GK 800RB vs GK 400RB vs 1001rbii

[garmenteros]

For anyone who has owned, gigged and has experience with these amps, which would you choose and why? I use a gk400rb weekly at one of my practice spaces with a single 15 classic ampeg cab and I really like the tone I get. Its not the same than when I used to gig mesa 400+ or svt classic but it still sounds great. I owned a 1001rbii for about a year and a half and remember it sounded too modern for my taste. I have played with a 800rb and dont remember much about it. My cabs are ampeg 410 heritage, and mesa powerhouse 1000. I currently have a acoustic 370 and 150b, svt classic. I'm looking to switch up the acoustics for the gks...

Thoughts?

 

[B-string]

The "modern" with the 1001RB II comes from the manual's suggestion of running the master high and the "Volume" (eq pre gain) for loudness. Running the "volume" just under distortion and the master (and boost for harmonics) for loudness brings out a whole new animal.

The 800RB is a classic, punchy amp and the separate 100 watt amp can be used for a drummer's monitor or Biamp. It does have a steep HPF so it does not have the low stage rumble the 400RB's will give.

You already know some of the 400RB's capabilities.

 

[Freddels]

I'd go with the 400RB if you're not playing stadiums. Then my next choice would be the 800RB (I have one of these old ones). The 1001RB-II, I had one but got rid of it. It sounded fine until I compared it to the 800RB.
If I had to get a new GK, I'd look at the 400RB-IV

 

[will33]

My favorites are basically listed in order in your OP.

800- loud, powerful, and punch without the rumble.

Old 400- like an 800 but less power and deeper. I used that more often with the bass knob dialed back a notch...because I could crank the bejeesus out of it and still be within reasonable, "still get asked back" gig volume limits.

1001/700-II - can basically do what the old ones do, or at least righteously mimick them, but too powerful. By the time you crank them into "that sound", you're risking speaker damage or just plain too loud. I'd pick the 700 over the 1001 specifically because it's LESS power. Can still run plenty loud clean if that's what you're after.

B-string is right on about ignoring manual suggestions in this case. Run the input volume up to just under audible distortion and use the master for overall loudness. Even if you're looking for pure clean, have the Boost cracked open a little bit, not completely off.

 

[The Regulator]

All great amps, but if I had to choose one it would be the 800RB (which I own BTW). One of the best sounding SS amps ever made, very versatile and can be used for any style of music.
With the second power amp it gives you the option to run up to 3 x 8 ohm cabs if necessary.

 

[wolfkeller]

I ran a 1001ii for a few years into an ampeg 8x10. Massively killer amp. Alot of tones, ton o power and very easy transportation. Now, I got my modern sound with the contour clockwise and old school sabbath the opposite. I think it's the best overall modern amp.

I wanted that Duff tone and realized I could not rail that thing with all that power. I got an '87 800rb, perfect. The woofer vol and boost are all the way up, vol knob just cracked and I have zero interest in anything else. I run it live into an 8x10 and rehearsal into a genz benz 2x15 (like Duff did for AFD). I get the rails without blowing everyone away but its NOT. Low volume
I want to get an old 400rb just cuz.

 

[yakmastermax]

Tried my friends father's 800RB through a vintage Acoustic 406 2x15"

Dear goodness it sounded fantastic. Better than my brand spanking new Carvin BX700 and two TC K212 2x12"s

I'd make it my rig except my car is too small.

 

[wolfkeller]

Tried my friends father's 800RB through a vintage Acoustic 406 2x15"

Dear goodness it sounded fantastic. Better than my brand spanking new Carvin BX700 and two TC K212 2x12"s

I'd make it my rig except my car is too small.

poopie hook my up, I'll make it my back up!

 

[arbiterusa]

I played for years with a 400RB and 2 single 15" Boogie bass cabinets. I still miss that rig. Take 1 cab for a small gig, two for a big one. Never had a problem with "not enough volume". Kinda the opposite actually. Played an 800RB quite a few times, similar to the 400 but always kept coming back to the 400. I'd buy another 400 today if I could find one that hasn't been beat half to death. That's getting hard.

 

[TMARK]

800rb. I toured with one in the 80's. I ran it bi-amped for a while, with two Mesa Diesel 15s and a Hartke 410 for the highs. I liked it better running just the 15s at 300 Watts or just the 410 at 100. That was a killer rig.

 

[Planespotter]

It all depends on what's right for you and your musical situation. I will say that out of those 3 I prefer (and own) the 800rb. I really feel that the 800rb is an all time classic on par with the 360, SVT, etc. I use mine with a crusty fender 2x15 and it's a gloriously dirty old school sound. Of course with the right cabs it does the tight/punchy/clean yet growly thing that it's known for. And the best part is they regularly turn up used for around $400!

 

[orangejulius3]

I own all 3 of the amps listed.
I got rid of the 1001RB but upgraded to a 2001RB.
The 1001 had a little too much power which kept it cleaner.

I still have the 400RB and 800RB and use these mainly for tone and practice.

The 2001RB gets main stage on any large to medium venues due to power, tone, versatility, bi-amping tweeter.
Heavy amp though.
I would've picked up the 700RB if I would have known that it's very similar to the 2001RB.

 

[garmenteros]

I usually play for 200 people and have PA support. I do the occasional outdoor festival with about 1000 people in attendance. I play mostly rock and metal. So the general consensus is 800rb, I may pick one up... Tempted to keep my acoustics as well...

 

[TonyP-]

I prefer slightly cleaner so I use 1001II (for dirt I use the Darkglass B3K).

If you want the breakup at a light volume that any others would work better.

 

[Facu.DSR]

I own a mid 80's 400 rb and it is by far the best sound I could ask for, since it is the perfect combination between a powerful sound and an easy-transportable equipment. It's got that old GK growl I haven't been able to find in any of the new gear they launched. So taking that into consideration, and since you said you really liked the 400 rb sound, I can assure you that if you buy an 800 rb, it will definitely blow your brains out ! I could have bought it but it felt like too much volume for medium-size gigs I'm used to play at ( or even big ones since I play directly from my sansamp ).

I hope this advise serves you right, good luck with that dude !

 

[Chrome Dome]

Hopefully everyone,in the conversation,don't think I am trolling? Noticed all the comments,about the 800RB. Just so happens,have one for sale,in the classifieds. I would keep it,but have 3other amps? So if interested PM me. I apologize,if anyone thinks,I crashed the conversation. Take Care! Merry Christmas,to you all.

 

[kimokeo]

I own both the 800RB and 400RB. The 800RB IMO has the best overall tone, but it does not have quite the bottom end of the 400RB. So, if you seeking more lows, the 400RB is the best choice. Anything else, hard to beat the old reliable 800RB.

 

[wolfkeller]

Hopefully everyone,in the conversation,don't think I am trolling? Noticed all the comments,about the 800RB. Just so happens,have one for sale,in the classifieds. I would keep it,but have 3other amps? So if interested PM me. I apologize,if anyone thinks,I crashed the conversation. Take Care! Merry Christmas,to you all.

I traded a trace Elliot for my first 800rb with this guy, its my live amp and kills! Good dude if you want a mint 800rb

 

[Chrome Dome]

I traded a trace Elliot for my first 800rb with this guy, its my live amp and kills! Good dude if you want a mint 800rb

Thanks,wolfkeller,still available!

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

Wow ... That 400RB has some punch and volume, especially the old ones, which were only 200w. There is not a more powerful amp with such a small wattage. And it can push a 2x15 like nothing else its size. I don't think there is a better amp for the price of them used -- around $150-200.