Gallien Krueger 400RB question......

[Eric Swaim]

25 years ago I used a GK 400 RB to push a 4x10 4 ohm cab and it was plenty for the band playing medium size clubs, but there are times you might need some more headroom. I went to my trusty SWR Bass 350 and still use it today with various cabs SWR & Eden and BagEnd. I own 5 bass amps all SWR and 1 Ampeg.

 

[acubass]

I purchased an 800RB when I thought my 400RB (II) didn't have enough juice. To my ears the 800RB wasn't just a 400 with more power. Sounded really different to me. Way more mids.

I unfortunately didn't spend enough time to really dial it in like I wanted bc I had the opportunity to flip it. Wish I had held onto it longer.

 

[somebrains]

I always used 4ohm cabs with mine.
They do need to be serviced, check fx loop, pop the cover and see if there are any obviously burned components or something plain wrong.

 

[LuckyScott]

Thanks for all the replies. I will try the FX loop first thing. I have had it serviced and cleaned.
Yes, I agree, the band does not need to be that loud. But it is........
I can buy a brand new MB500 amp for under $600. Might be worth trying out. I don't know if I need anything like the MB800. That just seems like so much power.

 

[Kukulkan61]

I gigged a 400 RB for over 20 years with various cabs and never had a volume issue, the last rig was the 400RB with a 4 ohm. Avatar 410 and that thing was loud and clear, if your running it at full 4ohm load with one or two cabs that should be all you need, if your getting drowned out the rest of the band is too loud..

 

[LuckyScott]

"Used 700 RB's and 1001 sell for $300-400 in the classifieds and are as realiable as a brick."


hhmm, that might be a good idea. There is a used 1001RB and it looks like it is 700 watts.

 

[somebrains]

Thanks for all the replies. I will try the FX loop first thing. I have had it serviced and cleaned.
Yes, I agree, the band does not need to be that loud. But it is........
I can buy a brand new MB500 amp for under $600. Might be worth trying out. I don't know if I need anything like the MB800. That just seems like so much power.

You can also check out a broad range of affordable cabs for $600.

I would go 810 or 215 with mine 25 years ago.

Before I sold mine this year, I'd use a pair of gs112's or a T310 and be plenty loud.

Try a couple days of cab demoing after checking the FX loop.

I'm all about faux amps in pedal format lately, so Plex does it for me when I need a GK sound.

 

[SunnBass]

You need a re-cap.
400RB Filter Cap Replacement/Upgrade

 

[leonard]

If you have an 8 ohm cab you will get almost double the power and double the speaker area by adding another 8 ohm cab of the same kind. That might be more effective than just getting more watts. A cap job and cleaning the effects loop might be good ideas too.

 

[LuckyScott]

"You need a re-cap."
400RB Filter Cap Replacement/Upgrade

Hmm, I never heard about that before. I will look into finding a reputable shop to do it.

 

[LuckyScott]

"If you have an 8 ohm cab you will get almost double the power and double the speaker area by adding another 8 ohm cab of the same kind."

Already using two identical 4 X 10 cabs each 8 ohm

 

[Lance Bunyon]

Had one. 180 watts into 8 ohms? Great sound, not much power by 2018 standards.
Could get a lot of volume using two 8 ohm cabs but even by 1996 I was looking to upgrade.

 

[dannylectro]

I've used a 400RB for many years. Its 200W of solid state power is easily equivalent to a 350-500W Class D, and it's plenty loud unless the guitarists are still stuck in the 100W Marshall zone. The key, as previously stated, is using a 4 ohm setup. Two 8 ohm cabs will give you plenty of flexibility; bring a single cab for quiet gigs, both for loud ones.
It is a beautiful, classic sound and I actually prefer it to the 800RB because you can push it a bit harder without getting overwhelmingly loud.
All that being said, I just got the Mesa Subway WD-800... I have a feeling the GK is gonna be spending a lot more time in the storage closet...

 

[JMacBass65]

You need a re-cap.
400RB Filter Cap Replacement/Upgrade

"You need a re-cap."
400RB Filter Cap Replacement/Upgrade

Hmm, I never heard about that before. I will look into finding a reputable shop to do it.

Did everyone the last post in that's thread....the one where Agedhorse basically calls BS on the need for a recap?

"If you have an 8 ohm cab you will get almost double the power and double the speaker area by adding another 8 ohm cab of the same kind."

Already using two identical 4 X 10 cabs each 8 ohm

Man, 810s with a 400RB @ 4ohms and you can't hear well? You guys must be crazy loud.

 

[Spidey2112]

... the one where Agedhorse basically calls BS on the need for a recap?

Yesssss... I don't even bring cap up, unless it's fashion week.

However, if I found bulging caps, I would still replace them, whether it fixed the problem, or not...

... I may have an unforeseen cap fetish.