GK 1001 RBII or original RB800

[FIREpunkMEDIC]

Ok, looking to my GK fans out here. My main amp is an Ampeg V4B Reissue. Great for small gigs etc. My dilemma, the cost and potential scarcity of tubes in the not too distant future. That said, I'm looking for a change of pace and KNOW that the two mentioned GK Heads get (rightfully) a TON of love. I mean that growl IS pretty sick. Anyway, give my (extremely) limited knowledge of GK amps other than very superficial things. Which would you go with for a punkish/power-pop style band. I play Precision and PJ style basses, for ehat that is worth.

 

[UntitledProject]

There's a pretty big power differential. I know Manny people say it's difficult to get the gk growl from the 1001 at less than insanely loud volumes. The 700rbii might be a good middle ground.
That said, the 800 is a classic for a reason. It would definitely fit the punk sound. Depending on what cabs you pair it with, it might not be loud enough for some venues. But if tone is your only consideration, 800rb all the way!

 

[FIREpunkMEDIC]

There's a pretty big power differential. I know Manny people say it's difficult to get the gk growl from the 1001 at less than insanely loud volumes. The 700rbii might be a good middle ground.
That said, the 800 is a classic for a reason. It would definitely fit the punk sound. Depending on what cabs you pair it with, it might not be loud enough for some venues. But if tone is your only consideration, 800rb all the way!

My current cab is an ampeg 212av. So, that said, the 1001 rbii would require potentially a different cab since it's rate for 700w and the 212av rated for 600w. The 800 would work well wattage wise but volume may be a concern? The V4B reissue (100w tube) has hung in there volume wise, so maybe that's a wash?

 

[UntitledProject]

Personally, and this is just me and others may differ, I wouldn't sweat the 700vs600 of the 1001 and the cab. That's close enough and you're probably not going to be pushing it crazy hard if your v4b had been hanging in there. And yeah, the 800 is probably a wash with the v4b. But your settings and style will have an impact. Definitely better to try these things versus listening to some shlub on the Internet.

 

[digmeout]

I went from a 74 V4B to a 800RB back in the mid 2000s pretty much for the reasons you state, cost, scarcity of tubes and also a lack of qualified techs where I live. It was a seamless transition for me. Volume wise I don't think you will have any problem. Sound wise for me the 800 is as close to an all tube amp sound I was able to find at that time. The 800RB just keeps on ticking.

 

[Kindness]

I play a 1977 Ampeg V-4B and GK 400RB from the early 90s. Both are great. I personally like the 400RB over the 800RB, but both are fantastic.

 

[Stylee Mousse]

Keep the V-4b and get an RB as well.

6L6 tubes are cheap and you should get years of gigging from a set.

I used an Ampeg SVT-CL for ten years on the original set of power tubes then sold it to a guy who used the for years after.

Don’t overpay for an RB head. $300 is ok for a used but decent one.

 

[groooooove]

i like both.

but the old one is just.... so cool. they're really nice amps.

 

[VeryTallBassist]

It depends on how each amp plays with your cab. I have a 1001RB II paired with an Aguilar GS212 and it's heaven. Incidentally that's also a 600W rated cab. It might be worth spending a little bit on some amp and cab sims to see what pairing works for you before you buy.

 

[IngloriousOz]

I've owned several of both of them, the 800RB (original horizontal switch version especially) can't be beat for *that* tone - however, every single one of these used GK's I've purchased has had some kind of issue with either noise, scratchy pots, janky input and output jacks etc. They'll all needed service so make sure to buy one that's already been gone through recently

 

[tpaul]

I'm all for GK (800 so you can push it harder) but why not just buy a set or two of spare tubes now, if you're worried about future shortages?

 

[Pep]

Ok, looking to my GK fans out here. My main amp is an Ampeg V4B Reissue. Great for small gigs etc. My dilemma, the cost and potential scarcity of tubes in the not too distant future. That said, I'm looking for a change of pace and KNOW that the two mentioned GK Heads get (rightfully) a TON of love. I mean that growl IS pretty sick. Anyway, give my (extremely) limited knowledge of GK amps other than very superficial things. Which would you go with for a punkish/power-pop style band. I play Precision and PJ style basses, for ehat that is worth.

You could always go with a Mesa WD800. Plenty of growl, 800w @ 4 ohms, will load down to 2 ohms, and under 8 lbs.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I really like the RB800 it’s a great amp and lives up to hype. Another to consider is the Legacy 500, I’ve had both at the same time and they’re very similar and I preferred the Legacy to the 800RB, I ended up with the Peavey 3620 and wanted an old school head to complete the look and the 800RB was the first amp I thought of, the voicing filters are hard to beat and the boost is really nice. The GK growl is something to write home about, especially for rock oriented music, it sounds alive and in your face. It sit in the mix but pokes out in all the right places

 

[ashtray]

I used a 400RBIII for years and really loved it. Had plenty of volume.

In the 90’s, I was watching this band and the bass player had this amazing tone - I got closer to see his rig: an old school push button 400RB. Just killer.

My 400RBIII had a different tone than the OG one, but I did like the growl I got out of mine. If an original 400RB or 800RB popped up locally for a good price, I’d be tempted, even though I’m all set on amps.

 

[PapaBearBass]

800 all day long

 

[scuzzy]

Both awesome. Go 800

 

[-Stingray]

I recently picked up a 700RB II. It seems to be the best of both worlds (between the 800 and 1001).

 

[AudioTaper]

Both

 

[DishDive]

I really like the RB800 it’s a great amp and lives up to hype. Another to consider is the Legacy 500, I’ve had both at the same time and they’re very similar and I preferred the Legacy to the 800RB, I ended up with the Peavey 3620 and wanted an old school head to complete the look and the 800RB was the first amp I thought of, the voicing filters are hard to beat and the boost is really nice. The GK growl is something to write home about, especially for rock oriented music, it sounds alive and in your face. It sit in the mix but pokes out in all the right places

That's a full on MCA Beastie Boys set up with the 800RB and the 3620. I bet it sounds amazing!!

 

[definenredefine]

I play bass in a punk cover band and I play either a P or a J. I think my tone goals are similar to yours as well. I have an 800RB. It's the amp I've had the longest, and it's the one that will never go away. I love it dearly.

I say 800RB, with the caveat that I've never played through a 1001RB.

As for volume, I've never been asked to turn up but I have been asked to turn down. I think you'll be fine.