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Why do people "hate" Gallien Krueger speakers?

#42
I've never heard or played the GK backline gear, but everything else I've seen, heard or used from GK seems to be pretty good, especially at the typical GK retail price point. I own two NEO 112 II's and they hold their own quite well when compared to my more expensive (Bergantino and Mesa) cabs.

I can see where not everyone would love how they sound, but for me we're talking more about different flavors of good than simply good or bad. FWIW - just because GK is attractively priced (very affordable for what you're getting) doesn't mean it's not high quality...in fact the quality and sound is what sold me with the price being icing on the cake.

I'm sure everyone knows someone who has had a bad experience with every brand at some point, but GK customer service has always had a high reputation among the people I know who have needed help. YMMV.
 
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#43
I have a G-K 210 RBH cabinet which features G-K's Paragon speakers and a horn. I've been playing bass for 34 years. I've never heard another 210 cabinet by any other manufacturer that packed as much of a musically powerful wallup as the G-K RBH.

LL
 
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#44
I run a 1001RB-II and 2xNEO212 is thunder and brilliance. I love 'em. Most small gigs I only take one cabinet. They are 8 Ohm and 600W. The 1001RB-II is 540W into 8 Ohms so this is a perfect match. With both cabinets it is 700W into 4 Ohm. My first GK is the MB112 200W 12" combo which I still like. Its a nice little practice amp but does not have the tonal range of the 1001RB-II...and so now I am spoiled.
 
#45
I have a 1001RB-II and 2xNEO210. THIS IS A RIG! I usually only take one cabinet on small gigs which equals 540W (8 Ohm) vs the 700W (4 Ohm) that the full rig delivers. I got hooked on a small GK MB112 (200W, 12") combo. But after playing this one I can tell how inferior the combo is tonally. Spoiled? yeah.

BTW I am using the 4 wire Speakon cables which are apparently not a standard thing. Make sure they have 4 wires. If they come from GK they will be right otherwise you have build your own because you will get a dim stare from anyone you ask for a 4 wire Speakon cable. You need these if you want to be able to use and control the separate 55W tweeter amp from the front panel of the 1001RB-II. Otherwise your sound goes through a standard crossover in the cabinets - there is an obvious DB loss when you switch from biamp to full range.
 
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#47
Advice from the GK crowd please. I'm trying to utilize a spare 400RBIII 115 Kickback combo. About 185 Watts I think at 8. For smaller shows where I don't need theTrace Elliot stack. I rest it flat on the floor to get more low-end but would like to use it in combination with a 410 SBX to get a little more SPL and height to the rig. Hopefully the amp won't have to work so hard with the added 410. Yes I realize the higher frequencies will be coming from below but since the kickback has an angled back I'll have to place the 410 below it and hopefully the corners will stack properly though it might look funny. Thoughts/ jeers?
 
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#48
bassmike2010 said:
Advice from the GK crowd please. I'm trying to utilize a spare 400RBIII 115 Kickback combo. About 185 Watts I think at 8. For smaller shows where I don't need theTrace Elliot stack. I rest it flat on the floor to get more low-end but would like to use it in combination with a 410 SBX to get a little more SPL and height to the rig. Hopefully the amp won't have to work so hard with the added 410. Yes I realize the higher frequencies will be coming from below but since the kickback has an angled back I'll have to place the 410 below it and hopefully the corners will stack properly though it might look funny. Thoughts/ jeers?
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Do you already have the 410? If so no problem putting it on the bottom. In fact the 15s are better at pushing the mids than a 410 and work well on top. Contrary to what we did/thought in the 90s.

If you haven't bought the cab yet, consider another 115 or a 210. A better match for a 115 with a relatively low powered head like 400rb.

But the 410 would work fine on the bottom
 
#51
Nothing wrong with the higher end GK Cabs and you'll find them offered in many a backline. Folks are talking about the low end cabs. We should be more specific in identifying the vendor and the exact cab model. And there is a GK sound. I'd much rather folks say they don't like the sound as opposed to slamming them. We too often deal with absolutes in these threads.
 
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#52
I love my MB112 as a practice and small gig amp. My 1001RB-II that I run through 2 NEO212s has got everything between roiling thunder to "turn that shite off" bright....I'm a fan of somewhere closer to the former.
 
#53
staindbass said:
the major point is all modern bass amps have poor fidelity. especially the speakers ! yuk. all those foster tweeters that have a sound like crinkling a potatoe chip bag and it is supposed to be good. most cabs dont go below 50hz. (an svt is tuned to 80hz, and the bass fundemental is at 42 hz.) yes, the literature says its there, but where does it go when you get to the gig? sorry to be off topic. it has to be said. i have neve heard anyone dislike the krugers, but the are not as popular as they were in the 1980's. johnny a
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So the vintage amps have better fidelity than modern amps? Laughable.
 
#54
Gotta put in a positive comment about my little GK 210 Neo speaker cab.

Six years ago I decided to downsize my bass & PA gear prior to retiring from my day job. Bought a GB Shuttle amp head (the little 300w model - 2.5 lbs.) and the light weight GK 210 Neo cab. Used with both bass guitar and upright bass, the rig has worked out great.

The 210 Neo was one of the least expensive and lightest out there. Capable of club gigs, outdoor events and small intimate settings, it has been a very neutral sounding speaker that lets my basses' sound come through with clarity and nuance. Anytime I need more volume than it can put out I simply run a line-out to the PA and take advantage of those hefty 15s in the mains.

I don't think they still make the exact model I bought anymore, but if their 212 model is similar I'd grab one and not look back. Getting compliments on how your bass sounds is a nice, unexpected benefit. My only suggestion to GK for an improvement would be cosmetic. I'd prefer a little more old-school look, like a tweed Bassman. The metal grill and plastic reinforced corners are practical and durable, but don't really blend with older or retro-style guitar amps.
 
#55
I had a 115 & 410 stack, both neo cabs and it wasn't for me. Not bashing GK, as I thought they were a great product and high quality, just not the tone I was looking for. All my touring friends in the rockabilly/psychobilly world swear by the GK's, so they've definitely proved themselves. Go for the tone, don't worry so much about the brand name.
 
#60
I have the 1001rb. It is a Beast. I have a GK 4x10 and a 1x15. I absolutely love the sound with the bi-amp capabilities. Be aware that you will need cables that can do the bi-amp thing, not just regular cables.

Also as I said it is an absolute beast. Really it's too much for most gigs. Be sure you get a cabinet that can handle the power. I have gone through quite a few speakers.

I ended up getting a TC electronics combo amp because I got tired of hauling my GK rig around (it is heavy).

Don't misunderstand me, I love the GK growl but these days I hardly use it because it's way more power than I need and the weight. It does look bad-ass on stage though.
 

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