GK 800RB - Vertical Power Switch ??

[MG Bass]

Just wondering what year the 800RB's with the vertical power switch came into production and do they sound different to the earlier versions with the horizontal power switch.

I've heard that the power section in the earlier versions is different and more robust than the power section in the later versions with the vertical power switches.

Can anyone confirm this ??

 

[jbassbob]

nope, sound the same.

 

[MG Bass]

Thanks

Anybody else have any idea or may differ in opinion ?

 

[MG Bass]

Bumpy!!

 

[jelwood]

this is what B-String had to say about it:

"The newer 800rb's have the vert. power switch, a little lighter as the iron core transformer is gone and you can find parts (if needed) for the newer model. The old horz. power switch amp has some preamp parts that are a couple of decades obsolete. Just something to keep in mind also?"

 

[jg919]

Hi,
I currently use an '86 800rb (old version with horizontal power switch). I was using a 700rbII for a few years (always wanting an 800rb) and this one popped up.
I jumped on the chance for this '86 model, and soon after, bought another from a semi-local music shop (a '98 model - new version).
Since I got them both for a steal, I decided to A/B them and keep the better model (still with the 700rbII incase the 800rb's weren't all I thought).
Hands down, the '86 800rb won my heart. If ound that the 800rb's sounded beter than the 700rbII (the 800rb's have a much more 'natural'/organic sound, while the 700rbII was a little less 'real' - it seemed to be lacking the superior tonal definition), but the '86 800rb beat the newer vertical switch model.
The main point of difference seemed to be in the contour-buttons - I like to keep the high boost one on all the time, while keeping both high and mid-high eq'd flat, cutting the low mids 1 or 2 notches and boosting the low 2 notches.
The old 800rb seemed to bring out that classic live Flea 'zing' - very defined, very articulate sounding, and leaving nothing to be desired.
the new 800rb sounded slightly different (not that this would matter in any world, except for 800rb enthusiasts) in the highs/definition range. It seemed to 'sparkle' more thatn 'cut' in it's highs - and I couldn't seem to get that same range of high frequencies which cut through the mix, and retain the 'juicy' high-mid character of the bass, when played through the '86 model.
I am 90% certain this would not matter to a gigging player who wants to hear themselves loud, live and detailed in a stage environment - but I do a LOT of recording, and figured the old model was more complimentary to my sound than the newer model.
I have sold the new 800rb, 700rbII and use my '86 800rb exclusively (very happily!)

Just for info purposes, I use a '95 Musicman Sterling (mostly) into a range of effects (compression, octave, overdrive, chorus, wah, envelope, etc), through the 800rb and into an Ashdown (English) 4x10. I use the amp full-range also.
Thanks! I hope this helps - If you have a newer model, be happy you've got such a great amp - but if you spot an older model for a decent price, give them an A/B and see which YOU prefer (if you think there's even any difference at all).
Cheers! JOHN

 

[BLDavis]

I've owned several examples of each and honestly, I'd hate to have to live on the difference between them. In a blind side-by-side test I seriouslty doubt 99 out of 100 people could tell which was which.
B.

 

[jg919]

Hi again!
I think BLDavis has a great point - granted it takes a bit of an enthusiast (or obsessive, in my own case - haha) to notice the differences in amp models. For those of us who can tell the sound/operating differences (extremely minute/particular, as previously mentioned), it's good to understand them anyway.
But, for sake of the original question - yes, the differences are there.
CHEERS! John