Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
The dreaded rig question ...
- Thread starter ChopperDave
- Start date
I save the front seat for something warmer.... the 2 GK 115s fit in the trunk of my civic since the kid has to borrow the big vehicle for the 810.
Definitely consider that model if you can find one and have the opportunity to try it out.
Several months ago I found a used GK Neo 412 (in great condition) over at Sam Ash, listed for $500... less than half of what they go for new. It was probably the best sounding cab I've ever demoed/played. And sadly, I waited too long, as someone bought it out from under me about 2-3 days before I decided I would get it. One of my biggest regrets.
GK all the Way. Im their new posterboy. I drive a Jetta, and I can fit my entire rig in my trunk, for those nights i decide to take a girl home after the gig ;D jk .but really an all around amazing brand.
A pair of Neo 212a or MBE 212s. IIve seen used Neos for $350, a used GK 700RB goes for another $350
Now Yorkville is throwing a monkeywrench into things ... damn my frugality. So let me ask: GK 700RB MK II, or Yorkville 400B? There's anywhere from a $100-$200 (depending on eBay bids) difference in favor of the Yorkie.
I'll still likely go with a GK 212 or a 115.
I'll still likely go with a GK 212 or a 115.
Ugh, I'm all over the place. Now I'm thinking Ampeg PF-350 + a used SWR Triad I see on CL locally ... I know the Triad isn't exactly a Neo cab, but I'm less concerned about weight than I am just cab size. I'll probably order the head today, since I can get it two-day via Amazon, and try the cab Thursday.
Any thoughts, oh wise ones? Would it be better to push more wattage (i.e., get the 500-watt PF head instead) through the 400-watt, 4 ohm cab?
Any thoughts, oh wise ones? Would it be better to push more wattage (i.e., get the 500-watt PF head instead) through the 400-watt, 4 ohm cab?
Yes, the headroom will help. Are you set on the Ampeg PF? i would seriously consider a GK 700 or 1001. Many like the 700 better, I dig my 1001rb, but thats all in another thread. You could find one used at a decent price. Then you could get that 2x12 and take advantage of the bi-amp feature.
It took me a while to get into GK. I had a portaflex and quite a few other pretty good heads , but the GK is just awesome. We don't play the same type of music. But if I was to join a MBV "loveless" type project. The 700rb and a 2x12 neo would be perfect. You could get a nice big clean tone so the guitar players could do their super saturated big muff thing. And look at their shoes, of course. Good luck man.
It took me a while to get into GK. I had a portaflex and quite a few other pretty good heads , but the GK is just awesome. We don't play the same type of music. But if I was to join a MBV "loveless" type project. The 700rb and a 2x12 neo would be perfect. You could get a nice big clean tone so the guitar players could do their super saturated big muff thing. And look at their shoes, of course. Good luck man.
I'd skip the Triad personally. They don't really seem to get the best reviews.
Oh...and GK is awesome
I've been playing their heads for a long time now, they are just stellar. I've been using the new MB heads for about 8-9 months now. They are tiny and really pack a whallop! I've never had an issue with my MB500 or MB200 either.
I've always heard good things about their cabs, but I've never really gotten to use one out on a gig.
Oh...and GK is awesome
I've been playing their heads for a long time now, they are just stellar. I've been using the new MB heads for about 8-9 months now. They are tiny and really pack a whallop! I've never had an issue with my MB500 or MB200 either.I've always heard good things about their cabs, but I've never really gotten to use one out on a gig.
Good to know, thanks!
I am seriously considering the 700, too. I figured I'd try to narrow it down to a head first, then lug it around trying cabs. Any thought on the Yorkville Y400B, which seems to be a comparator by spec. I can't seem to find any helpful reviews on it.
Damn, I wish we sounded like that ... Nah, imagine two folksy singer-songwriters, a guitarist who unabashedly likes Coldplay (but who plays more like he's in Explosions in the Sky), and a drummer who doubles in a funk/rap outfit, but doesn't play like he's at the wrong practice. Then add a post-punk/shoegaze-loving bassist/sometimes guitarist. Our clips don't quite show all that yet (those are older songs our singers brought in), but it's getting there ...
I just heard back from the Triad guy. It's pre-Fender (and seems to get some good reviews, so I'm not sure what bassgod0dmw is talking about), so that's good. He's got an SVT3-pro to go along with it. $700 for the set ($300 for the cab). Tempting.
I'm not sure what the exact gripe is/was, but most of the EE's and speaker designers on this site didn't like the design very much. I've heard more than a few blown driver stories too.
It's also heavy and somewhat large. I know you said you don't care about weight, but you wanted a small form factor.
If you like it that's all that matters, I would just continue looking if it were me.
The tough part is most of the reviews you'll find are probably older so they aren't really comparing it to what is currently available on the market.
For $300 you can probably find a used GK Neo 212. Maybe a little more, I'm not positive what they are going for. It's smaller in size and lighter in weight...
