• 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 free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Best Gallien Krueger Head?

#24
Ive used and loved a 700rb-ii for a good few years now. Heaps of tone and tonal options plus the bi-amp tweeter/sub split if using a gk cab. My current bass only has a volume but the amp has more than enough tonal option to compensate. 700rb-ii. Do it.
 
#26
BogeyBass said:
Even a 400 is a monster

Reliable and yes not very heavy at all
Click to expand...
I've had one since the very early '90 and have done hundreds and hundreds of shows with it. For years I used a Peavey 215 cabinet, then in the 2000's I used a 6x10 cabinet. That was ok but not really my favorite. I bought an Ampeg 810 last year and couldn't be any happier. It only have 200 watts @ 4 ohms, and 125 @ 8 but it does a good job with that 'fridge. I probably would have bought an 800RB if I could have afforded it, but I'm plenty happy with the 400. The only issue I've ever had was the effects loop cutting out, inserted a small jumper a few years ago and haven't had a problem since. I think the best way to describe the GK "sound" is neutral. YMMV
 
#32
Wisebass said:
Hi Alexander :)

Don ' t tell me you will change your avatar. :(

I would stay with the Ampeg! :D

That said, the 800rb kills!


may the bass be with you

Wise(b)ass
Click to expand...
Haha - my Ampegs aren’t going anywhere - trust me! They’ll always be my #1. But, I certainly appreciate GK amps. They seem to be the staple for rehearsal studios and always sound good. I’ve only played on one really big stage in my life and GK was the amp that was provided - I think it was a 1001RB, but I can’t be certain. I’m sure part of what I heard that day was the big subs under the stage, but that rig sounded glorious!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Wisebass
#37
Alexander said:
They’d go with Ampeg cabs - either a Heritage 810 or 1-2 212AVs. Thanks everyone for the advice!
Click to expand...

Awesome. One more question, how clean do you like your signal, and do you run any other preamps/always on sources of warmth/harmonic distortion before the amp?

Given that you're a tube amp guy, I have an idea of where this is going to go, but it makes sense to ask. :)

The reason is that the 700RB-ii and 1001RB-ii are pretty much the same amp, just the 1001RB-ii has a beefier power supply (seriously, that 1001RB-ii power transformer is enormous, and the amp weighs more for it). They even share the exact same preamp. Either should be able to get more than loud enough with either of those two rigs, so then it's just a matter of deciding how clean you want to be on transients and when the amp is really being pushed. :bassist:
 
  • Like
Reactions: mattbass6945
#39
Had a 400RB, sold it, regret doing that. I have MB200 now as backup and newer 400 GK now. A good reason to choose the 700, 800, or 1001 is level control on the DI output. It's pretty hot if you can't turn that down. Great amps- great company. Wish they didn't do offshore manufacturing, but; bidness is bidness.
 
#40
bassjoeusa said:
Wish they didn't do offshore manufacturing
Click to expand...

I believe all new assembly is back in the US, and has been for some time if that sort of thing matters to you. There was a time period where they did have a factory in China, but that closed shop years ago. Not sure of the exact year, but IIRC, it was right around when they changed the name of the MB2-500 to MB-500 just to give an idea.

Seal from their homepage:
madeinUSAweb.png
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back