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Gallien Krueger 400 RB history

C

crass

Dec 4, 2009
3
1
#1
can anyone help me out with the history of the GK 400 series amps?

I have looked at 3 today and they are all different, I would like to make an informed decision before I drop the money

I believe what I looked at today was a GK400 II and III
not 100% sure and I'm unable to locate a resource online that goes through the history of this line of amps

SOS.
 
#2
a search should show you most of what you need to know. The II was not labelled as such. It was an update to the original, but largely the same. More power, I think... off the top of my head I think it went up from 200 watts to 240. The III was labelled III and looked different from the original. Again, a search will get you some more reliable info
 
#4
thanks for the replies
didn't know the gk website had manuals for all them, only found the newest one when I searched

the info about the power spec helps me a lot to ID the amp I saw at the music store today as a II and not an original
 
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#5
Introduced in the 1980's, the original Series I 400RB was basically a scaled-down version of the GK 800RB. It required a footswitch for the boost function to work and had a permanently attached power cord. The Series II 400RB was essentially the same amp, except the boost worked without a footswitch (although a footswitch could still be used to turn the boost on and off), and a detachable IEC power cord was adopted. The SI and SII amps had switchable voicing filters for Lo Cut, Mid Cut and Hi Boost. The Series III was a substantially different design than the Series I and II with increased power output. New features such as variable voicing filters for Contour and Presence, a tuning mute switch, a cooling fan and an XLR balanced direct out were introduced on the SIII. Series IV is the current production version with slightly higher power capability than the SIII.

IMO the original amps are the best sounding.
 
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#8
robgrow said:
Introduced in the 1980's, the original Series I 400RB was basically a scaled-down version of the GK 800RB. It required a footswitch for the boost function to work and had a permanently attached power cord. The Series II 400RB was essentially the same amp, except the boost worked without a footswitch (although a footswitch could still be used to turn the boost on and off), and a detachable IEC power cord was adopted
Click to expand...

I have an 400RB with a permanently attached power cord where the boost works without a footswitch. I bought it new in 1983, and it is still working, have never failed. :p

A.K.
 
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#9
Calaverasgrande said:
I still see guys dragging around the old 400RB. Those suckers get loud for only 200 watts. GK's may not be the most hi-fi amps, but if I had to pick a non-tube head to go with it would be a 400RB or 800RB.
Click to expand...

Same thing I see too...still plenty of users gigging the old 400RB. And yes, I want one too, they sound best to me.
 
#10
When you get a III upgraded, the light turns blue ...

RACK_OP.gif
 
#11
Looking at the service manual, it appears there are three different preamp versions for Series I and Series II amps (schematics dated 1982, 1991, and 1995). Also all three versions appear to have the boost feature as normally on (footswitch is used to turn boost off, not on), so my memory seems to be wrong here.
 
#12
robgrow said:
Introduced in the 1980's, the original Series I 400RB was basically a scaled-down version of the GK 800RB. It required a footswitch for the boost function to work and had a permanently attached power cord. The Series II 400RB was essentially the same amp, except the boost worked without a footswitch (although a footswitch could still be used to turn the boost on and off), and a detachable IEC power cord was adopted. The SI and SII amps had switchable voicing filters for Lo Cut, Mid Cut and Hi Boost. The Series III was a substantially different design than the Series I and II with increased power output. New features such as variable voicing filters for Contour and Presence, a tuning mute switch, a cooling fan and an XLR balanced direct out were introduced on the SIII. Series IV is the current production version with slightly higher power capability than the SIII.

IMO the original amps are the best sounding.
Click to expand...

I always thought I had the RBIII but I was wrong... turns out mine's an RBII with attached power cord and working boost. And yeah, what a great amp!
 
#14
about 1 1/2 months ago i almost pulled the trigger on a used early 400rb version (with attached cable).

played it through an ampeg 810 at a music store. awesome! sounded just like a little 800rb (which I own). i was amazingly impressed by its tone, and like the 800rb it had a lot of volume per its power rating.

only had 2 drawbacks: attached cable and no DI. (i think it's just line out)

i very much regret not getting it :crying:

i am a big fan of the 800rb vs. the 1001rb. the 800 is just a better sounding amp.
The input stage of my 1001rbII was just finicky and not as nautral sounding as my 800rb.
My 1001rbII was pretty good, but honestly, i think 700rb and backline 600 sound a bit better.
Never was that big of a fan of the latest version of the 400rb II or IV.
Always wanted a 2000rb because it seemed to have all the features I loved about the 800rb and 1001rbII, but go figure.. the one's I've played sounded bad or had tech issues.
 
#17
Caca de Kick said:
And yes, I want one too, they sound best to me.
Click to expand...

I forgot about this thread. I finally did pick one up back in April...I'd say some of the best 170 dollars spent. It's from Jan/'91 and stil has the hardwired power cord, but the boost knob works without a pedal. Nice tone, and impressive on the volume it puts out, I use it mainly for rehersal and it keeps up plenty against the guitars' Marshall tube 4x12 half-stack and Fender 4x10 tube combo. As a tube lover I've haven't been impressed with a ss amp in...well never.
 
#18
Caca de Kick said:
Same thing I see too...still plenty of users gigging the old 400RB. And yes, I want one too, they sound best to me.
Click to expand...

I've owned both a 400rb and 800rb but went the all tube route. I want one now to backup my mesa400+ for gig situations, and for not turning that tube monster for bedroom stuff when I dont feel like using my b15...
They're great amps...
 
#20
Calaverasgrande said:
I still see guys dragging around the old 400RB. Those suckers get loud for only 200 watts. GK's may not be the most hi-fi amps, but if I had to pick a non-tube head to go with it would be a 400RB or 800RB.
Click to expand...

Yup - the old 400RB is the absolute best value in a bass head. Good tone, decent power and pretty darn light - and you can get them CHEAP on ebay.
 
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