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New rig... orange vs gk comparison

J

Jawsh!

Aug 21, 2008
17
0
Central California
#1
Hey everybody!

i'm planning on updating my live rig soon, but i'm kind of at a crossroads on what to invest in.

the amps that have been really standing out to me are the GK 2001RB

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/GallienKrueger-2001RB-Amplifier-Head?sku=482514

and the Orange AD200B

Link Removed

I usually have been a fan of GK products, however, recently orange's AD200B has been looking really good. I actually was just at a show last night where a bassist from one of the bands was using it, and it sounded amazing. another thing that I have been thinking about is what cab to get. I'm looking for a good, sturdy cab that could hold up on the road. So far i've been looking at the Ampeg SVT-810E. But then this morning actually i heard about Orange releasing the new OBC810, which might be a possibility.

if anyone could shed some light on which head might be better, that would be great. Reading reviews only goes so far, and it's a hard decision. I love the warm tube sound of the AD200B, but i also love the versatility of the GK2001RB. Any comments or suggestions would be awesome, thanks a lot! :D
 
#4
Jawsh! said:
Hey everybody!

i'm planning on updating my live rig soon, but i'm kind of at a crossroads on what to invest in.

the amps that have been really standing out to me are the GK 2001RB

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/GallienKrueger-2001RB-Amplifier-Head?sku=482514

and the Orange AD200B

Link Removed

I usually have been a fan of GK products, however, recently orange's AD200B has been looking really good. I actually was just at a show last night where a bassist from one of the bands was using it, and it sounded amazing. another thing that I have been thinking about is what cab to get. I'm looking for a good, sturdy cab that could hold up on the road. So far i've been looking at the Ampeg SVT-810E. But then this morning actually i heard about Orange releasing the new OBC810, which might be a possibility.

if anyone could shed some light on which head might be better, that would be great. Reading reviews only goes so far, and it's a hard decision. I love the warm tube sound of the AD200B, but i also love the versatility of the GK2001RB. Any comments or suggestions would be awesome, thanks a lot! :D
Click to expand...

For a bit more coin than the Orange, you could have this baby:

http://www.reevesamps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=50

The GK is a LOT cheaper than both of these. I'd say go for the GK.
 
#11
The Orange and their OBC15 cab produce the thickest, most pleasing tone I've heard. If you're willing to spend the $ and haul that gear, IMO it'll sound much fatter than the GK. However, as has been said above, it's all about what you like. You did say that you heard the AD200 live and loved it.....
 
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#13
Whatever you do, don't buy the Ampeg 810E, when the Bergantino NV610 is available on this planet.

I used to own one, and got rid of it when I bought my Bergie second hand.

I just played an 810E again is a shop, and I remembered instantly why I sold mine. It's a monster to move, and the NV610 sounds like the Ampeg wants to, and at all volume levels. The Ampeg only starts sounding its best when cranked, and has less of the clarity and tight bottom the old SVT cabs had. It's very punchy but is seriously lacking in other departments, like rich detailed mids, that will bring the best out of your all tube amp. The bottom end is woolly, too.
 
#19
As far as tonal flexibility goes, the 2001RB is overall a better bet, but the AD200B has a solidly "vintage" tone that the 2001RB doesn't get. What sorts of tones are you pursuing?

As far as the GK option goes: if you're looking for something that's warmer, a bit simpler, and has two fully adjustable channels (instead of the dedicated clean and dedicated overdrive channels of the 2001RB), check out the Fusion 550.

I doubt you really need the power of a 2001RB. I used to own a 2001RB and gigged with it frequently. I paired it with a GK Neo 212, and never needed to turn it up much at all to get the volume I needed. I currently gig with a Fusion 550 and Neo 410, and as with the 2001RB, the Master Volume remains quite low for the sake of my bandmates' ears. :D
 
#20
Orange. Hands down. I have the OBC 4x10 and 1x15. Best sounding cabs i have ever heard ONLY, if you can keep them it ear hight at all time...
They do tend to be a bit muffled otherwise. But if it's mic'ed up, be fine. it's just if you can deal with it at a gig...

I just want a second one so i can use it's overdrive half way through a song :)

But really, i can't stress how good this head is, I don't know anyone who's been even the slightest bit disappointed with this amp.
 
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