GK 1001 RBII or original RB800

[dougjwray]

I've owned both. The 1001RBII has more features, and more brute strength, but I liked the sound of the 800RB better... it had more punchy midrange. I'm sure it would be loud enough for you.

 

[2saddleslab]

My only experience is w/ the 1001RBII and it has all the iconic authoritative GK thunder you could ever want. My bandmates always have positive comments when I bring it to gigs.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

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...

This would be my suggestion ^

Can't go wrong with either, but you'll get plenty of headroom AND that GK growl at manageable volumes with the 700RB-II. Might have fewer miles on it too, just something to consider.

 

[groovaholic]

My main amp is an Ampeg V4B Reissue

My current cab is an ampeg 212av

The V4B reissue (100w tube) has hung in there volume wise

Any of the older GK amps are out of warranty and out of service parts - GK sold off the last of their in-house inventory a couple years ago.

I've owned the 1001RB twice - it's a massively loud, massively powerful amp.
For me, it felt a bit cold/stiff, and if I had to guess, I'd expect you to have a similar reaction coming from an all-tube Ampeg.

But for 9 years, a 700RB-II was my go-to amp, and it sent all challengers packing...until I got a Legacy 800.
Then 2 years ago a local seller offered up an "as is" 800RB for less than a tank of gas - so I bought it immediately!

That 800RB had the typical RB-series issue of oxidized effects loop jacks.
When those jacks aren't used often, they can get a thin layer of corrosion that degrades the signal path.

The quick fix is to connect a short 1/4" cable between the send and return jacks.
A more lasting fix is to spray a 1/4" plug with DeOxIt, then insert that plug it into each jack, twist, remove, repeat.
You should NOT spray DeOxIt directly into the jacks themselves.

My 800RB also had a questionable volume pot, so I replaced it.

Once the 800RB was up and running, I was able to A/B/C compare three generations of GK.
The 700RB-II went lower and higher than the 800RB, and had more power, but there was something really cool about the midrange voice of the 800RB.
The Legacy has an updated flavor of the 800RB midrange articulation, and it just KILLS in a live mix.

I sold the 800RB, and later sold the 700RB-II...still have/use/love the Legacy 800.

Of the amps you mentioned, I'd probably recommend the 800RB if it's in good working order.
If not, keep shopping...

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

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

It does sound great, it took me about a decade to get the 3620! It’s surprising, it is definitely not as deep sounding as you would think it does have pretty tight low end but it’s more midrange focused and has a lot of high end, it’s also very directional. I had to move it to the other side of the my garage facing the guitar and drums. I had it next to them and from the drum kit you couldn’t hear it at all even when it’s rattling the window on the far side of the garage it was facing. When properly positioned it sits in the mix phenomenally though! The GK definitely compliments this cab and really emphasizes the growl!

 

[shirojiro]

800RB is still popular for a reason. It gets a range of sounds that all seem to work, and It's louder than expected for 300W, and when it overdrives, it sounds great. I've been using some form of GK bass amps for almost 40 years, and I still really like the sound.

 

[definenredefine]

800RB is still popular for a reason. It gets a range of sounds that all seem to work, and It's louder than expected for 300W, and when it overdrives, it sounds great. I've been using some form of GK bass amps for almost 40 years, and I still really like the sound.

It's louder than expected for 200 watts, too! I've only ever ran it with 8 ohm cabs and it's still plenty loud!