NAD: GK 400RB

[erik_ghoulet]

I've used a Fender Bassman 400 pro for since I bought it new about 20 years ago. Clearly I'm not much of a gearhead.

Got a GK 800RB a few years ago because I felt the Fender had a baked in tone that I wanted to get away from. The 800 RB sounds good but always seemed a little brittle, not enough low end.

Read that 400RBs sounded a little deeper so I decided to finally pick one up.

I haven't tried it at rehearsal yet but playing it at our practice space I'm struck by how round and full it sounds. No knock on the 800RB but I wasn't expecting that much if a difference. Both amps are classics but to my ears there is quite a difference.

Thoughts?

 

[rufus.K]

I live the 400rb .
It's kinda ratty and beauty and lovely that way. They sound good pushed, I notice the compression when the front end is driven and the gain is up. Trade input gain for Master volume and it cleans up nicely. I like how it sounds flat with the HI boost.

 

[John Swartz]

Love my 400RB as well. I typically run it pretty flat, although sometimes I use the low-cut and/or mid-scoop switches for tonal changes. The real magic is in the right combination of input gain, boost, and master volume to get the GK grind.

John

 

[Stylee Mousse]

I had an opportunity to use both, back to back, subbing with another band on tour. I liked my 400rb better than the 800 mainly because it got dirty at my preferred stage volume, which is at acoustic drum level.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Never owned one of the "classic" GKs, but the 700RB-II is my amp of choice right now. Glad to hear you found a GK that suits your needs!