I'm stuck on what to do for a head.

[BTSbassist09]

As some of you have read, i'm in the midst of getting a new rig. I'm going to be purchasing an Avatar 2x10. Originally, I wanted to go with a preamp/poweramp setup, but now i'm actually looking at heads, as well.
The two i'm looking at are the Ampeg B2RE and the Gallien Krueger 700RB-II. I want a head that can play clean and crisp with fingers to kind of growly and overdriven with a pick. What amp could do both of those the best?

 

[BTSbassist09]

And also, if anyone has any sound clips from either of the 2 heads, it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[TrevorOfDoom]

GK does the crisp and clean. Ampeg does the overdriven. buy the GK for it's clean and then get a pedal to overdrive.

 

[BTSbassist09]

What pedal do you think would be good? I had a Big Muff, but I didn't dig it cause it was more of a fuzz. And honestly, I don't think i'd want to go over 100$ for an overdrive pedal.

 

[emesen]

I have a Digitech Bass Overdrive Pedal that if you use the suggested "SVT" setting it doesn't sound too bad... only used it really through the crappy carvin set up at the rehearsal space - but it works for my purposes. Gives it just enough dirt. I am looking into that GK head as well...

 

[JimmyM]

I thought GK was known for its "grind" tones. I love Ampeg stuff, but between those two, I'd go for the 700RB. The B2RE is alright, but I think you have to get into the Pro line Ampeg before it could beat a 700RB.

 

[joeydavidson]

The GK will go clean and also gritty and growly, no pedal needed.

 

[neurotictim]

You could do the preamp/power amp setup with two preamps... A/B switch them, maybe? Or find a pre with a switch...

I LOVE my BBE/QSC setup.

 

[62bass]

Get the GK. You don't need any pedal. Download the owner's manual and read about how to use it.

 

[projectMalamute]

GK. I've never been impressed with any of the transistor ampeg stuff. The old GK 800rb was a great head, if the new stuff is half as good it should be a solid amp.

 

[CraigG]

You could probably get both out of the Eden Nemesis NA320 or NA650. I have an NA650 and can get very clean or, bump the "Edge" setting up and get a bit dirtier. These two heads have quite a bit of tonal versatility.

Craig

 

[Rockgurl]

I have a 700RB-ll and I can heartily recommend it. Incredible power and pristine clean sound. The EQs are so responsive that a slight turn of the knob can change the tone dramatically. I always get a real kick out of turning on this amp.

I would say get the GK and then get a Line 6 Bass POD xt Live pedal to simulate any amp or effect you want.