• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Opinions on GK 800RB

#27
maxbass said:
IMHO the best non tube amp ever made
Click to expand...

+1!!!
Probably "THE" best solid state amp to date.
Bought mine new in 1984...still using it 3 to 4 times a-week.
It's never gave me any dependability problems.
Give it's 300 watts enough speakers to work with, (I used to use a 4 ohm Ampeg SVT 8-10...now it's a single 4 ohm 115H cab), and it'll cover almost any gig.
 
#28
I gigged one for years and years and years. It's a good piece. The thing about them is they aren't real Hi Fi- they don't go really low, and they don't go really high. Much like a Thunderfunk or old A.M.P. head. Instead they have a lot of power in the midrange, which makes them very loud- they don't expend a lot of power trying to make super low- low end.
I went away from it eventually, to SWR, because I wanted a more full range sound. I miss it though, wish I hadn't sold it. Might get another, or maybe a 400RB instead.
 
#29
dmusic148 said:
I gigged one for years and years and years. It's a good piece. The thing about them is they aren't real Hi Fi- they don't go really low, and they don't go really high. Much like a Thunderfunk or old A.M.P. head. Instead they have a lot of power in the midrange, which makes them very loud- they don't expend a lot of power trying to make super low- low end.
I went away from it eventually, to SWR, because I wanted a more full range sound. I miss it though, wish I hadn't sold it. Might get another, or maybe a 400RB instead.
Click to expand...

I run a Aphex Bass Exciter floor pedal in front of my 800.
It makes it feel "much" lower and makes my little G.K. 800 and 115H cabinet sound huge!
Best $99.00 I've spent...
 
  • Like
Reactions: artizzmo
#31
I think it's a little marvel of an amp.
I have played a bunch on 800s and SVT-CLs and SVT4s in backlines for big shows. I always came up surprised by the power and volume the GK put out. Only being 300 watts it just sounded great and was very clean and present in the mix, with great attitude and that signature growl.

I've always felt that Ampeg amps have inflated power ratings.
That 300 watt GK 800 gave the SVTs a run for their money.

They're also built to last, at least the older one.
I have no idea about the new ones.

One of the only non tub or non hybrid amps I really like.
They're also super light and shallow, so put it on a SKB shallow rack and you're good to go.
 
#35
Cab pairings...

Mine rocks my world sitting on top of my Genz Benz Neox212!


I would LOVE to hear it through a Peavey 215D cab!


Mine came with a funky old GK 4 ohm 210. It's a very deep and relatively heavy cab, called the 210T, although there is no tweeter. I can't find anything about this cab. I took it in for a possible trade at GC and the sales associate looking it up said "it's like it doesn't exist!" and he's kind of right, I guess. Looks to me like it came from the era right after they stopped making the blue and purple badged cabinets...
 
#36
Although I am an unapologetic tube snob, last year on the road I used a few GK's as backups when the SVT was under the weather. And I must say I was pleased with the way they sounded once dialed in.

The build quality I was not impressed by at all. All plastic and felt like a toy.

If you're going to take one on the road get a heavy duty case to protect it, and cause it looks cool.
 
#37
JCM800 said:
Although I am an unapologetic tube snob, last year on the road I used a few GK's as backups when the SVT was under the weather. And I must say I was pleased with the way they sounded once dialed in.

The build quality I was not impressed by at all. All plastic and felt like a toy.

If you're going to take one on the road get a heavy duty case to protect it, and cause it looks cool.
Click to expand...

Um, compare the steel case of an 800RB against any other bass head being made right now and then tell me that thing needs a heavy duty case. The top plate of an 800RB case is heavier than a lot of face plates on other amps... It does look cool in the case though, and I have my old 400rb in a protec rack bag -- so I'm with you on the cool case factor:)
 
#38
Wonder why a new 800 RB costs $200 more than a 700RB-II?
800 has 300 watts / 100 watts and 700 has 480 watts / 50 watts.
Can't be due to amortizing R&D costs as the 800 has been around forever.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back