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Which of the 3 would you choose?

N

nubian1

Oct 11, 2007
18
0
Akron/Cleveland
#1
I finally purchased a bass after nearly a month of bidding and PM'ing, now I'm looking to get an amp.

After reading reviews I have decided on one of the three:

Crate BT100
G-K Backline 110
Line 6 LDS 110

I would like to hear your experiences and opinions on any or all of the three.

I will not be playing any gigs, it will more than likely never leave the house. I basically want to learn to play as a hobby.
 
#3
If I'm not mistaken, GK's backline amps aren't actually made in the USA, but they're similar spec to the USA models. I've heard some complaints about the BL speakers, but the heads are solid. While the Crate has decent power for the price, its tone is a little plain for my tastes. I'd honestly say if you're playing as a hobby, get the LDS110. You'll have more than one tone to play around with to help keep you from getting bored, you'll have plenty of power for practicing and a fairly decent modeling amp to DI if you ever do play live. It will also probably get you in the mix with a drummer and guitarist at a reasonable volume if you find friends to jam with.
 
#6
I had the Crate, and while it's a nice little amp it couldn't cut it live in some situations, but then again it's only a 100w. For the money it's a great starter amp but after a while you may find you'll need to upgrade because it can't compete with the bigger hitters. If this is your first amp then I say it's a good deal. It has a built in tuner I seem to remember too....nice touch. I liked it coz I could sit on it and drink a beer between songs! Just the right height! [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#7
Orangeclawhamme said:
I tried the GK Backline 110. That thing rattled uncontrollably.
Click to expand...

That's unfortunate. I've been a G-K player since I picked up the 400RB-III Combo 2x10 8 years ago, which was before Backline even existed. I gigged with that thing for over 4 years and never even needed another cabinet with it. I have since gotten the 1001RB Mark II and have never had a problem with it (and I just love it!) I just today found a G-K 1x15 GLX on clearance for $150, couldn't pass it up. I have finally constructed a stack after 12 years of playing bass...

To hear the Backlines are outsourced is also disappointing. The G-K Frontlines are all amazing pieces of equipment.
Peace
 
#8
GK all the way for me ...

Backline110.jpg


I actually don't use it as a gigging amp ... well not in the classic sense. Personally I don't see many 1x10 amps that can be used for a gig unless it is Jazz or acoustic atleast without PA support. I have a Mark Bass LM II with a Euphonic Audio VL-110 and at 350 watts @ 8 0hms, it's still a tad shy for electric live, and that is about a 1k rig.

I use my GK live as a personal bass monitor, it is in front of me when we play so I can hear myself, as my amp is on the other side of the stage from me usually. As to it breaking up ... well I use it pretty loud sometimes but roll off some bass and boost the mids (as should be the case on most smaller amps IMHO) frankly it does not have the cabinet volume for really deep bass.

So in your buying decision consider what you need it for now and how it can be used in the future for your playin/gigging needs.

The Line 6 guys make some cool stuff, maybe better as just a personal play amp. I like some of the new Acoustic Control stuff too.

;) ... GK is pro quality stuff all the way, from the Backline to the high end pro stuff ... I've used their gear for years.
 
#9
I don't use my GK Backline 110 for gigging...That job (usually) goes to my GK 1001RB-II :bassist:

This little box is kept out in my patio strictly for practice purposes, and it performs that job quite nicely with all my basses (4, 5 and 6 string). I don't need to practice at high volume, but it's kind of fun to play with the gain/level-b controls.


Joe Hilgeman
 
#11
For my tiny amp, I replaced the Backline 110 with the Line 6 LD 110. I'm totally satisfied with the little Line 6 amp, where I wasn't happy at all with the GK. The Crate? I don't know, but the Low Down 110 is a solid little box, and it sounds great.
 
#13
Those GK Backline speakers blow way too easy, but the amp sounds great. After replacing the GK speakers in the 210 version I use with Blackwidows it sounded better, but the amp has broken down several times. At low practice volume it will be fine but if you plan on cranking it up, it may not last long.
 

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