Best Gallien Krueger Bass head?

[Pedulla-Player]

If warmth is a priority, IMO you should go for a Fusion variant or a 700RB-II. I have a 700RB-II and an MB-500, and the RB generally sounds warmer and more substantial. I can get into the RB's neighborhood with the MB-500 by cutting the highs and high mids to about 9:00. I cut the bass a little too. They have a similar presence/feel in a band mix, at least at the modest gigs I play, at which I don't push either one that hard. As a result, I use the MB-500 most of the time for convenience, but purely for tone the 700RB-II is superior, and you would likely notice the difference more at the higher volumes you apparently use.

Thanks for your input. I do eventually want two GK heads - one new and one used. My plan is a new Fusion and a used 700RB-II or possibly 1001RB-II which can be picked up pretty reasonably in the classifieds here on TB.

If I go for the Fusion 550 I'd have to wait another month or two to save up for a used RB. If I go for the MB Fusion 500 I could use that extra money saved and buy a used RB sooner.

I've been burnt (twice) in the past by only having one amp to depend on and had to run direct into the PA at a gig. Didn't care for that at all...

 

[deeptubes]

I'm partial to my 1001 RB-II. Full, rich, loud, bassy, clean, articulate, versatile. Everything I need.

 

[Pedulla-Player]

I'm partial to my 1001 RB-II. Full, rich, loud, bassy, clean, articulate, versatile. Everything I need.

Thanks for your input. A lot good comments on the 1001rb-II in this thread.

 

[Munjibunga]

Haven't tried a lot of 'em, but it's hard for me to imagine liking any of them better than my MB800.

 

[Yango]

I'd have to go with the MB Fusion 500. This little package sure packs a big, sweet sounding punch!

 

[Pedulla-Player]

Haven't tried a lot of 'em, but it's hard for me to imagine liking any of them better than my MB800.

That thing must be Earth shattering!

 

[Pedulla-Player]

I'd have to go with the MB Fusion 500. This little package sure packs a big, sweet sounding punch!

Right at the top of my list with the 550. I just need to make up my dang mind on which one.

Thanks for your input. I appreciate it!

 

[ksandvik]

I'd have to go with the MB Fusion 500. This little package sure packs a big, sweet sounding punch!

Agree, and the versatility from very clean to very tube:y, contour or no contour, two separate channels. 500W is plenty and you pack it into a small computer laptop bag.

 

[Pedulla-Player]

Agree, and the versatility from very clean to very tube:y, contour or no contour, two separate channels. 500W is plenty and you pack it into a small computer laptop bag.

+1 - Thanks for your input!

 

[Jim C]

Great thread; thanks for all the info and opinions
Happy New Year!

 

[Pedulla-Player]

Great thread; thanks for all the info and opinions
Happy New Year!

Agreed! A lot of great responses and opinions here.

Thanks everyone!!

P.S. - Happy New Year everybody!!

 

[BawanaRik]

RB 800. The ultimate work horse bass amp.