Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
gallien krueger 800RB
- Thread starter xrosslobsterx
- Start date
This amp doesnt like active basses at all. All I got was distortion when the volume went past 3. The XLR output is useless in a recording session because its too noisy. When I first bought it the power capicitor blew while using an 8 ohm JBL cabinet. GK fixed it for free. I got rid of it and I only use Hartke and Acoustic amps now
Never had a problem with my active basses? DI always quiet and good sounding for me (10 years giging). Enjoy your Hartkie and Acoustic!
I used EMG P actives for two decades with GK400rb and 800rb. I say actives are fine. You can score an 800rb for approx $300 on Ebay if you are persistent. Those old heads are monsters. Sounds good through 15"s and 10"s in my experience. Still use one through an 810svt fridge these days. I agree they are clean, but when you crank up the boost and gain, you get a nice snarly bite. It ain't punk/brutal metal distortion, but it's nice and growly/grindy. Cuts very nicely.
I love the 800rbs (2) that I currently have. I used to hate the looks of the things and never gave them a chance. I play alt rock and pop rock mix stuff from the 80s, 90s, and some newer, and starting listening to Mike Messaros from the smithereens and he plays using 2 800rbs with a Hartke 115xl and a 415xl with each amp. I found you can run a cable from the effects loop out to effects in and pair the amps. Way more than I need but kinda neat. Anyway Mike's sound and setup inspired me and I copied his setup using a single 800rb and a Hartke 115HD and a 410xl (2x8Ohms for 4ohm load). I also added a Ampeg 210CL w/horn (8ohm) on the 100w channel and biamp. I have the 800RB in a rack with a power conditioner and pull out lights.
I play G&L L-1000, SB-2, Stingray through this setup and all sound awesome (punchy, great cut through) with a flat amp setup, mid scoop button in, and boost w/footswitch. Can't say anything bad about the setup and the band loves the sound.
Still think the 800RBs are wierd looking creatures IMHO, but I can easily overlook that.
I play G&L L-1000, SB-2, Stingray through this setup and all sound awesome (punchy, great cut through) with a flat amp setup, mid scoop button in, and boost w/footswitch. Can't say anything bad about the setup and the band loves the sound.
Still think the 800RBs are wierd looking creatures IMHO, but I can easily overlook that.
I'm actually in the process of picking out a new bass amp and the 800rb is on top of the list. My ampeg SVT-3 Pro just died on me and I don't have a backup so I rented an old, beat up 800rb from my local music store just to see if it's as good as other have said.
Let me just say that this thing just flat out rocks! It's so easy to dial in a good tone! It's also very versatile- I can get anything from warm, deep old school thump to a bright modern tone. So far my favorite setting is with the bass and treble boosted a notch, and the mid scoop engaged. Sounds so fat!!
I'm playing a Lakland 55-01 through a 4x10 HLF.
If this rental unit didn't look like it's been through hell and back I would buy it.
Have there been any significant changes to this amp since it came out? I might buy a new one.
Let me just say that this thing just flat out rocks! It's so easy to dial in a good tone! It's also very versatile- I can get anything from warm, deep old school thump to a bright modern tone. So far my favorite setting is with the bass and treble boosted a notch, and the mid scoop engaged. Sounds so fat!!
I'm playing a Lakland 55-01 through a 4x10 HLF.
If this rental unit didn't look like it's been through hell and back I would buy it.
Have there been any significant changes to this amp since it came out? I might buy a new one.
Hi all
For the past few months now i have used the GK800RB with two Mesa Boogie cabinets, and all I can say is wow, it does everything. Clear passages, Thump, Grind, Light overdrive, its perfect. the only thing about the rig i would say i dont like is the weight! haha
For the past few months now i have used the GK800RB with two Mesa Boogie cabinets, and all I can say is wow, it does everything. Clear passages, Thump, Grind, Light overdrive, its perfect. the only thing about the rig i would say i dont like is the weight! haha
Loving my 800RB! Was used as the house amp for a metal gig last night, was plenty loud! Here's some snippets of my band playing this gig to get an idea!
I'm playing an American standard jazz bass on full throttle through a BDDI with most dials between 11.30 and 1.30 (same goes for the amp).
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I'm playing an American standard jazz bass on full throttle through a BDDI with most dials between 11.30 and 1.30 (same goes for the amp).
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Last edited by a moderator:
Whilst considering the purchase of a new-to-me '99 800rb I found this old thread and decided to do CPR on it to bring it back to life (Halloween is tomorrow, why not?). 
