Let's talk GK heads

[ljazz]

While I dig the 800's, the string filter on the new RB's puts them in front of the proven 800. My 700rbII is about as rock solid as an amp can be. It sounds great, under 20 lbs, and if you need more headrooom, then all I can say is that your money is better spent on investing into your band's PA. My drummer isn't the hardest hitting cat in the world, but what he does is perfect for what we do. I'm drowning him out by the time the vol is at 10:00, Boost at 3:00, and the master at 12:00-1:00 (with GK Neo 212)...... Plenty of headroom left. I could really get away with just the 400rbIV.

I keep feeling GAS pangs for the fusion, but when I hear my 700rbII, I can't understand why.

 

[bagman]

GK 1001 RB II, just spring for it, the headroom is great. I still can get to hit the rails, just use a 4 ohm cab.

The love of my life is still the Auguilar GS 412.

Cheers

 

[pbass2]

Not enough love for the old 400RB, the original "pocket amp", altough you needed big pockets

I love mine. I'm more attached to it after playing it for a bit over a year than to any of the basses I've ever played.

I remember using one with an Ampeg 8x10 once in a backline, and it was awesome sounding with that cab.

 

[B-string]

GK 1001 RB II, just spring for it, the headroom is great. I still can get to hit the rails, just use a 4 ohm cab.

The love of my life is still the Auguilar GS 412.

Cheers

You "hit the rails" on a 1001rb II with a 4 ohm cab (700 watts at 4 ohms)? You use ear plugs I hope!!

 

[FatCity]

I have a 700RBII and usually run it with just a GK410BLXII. Plenty of headroom, killer tone and bulletproof. Great amp!

 

[georgestrings]

700rb-II...


- georgestrings

 

[ToddGia]

I dont know which one you would like the best but If i was buying a new GK head i would try out the fusion 550 .the 800 rb has to be the best head to have if you need a back up becuase it is built like a tank and rock solid reliable .

 

[pasta4lnch]

did a gig once through a 700rb . . . didnt blow my skirt up. I'd like to try an 800 - was at a friens gig who used one and it sounded really nice - whats the difference between the old ones and the new ones? (other than wattage)

 

[ToddGia]

The old and new ones are still the same , they just change certain parts if they become unavalible , thats all .

 

[Greevus]

i have my 3rd 400RB and i had an 800RB also in the past. i fried the first two 400RBs, but i loved the old ones. now i am GASSING reading all these posts! dang you Gallien!
i just began playing my first SVT which i love also. i just want to try that MB and the 700RB....

 

[lowendgenerator]

You "hit the rails" on a 1001rb II with a 4 ohm cab (700 watts at 4 ohms)? You use ear plugs I hope!!

Paron my ignorance, but what does "hitting the rails" mean? Is this some hip lingo that I just dont understand? lol.

I love my 1001RBII. It replaced a Mesa 400+ and an Ampeg SVT-CL. It sounds amazing with my 810 cab. More output than I need, and plenty of grit. Sterile? Nah.

 

[ljazz]

I'm sure others can explain it more technically, but it's that sweet spot where you're pushing the poweramp to the point where it starts growling at you! The gk growl is more than just the boost knob..... it's a bit of the boost, and hitting the rails on the poweramp. That's why many prefer the 700 and 800 over the 1001.... that sweet spot on the 1001 is in ear bleed territory. With the 700, it's a bit easier to get there. And I'm not talking about full blown distortion here..... I'm talking about a nasty, throaty grunt (sorry.... best I can explain it).

Try cranking your 1001 like this....
vol at 11:00
boost at 2:00
master at 3:00

That's the gk growl I'm talking about.

 

[Dale_M]

Try cranking your 1001 like this....
vol at 11:00
boost at 2:00
master at 3:00

That's the gk growl I'm talking about.

I don't know if he feels like killing a bunch of kittens.

 

[ljazz]

LOL, I know!

That's why I traded down for the 700. I wasn't worried about the kittens, but it would have killed my GK neo212 playing like that. I always loved the grunt from the 800, but really wanted more low end. The 5 string filter on the newer rb's accomplishes that. The 700rbII is perfect..... all that gk growl, plus the extended low end roll off..... and I don't brown note my bandmates to death. Anyone notice the boost knob is a bit more sensative as well?..... I wonder if it has more effect due to the smaller poweramp? (I know it's before the poweramp).... could just be me though... it's been about 2 years since I played the 1001.

Ljazz

 

[lmfreeman9]

Just got an 800RB and am very impressed, so far.

 

[TripleDouble]

800RB. tied for being my favourite all time amp of any brand w/SVT

And though not the finest by any means, I have a Backline 300 for home/practice/throw in the trunk for a backup use, and for the 50 cents a watt I paid for it, it sounds really great. Got the GK flavour.

 

[megadan]

Try cranking your 1001 like this....
vol at 11:00
boost at 2:00
master at 3:00

That's the gk growl I'm talking about.

I want to try this but I'm scared, I can never get the master volume above 12:00... Maybe when no one is around.

 

[thisSNsucks]

I dont know about top three, but my 1001RBII is probably the only head I'll ever want or need. Sounds awesome through my Neo212.

 

[CrUiSeR]

No love for the 200RCB
Sort of interesting article:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I've only seen one of the real old amps in a pawn shop years ago and I can't remember which it was. I hope it wasn't the 226A mentioned; though I believe it was the 600B.

 

[Planet Boulder]

I dont know which one you would like the best but If i was buying a new GK head i would try out the fusion 550 .the 800 rb has to be the best head to have if you need a back up becuase it is built like a tank and rock solid reliable .

Yep. My three main setups are as follows:

1. G-K 2001RBP -> 1500 watt (4 ohm) power amp
2. G-K 700RB-II
3. G-K 800RB

(My Trace Elliot rig also gets tossed around into that mix)