Sell GK rig and upgrade Mesa rig?

[Omega Monkey]

I don't understand your plan to have 3 different cabs. Why not do one bigger cab or a pair (or trio) of smaller ones (ie 2 2x10s, 3 12s, etc...).

And have you tried all the gear with all the gear? You know you can try each head with the other cabs, right? Before selling or buying anything, first try all the various combinations together.

Anyway, in your situation, what I might do is keep the GK head, switch to a 2x12 NEO cab (should be a little lighter and definitely smaller than your 4x10 and handle close to the same power, I think they're rated at 600w), upgrade the Mesa head to the + version, and then swap whichever of the mesa cabs you like least for another of the one you like most (but I would probably go with a pair of 15s just to have something different than the GK).

That shouldn't cost you too much money out of pocket, and you'll have essentially 6 different rig variations you can use as the mood strikes, as well as giving you a full backup should anything go down before a gig (and you can at least take the other head for any on the spot issues).

 

[Pulverizor]

Keep the GK head, trade in everything else for the D800+ and two of the subway 210's, live long and prosper.

 

[NeonVomit]

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.

It's a Vauxhall Astra. Definitely not a van

The 1x12+1x15 setup works but it must be said is pushed hard on a metal stage. I'm considering the 2x10 so I can have a bit of extra projection when needed - also this allows me to leave one cab at the rehearsal space and bring out all 3 for the shows, or just 2 depending. Also allows me to leave one at the recording studio (I play in 5 bands, so...)

Thanks for the input guys.

I'm not very fussy about matching branded heads with cabs (although one reason to be so with GK is that it does allow you to use the extra 50w biamp feature). Leaning towards getting rid of the GK cab, replacing it with the 2x10 and holding onto the GK head - not as a backup because barring accidents/theft I don't see the Mesa ever not working or failing (it's a real tank), but because it's a great-sounding head and is nice to have the option of two quite different amps, and honestly would get more use than the cab anyhow.

 

[NeonVomit]

You'll probably find something else in your life that's more important than an incremental mesa update or matching gear name plates.

 

[Thumpin6string]

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

I disagree the 410s are "no more". My Epifani 410UL kicks major butt and weighs only 57 pounds. With the Neo speakers and the lighter weight cabinets, you can have your cake and eat it too.

 

[NeonVomit]

I disagree the 410s are "no more". My Epifani 410UL kicks major butt and weighs only 57 pounds. With the Neo speakers and the lighter weight cabinets, you can have your cake and eat it too.

True, it's not so much a weight issue. The Neo 410 has heavy-duty casters too, which makes it pretty easy to roll around. It's just fitting the damn thing into tight spaces, or carrying it up/down stairs... with my Mesa cabs I can carry one in each hand with the head over my shoulder in its case, and my bass on my back - one trip from the car to the stage for my entire rig!

 

[MtManiac]

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.

You’ll miss the GK IMHO. Also IMHO, based on my own experience, you’re likely bored with your gear. Try mixing them up - the Mesa head and the GK 410, the RB700 and the Subway cabs, or the 410 with the 115, assuming impedance allows.

EDIT: Also, I once owned a RB700 with an Avatar 112, did a lot of gigging with it. I sold both and bought a MB CMD112P, which I’ve been happy with, but I’ve also missed the GK ever since I sold it. I always have seller’s remorse, but I spend way too much time researching gear that I rarely have buyer’s remorse. Also, 10’s IMHO are ideal for metal.

 

[mrjim123]

If you're going to get another cab then invest in some earplugs as well, if you haven't already. Take it from someone who knows.

 

[Frank77]

Why upgrade to the D-800+? You list no specific complaints about your current Mesa head.

I'd sell the 410 if I didn't use it anymore, just to reduce clutter - you can always rent one if you ever have a situation where you need one (for example a loud outdoor show).

 

[klejst]

Mesa all the way in my personal opinion.

 

[4Mal]

If you trust the rehearsal space, leave the GK rig there and keep the Mesa available for gigs ... If it were me with the Mesa, I'd likely sell the 15 and buy another 12 or vice versa.

Hopefully, your amp is really 'just' a stage monitor and you let the PA do the heavy lifting and if so your choice in amp is strictly between you and the band. I would guess that either rig would satisfy in that case.

 

[NeonVomit]

You’ll miss the GK IMHO. Also IMHO, based on my own experience, you’re likely bored with your gear.

Definitely not bored with my gear. I'm happy with it and not really bothered with other amplifiers outside of idle curiosity. I was just wondering if the D-800+ has the same tweakability that the RB700 does, what with the sweepable mids and HPF. That's the GK's advantage over the Mesa's IMO (Mesa has a better raw tone to my ears, along with size/weight).

Why upgrade to the D-800+? You list no specific complaints about your current Mesa head.

I'd sell the 410 if I didn't use it anymore, just to reduce clutter - you can always rent one if you ever have a situation where you need one (for example a loud outdoor show).

I love the D-800. It rocks. But I'm wondering if the D-800+ would have the same level of sonic versatility as the RB700. But I think I'll hold on to the RB700 anyway and sell the 410 - it unfortunately doesn't do all that much other than serve as a practice amp.

If you're going to get another cab then invest in some earplugs as well, if you haven't already. Take it from someone who knows.

Earplugged all the way bro. Once your hearing gets damaged there's no way back.

 

[Doug Parent]

I disagree the 410s are "no more". My Epifani 410UL kicks major butt and weighs only 57 pounds. With the Neo speakers and the lighter weight cabinets, you can have your cake and eat it too.

That UL410 was my favorite 410 of all time. Lots of happy users out there. My statement was more a reflection of what the current sales trends appear to be. The more narrow form factor 212,210 etc seems to have overtaken the previous king of the hill 410. I have both but my 212 always gets the call because I have to stuff PA gear into my car as well.