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GK vs Aguilar

Angelsbass

Angelsbass

Feb 10, 2011
65
1
#1
I have a GK 1001rb mark II head paired with a Aguilar GS 212 cabs but I'm wondering what the tone hammer 500 would sound like? I know it's much smaller & lighter than GK head. But also 700 watts verses 500 watts. Just wondering if I should consider selling my Gk head for the Aguilar tone hammer 500 that would match up the Aguilar cab I have now? All opinions welcomed please? I play a 4 Fender Jazz deluxe MIA with chromes. I play rock, funk, r&b, reggae, Latin, Neo just to give you an idea of what I use my GK head and Aguilar GS212 cabs with. Give me some TB expertise and experience. Always looking forward to hearing from my fellow TB'ers!
 
#4
Currently own the TH 500, previously owned a 1001RB-II. The first thing that comes to mind, is the TH500 having a more wooly sound, definitely a more vintage and tube vibe. When I think GK, clear and modern comes to mind with a grit all of its own but nothing like the TH500. While the GK isn't a thin sounding amp, the TH500 has a thicker sound with a lot going on in the low mids; however, the GK has a greater reach in the treble department. You're definitely not going to get the glassy GK highs from the TH500.

For my money, I'd take the TH500 any day. The GK is a great amp though. As far as wattage, I don't think you'd notice the difference. Word is, the Aguilar rating of 500 watts is pretty conservative.

Hope this helps.
 
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#8
I had the GS2x12 and it's a very nice cab but i was running it with an Eden wt550.
Now i have the GK that you have and i like all the options in it,however i'm using it with a Dr Bass cab.I tried a TH500 with some Eden (nemesis) cabs and it sounded good as well,i agree with the others it sounds thicker.
 
#9
Aguilar > GK

I've owned both and the TH500 kills any of the GK heads, IMHO. Not to mention the DB750/751, which is in a whole league of it's own.

Both great companies and both very distinctive sounds, I just prefer the warmth (wooly makes it sound like it's a bad thing, to me anyways) and pillow-y bass you get with the Aggie stuff.

.B
 
#10
Angelsbass said:
Power wise I agree. I dig the Aguilar tone but not sure if I want to give up the GK growl? I can't afford both heads so I guess I have to decide.
Click to expand...

Angel, don't worry, you will replace GK growl with Aggie growl. With the semi para mids you can dial it in anywhere you want. This is specifically useful if you have a bass that is lacking in the mids in some way, shape or form. I've played just about every GK amp there is but I'm loving the TH500. It is quite a bit different than the GK for sure. Almost the other side of the spectrum if you ask me. Both great flavors.
 
#14
Even pillowy is a great word to describe it. To me it's not well defined which is what wooly describes to me. Gk is a clean defined sound but it can do a sloppier wool (as nearly every amp could) FYI I have also downed the DB750 and 2 aggie cabs.
 
#15
Tony Flow MMMM said:
Even pillowy is a great word to describe it. To me it's not well defined which is what wooly describes to me. Gk is a clean defined sound but it can do a sloppier wool (as nearly every amp could) FYI I have also downed the DB750 and 2 aggie cabs.
Click to expand...

Two very different voicings. I find the TH500 very defined, very warm, and a nice, fat, low end. However, I don't like the GK tone much at all, although I appreciate that others do.

These heads are almost at the opposite ends of the tonal spectrum and definitely appeal to different players, with the GK (in general) being very bright, very treble extended, and aggressive in the upper mids, and the Aguilar TH series being very mid present, big, fat, low mids, aggressive more in the lower mid 'growl' area, and having a very relaxed, organic top end.

Different strokes. Build quality and reliability seem at the top of the category with the Aguilar IMO. Both brands seem honestly rated and perform above their power ratings.
 

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