GK800RB

[nitrofix]

Hey all, not looking to buy another amp but this GK800RB came up for sale near me now I really don't want the cabs just the amp, he says it works fine and is asking $150 for everything do you guys think it's a good deal and worth a shot in picking it up....Thanks

 

[shoot-r]

If it works and is in reasonable condition.....Absolutely!

Only drawback, GK will no longer provide factory service for these.
If you should need any repairs you'll have to find a certified GK service Center in your area.

 

[Daveypoo]

Assuming it's working and has no issues, absolutely. I had one and gigged it like crazy for 20 years with no issues. Those things are bulletproof - if your so inclined, go for it.

 

[shoot-r]

Assuming it's working and has no issues, absolutely. I had one and gigged it like crazy for 20 years with no issues. Those things are bulletproof - if your so inclined, go for it.

+1!

I bought a brand new 800RB in 1984. Used it till 2008, (when I started the jump to class D bass heads.)
Gave the head to a friend who is still using it in a classic rock band.

To my knowledge, it's never had any problems.

 

[Al Kraft]

I'm not sure which is more indestructible, an anvil or a GK RB head....I am, however, perfectly sure which one I prefer connecting my bass to!

 

[DWBass]

Buy it all then when you get home, put the cabs out on the curb. Clean up the amp and then flip it.

 

[Bass1447]

Hard pass.

 

[pbass2]

Man, if it really works $150 would be a deal for just that amp.

 

[Wesley R]

Let's face it, a bill and half would cover a pretty decent dinner for two.

 

[Daveypoo]

I'm not sure which is more indestructible, an anvil or a GK RB head....I am, however, perfectly sure which one I prefer connecting my bass to!

I was playing in the house band for a production of the musical Hair and the band was set up on stage, on a platform 6 feet in the air. My GK 800RB was sitting on top of my Ampeg 410HE cab behind me on said platform. The speaker cable got yanked from behind somehow and the head fell all the way to the stage floor. I took it to the repair shop the next day and the only damage was a couple of bent fan baffles on the back and a single broken solder joint. Needless to say, it went into an Anvil case from that day forward, but it was pretty impressive how resilient it was even without one.

Sounded great, super consistent. Can't say enough good things about it. Wish they still made them, honestly.

 

[Gervais Cote]

Ex-owner of a GK 400RB-II here and if it’s working and no scratching pots, it’s a very good deal.

Had mine for several years and no problems other than hum and hiss in my speakers just like many vintage amps but back in those days, they were built like tanks. Probably more bulletproof than the new ones from that same manufacturer………….

 

[Tim Schnautz]

Hey all, not looking to buy another amp but this GK800RB came up for sale near me now I really don't want the cabs just the amp, he says it works fine and is asking $150 for everything do you guys think it's a good deal and worth a shot in picking it up....Thanks

Heck yes!! If I was looking and it was local I’d go for it! I mean, in today’s world, what’s $150 quid anymore?
That’s a poS Harley Benton . You’ll great miles out of this. Just have a good back…

 

[Dognorab]

I was playing in the house band for a production of the musical Hair and the band was set up on stage, on a platform 6 feet in the air. My GK 800RB was sitting on top of my Ampeg 410HE cab behind me on said platform. The speaker cable got yanked from behind somehow and the head fell all the way to the stage floor. I took it to the repair shop the next day and the only damage was a couple of bent fan baffles on the back and a single broken solder joint. Needless to say, it went into an Anvil case from that day forward, but it was pretty impressive how resilient it was even without one.

Sounded great, super consistent. Can't say enough good things about it. Wish they still made them, honestly.

Fan?
My GK 800RB has no fan nor did my previous unit. Both are passive cooling with big heatsink on the back. Was yours modified or was this an option? I often thought about fitting a fan but since I no longer play metal or heavy rock, it rarely gets to those burn your hand temperatures anymore.

 

[Snibborwocky]

From my experience, they're built like absolute tanks. Obviously test it out first but I've rarely seen posts about issues with RB800's. I bought one in '91/'92 I think and still have it to this day in prefect working order. $150 for all that or even just the head is a great deal imo.

 

[Dognorab]

If it works, grab it. Great amp… and the cabs? Worst case, they’ll make a great share house coffee table

 

[DanAdams]

So... um...
how many of us checked his location before replying?

 

[Dognorab]

So... um...
how many of us checked his location before replying?

I did but, being from down under, I am not sure of what issues that might raise. Is this a, might have spent some time 3 feet under, sort of thing?

 

[DanAdams]

I did but, being from down under, I am not sure of what issues that might raise. Is this a, might have spent some time 3 feet under, sort of thing?

I think its more of a 'get the deal before talking about it' kinda thing.
Perhaps he missed the deal??? Perhaps to a talkbasser who didn't seek group consensus before committing???

If that fat stack was for sale in my area, I may have been driving in that direction before the seller even replied to me.
People my age coveted that head SOOOO hard as teenagers

 

[shirojiro]

Screaming deal in my book.
But I need more amps and cabs like I need a hole in my head.

 

[FretRiff]

he says it works fine and is asking $150 for everything do you guys think it's a good deal

If it works , worst-case scenario is you still have better resale value than Universal Audio's GK800RB Universal Audio plugin for the same price.