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Rookie needs help picking from Craigslist amps for sale...

#28
I would stick it out for another GK to show up. The RB series are great workhorse amps. Even though they do have a "baked in sound" I find GK eq to be the most intuitive of pretty much any solid state amp.
Hartke is also a good deal.
Carvin I find to be kind of gimmicky amps.
Edens Nemesis series are/were a budget line. IIRC they seemed to suffer from headroom issues. And they did not break up smoothly.
Peavey amps are usually pretty solid, though I find their EQ to be kind of random on most of their amps.
 
#29
deeptubes said:
Take your time and get a GK. You'll be glad you did. I am! They are incredibly versatile.
Click to expand...

Gasman said:
Do this. GK amps are fantastic, and you can get one used for a very good price. I have owned 2 800rb's and paid less than $300 for each, and they were completely worth it!
Click to expand...

Does the Backline 600 count?

Ive never owned a head/cab setup before. I figured I could try a bunch of options by buying and selling different used(cheap) models to get an idea of what is out there.

Really trying to do this as inexpensively as possible. Like $250 max. It limits my options, but i cant justify devoting a large chunk of "family" money on what is basically a hobby. Im sure you guys understand. :)
 
#30
Calaverasgrande said:
I would stick it out for another GK to show up. The RB series are great workhorse amps. Even though they do have a "baked in sound" I find GK eq to be the most intuitive of pretty much any solid state amp.
Hartke is also a good deal.
Carvin I find to be kind of gimmicky amps.
Edens Nemesis series are/were a budget line. IIRC they seemed to suffer from headroom issues. And they did not break up smoothly.
Peavey amps are usually pretty solid, though I find their EQ to be kind of random on most of their amps.
Click to expand...

Good info, Thank you!
 
#32
I know you're on a budget, and I don't want to discourage you from getting a deal, but I've always been leery of buying a used amp.
It's the only piece of gear that I always buy new.
I've gotten all my big-ticket items from MF with no-interest payments for a year. Pretty painless way to pay, and I get an amp that comes with a warranty, that is brand-new in a box, and I know someone hasn't abused it.
Heck, you can even send it back if you don't like it or there's a problem.
That's just my way of doing things.
Good luck with your search.

S
 
#33
I had an RB 800 that I used for 20 years and sold still working. GK is great stuff. I would not buy the Behringer.

For $325 you should be able to get an RB800 or for that matter an Eden head, if you're lucky. Look for a made in Montrose Eden head. Watch here and Ebay. I just lost out to on a Eden Wt 300 that went off under 300 bucks. I should gone for the extra bucks but I need it like a whole in the head.

Why look at a Back Line when you can buy the real thing for the same money? It sounds like you're focusing on saving 10 bucks now and spending lots down the road.

Staying well withing your limits there's a GK 200 MB at the top of this list. Any one who whines about that amp is crazy. The backline is the cheaper lower quality starter gear.

Go out and play the amps and hear the difference between the starter gear and the real thing. How about a show of hands from everyone who has gotten over ten years out of a GK. NOT the Backline.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gallien-Kru...1287546745753303112&pid=100011&prg=1016&rk=5&

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GALLIEN-KRU...022?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d03cab4e6

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GALLIEN-KRU...022?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d03cab4e6
 
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#34
And since you're new here's some advice. Get the owners manual and read it. Follow the advice. Don't dump beer all over the amp. DO NOT short out the out put terminals. DO NOT allow the amp to get wet. Treat the amp with respect and it will treat you with reliable operation. I'll bet close to 99% of the time when something goes wrong it a matter of pilot error.
 
#36
I almost always go used. But I go used and towards the top end. Buying a used Berhinger? Not thanks. An Eden? GK? Sure. Look at the amp, Chances are the inside will look like the out side.

People who buy a Gibson or a PRS or an Eden tend to respect what they've earned.

Look at how many 50s and 60s Fender amps are still out there. There was a recent P bass that a new owner was showing off here a week ot two ago. I was 40 years old and looked near new. 40 years from now it will still be looking great, with a bit of luck and good treatment.


Look for signs the owner treats his gear with the same respect you will. No dents, smell the amp up close. Clean etc etc. BTW, no lie smell the amp up close.

I also increases your odds of getting your money back. I clearing gear out and If I had Berhinger I'd be sunk.

I also don't like to deal with the monthly payments from MF or GC. I'm old school and don't like oweing anyone anything. I much rather just pay it off than have that hanging over me month to month. Read those contracts.

After recent events I hope eveyone reads a contract before signing them. I mean really.


Slackerprince said:
I know you're on a budget, and I don't want to discourage you from getting a deal, but I've always been leery of buying a used amp.
It's the only piece of gear that I always buy new.
I've gotten all my big-ticket items from MF with no-interest payments for a year. Pretty painless way to pay, and I get an amp that comes with a warranty, that is brand-new in a box, and I know someone hasn't abused it.
Heck, you can even send it back if you don't like it or there's a problem.
That's just my way of doing things.
Good luck with your search.

S
Click to expand...
 
#37
Slackerprince said:
I know you're on a budget, and I don't want to discourage you from getting a deal, but I've always been leery of buying a used amp.
It's the only piece of gear that I always buy new.
I've gotten all my big-ticket items from MF with no-interest payments for a year. Pretty painless way to pay, and I get an amp that comes with a warranty, that is brand-new in a box, and I know someone hasn't abused it.
Heck, you can even send it back if you don't like it or there's a problem.
That's just my way of doing things.
Good luck with your search.

S
Click to expand...

This - don't by used unless you know what you're doing, or can take someone along that knows what they are doing.

Cheap can be expensive if it's broke, or jerry-rigged by someone just to sell on CL
 
#39
Backline is the budget low end. How much do the want for it?

How much was the RB 800? There's one on ebay every week.


I doubt if you'll save much money when you buy the backline. For the same money you can get a real amp.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gallien-Kru...1287546745753303112&pid=100011&prg=1016&rk=5&

shaginwagin said:
Does the Backline 600 count?

Ive never owned a head/cab setup before. I figured I could try a bunch of options by buying and selling different used(cheap) models to get an idea of what is out there.

Really trying to do this as inexpensively as possible. Like $250 max. It limits my options, but i cant justify devoting a large chunk of "family" money on what is basically a hobby. Im sure you guys understand. :)
Click to expand...
 
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
#40
I have a friend who has a GK backline600 and it sounds like a pro series GK BUT, I've only heard it played at low levels. Some amps sound great at low levels but sound like crap at gig levels. It's only 180watts @ 8 ohms.
My choices in order would be GK 700RB II, Hartke 3500, and the Carvin BX500.
Also, the customer service for all three are very good.
 

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