For $300 you can probably find a used GK Neo 212. Maybe a little more, I'm not positive what they are going for. It's smaller in size and lighter in weight...
... here's where we are today with the hunt ...
Heads:
GK Backline 600 ($200)
GK 700RB-II ($400 - $500)
Yorkville Y400B ($180) (Question about that here)
Ampeg PF-500 ($400)
I'm leaning toward GK now that I took some time to experiment and was able to dial in some real variety with my MB115t. Got some aggro tones plus some sweet finger-style Ampeg thump. This is why I love my 75 RI J ... But that Yorkie is calling to me at 400 watts under 2 bills--that gives me more cab money. Speaking of which:
Cabs:
GK 410GLX (8 ohms $200)
SWR Triad (4ohms $300, pre-Fender)
GK neo 15
Ampeg Portaflex 15
So yeah, my head is spinning ... I decided to get a head first, then try it with cabs. I'm checking out the BL600+410GLX tomorrow and the Triad (w/ the BL600 if I buy it, an Ampeg SVT3pro, and a GK 1001RB) Thursday.
Heads:
GK Backline 600 ($200)
GK 700RB-II ($400 - $500)
Yorkville Y400B ($180) (Question about that here)
Ampeg PF-500 ($400)
I'm leaning toward GK now that I took some time to experiment and was able to dial in some real variety with my MB115t. Got some aggro tones plus some sweet finger-style Ampeg thump. This is why I love my 75 RI J ... But that Yorkie is calling to me at 400 watts under 2 bills--that gives me more cab money. Speaking of which:
Cabs:
GK 410GLX (8 ohms $200)
SWR Triad (4ohms $300, pre-Fender)
GK neo 15
Ampeg Portaflex 15
So yeah, my head is spinning ... I decided to get a head first, then try it with cabs. I'm checking out the BL600+410GLX tomorrow and the Triad (w/ the BL600 if I buy it, an Ampeg SVT3pro, and a GK 1001RB) Thursday.
I can help a little with my personal opinion? Pass on the Yorkie, the 410GLX and Triad.
If you want the most bang for the buck the BL600 and the NEO115 or PF 15.
If you want the most bang for the buck the BL600 and the NEO115 or PF 15.
Ahhhh, that's nice, thanks. Last question, now (okay, maybe) ... BL600 ($200) over 400RB (horizontal switch, $150)? Or will the 400RB just make me a dummy for getting rid of a perfectly fine 200-watt combo?
Our gigs aren't that big yet, but we are starting to pick up some good stuff, including some outdoor festivals (where there will be PA support).
The BL600 has a little more power (300 at 4 ohms) than the OLD 400RB (200 at 4 ohms) but also has a different native sound. User fdeck has on his web page has a lot of info on (the sleeper) BL600.
I like the tone of the 400RB better for what I like to hear, but you could like BL600 more. Play before you pay!
I like the tone of the 400RB better for what I like to hear, but you could like BL600 more. Play before you pay!
Always! (Well, except for the Yorkie, haha ...).
Further complicating things and exposing my f**k-it-all-let's-go-big, severley-less-than-rational side is that I found an Ampeg V6B head/215 cab for about $400 that I'll be trying this weekend. This setup makes my eyeballs bleed, it's so cool. Practical like the other choices? Hell no. Tons of weirdness and mojo? Maybe.
That deserves a hashtag: #goingrogue
Update 1: GK BL600 + 410GLX. Really dug the head ... the cab left a bit to be desired--the low lows (drop-D) were a little flabby. I still think I'm a 15s kinda guy.
I'm checking out the Triad tonight (I know, I know ... but as a former Peavey 1516 lover, I have a soft spot for oddball cabs. Gotta try it). I'll be trying it with a GK 1001RB and an Ampeg SVT3pro. If I love it, I'll probably go with it and the BL600. Still, there seems to be some concern about the cab's efficiency, correct? I hear the thing just isn't all that loud?
Next up, that weird old Ampeg V6B. Something tells me, though, that its impracticality is going to be the decider there. After carrying a 60-pound dog up and down 2-3 flights of stairs per day for the last month (torn ACL ... poor guy), the idea of lugging non-Neo cabs is not too appealing. Which would eliminate the Triad, too, but at least it's a lot shorter.
I'm checking out the Triad tonight (I know, I know ... but as a former Peavey 1516 lover, I have a soft spot for oddball cabs. Gotta try it). I'll be trying it with a GK 1001RB and an Ampeg SVT3pro. If I love it, I'll probably go with it and the BL600. Still, there seems to be some concern about the cab's efficiency, correct? I hear the thing just isn't all that loud?
Next up, that weird old Ampeg V6B. Something tells me, though, that its impracticality is going to be the decider there. After carrying a 60-pound dog up and down 2-3 flights of stairs per day for the last month (torn ACL ... poor guy), the idea of lugging non-Neo cabs is not too appealing. Which would eliminate the Triad, too, but at least it's a lot shorter.
