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What other amp sounds like a GK?

#62
shoot-r said:
Sorry to hear this, but I understand it.

Over the years I've had good experiences gigging with GK amps and very, very few issues with their dependability.

It's Ampeg amps that has many times been my source of grief in the dependability department!
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I've used both for over 20 years and never had an issue w/ either. But I can understand the frustration if you've been burned in the past.
 
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#63
comfortstarr said:
It's wild that this thread started yesterday! I just opened up Talkbass to ask: what's a new amp that most closely approximates the 400 RB?

When I was an actual musician that was my head. Loved it loved it loved it. Stupidly sold it decades ago. Bought an EA iAMP 350 way back in the early 2000s which I… like? Okay? But, it's been acting wonky of late (had a tech open it up, he didn't see anything but did some maintenance here and there) and I think I just miss that GK thing.

Anyways, I'd like to get something similar. I don't need the 1k watt thing they sell now (nor can I justify a $1500 amp head at the moment). I supposed I could watch out for a used 400RB in good/great condition… but I haven't seen many.
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I went around in circles with this same issue and ended up getting a used 400rb because ultimately it was the amp I wanted.
 
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#64
TonyP- said:
If I may assist…I have had just about ever GK head.

In random order.

- I have the very first Legacy produced. It's still going strong, hundreds of performances. (800)

-The 500 is fine in moderate standard 4 or 5 piece environment. I have used that before plenty of times.

-Nothing sounds exactly like a 400 or 700 RB (the 800RB is its own thing).

- The Aguilar AG with the boosts on gets closer to the game, BUT it does not touch what a GK mids or grind does. Like not even close.

-If you need more then L800 or 700RB onstage then there is a problem of some kind. I'm not saying that sarcastically, but legitimately. Speak to a seasoned but not overly grumpy/biased FOH engineer, I will not even begin to speculate but I bet my house on it. There is a solution…(Again dead serious).

-I define the Legacy is that a MB and older RB had a child. (It's my personal favorite at this time).

-If you like the MBs there is a very good chance you will like the Legacy. (I can't see a reason why not). However I can easily see if someone preferring the Legacy over MB. (Both are great, but I'm biased)

- The 800RB has a cult following, it's my least favorite.

-GK has its own thing. In general…I don't think the modeling had nailed it. Feel free to disagree, that just my opinion.

If you like the sound of Gallien Krueger.
Then all I can say, get one and regret nothing.
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Totally agree that the 800rb is its own thing.

I like mine, but I prefer the voicing of the 400rb. It has a little more bottom end and seems a little less honky in the mids.

But the 800rb gets super loud. With a lot of speakers, it really cranks. If I had to guess, there's a built in hpf that's set pretty high when you use it full range.
 
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#65
wyleeboxer said:
For over 30 years Ive had my trusty SWR Basic 350 red face that I did the Aural Enhance bypass modification years ago, it sounds pretty close to a GK after the mod. The head sits in the studio as I've been spoiled by Class D weight and size.

I'm leaning towards the Traynor SB500, not terribly expensive on Reverb to try out and just hoping it can get me into the GK tone territory?
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I felt like my sb200 was closer to a Mesa Boogie. Side by side with my Walkabout it was really close. Traynors are great.
 

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