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Double Bass GK 800 RB Preamp Clone

Ric Vice

Ric Vice

Supporting Member
Jul 2, 2005
14,290
12,445
Olivette, Missouri
#1
I just viewed this in the manufacturer’s thread. DiCosimo pedals are now building a GK 800RB preamp clone. This was the same basic setup as the 200MB that I really liked for DB minus the limiter and chorus.

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#3
Same here, if memory serves me correctly the Limiter on the original Gallien Krueger 200 MB Combo was there to help the speaker enclosure because
of the limitations with the infinite baffle ( no ports) which would distort if you pushed it too hard. The Chorus was on there mostly for EB players although
as I recall it was one of the few true "bass choruses" at the time that didn't mess with the lower frequencies. Just my take of course.
 
#5
Ric Vice said:
Same here, if memory serves me correctly the Limiter on the original Gallien Krueger 200 MB Combo was there to help the speaker enclosure because
of the limitations with the infinite baffle ( no ports) which would distort if you pushed it too hard. The Chorus was on there mostly for EB players although
as I recall it was one of the few true "bass choruses" at the time that didn't mess with the lower frequencies. Just my take of course.
Click to expand...
That makes sense. I don't really use the chorus, but I've noticed that it sounds great on electric bass! I have two 200rb's that I plan to keep. One to gig and one for a backup all ready to go in their 1st gen Apple Macintosh carry bags!
 
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#7
I love the 800rb. I think it’s one of the best amps ever made. That being said, you can find the real thing just as cheap if not cheaper than the pedal (used of course, but these things are tanks). For me, I’d rather have the real thing.
 
#9
birgedb said:
I love the 800rb. I think it’s one of the best amps ever made. That being said, you can find the real thing just as cheap if not cheaper than the pedal (used of course, but these things are tanks). For me, I’d rather have the real thing.
Click to expand...
This would be great for people who are just using in ears, though. I still have my 800rb that I bought used in Santa Cruz, CA in around 1993. It is HAMMERED, and it still works. It could use a good cleaning, though!
 
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#10
I think the reason we all prefer the Walter Woods MI series and the Gallien Krueger MB and RB series amps is that they are analog amplifiers. The early Woods amps have a SMPS and if I remember correctly the GK’s have Torriodal (donut shaped) power supplies. Just my take though
 
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#11
birgedb said:
I love the 800rb. I think it’s one of the best amps ever made. That being said, you can find the real thing just as cheap if not cheaper than the pedal (used of course, but these things are tanks). For me, I’d rather have the real thing.
Click to expand...

When the GK 800 RB’s we’re in full swing, I was using a 200MB Series I and a GK 200MB Series II with a 200 MK powered extension cabinet. For DB Gigs that was all I needed until I bought a Walter Woods MI 400 8 that had more power than an SVT and weighed 11 lbs. I almost bought the Woods MI 700 8 but I couldn’t justify the extra coin. Just my take.

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#12
I’ll be honest, I bought my 800rb a year ago or so. Got it used for cheap, and in a rack with a padded case. After using them for a long time as a backline I decided to get it when a good deal came a long. It’s quickly become my favorite amp and has served two tours now, and I’ve let others use it as a backline. The only amp I’ve ever owned that has been as reliable is my Genz Benz shuttle. It doesn’t sound quite as good though. Anyway, I’m not trying to dog the pedal. I love the durability and versatility of the 800rb.
 
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