GK 800RB bent fin

The bent fin itself is not a problem, but it would make me wonder if anything else was damaged when it suffered the blow that bent the fin.

 

I had one with a bent fin - never had any problems with it.

 

Same here. I had one with a bent fin. No problems.

 

Unlikely a problem.

 

Unlikely a problem.

 

Can't you just bend it back to straight? Just asking.

 

If it were me I would not try to bend it back to straight. It seems to me it could snap and break. The fin is there to cool the amp. So long as the surface area remains, the fin will perform as intended. A bent fin will cool the amp just fine, a missing fin will not.

A bent fin indicates the amp was dropped. As No. 2 said, dropping the amp could do internal damage. However, I recall reading once that this is regarded as a very rugged amp. Many people toured with this amp for many miles and hours.

It would not be surprising if the amp were dropped without suffering internal damage.

P.S. I regret selling this amp, I wish I still had it.

 

I would leave well enough alone.

 

Mine has a bent fin from being rear-ended on the freeway on my way to a gig. It just adds mojo.

 

Dude I've never had any old GK amp that didn't have a bent fin

 

I bought a 400RB from Manny's Music in early 1982. It was discounted because it had a bent fin. I still have it, and have never had to do any repairs.

 

I have a bent fin on my 800RB (also not sure how it even got bent) and it plays as good as the day I bought it still.

 

The secret to Duff's Appetite for destruction tone.

 

Should not cause any issues. I had an 80s 400RB with several bent fins. I took some flat pliers and gently straightened them out with no problem.

 

My ‘83 400RB’s fins are straight but full of dust is this a fire hazard

 

No but as dust builds up the heat transfer is slowed making the heat sink less effective. The dust acts like an insulator.

It’s worth it to run a rag or duster through it.

 

Will bust out the Q-Tips tomorrow! I didn’t know it was dusty til I took that photo to see if any of them were bent. Lol

 

I also owned one with a bent fin. I wonder what the percentage is of remaining 800rb that DON’T have bent fins?

 

I have one that’s been racked since I bought it in ‘97. All straight.