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Carvin Rig vs. GK Rig

F

FighttheSilence

Apr 5, 2009
249
1
Jasper, MN (southwest corner)
#1
I made a post a few weeks ago called Carvin Rig vs. Hartke. Ever since the wonderful users of Talkbass gave there advice I've had my heart set on a Carvin. Recently I found a used GK 1001RB-II for $450 (and it comes with a case). Heres the rigs.

Carvin Rig: B1500 ($650) and Carvin 8x10 BR810 ($550) total= $1200. The head puts out 1250 watts @ 4ohms and the cab is 1200 watts @ 4 ohms. I have a carvin 2x10 and I like it

Gallien Krueger: 1001RB-II (Used $450 w/ case) and GK 410RBX-II 4x10 ($450) total= $900. The head is 700 watts @ 8 ohms with 50 watts to a horn. The cab is 400 watts @ 8 ohms. With this rig I would get another 4x10 when I get more money.

I'm playing in a metal band with 2 guitarists, a loud drummer, and a screamer/singer. The closest music store to me is a GC in Sioux Falls, SD. All they have for GK gear is a Backline 600 (which I liked), a few backline cabs, and a NEO 4x10. No Carvin near me (other than my cab), so I cant rally test much out.
 
#2
FighttheSilence said:
I made a post a few weeks ago called Carvin Rig vs. Hartke. Ever since the wonderful users of Talkbass gave there advice I've had my heart set on a Carvin. Recently I found a used GK 1001RB-II for $450 (and it comes with a case). Heres the rigs.

Carvin Rig: B1500 ($650) and Carvin 8x10 BR810 ($550) total= $1200. The head puts out 1250 watts @ 4ohms and the cab is 1200 watts @ 4 ohms. I have a carvin 2x10 and I like it

Gallien Krueger: 1001RB-II (Used $450 w/ case) and GK 410RBX-II 4x10 ($450) total= $900. The head is 700 watts @ 8 ohms with 50 watts to a horn. The cab is 400 watts @ 8 ohms. With this rig I would get another 4x10 when I get more money.

I'm playing in a metal band with 2 guitarists, a loud drummer, and a screamer/singer. The closest music store to me is a GC in Sioux Falls, SD. All they have for GK gear is a Backline 600 (which I liked), a few backline cabs, and a NEO 4x10. No Carvin near me (other than my cab), so I cant rally test much out.
Click to expand...

Get the Carvin B1500 head, plus one (1) BRX 10.4 NEO cab. Current total = $1,149.00.

Get the second BRX 10.4 NEO cab as soon as you can afford. Don't even screw around with the BR810.

That rig will blow away anything that GK could ever throw at it. Just do it. :rolleyes:

MM
 
#6
I have both heads and I like both heads, but for your application and in general for better "bang for the buck" I'd go with the Carvin. And I've never tried the BR810 but the BRX 10.4 NEO is a nice cab. I wanted an Acme for my specific needs, but playing it in the store I dug the BRX. Solid cab and good value IMO.

As a side note, the 1001RB-II is actually 460 W into 8 Ohms. It's 700 W into 4 ohms.
 
#7
I'd go with the GK head and the 8x10 Carvin (it's possible I may be biased as I play this combo and I think it's great!) out of the two choices you have. The thing I like about the Carvin cab is the weight...at around 115 pounds or so it's extremely light for a cab of that size. I've also been very happy with the sound I get from this combo.

However, since you mentioned the Neo's - given the chance to pony up on a few of the GK 4x10 Neos, I'd probably go that route. I'd love to have one of their 4x12 Neo cabs powered by my 1001.
 
#8
Oh c'mon, the B1500 is loud but a 4x10 can only take so many watts.

I bet your ears would feel that a 1001 RB II -> 4x10 is louder than a B1500 into the same 4x10, since very very few 4x10s can take as many watts as the 1001 puts out before asploding.


At that used price you will be very happy with a 1001 RB II, but you will want more than a 4x10 for that crowd. I would recommend this:

1) Buy the 1001 RB II
2) Order a 2x15 from Low Down Sound with a pair of Kappalite 3015's and an XD125 horn in it.
3) Win.
 
#10
This will help...

I have a GK 1001RB-II (480watts into 8ohms) with the 410 RBX-II (400 watts) and it great!!!

I play also in a DEATH METAL band and I dont even have to tune up more than half way and at that level it sound awesome!!!

Go for the GK:hyper:

GK all the way!!!!!!!!!!!
 
#15
+ whatever...

I like GK heads OK but that B1500 is unreal.

Dan K.

MysticMichael said:
Get the Carvin B1500 head, plus one (1) BRX 10.4 NEO cab. Current total = $1,149.00.

Get the second BRX 10.4 NEO cab as soon as you can afford. Don't even screw around with the BR810.

That rig will blow away anything that GK could ever throw at it. Just do it. :rolleyes:

MM
Click to expand...
 
#17
lowendblues said:
I have a GK 700RB II running through Avatar 210 and 212 NEO cabs, and cant imagine ever needing anything louder or better sounding.
Click to expand...


Similarly, I have a 700rb-II into a Mesa Powerhouse 610, and play in a modern rock/metal band with a loud drummer - I never have to turn up past 1/3 volume to be more than ;loud enough, and the sound is fantastic... There is no doubt in my mind that this rig is plenty loud enough for ANY band setting, and the tone would be great for the OP...



- georgestrings
 

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