Sell GK rig and upgrade Mesa rig?

[NeonVomit]

So I'm in a bit of a dilemma.

I have a GK RB700+NEO410 rig. It's awesome. Sounds great. So many things I love about the GK sound. I also love the Mesa sound. That's why I have a D800+1x12+1x15 rig.

The problem is, ever since I got my Mesa rig, the GK rig just doesn't get much use - the head isn't too bad to carry around, but the 410 is just so bulky compared to the 1x12+1x15 Subway cabs that it basically lives in the rehearsal space - the Mesa setup always gets the call for shows. I find the GK can sometimes deliver a bit more top-end and can occasionally cut through the mix a bit better, but these are marginal points.

I play various types of metal, so it's not like it's a massive difference that the audience will notice or care about. The GK has a bit more of a tweakable (and somewhat tighter) sound, and the 4x10 moves more air than the 1x12+1x15, which are the GK's main advantages. The Mesa obviously also sounds awesome, especially for the heavy music I play, and all fits into the back of my Astra without even taking off the trunk cover.

So I was thinking, should I trade in my D-800 for the D-800+, sell off the GK rig, and add a Subway 2x10 with the proceeds? That way I'd have a much more compact and flexible rig, and I'd have an extra cab to boost my live power - is the D800+'s sweepable mids and HPF that big a game-changer in terms of sonic tweakability for the Mesa?

tl;dr will I miss the GK if I upgrade my Mesa rig? I know they're different amps with different sounds, I love both equally, but the choice of amp seems to be dominated by practicality above all.

 

[Burwabit]

In my humble opinion, yes. Why keep the extra rig if it won't get the call? Mesa is very reliable, so no need for an expensive backup. And a modular rig would be great.

I agree getting the D800+. But, why the extra 2x10? Not saying it's bad to get it... but what are you looking to accomplish? Run them all together? Or different cabs for different situations?

 

[somebrains]

Before I sold my 400rb I played it thru those Mesa cabs. It was an amazing experience bc those modern Mesa cabs really project.

My 800rb was crazy loud thru the 15, and I kinda default to running the high channel thru a guitar cab biamped. I like celestions with a high channel, go figure.

Give the 700rb a spin on thr mesa stack for old times sake then let whatever doesn't work go.

 

[voided3]

I have a D800+ and a GK 1001RB-II that I have used with the same cabinets, but have not had a chance to A/B compare at the same time yet. I feel like the Mesa can get into more or less similar sonic territory as the 1001RB-II, though the preamp overdrive/boost (on the GK) character has a slightly different personality, but they both are essentially a subtle overdrive. If you rely more on pedals for adding some overdrive/character to the sound, this is less of a concern. The variable high pass filter on the "+" is a great feature to allow an extra degree of low end control, as are the sweepable midrange controls. You mentioned wanting "top end cut" too; don't forget that the D800+ also adds a bright switch to the D800 control set. If you really like to tweak your highs, the bi-amp setup on the GK with a dedicated presence control and tweeter amp obviously is very flexible, though I don't have tweeters in my cabs so I don't use it.

It sounds like form factor is driving this primarily. Obviously, the Subway gear is smaller and lighter. If it were me, I think adding another 1x15 so you have a 1x12/1x15/1x15 triple stack would be the best for times when maximum projection is needed, though I'd bet a pair of the 1x15 cabs would be just fine, too.

 

[somebrains]

I just played my Spector thru an 800rb and T310.
The Spector literally needs the GK or I just don't like the way it sounds thru my other options.

I wish I had the Subway stack, there's something about the way GK's are voiced that 10's feel like I've got a toilet plunger over a trombone.

Yeah GKs are scoopy, but an EQ curve doesn't fully explain what GKs do best.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I see no reason for aweekend warrior to have two full rigs, but it's always nice to have a backup head. I also can't see much you add getting a 210 (seems like GAS to me). Consider putting the GKrig up for sale for a fair price, or sell the cabs and keep the head as a backup.

 

[mmbongo]

I had a similar GK setup and upgraded to the Mesa, so yes do it!

I'd get another 115 instead of the 210 though.

 

[somebrains]

Everyone seems to like the mesa 15, it speaks.

 

[bass40hz]

If they are both paid for... keep them both, no such thing as too many. Besides, once things are gone, they are gone.
Rock on.

 

[chris_b]

I'd take the "awesome" rig over the one you just "love".

 

[Jazz Ad]

I understand getting rid of the GK rig but fail seeing the point of adding a 2x10.
Nowadays speaker size doesn't make that big a tone different anymore and a 2x10 isn't more portable than a 1x12.

 

[ThinCrappyTone]

 

[kpc]

So I'm in a bit of a dilemma.

I have a GK RB700+NEO410 rig. It's awesome. Sounds great. So many things I love about the GK sound. I also love the Mesa sound. That's why I have a D800+1x12+1x15 rig.

The problem is, ever since I got my Mesa rig, the GK rig just doesn't get much use - the head isn't too bad to carry around, but the 410 is just so bulky compared to the 1x12+1x15 Subway cabs that it basically lives in the rehearsal space - the Mesa setup always gets the call for shows. I find the GK can sometimes deliver a bit more top-end and can occasionally cut through the mix a bit better, but these are marginal points.

I play various types of metal, so it's not like it's a massive difference that the audience will notice or care about. The GK has a bit more of a tweakable (and somewhat tighter) sound, and the 4x10 moves more air than the 1x12+1x15, which are the GK's main advantages. The Mesa obviously also sounds awesome, especially for the heavy music I play, and all fits into the back of my Astra without even taking off the trunk cover.

So I was thinking, should I trade in my D-800 for the D-800+, sell off the GK rig, and add a Subway 2x10 with the proceeds? That way I'd have a much more compact and flexible rig, and I'd have an extra cab to boost my live power - is the D800+'s sweepable mids and HPF that big a game-changer in terms of sonic tweakability for the Mesa?

tl;dr will I miss the GK if I upgrade my Mesa rig? I know they're different amps with different sounds, I love both equally, but the choice of amp seems to be dominated by practicality above all.

It's all a matter of what your looking for. Don't buy it till you try it!

 

[Ellery]

Yes, sounds like something I would do.

 

[tradernick]

If you don't need the money, keep the head and always have a backup on every gig. I've used my backup twice in maybe 15 years but was very happy when it became necessary to pull it out. I have a TC Electronics Toneprint that cost $150 and it just stays in the car. If you sell the GK head grab something small as a backup.

 

[Rev. Cornelius]

Keep the head - sell the cabinet. It's kind of like "Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

A spare head is always important. Buy another 15.

Tx

 

[TrevorG]

Sounds like you've decided! Love Mesa stuff. Would buy it myself if it was cheaper here in the UK. Never been able to get as excited over the GK stuff but it does sound good. Interesting that its ability to cut through the mix isn't swaying you. That's why a lot of people prefer it.

 

[Doug Parent]

Sell the 410.... they ruled the world in the 1990's but no more, the choices now are better than ever before.

 

[StayLow]

I envy a man who can perform metal with a 1x12 and a 1x15.

Cherish your guitarist(s).

More on topic, it seems to me you're splitting hairs. Keep what you prefer and actually use. Doesn't matter if the logos match.

That said, and given you drive a van, as long as you're in the metal biz you should be ready for situations in which even a decent 4x10 is at best bare minimum.

 

[red_rhino]

Fire the drummer.