I'm discovering what many have already raved about (seemingly far more power than rated, the GK grind/growl, tone, tone, and more tone, etc.) and how unique this amp is.
For example, the relationship between the input volume (gain) and master volume. For warmth, turn down the master and use the input gain to get more volume but keep it warm. For clarity, max out the master and use a small amount of gain. Pretty neat.
Then there's the boost knob - a class all it's own. 'Nuff said.
I ran a couple Hartke XL's with it, used the mid and hi switches in, low cut off, full range outputs and EQ flat (with a bit of highs added). I get close to my other head's sound without being unpleasantly 'off'. Can't wait to run it into my Henry 8x8, it should be a little monster.
Since my bass runs hot, I'll need to use my MXR DI to reduce my input signal slightly as my B string clips the preamp stage - using the pad cuts some of the clarity (i.e. adds warmth) which is undesirable for my tastes.
I like how quiet it is. I don't like not having a tuner/mute switch, but my TC Elec. tuner pedal I got from a bud just fixed that. Haven't tested the DI, hope it works and is clean. It's built solid -with purpose - no frills, just what is needed.
Anyway, thought I'd add MHO to the legacy of an amp that is still "alive and well" after all these years.
Raz
I'm discovering what many have already raved about (seemingly far more power than rated, the GK grind/growl, tone, tone, and more tone, etc.) and how unique this amp is.
For example, the relationship between the input volume (gain) and master volume. For warmth, turn down the master and use the input gain to get more volume but keep it warm. For clarity, max out the master and use a small amount of gain. Pretty neat.
Then there's the boost knob - a class all it's own. 'Nuff said.
I ran a couple Hartke XL's with it, used the mid and hi switches in, low cut off, full range outputs and EQ flat (with a bit of highs added). I get close to my other head's sound without being unpleasantly 'off'. Can't wait to run it into my Henry 8x8, it should be a little monster.
Since my bass runs hot, I'll need to use my MXR DI to reduce my input signal slightly as my B string clips the preamp stage - using the pad cuts some of the clarity (i.e. adds warmth) which is undesirable for my tastes.
I like how quiet it is. I don't like not having a tuner/mute switch, but my TC Elec. tuner pedal I got from a bud just fixed that. Haven't tested the DI, hope it works and is clean. It's built solid -with purpose - no frills, just what is needed.
Anyway, thought I'd add MHO to the legacy of an amp that is still "alive and well" after all these years.
Raz
I love GK heads! I owned an 800RB for about 5 years (I even had two at one point) and I gotta be honest, I tried, really tried, to love it but unfortunately I could never seem to get the sound out of it I was after.
They are built like tanks, but mine was old and had a couple of caps go on the fritz so I had to have it serviced. But when I got it back it was a good as new and probably will keep going for another 20 years, at least to the guy I sold it to.
However, I bought an MB500 and it was PEREFECT right out of the box! Even with all knobs at noon it had the sound I was looking for. So I'm still a believer!
They are built like tanks, but mine was old and had a couple of caps go on the fritz so I had to have it serviced. But when I got it back it was a good as new and probably will keep going for another 20 years, at least to the guy I sold it to.
However, I bought an MB500 and it was PEREFECT right out of the box! Even with all knobs at noon it had the sound I was looking for. So I'm still a believer!
MAFbass1992
Bass Player / Low-End Reviews
Is it normal that when I turn my 800RB on I get a big punchy noise? After it's turned on, there is always a little noise in the background. My head is plugged with a Ampeg SVT-12he.
From doing my own searches it would appear that a start-up thump/pop of some kind is normal. Mine also makes a significant 'thump' so I turn it on first (with input and volumes on zero), plug in the speaker, and then adjust my levels.
I had thought about taking it in to a shop to get checked to see if everything was in spec but probably won't until I feel it needs it or have the time to wait on it. I've got the schematic and service manual in .pdf format if you want it.
I had thought about taking it in to a shop to get checked to see if everything was in spec but probably won't until I feel it needs it or have the time to wait on it. I've got the schematic and service manual in .pdf format if you want it.
- Mar 9, 2001
- 963
- 92
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Accugroove Cabinets & MJC Ironworks Strings
I bought an 800rb new in the early 80'swith a gk115 and a gk212. I loved the sound, but what I didnt like was the fact that the amp blew 4 times in 2 years passing DC current to my speakers everytime and blowing those as well.I got rid of that amp and swore I'd never use GK again which I have not in almost 30 yrs.
