I've been using a GK 800RB for well over 30 years now! As a matter of fact, I have *2* of them, because I almost lost my original one due to a cabinet/ohm mismatch -- I was lucky enough to have found another used one to replace the dead one, which an electronics wizard I know was able to bring back to life... so the 2nd one now serves as a spare. And along the way, I also picked up a 400RB as part of a "I'm 68 years old!" downsizing project. But I'd always heard about the *rare* and legendary 200RB, which lead the way for this historic series of amps. Well, today.... I am the proud owner of one!
I didn't need it, and I certainly shouldn't have spent the $$ for it since I don't really need it. But it was a reasonable price, and I knew that if I didn't jump on it, the chances of ever finding another one were pretty darned slim. So I stuck my neck out and went for it.
It arrived here yesterday, and as I was unpacking it, I noticed what great shape it's in. There is very little road rash, and hardly any scratches. The original handle is still in place, as is the tell-tale "gray" hard-wired power cable. About the only thing I can find "missing" from original are 3 of the stick-on rubber footpads on the opposite end from the handle!
Also surprising... after testing to make sure that all the lights, buttons, and pots work, I can't believe how magnificent this thing sounds. I fully expected at least some scratchy pots, but with all 4 tone controls set to 12:00, and the 3 tone buttons set to Out/In/Out like on my others, this thing just sits there exuding GK tone like a boss! I think this might have just a slightly-warmer tone than the 400/800s, but it still has the unique GK sound that made this line so iconic.
And now, I have a complete collection of 200RB, 400RB, and 800RB!
I doubt that there is any *major* collector value here, but it really means something to me just to be able to say that I have 1 of each! I couldn't wait to come here and brag on my good fortune just a little bit! Thanks for indulging me.
[Sorry for the slight shadow on the right -- my camera case doesn't fit correctly, and if I take it off again, I'm afraid I won't be able to put it back on]
I didn't need it, and I certainly shouldn't have spent the $$ for it since I don't really need it. But it was a reasonable price, and I knew that if I didn't jump on it, the chances of ever finding another one were pretty darned slim. So I stuck my neck out and went for it.
It arrived here yesterday, and as I was unpacking it, I noticed what great shape it's in. There is very little road rash, and hardly any scratches. The original handle is still in place, as is the tell-tale "gray" hard-wired power cable. About the only thing I can find "missing" from original are 3 of the stick-on rubber footpads on the opposite end from the handle!
Also surprising... after testing to make sure that all the lights, buttons, and pots work, I can't believe how magnificent this thing sounds. I fully expected at least some scratchy pots, but with all 4 tone controls set to 12:00, and the 3 tone buttons set to Out/In/Out like on my others, this thing just sits there exuding GK tone like a boss! I think this might have just a slightly-warmer tone than the 400/800s, but it still has the unique GK sound that made this line so iconic.
And now, I have a complete collection of 200RB, 400RB, and 800RB!
I doubt that there is any *major* collector value here, but it really means something to me just to be able to say that I have 1 of each! I couldn't wait to come here and brag on my good fortune just a little bit! Thanks for indulging me.
[Sorry for the slight shadow on the right -- my camera case doesn't fit correctly, and if I take it off again, I'm afraid I won't be able to put it back on]
