Gallien Krueger vs Ampeg tone

you would have to be more specific on which heads you are referring to...

GK Makes or has made in the past:
Goldline
Backline
RB 400, 800, 700, 1001, 2001
RB II's 700, 1001, 2001
MB
MB Fusion
Fusion
So on & so on.....

Ampeg has probably made three X's that many so you see where I'm going

Which Ampeg vs. GK heads are you currently looking at?

 

Which is best for metal?

 

There is a huge difference in tone. Not to say one is better than the other but they are very different.

Ampeg is very round and smooth but a little bit dark imo, and GK is much more aggressive sounding, a lot cleaner and has way more high mids.

They are both very useful tones. You just have to decide which is the best for you. Between these two company's you should definitely try to find a place to play them first.

 

I think the OP is referring to the overall tone of the brand. Both Ampeg and GK have a signature tone that is not just specific to one head. Having switched from Ampeg to GK not too long ago I personally prefer GK. I have both an 1001RBII head and an MB200 head. Even though they are totally different heads they both have the same basic GK tone.
To me the GK tone is cleaner, tighter with more defined mids and highs. The Ampeg tone is a bit gritty with slightly fatter lows. As far as what type of music IMO both work well rock and blues but that is mainly what I play. I'm sure others have had great results with other genres of music.

 

If these are the two you are looking at, personally I would have to go with the GK MB combo..... there is nothing wrong with the Ampeg BA series, I just prefer the GK tone over all..... I switched from Ampeg to GK about a year ago & haven't looked back since......

 

I'm of the opinion that just about any amp can get just about any sound. But there are some generalities that can be discussed. Ampeg does tend to have a more round, warm and (to my mind) retro sound. And GK does tend to have a cleaner, more hi-fi, more aggressive sound.

I prefer GK, for what it's worth. Love my little MB500.

 

Get the GK, and a VT Bass pedal. Then you will have both at the press of a switch.

 

GK

I owned a lot of Ampeg stuff. All too muddy IMO. GK is great all around.

 

This ^

 

Gallien Krueger vs Ampeg tone

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I find Ampeg to be warmer, with more bass and a little dirtier.

I find GK to be cleaner.

 

I can't speak for Ampeg, but my GK 1001RB-II can do it all.

 

I have a GK700RBII for small gigs and an Ampeg SVT CL for everything else. If I had to give up one it would be the GK. I love the amp but the Ampeg would be my choice.

 

ampeg is more vintage, GK is more modern

 

If you want to cut through the mix and have volume, GK.
Good sound alone, but not so much volume and gets quite lost in the mix ---> ampeg

:troll:

 

Another vote for the GK and VT Bass pedal.

I gave up Ampeg about a year and a half ago and like my choice. I like the flexibility of the 700rbII. With an active bass, VT Deluxe, and this GK, there are very little tones I cannot achieve.

With only the head, I like the clarity, with a nice growl (that's my impression anyway). To me, it let's the bass's tone come across better.

 

Their 2 "default sounds" are very different. The GK more bright, cutting, and either very clean or aggressive depending on the boost setting. The Ampeg more smooth, warm, "tubey".

The good news is, these amps have knobs on them that adjust the sound, so you turn the knobs to where it sounds good.. I can get my 800rb to sound pretty "Ampeggy", not exactly obviously, but in the ballpark of "fat and warm". Not as easy to do the other way 'round but it can be done too, and that's without pedals.

I'd just pick whichever one gets you closer to the sound you want with less fiddling with knobs....more convenient. Both are quality amps.

 

The mian reasons have already been answered:

"To me the GK tone is cleaner, tighter with more defined mids and highs. The Ampeg tone is a bit gritty with slightly fatter lows"

"Ampeg is very round and smooth but a little bit dark imo, and GK is much more aggressive sounding, a lot cleaner and has way more high mids"

I also use a VT Bass with my 1001RB II.....