Looking to Downsize: GK vs Darkglass

[Clark Westfield]

I used to have a huge rig....these days i'm sporting a Tech21 VT Bass 500 thought two Hartke HD-112's

That Tech21 head is a monster.

Good taste in amps!

 

[jstringer]

If you like the Aguilar cabinets, why not stick with them? I can't believe you're toting around a 4-12. I switched to lightweight 1x12s (Baer and AccuGroove) and make do with one or two, what about 2 SL112's? The tube amp replacement is trickier, to many nothing sounds like a tube power amp (there are many lightweight tube preamps).

Small back story, I was playing a lot bigger stage shows about 10 years ago, took a hiatus due to focus on family and school.
It was still overkill then and now have realized it since I’m back and playing smaller shows or more PA support.

I’ve considered sticking with Aggie and haven’t counted them totally out. They are pricier compared to GK compared to the features and wattage.

It’s ok on the tube amp, nothing will be exactly like it but im also ok with it and the solid state stuff sounds good!

 

[Clark Westfield]

The sound can’t be defined as round and loud for sure

Sorry typo.

The sound CAN be defined as round and loud for sure

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Not sure if this is a joke or not…

I certainly hope so, but some of those old myths die hard around here

 

[RavenousPoe]

I've been playing a Legacy 212 Combo for the past year. Dwarfs both of my guitarist's 4x12's if I want it to, and sounds just incredible. Very clear and aggressive sound, and most importantly it shines in a mix. My experience with playing Darkglass amps is short, but it was short because the GK is exactly how I wanted the bass to sound.

 

[jstringer]

I road tested a GK, Darkglass and Mesa before I locked in on the Darkglass 212.

The sound can’t be defined as round and loud for sure.

Light as a feather.

Plop on a Bergantino, Genzler or Mesa head and you’ll be in heaven.

Indeed the carbon fiber Tolex is soft and fragile on the DG, but a good custom cover from Tuki or LeCover fixes that.
View attachment 7293682View attachment 7293683

Well I feel dumb, a cover would solve the issue. Thanks for sharing!

What amp do you run? How do you describe the cab sound and why did you like it better than GK?

I really thought it was more vintage and warm sounding vs the GK. The GK for me was bright and very natural sounding.

Both very nice

 

[jstringer]

I certainly hope so, but some of those old myths die hard around here

I feel bad I said it first. I did a quick education read and now understand the difference now.

 

[jstringer]

I've been playing a Legacy 212 Combo for the past year. Dwarfs both of my guitarist's 4x12's if I want it to, and sounds just incredible. Very clear and aggressive sound, and most importantly it shines in a mix. My experience with playing Darkglass amps is short, but it was short because the GK is exactly how I wanted the bass to sound.

I got to demo that combo. It was very nice! That’s good to know it competes with our loud ass guitar friends. Rock on!

 

[KevInDaBassment]

I feel bad I said it first. I did a quick education read and now understand the difference now.

No worries, you're good...it gets mentioned on here sometimes and things can get muddy. I knew that only because of the plethora of amp builders and engineers on here with more knowledge than I'll ever have explaining it lol.

 

[Clark Westfield]

Well I feel dumb, a cover would solve the issue. Thanks for sharing!

What amp do you run? How do you describe the cab sound and why did you like it better than GK?

I really thought it was more vintage and warm sounding vs the GK. The GK for me was bright and very natural sounding.

Both very nice

I run the Berg HP2 for gigs and it has been a really light, powerful rig.

I felt the same way about the GK, a bit brighter than the DG.

I like the old school vibe it brings.

A cover is key. Easy fix.

 

[Akami]

Seems that a GR, either as a combo or separates could be ideal for your needs.

 

[It's The Groove]

I've been using the Darkglass Alpha Omega 900 with the Darkglass 2x12 cabinet for 3 years now and have had good
experiences using it. I've worked the EQ and settings enough to get the perfect overall sounds for the bands I've been
playing with, being jazz, R & B, old school funk, and some classic to newer hard edge material.
I addition to the tone and power, transporting it has been easy since the weight and size is manageable for me.