Gallien Krueger 400 RB history

[diamondsplit]

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.

i have a chance of buying the first year prototype 400 RB its in very good condition cost is under 300 bucks do you think it is worth it ? right now i use a 1982 peavey Mark IV is still a very good amp in the modern world. I hear good things about the old GK amps. They are not easy to find now to find and to find a prototype is like finding a needle in a haystack

 

[Bill Whitehurst]

From a collector standpoint, the prototype might be a good deal.
From a player standpoint, it may have one of a kind features
and obsolete parts.
Used 400RBs can be found now, under 200 bux.

If you are running your Mark IV at 2 ohms, be careful not to try that
with the 400RB.
There are nearly unbreakable, but a 2 ohm load WILL toast one.
They are quite happy to kick booty @ 4 ohms, though.

 

[diamondsplit]

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.

I found an early 80's 400 RB prototype they must of made it when they were making the 200 RB I would be paying under 300 for it is it worth it

 

[diamondsplit]

From a collector standpoint, the prototype might be a good deal.
From a player standpoint, it may have one of a kind features
and obsolete parts.
Used 400RBs can be found now, under 200 bux.

If you are running your Mark IV at 2 ohms, be careful not to try that
with the 400RB.
There are nearly unbreakable, but a 2 ohm load WILL toast one.
They are quite happy to kick booty @ 4 ohms, though.

Thanks for the info it is exactly like the original they built it when they were making the 200 rb. i can see a collector looking for one but the old ones are hard to find. i have not really seem any out there. The peavey mark IV is indestructible. i run it at 4 OHMS i have it up for sale right now. i'am also looking at a Cerwin Vega 250 BG with original 2X12 Cabinet at a very reasonable price

 

[jmlee]

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. .

Me exactly also. Tankus maximus.

 

[Jeff Burling]

I'm having a hard time finding a Series 1 but I seem to be able get my hands on a series 2. No one really commented on whether the tone is substantially different in the 2's vs 1. Anyone have any experience with this?? Thanks !

 

[BogeyBass]

Pretty straight forward and reliable head.
Sounds great cranked. So many newer amps die before a 400 will. Keeps yah smiling

 

[sonojono]

Almost a 1 year thread but I just saw a series II 400 listing at GC online for $200 and pulled the trigger. I’m very curious to hear that 80’s tone out of my modern GK Neo 212-II speakers as well as an Ampeg HLF410 at the rehearsal space!

 

[jchrisk1]

Almost a 1 year thread but I just saw a series II 400 listing at GC online for $200 and pulled the trigger. I’m very curious to hear that 80’s tone out of my modern GK Neo 212-II speakers as well as an Ampeg HLF410 at the rehearsal space!

I picked up a series ll a couple of months ago, running it through a neo 212. Sounds great! Real happy I finally got one. I think you're going to be satisfied.

 

[Afc70]

I have a 400RB from 1986 with the attached Ac cord, & another 400RB from 1990, with the permanent cord, and both boost knobs on each amp function without a foot switch. These are great sounding, reliable amps, and pack a punch, really nice for the $. I have a GK neo 2/12 (4 ohm) and the 400RB really slams through these cabs, they sound great through 8ohm cabs, too.

Edit: I’m actually on my way today to pick up a clean 400RB from 1985, at a bargain. Love these amps!