Amp recommendation comparable to GK 800RB

[ELG60]

Lusithand has an RB800 preamp. Don't know anything about it but might be worthy of a look.

 

[groovaholic]

the 800RB compared to newer GKs is more mid-focused, and it's actually sort of treble-shy. And bass-shy as well...I'd say that the 700 or 1001RB come close, but they are less mid-focused.

I'd agree with this - IMO the Legacy gets closer to the 800RB sound than the 700/1001RB.
The 800RB isn't a thick-sounding amp; it's reputation was built on grit and punch.

The 700/100RB are a little scooped when set flat; with all knobs at noon, the Legacy has lots of mids.
But between the switches, overdrive ("boost") channel and EQ controls, the Legacy can get a LOT of different tones - yet the clarity and attack are always there.

 

[shoot-r]

OP,

Download a owner's manual for the GK MB-500 heads.
In there you'll find it says, "For 800RB voicing run the contour fully on or fully off."

I gigged with a 800RB from 1984 to roughfully 2008.
I now gig with either a MB Fusion 800 or a MB500.

It has been awhile since I heard/gigged with the 800RB, but I believe with the MB's contour fully on it's, "not exact", but in the ballpark.

I always have a SansAmp BDDI V2 infront of the MB500 head, and to my ears anyway, seems to bring it even alittle closer to the 800RB.

And a bonus, if you watch the T.B. Classifieds, used but not abused, MB2-500's and MB500's pop up often around $250.00 to $300.00.

 

[Afc70]

If you could score an original GK 400 rb, (they still pop up occasionally) they are amazing. I currently have one from the mid 80’s era, and it hits hard. I actually prefer it over the 800 rb, because the 400 rb’s have more bottom end than the 800rb’s. You can’t go wrong with any Gk tho imo !

 

[ebo]

I had a 700RB for years and really loved it. Went to Markbass +pedals, and am now a Mesa 800 fan. The Mesa 350 would probably be enough. Never played a GK800 but have heard them. So many good amps…it’s a wonderful world.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I have my Legacy 500 for sale in the classifieds. I had my 800RB and the Legacy 500 at the same time and they really sound similar. The Legacy beat out the 800RB due to it being slightly more refined the bump, contour, and presence switches make it very easy to shape your tone. The overdrive circuit is really nice to “ride the rails” at a reasonable volume. The variable input pad is very nice. You start with it all the way up and if need be you back it down to where you’re no longer clipping the input allows for way more control over an active passive pad button.
The DI is also great, quiet and clean!
The Legacy also can do 2 ohms no sweat!

 

[Gervais Cote]

I have my Legacy 500 for sale in the classifieds. I had my 800RB and the Legacy 500 at the same time and they really sound similar. The Legacy beat out the 800RB due to it being slightly more refined the bump, contour, and presence switches make it very easy to shape your tone. The overdrive circuit is really nice to “ride the rails” at a reasonable volume. The variable input pad is very nice. You start with it all the way up and if need be you back it down to where you’re no longer clipping the input allows for way more control over an active passive pad button.
The DI is also great, quiet and clean!
The Legacy also can do 2 ohms no sweat!

Oh, the Legacy 500 just became a serious contender all of a sudden …………..

 

[Chickenwheels]

The 400RB was my main amp. Since become a spare it’s never been used.

 

[Lemur Bassman]

I made a post about a year ago and everyone said the same thing. I wanted to post again since I found some new ones nobody mentioned. Thank you.

Well, I have a GK Legacy 800 2x12 combo with a 2x12 GK NEO IV extension cab and I have been very happy with the Legacy series. Not only is it plenty loud enough, but it's crystal clear and does feel as though it's working heard as you turn up the volume. Great tone for days!

 

[The Lurker]

FWIW, yes I know this is an older thread now, but DiCosimo makes a pedal version of the 800RB preamp that can drive a poweramp. I've played through an 800RB for ages and the DiCosimo sounds close enough to the amp that the difference can come down to the speakers. GK really missed the boat when they didn't make that.