Curious about the GK 800RB

[blaine_hyatt]

I won't complain

 

[bass151]

Will an 800 really keep up with a GB 9.00 or other modern class D amp?

 

[wolfkeller]

Will an 800 really keep up with a GB 9.00 or other modern class D amp?

That I don't know but I do run a GK 2001 now and an ampeg SVT Heritage before that and I would not hesitate to break out my 800rb live. They have such a great sound and just as important, reliable.

 

[Standalone]

Will an 800 really keep up with a GB 9.00 or other modern class D amp?

Yes. The question should be reversed. Levon Helm's double bass player's rig on outdoor stage at the Gathering of the Vibes (2009? 10? a major two stage festival) was two 800RB's. You wouldn't see two shuttles in a rig like that. Especially not if they were maybe a decade plus old!

I have both an 800RB and an old 400RB. Best SS amps ever made.

 

[meatwad]

In the 90's, my old 400RB (vertical switch) sounded great. I can only imagine any 800RB would be every bit as good, but much louder.

 

[The Regulator]

I have both an 800RB and an old 400RB. Best SS amps ever made.

I also own both and agree.

 

[blaine_hyatt]

I also own both and agree.

I will second that... I don't believe my picture posted in my earlier response, but it was a pic of both my '91 800RB and my 80's 400rb

 

[DD Gunz]

Do not worry about volume. The 800RB was pretty much the standard in the 80s and early 90s. It was used by so many loud rock bands it's hard to count. Guns and Roses, Skid Row, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers come to mind for starters. Duff still records with one from what I read.

I, like you, was skeptical years ago before I played one, being that it's main amp is 300 watts at 4 ohms. That was over in about 2 seconds. It's the loudest 300 solid state watts you will hear.

I'll put it to you this way. I have owned 600 watt amps I felt were not as loud as the 800RB. I also own a 1001RB and that thing is a weapon! It is capable of insane volume levels to the point that they should put a safety on the master volume. Use at your own risk.

 

[Bill Whitehurst]

Get a 215 Diesel cab for the low amp and run the 8 ohm cab on the highs.
Try not to start an earthquake.

 

[freshbass]

I just picked up a Mesa Boogie Diesel 4x10 (600 Watts, 8 ohms) and am on the lookout for a new head to go along with it. I had the GK 800RB in mind but realized it'd only be 200 Watts at 8 ohms. Would that be loud enough for gigs? Even if its good for mic'd stage gigs, would it be loud enough for a basement gig? If not, what 8 ohm bass heads would you recommend?

I used an 800RB for 2 decades. They are fantastic. It stayed in my car for 2 years as a back-up to my SVT and one night the SVT blew on stage, so I set my GK on top pf the SVT 810 cab, and guess what? I never bought another SVT.

 

[Funk With Me]

I don’t think there’s much left to say.

 

[PDXMason]

I just picked up a GK 212 Neo. CL has a 800RB that looks super clean. Would that be enough to power my cab on the 8ohm? Would I be better off buying a Markbass little mark amp or something similar in price ~$600. Thanks!

 

[PawleeP]

I just picked up a GK 212 Neo. CL has a 800RB that looks super clean. Would that be enough to power my cab on the 8ohm? Would I be better off buying a Markbass little mark amp or something similar in price ~$600. Thanks!

svt or vfourbee