So...I got two heads. The Gallien Krueger Backline 600 and the Peavey T-Max.
Generally, I keep my T-Max in my guitar rack now, as, for some reason it sounds amazing as a power amp for my Digitech 2120 unit. And the GK is my go to bass amp.
Well, recently, I was thinking I havent really toyed with me T-max in awhile, and I've since revamped alot of my bass rig, so I plugged her up and decided to have a little go 'round (hmm...that almost sounds dirty, don't it?). So, using the same other gear as a 'control'.... BC Rich Warbeast w/ dual EMG-HZ MMCS pick-ups and a BTC pre-amp --> Boss CEB-3 Bass Chorus (not really used much for this jaunt) --> Rocktron Compressor/Limiter ( rackmounted, and always on) --> *whichever head I was using at the moment* --> Behringer 4x10 aluminum cone cabinet (not the best, but it's what I got right now)
My general observations we're this. This T-Max is loud....LOOOOUUUUD! And it's super clean...not in a bad way. Just VERY ckean and precise. The Tube channel, even with the Pre cranked, really only imparts some minor grit, and is a little bright sounding for my tastes. Overall though, it's a great head, and it's bullet proof, no doubt.
Than I fired up my GK. now, the Backline doesnt really have as much raw volume as the T-Max...but I suspect it's still got plenty enough (so long as it's feeding into a 4ohm load) to be heard with a hard hitting drummer. I've not yet gigged with it, or even played with anyone else since I acquired it (I'm pretty much a solo recording artist these days), however, tone wise IMO opinion it just had more personality than the T-Max, despite having a bit less tweakable EQ....it's just voiced great. Not quite as squeaky clean as the T-Max generally is...but it could be if you tweaked it that way. I personally like how it's got that little extra 'teeth' on the edges, and generally seems more "3D sounding". It's overdrive channel is pretty sweet too, if you keep the gain in check. It has has PLENTY of gain on tap if you so desire (I DO wish it had some seperate EQ for Normal and High Gain though...but I'm can be a bit of a tweeker).
So, overall....I like my GK better....but if I ever need the raw power, the T-Max has that in spades. Hmmm....or I could perhaps feed the GK's pre into the T-Max's power section? Of course, thats alot to carry...and the T-Max is a pretty weighty brick.
So...I dunno what purpose this post really serves, other than just imparting some of my personal experience on you guys. Perhaps this will help someone searching for a good deal on a cheaper head.
I personally would like to step upto a nice GK RB series head when I get some extra cash...but sadly, school loans, and a mortgage dictate a rather different allocation of my hard earned funds right now. And since I'm not gigging at this time, probably wouldn't be necessary other than feeding into my own power-lust.
So yah...thats that I suppose. Feel free to discuss!
Generally, I keep my T-Max in my guitar rack now, as, for some reason it sounds amazing as a power amp for my Digitech 2120 unit. And the GK is my go to bass amp.
Well, recently, I was thinking I havent really toyed with me T-max in awhile, and I've since revamped alot of my bass rig, so I plugged her up and decided to have a little go 'round (hmm...that almost sounds dirty, don't it?). So, using the same other gear as a 'control'.... BC Rich Warbeast w/ dual EMG-HZ MMCS pick-ups and a BTC pre-amp --> Boss CEB-3 Bass Chorus (not really used much for this jaunt) --> Rocktron Compressor/Limiter ( rackmounted, and always on) --> *whichever head I was using at the moment* --> Behringer 4x10 aluminum cone cabinet (not the best, but it's what I got right now)
My general observations we're this. This T-Max is loud....LOOOOUUUUD! And it's super clean...not in a bad way. Just VERY ckean and precise. The Tube channel, even with the Pre cranked, really only imparts some minor grit, and is a little bright sounding for my tastes. Overall though, it's a great head, and it's bullet proof, no doubt.
Than I fired up my GK. now, the Backline doesnt really have as much raw volume as the T-Max...but I suspect it's still got plenty enough (so long as it's feeding into a 4ohm load) to be heard with a hard hitting drummer. I've not yet gigged with it, or even played with anyone else since I acquired it (I'm pretty much a solo recording artist these days), however, tone wise IMO opinion it just had more personality than the T-Max, despite having a bit less tweakable EQ....it's just voiced great. Not quite as squeaky clean as the T-Max generally is...but it could be if you tweaked it that way. I personally like how it's got that little extra 'teeth' on the edges, and generally seems more "3D sounding". It's overdrive channel is pretty sweet too, if you keep the gain in check. It has has PLENTY of gain on tap if you so desire (I DO wish it had some seperate EQ for Normal and High Gain though...but I'm can be a bit of a tweeker).
So, overall....I like my GK better....but if I ever need the raw power, the T-Max has that in spades. Hmmm....or I could perhaps feed the GK's pre into the T-Max's power section? Of course, thats alot to carry...and the T-Max is a pretty weighty brick.
So...I dunno what purpose this post really serves, other than just imparting some of my personal experience on you guys. Perhaps this will help someone searching for a good deal on a cheaper head.
I personally would like to step upto a nice GK RB series head when I get some extra cash...but sadly, school loans, and a mortgage dictate a rather different allocation of my hard earned funds right now. And since I'm not gigging at this time, probably wouldn't be necessary other than feeding into my own power-lust.
So yah...thats that I suppose. Feel free to discuss!
