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 need opinion
- Thread starter ted schardt
- Start date
That's going to be an insanely powerful rig. You will never struggle for volume. I say definitely do it.
GK user for 30 years here. 800RB, MB150, 1001RB, and MBF800. All are great and reliable amps. I say get the rig and rock it.
Excellent rig in all conditions, although oversized and bulky for small gigs.
Sturdy, reliable gear if oversized for today's standards.
Sturdy, reliable gear if oversized for today's standards.
I habve
I have had that "rig" a couple times, for the MSRP of those models, its good bang for the buck, that set up will do a big show. The 412 IMO, is very heavy on the mids, 12's are anyways, IMO. I was actually able to slide, that 412, in the back seat, of my Camry,. ( I think sideways, it does fit in a car like that) Making it relatively easy to transport.
Started out with GK when first starting with my first "real rig." GK NEO 410 w/NEO115 and 700RBii.
Several years later, after going through NUMEROUS cabs and heads...from Ibanez to Fender, from Aguilar to Mesa and MarkBass...410's to 115s to 610s...came full circle back to GK.
GK212 combo w/extension is awesome! ...but...
Traded a good amount of gear yesterday, ya know, the stuff "hanging around," for a brand new GK 1001RBii with GK NEO212 and a GK CX210.
IMO 12's give a thicker low end than 10's but don't have the woofiness of 15's. 12's can give a "punch" without being as shallow as 10's, not to mention generally a smaller footprint than 15's. IMO 212's give a more well defined punch and fullness than even 410's. Many players who use 410's sometimes add a 115 to "fill out" the tone/sound, but IMO that can all be done with 12's.
Yes, 412's will be a "beast" on the stage. A "beast" in the best sense of the word. IMO, you would NEVER hear, from anyone, that you can't be heard in the mix; better to show-up with too much and turn down/thin out than it is to show-up and give it all and still NOT be heard.
...the only reason that I did not go with GK NEO412 is I am attempting-attempting-to travel a bit lighter
IMO, regardless of your choice(s) in cabs, the GK 1001RBii is one-if not the only amp-that is great from funk to punk and back again (rock/Funk/Punk/Pop/Gospel/Metal/etc.)
Spent about 3 hours yesterday at a shop which focuses on mid-high to ultra high end music equipment in Tampa. The bass guy was exceptionally helpful (not your typical box store type employee). 30 years playing, sponsored/endorsing GK, Ampeg, Aguilar etc etc, and let me use/play his "workhorse;" MTD 5 string with PJ style EMG pick-ups totally SWEET! HE showed me and let me play an AWESOME clear, punchy, LOUD rig; Epifani 1000W head with 2 single 112's which totally wrecked an 810 (yes, wrecked an 810!) but way to crystal clear for my genres/technique, GK Fusion 550, and GK1001RBii through multiple cab/manufacturer configs. IMO GK heads are best paired with GK cabs.
Yeah, in short, IMO go for it! "Welcome to the Thunderdome!"
Good luck!
As someone who actually doesn't care for the GK sound, I'll chime in.
Never played that cab, but the 1001rb is a monster. Loud and road worthy. I didn't care for the voicing of the amp, but that's just my preference. A lot of people get a great sound out of them. They're pro level amps and I don't think any band or sound guy could complain unless they were complaining that you were too loud!
If you're getting a deal, I say go for it so long as it is 100% functional. If you find you don't care for the sound, you can always flip it.
Never played that cab, but the 1001rb is a monster. Loud and road worthy. I didn't care for the voicing of the amp, but that's just my preference. A lot of people get a great sound out of them. They're pro level amps and I don't think any band or sound guy could complain unless they were complaining that you were too loud!
If you're getting a deal, I say go for it so long as it is 100% functional. If you find you don't care for the sound, you can always flip it.
I have the 1001rb head that I use with 2 115 neo cabs or a 412 neo cab. I personally prefer the sound out of the 15s, but I use the 412 more often because it's easier to transport. Either way you have a ton of options with the Biamp feature, and the sound is massive.
I had the 412 Neo and the 1001RB and they were fine for pretty much any place I used them as long as you have room on stage . The 412 has very good and smooth lows and mids. The highs can get harsh depending on how much you turn the horn up. Otherwise a very good sounding rig. And the 412 does not weigh anywhere near what an Ampeg 810 does.
Very good rig. GK isn't my favorite, but I've used them before with absolutely no complaints (just found something that fits with my style a little better).
I would even contradict those saying you shouldn't bring it to smaller gigs: the volume knob goes up AND down, it's much easier to make a loud amp quiet than a quiet amp loud. My large rig is a 2000w class AB power amp with separate pre-amp capable of driving up to 8 cabs simultaneously. I just bring the number of cabs I will need and adjust the volume accordingly.
I would even contradict those saying you shouldn't bring it to smaller gigs: the volume knob goes up AND down, it's much easier to make a loud amp quiet than a quiet amp loud. My large rig is a 2000w class AB power amp with separate pre-amp capable of driving up to 8 cabs simultaneously. I just bring the number of cabs I will need and adjust the volume accordingly.
I've been playing GK for over 30 years. Sold my 800rb (regrets 
) because of a screamin' deal on a Fusion 550 (no regrets! 
) My buddy has a 1001rb that he LOVES.
The only thing with that 412 is it might be overkill.
) because of a screamin' deal on a Fusion 550 (no regrets! ) My buddy has a 1001rb that he LOVES. The only thing with that 412 is it might be overkill.
22 pounds seems heavy now with all these tiny amps that can get yanked off the cab with a wrong beer-inspired dance move.It has a handle on the side.....and its not heavy.....
