Looking for new mini amp head to replace GK800RB

[Altitude]

I have a GK MBFusion and a Legacy 800. Both are very GK sounding, which is why I like them.

People will recommend the Mesa Subway series. Those to me sound considerably cleaner than GK; they don't have the sparkle and grind that GK has. Their one-knob voicing circuit is really useful though, and you can dial in a little grind, especially with the 800+ and TT-800 units.

 

[Slevage]

If you like the GK sound, stick with the brand.

I remember selling my Sunn Model T to purchase a GK800 to lighten my load as a busy weekend warrior.
If you really like the 800, use it and save your $$$.

 

[groove pump]

I was going to do this originally. I love my 800RB. But I realized I don’t have a backup and I’d like something similar. Plus I like the idea of putting something small into the bottom of a duffel bag since I don’t want to carry another bag.

That rack bag is neat though. I’ve never seen anything like that before.

I think it makes sense if you can stick with what you know and what you like in the 800RB.

If you do go for a more portable alternative in the GK family, I can say that I finally scratched my decades old GK itch when I picked up an MB 500 a couple years ago. I was initially worried about having enough power because I often play without PA support using a pair of 2x10 cabs to push my sound.

Then I played a couple of gigs and quickly realized that I had a head that was more that ready and willing to run with the big dogs. I've never run the master volume up anywhere close to the noon setting - even playing outdoors - and I've never used the Boost function on this head. If I hypothetically went for the MB 800, I would have had too much amp for what I do (rock & dance cover band).

My other head is a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0. Different personality including a single tube in the preamp. I like having these two terrific options, but when it comes to pushing big, bold, clear sound, the MB 500 is definitely the more capable head for me. The Shuttle is fine when I use it indoors, but it's at its limits playing outside, while the GK is good to go.

 

[esoxhntr]

GK MB800, no question. Very small and light, has the basic GK sound, shouldn’t be hard to find a nice used one.

This.

Also a good choice, but more expensive, and (I think) physically larger. If that matters to the OP.

Agreed.

 

[Standalone]

Don't change. Get a lighter more compact rack bag for the 800RB. It weighs 23 pounds -- that's not bad at all. And I've never played an amp that sounds better. Why spend money to downgrade unless you are gigging via public transit, etc.?

This rack bag is 8 pounds -- making your whole amp a 30 pound affair. Gator GR-RACKBAG-2U Lightweight Rack Bag

Ahem, sorry, I linked to a 2 space rack instead of three, but the same applies.

 

[Standalone]

It’s been over 20 years since I’ve taken it out of the case so I’m going to check it out. Thanks everyone.

This is a good move. It should have a little handle on the side. If you travel in such a way to gigs that you can go sans case, just pop it in your front seat and boom. Compact, mid-weight amp.

My playing style and tone goals need that certain je ne sais quoi of a good class A/B amp. Actually, I do know and well believe I could tell the difference in a blind test.

Much respect to the people who do play and enjoy Class D amps. I probably dig into my amp too hard and need that sort of mild distortion to even my tone. So nothing personal to the Class D fans. Not here to fight that war.

 

[Jeff Scott]

I much prefer the knobs and the switches to be separate.

Same here.

 

[superheavyfunk]

Just throwing this out there… if anyone happens to be thinking about letting go of a Dicosimo 800RB pedal, you’ll find a willing buyer in me!