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GK 800RB Loudness

L

lastminute

Dec 25, 2007
536
185
#1
How loud can this cheap amp get? Enough for a medium-sized gig? (say, enough to fill a community gymnasium/basketball court)

Also, any other kinds of amps that come in a similar-sized package?

Edit: So this question was posed because I need to upgrade my rig to do medium-sized gigs.

I'm hoping to snag a 800RB for less than $200 on Ebay...I'm looking to get just one cab for it, since money is short. I'm thinking I'll get a 2x12 cab at 4 ohms, and add in a 2x10 8ohms cab later for the high channel/large gigs.

The question next being, what's a 2x12 cab at 4 ohms that I can get used for ~$300?
 
#2
3x as loud as you'd expect from it's wattage.
Several amps similar in size. Actually, another GK that's a lot smaller is also a lot louder: 1001RB II.
If will cover your venue, well... Too many factors to consider. Can't really answer that one...
 
#4
allexcosta said:
3x as loud as you'd expect from it's wattage.
Several amps similar in size. Actually, another GK that's a lot smaller is also a lot louder: 1001RB II.
If will cover your venue, well... Too many factors to consider. Can't really answer that one...
Click to expand...

Whoops, by size, I guess I somehow meant: "What other amps are there with low wattage that sounds like it has 3 times that?"

Like what factors? All I can think of is that my amp wont be PA'd.
 
#6
lastminute said:
Whoops, by size, I guess I somehow meant: "What other amps are there with low wattage that sounds like it has 3 times that?"

Like what factors? All I can think of is that my amp wont be PA'd.
Click to expand...

Will you be up against a wall, in a corner, in the middle of the area, high ceiling, low ceiling, all of these are important contributors to the overall sound. There isn't an "all situation" fix. Just be prepared to tweak the EQ.

Btw, if you want to be louder, don't use the contour button and if that still ins't enough, try boosting low mids and de-activating the low boost switch next to the contour. It might sound thinner, but at a distance it will make you more noticeable since you can drive the power amp section harder
 
#7
totallybacan said:
Will you be up against a wall, in a corner, in the middle of the area, high ceiling, low ceiling, all of these are important contributors to the overall sound. There isn't an "all situation" fix. Just be prepared to tweak the EQ.

Btw, if you want to be louder, don't use the contour button and if that still ins't enough, try boosting low mids and de-activating the low boost switch next to the contour. It might sound thinner, but at a distance it will make you more noticeable since you can drive the power amp section harder
Click to expand...


High ceiling, up against the right shorter wall (if you were to think of a rectangle), will be slightly elevated by a little platform.
 
#9
lastminute said:
Whoops, by size, I guess I somehow meant: "What other amps are there with low wattage that sounds like it has 3 times that?"
Click to expand...

Solid State? None... 800RB is a design that went WAY beyond anyone could expect. Closest would be a 400RB, which sounds like a lot more than 200W.

lastminute said:
Like what factors? All I can think of is that my amp wont be PA'd.
Click to expand...

Speakers, placement, how loud the drummer, how loud guitarist, how loud crowd, type of floor, shape of room, what's in the room, how many people will attend, your bass, your playing, etc...
 
#12
I like a lot of power, and have/had a lot of high power amps - I also own the 800RB. I find it's volume/oomph to be a lot more satisfying than the 500W Markbass stuff. It drives my Berg NV's pretty well, and kills with my Bag End S15's.

JR
 
#16
It's just a crazy loud amp. Bob G. did something very, very right, and it's held strong for 20+ years. There are really no other amps like it.
Here's how I think of it:

Tube amps -- GK amps -- Solid State amps

About the only other amp I can think of that gives a lot more volume than you'd expect is the Traynor Monoblock. It's sort of the Canadian equivalent of the GK800. Only 250W but sounds a lot louder, and pushes even harder at 2 ohms (something the GK can't technically do). Not as small, though, IIRC.
 
#18
Hello,

So this question was posed because I need to upgrade my rig to do medium-sized gigs.

I'm hoping to snag a 800RB for less than $200 on Ebay...I'm looking to get just one cab for it, since money is short. I'm thinking I'll get a 2x12 cab at 4 ohms, and add in a 2x10 8ohms cab later for the high channel/large gigs.

The question being next being, what's a 2x12 cab at 4 ohms that I can get used for ~$300?
 
#20
lastminute said:
Hello,

So this question was posed because I need to upgrade my rig to do medium-sized gigs.

I'm hoping to snag a 800RB for less than $200 on Ebay...I'm looking to get just one cab for it, since money is short. I'm thinking I'll get a 2x12 cab at 4 ohms, and add in a 2x10 8ohms cab later for the high channel/large gigs.

The question being next being, what's a 2x12 cab at 4 ohms that I can get used for ~$300?
Click to expand...

Avatar would be one.
 

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