Problems with GK 800rb

It's probably nothing a good tech can't troubleshoot quickly.

Clean the effect loop send/return before you go to tech.

 

+1

Or just plug a cord from the effects send to effects return to see if that's the issue. Especially common if the amp has been sitting a long time.

 

Are you running the pad in ? Id start with everything at noon, input volume at 9 o'clock and use the low amp volume as your master. Raising the input volume or boost will dirty up the tone. If it needs more punch from there start adding in low mids.

 

What are you using for settings on the amp?

You should be able to get a super punchy clean tone out of it no problem. I use active basses with mine all the time and it loves them.

 

^^^^ Good advise^^^^

Only problem I've ever had with my 800rb was the input jack. They do wear out over time.

I've read that the 800 doesn't really like active basses.

I used a StingRay5 with mine for years and thought it sounded great. I went back to passive basses and think they sound better through the 800rb. my .02

Have a tech take a look at it. May need new caps. Good luck.

 

Hi Diminished,

Try this: start with the volume (input gain) at zero. Low and mid voicing filters off, but turn on the high boost. Set all tone controls to noon, boost at zero (off), crossover disengaged and max the volume of the 300 watt master power section (assuming you are using that for your cab).

Start playing and increase your volume to your liking. If you are clipping the input with your active bass (i.e. getting some nasty sounds when hitting notes hard) engage the pad, then readjust input volume as needed. If you don't like a lot of highs, disengage the high boost switch and use the EQ knob for more highs.

You should be getting a good, clean sound with these settings. Since some of your music is country, do you need more bottom end? Perhaps a 1 or 2 15 cab would be better than the Peavey, me thinks?

Raz

(PS, my sinister side wanted to just say "forget it man, amp is toast, I'll take it off your hands for ya..." )

 

All my current basses are active. The only issue Ive had was with my Spectors being to hot so I have to use the -10db pad.

 

did you try a different cabinet ? Id buy a new cabinet before a new amp.

 

I'm not sure I've ever heard GK and muddy in the same sentence. They are very clear sounding amps.

 

I agree - it's not the amp for you. I'll send you my address in a PM, and my FedEx account number - just throw it in a box and bill it to me.
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Sorry D, I couldn't resist. In all honesty, I feel for your tonal woes and wish I could offer some more direct help. My bass is active, I felt I got the best sound with the pad disengaged, highs and high mids boosted on the bass, and the bass cut a bit on the amp (with hi-mids and highs boosted slightly). It was killer through the Henry I had too.

There are prolly too many other variables involved; I'm not familiar with your active Fender, don't know how old your strings are or what kind they are, etc. Have you A/B'd it with other cabs? Basses? Players? Just a thought.

Raz

 

I totally agree, you have to try a different cabinet before parting way with the best Amp GK have ever made. I had an 800RB and stupidly sold it. Tried loads of other Amps then came back to yes...another 800RB. Clean, punchy tone for days!
Good luck!

 

Make sure the crossover is not engaged; if so, you may be running with lots of high end missing without realizing it.

 

Get a better cab.

 

Interesting. I bought a used GK 800RB about 15 years ago. 3 years later, I put it into storage for and it sat for 10 years. I took it out of storage 2 years ago and fired it up.

It had very similar symptoms as you described. Frustrated, I set it aside and 2 months later, turned it on again. It worked perfectly, and has been in regular use since.

I have no explanation for this. I don't know if this will help, but I couldn't not share.