I went from Markbass , to Ampeg , to GK 1001 rb mark 2 ,love it ! I will have to look into VT pedal not sure what does !
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Gallien Krueger vs Ampeg tone
- Thread starter ics1974
- Start date
edgaroviz said:
Tone is a personal thing, but the durability issue is a valid point.
Both Ampeg and G-K have had teething pains with their class D electronics. My impression is that G-K is almost out of the woods, especially now that they've moved assembly back to the States, whereas Ampeg still has a way to go. This is certainly something that would be on my mind if I was looking at the BA300 or 600.
On the carpentry side of the equation, the MB combos may need attention over their lifespan, to avoid rattles and buzzes. These are easy to fix if you're handy. But if you're not good with tools, that's certainly a concern.
On the flip side, I'm assuming that the weight of the lower-priced BA series combos is due to the use of particle board. Not a good thing in the long term, and the heavier an item is, the more likely it is to get beat up in transit. At least the G-K's are plywood, and fairly repairable...
Funny that I have both of the amp brands being considered. An MB115 with a sansamp pedal has become my go-to amp as I mainly play classic country for the 'grand' generation and have a few times been told I'm 'too loud." My BA115AV is still a great practice amp at home, but, now my almost 62-year-old back is spoiled by the GK's weight. And, I have become a fan of its full sound. Next week I'm subbing with a blues band and may need a bit more volume, so am thinking of taking both, Ampeg and GK. We'll see if they conflict or compiment, or form a unique new tone palette. (guitarists don't have to be the only ones with dual amps)
I use a GK MB150 combo. Had it about 7 years, and it has seen a lot of use. Speaker now sounds floppy, and the cab has developed rattles. It is worn out. I have ordered a brand new one ( USA ) because the old one served me well, and I like the sound. I use a 1961 Jazz bass, and Ampeg Baby bass.
I bought a VT pedal several years back when they where the latest thing here on TB. Put it in front of my 800rb on a gig and got lost in the mix. I immediately sold it afterwards. GK heads don't need no stinking Ampeg pedal in front of them.
Excuse me, but the VT's not an Ampeg pedal. The VT is an Ampeg emulating pedal...big difference 
And the VT's not an easy pedal to get to know at first because it's so interactive and changing a setting on one knob affects all the others.
And the VT's not an easy pedal to get to know at first because it's so interactive and changing a setting on one knob affects all the others.
I play Ampeg's, but have gotten the tone I dig out of Fenders, Peaveys, Carvin, Behringer, Hartke and lots of other brands. IMO the difference comes down to understanding the amps controls, and knowing how to get the sound you want given the EQ points and parameters you have to work with. And the cab makes a big difference as well.
For folks who think an Ampeg can't sound bright and articulate, check this out. A B15 might be the best bass for metal...
For folks who think an Ampeg can't sound bright and articulate, check this out. A B15 might be the best bass for metal...
I never used anything between my bass and 800RBs (except a cord or a wireless sometimes) and it sounded great.
Sorry I can’t comment about the VT petal - I’ve never used one so I don’t know anything about it - but from what I’ve read on TB it seems like a popular box.
OP: again, both Ampeg/Loud and Gallien-Krueger make good amps and they sound different from each other however both deliver the goods. I personally prefer GK, others prefer Ampeg - so you need to hear/play the amps you’re considering to know which amp you prefer.
Sorry I can’t comment about the VT petal - I’ve never used one so I don’t know anything about it - but from what I’ve read on TB it seems like a popular box.
OP: again, both Ampeg/Loud and Gallien-Krueger make good amps and they sound different from each other however both deliver the goods. I personally prefer GK, others prefer Ampeg - so you need to hear/play the amps you’re considering to know which amp you prefer.
I really agree with you Scott.
Although there have been times over the years that I got all hung up about tone, I realized that it only makes a difference when I am either playing alone or playing in the studio.
When I am in live band situation (I mostly play in an eight piece band which includes a horn section) it makes little difference and the greater concern shifts to power, headroom, clarity to cut through the mix and percussive/punch.
That said I have been using the GK800MB into an Avatar B156 3-way cab and that seems to do the trick for most venues. I add an Avatar B-210 if needed for larger venues.
I went from Markbass, to Ampeg, to Aguilar, to GK. Personally, I like GK and Aguilar the best. Both have a much more forward and aggressive tone, whereas the MB and Ampeg are much more traditional sounding. I also found them to not really cut all that well in a mix in comparison to my GK and Aguilar heads.
I've owned Ampeg, Carvin, Kustom, Peavey, GK, Eden, Hartke, Markbass, Bogen heads and combo's and probably more I cannot recall in the past 39 years. My favorite has been GK. I am in love with the tone and power along with the light weight of the product. The little MB200 is a wonder for sure. I have gotten more complements on tone with GK's then any of the others. They sound so good in a band mix.
