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Gallien-Krueger Backline 210 Combo

mello_bedwetter

mello_bedwetter

Aug 11, 2007
1,343
4
MO, south of St. Louis
#1
Anyone on here have a Gallien-Krueger Backline 210 Combo. I read a couple reviews but I'd like to hear some un-biased opinions. It's supposed to be 200/300 watts with 2x10's. I don't need a lot of power. I play through an Ampeg BA-115 now, 100 watts with a 1x15. Do you think the G-K would be an upgrade or do you think the Ampeg would sound better? I've never played through a G-K but I do like the Ampeg. Thanks for any input.
 
#2
I have had mine for almost 5 years now. I have giged it in classic rock bands and a louder mod rock band. It has done very well very loud and clear. I ran mine thru a 4X10 sunn cab for large gigs and the combo solo for small.I now have it going thru a Carvin 15 cab for my 60's rock and blues band and it still is kickin and sounds great. To me this combo is money well spent. I have gotten alot of compliments on my tone with this rig at low watts and never push it hard.

The only thing i can say bad about it is...its heavy and you need to get an outboard DI if you go line out to the soundman at a gig or you can use his. The DI in the head is way too hot. Great combo ..go for it.
 
#5
I have one that I recently purchased and have now used at two gigs and four rehearsals. I really like the sound of it so far. The guys in the band really like the tone also. You can look at my profile to see the fx I run with it, the VT Bass being the biggest outboard tone shaping pedal I use.

I bought it specifically for the reason of wanting to downsize from my old Trace Rig. I had an AH300-12 head, a 2x10 and a 1x15. Loved the tone, hated hauling it around. It fits that bill perfectly.

The ONLY thing I'm considering doing to it is swapping out the 16 ohm speakers for 8 ohm speakers so I can run it at its full 300 watts (versus 180) w/o adding an extension cabinet. I've been searching threads to find others that have done that and have only found one person so far. Fortunately, he's pleased with his results, so I'm leaning toward doing that. That issue aside, the amp sounds great. I really like the tilt-back design of the cabinet, putting it on the floor right behind me and hearing it helps on smalle rstages where space isn't a luxury.
 
#6
JSK5String said:
I have one that I recently purchased and have now used at two gigs and four rehearsals. I really like the sound of it so far. The guys in the band really like the tone also. You can look at my profile to see the fx I run with it, the VT Bass being the biggest outboard tone shaping pedal I use.

I bought it specifically for the reason of wanting to downsize from my old Trace Rig. I had an AH300-12 head, a 2x10 and a 1x15. Loved the tone, hated hauling it around. It fits that bill perfectly.

The ONLY thing I'm considering doing to it is swapping out the 16 ohm speakers for 8 ohm speakers so I can run it at its full 300 watts (versus 180) w/o adding an extension cabinet. I've been searching threads to find others that have done that and have only found one person so far. Fortunately, he's pleased with his results, so I'm leaning toward doing that. That issue aside, the amp sounds great. I really like the tilt-back design of the cabinet, putting it on the floor right behind me and hearing it helps on smalle rstages where space isn't a luxury.
Click to expand...

If you upgrade the speakers I suggest the 210RBX speakers. Same sound cast frame and 200W each. By the way, all GK speakers (except RBH) are designed and manufactured by GK in our factory.
 
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#7
rag said:
If you upgrade the speakers I suggest the 210RBX speakers. Same sound cast frame and 200W each. By the way, all GK speakers (except RBH) are designed and manufactured by GK in our factory.
Click to expand...

Sir,

I am truly honored and impressed that you, the President of GK, would take the time to respond to my post and send me a suggestion. Thank you.

Best Regards,
Glen
 
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#8
I had one for about 3 days. I was pleased with it practicing at home, but when I got into a full band setting at less than stage volumes, it wasn't cutting it and back to GC it went. I'm sure an extension cab would have help, but I put the money towards a more professional and versatile rig.

Don't get me wrong, it is a good sounding amp, but just not loud enough for my needs. I think it would do fine in a coffee shop or jazz gig. I'd considering getting an amp stand for it, and also I'd replace the GK speakers with Eminence Neodymium speakers to cut down on weight. Not that I've done this but I've seen it recommended in other threads.
 
#13
Jaybird956 said:
Just got one myself.... Thanks for the info
Click to expand...
I got one about 5 years ago and have used it as a practice amp and for smaller / medium gigs with and without an extension cabinet - have tried it with both a Hartke 1x15 and the 4x10. It will certainly do the trick and keep up. I actually like the tone without the extension cabs better, but I may just be getting over my Hartke cabs...I got a tone out of that thing last night that was crazy good...may have been that I finally brought the real J bass to the studio vs. the lighter MIM PJ bass.

One thing I'd like to know if anyone has insights...I have the older version of the combo (I think) with the block lettering vs. the newer backline models that have the more funky (almost cursive) "backline" lettering - the newer one has a bit more wattage I believe, but I've played one of those models and it didn't have the feel or tone of the combo I have - I don't know if the older ones had diff / better speakers, or what was different, but it feels much more solid than the new backline stuff I've tried, especially when it gets to the red lettering versions.
 
#14
I have one sitting on top of a Trace-Elliot 1x18. Awesome for it's size and portability. I see some members had issues with the direct out. I haven't had any problems with that at all. Sure beats hauling a GK-800RB with two Marshall 4x12s around.
 

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