played with a bunch of different people and they have often commented about the how much they like the tone.
Definitely worth a look and the price is very reasonable.

 

[BassBrass]

A GK RB head should only be around 15 pounds. At 15, you should be able to lug around a 35+ pound head. I'm in my 60s and still lug around a 19 pound head.

we don't know how far his walk to school is or how many books or PC he already carries: if it's over hills climbing fences or urban desolation broken glass and barbed wire, 5 miles in all weather like mah daddy did to do or so he claimed... 15 lbs Extra carry a mile or 2, a voluntary conditioning march, when so many amps weigh nothing these days, why do it? (other than for character and conditioning).

 

[br1qbat]

Just get a 800rb and smile away when you plug in. Sure it's heavy, but its THE tone you ard looking for. You can get one within your price range. I'm over twice your age [geez] and schlepping it is not that big a deal. Any cab you buy is going to be a helluva lot heavier than that old GK, which is prolly only 20ish lbs.

 

[kleinenenten]

If you want GK tone on the cheap, and light, like many have said - go for the MB Series. I have an MB200 as a backup, and it’s great!

 

[zekmoe]

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

View attachment 3828164

Based on what he's said, I bet he'd love that head.

 

[skidmarkbass]

I bought a 20 yr old 800rb for $300, it's light weight and still sounds great.

 

[john_g]

What more are you asking for?

If it could do homework and make my bed that would be greeeeaaat....thannnnnks

 

[Bassdirty]

I think he left.

Plenty of suggestions that fit the criteria, and no comment.

 

[david barnes]

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.

i will always be with ampeg or orange bass.. i had 2.. brand new out of the box gk rb1001.. bought new off mf..
i was excited to try something new since ive always played on ampeg amps.. so i got this.. rb1001.. hooked it up to my ampeg svt 410...dialed in my sound.. kept it at low bedroom volume. and i jammed on it for maybe 45 min.im happy im feeling it.. then all of a sudden. pop!!!!smoke... no sound.. nope called mf. right away. they had me taken care of. free shipping for them to replace the amp. with the same. ok few days comes and goes. new amp arrives.. same thing i set it up. hook it up.. play maybe 1 hour then pop . smoke again.. by this time im mad. i call mf again. and tell them the issue. they want to make it right and ask what amp i really want. i told them to get me the ampeg svt 7 pro. ive had it since then and it was 6 years ago..