Members NeonVomit Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 Right, I'm gonna upgrade from my GK 400RB in the next few months and I want to play around with some options. My number one concern above all is reliability. The amount of cash I'm willing to spend should guarantee a good sound. I've heard mixed comments about Ashdown and GK, which is disappointing because those are the two main brands I'm looking at (an ABM or Klystron from Ashdown, and a 1001RB from GK) In this forum's vast amount of pooled experience, which is the most reliable brand? I'm looking for something over 500watts and below 1000. I'll want a head that will pair well with my Ashdown ABM 2x10 and 4x10 cabs (total power handling 900 watts @ 4ohms) Price isn't really too much of an issue but stuff like Mesa is out of my range sadly.
Members Richy Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 If my Markbass doesn't keep working for the rest of my natural life, I'll be very cross indeed. (So far so good incidentally)
Members guitargod0dmw Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 I'm not voting, since I think a few of those listed are quite reliable...and you missed a few others. Mesa and Aguilar!!! Of those listed, my top picks would be GK and Markbass.
Members NeonVomit Posted October 22, 2007 Author Members Posted October 22, 2007 I'm not voting, since I think a few of those listed are quite reliable...and you missed a few others. Mesa and Aguilar!!! Of those listed, my top picks would be GK and Markbass. Mesa and Aguilar are out of my price range sadly.
Members guitargod0dmw Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 Mesa and Aguilar are out of my price range sadly. Are you looking for something different sounding than the GK, or just an upgrade? Personally, I'd go with the GK again, but if you don't like the tone you've got now... What's the deal for your new amp???
Members NeonVomit Posted October 22, 2007 Author Members Posted October 22, 2007 280watts just isn't cutting it anymore Yeah, I like the GK sound, but to be honest I'm not uber-picky. As long as it sounds good and is loud! Anyway, sound is something I can go into a store with my bass and test out first hand. I was thinking about a 1001RB or an Ashdown since I'm familiar with both and like them, but I've just heard of some reliability problems. And since it's highly likely my new head will see heavy use and will potentially be taken touring, I want something reliable above all. Price isn't a massive issue, I'm aiming for buying it in Febuary, but Mesa is waaay expensive, as is Eden and Aguilar.
Members 82Daion Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 Peavey may not have the best tone out there, but they'll never let you down. GK strikes me as pretty reliable, too-I certainly hope so, since I've got one coming to me soon.
Members T. Alan Smith Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 Since reliability is your top priority, if you were here in the States, I'd say Genz Benz, but since your in Europe, I'd say Markbass. What about EBS? I know you want more power, but you absolutely cannot go wrong going quality over quantity.
Members been_effected Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 Pft I can't believe theres been this many posts and no one has suggested it. Everyone knows HC is the mouthpiece of this company . And its not in your damn poll!! BOLAG I SAY! Genz Benz. GBE750. or the 1200 if you dare. End of poll, no need to look further EDIT: DAMMIT T. Alan you beat me, bastage . Overseas or otherwise, GB's customer service is second to none in foreign countries. And as far as I know, theres been barely anyone on here who has had a problem with one
Members Oldtimer Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 Walter Woods! Only amps I've had in the last 27 yrs. Not one problem with either of them, ever. Of course, very expensive.
Members guitargod0dmw Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 If it comes down to Ashdown vs. GK...I'd pick GK. I'm not saying I don't like Ashdown, but I know GK (especially the 1001 RB-II) is very reliable!
CMS Author Craig Vecchione Posted October 22, 2007 CMS Author Posted October 22, 2007 Out of all listed, Peavey probably wallops the rest for reliability. I don't think I've ever seen a Peavey bass amp go tango uniform.
Moderators ThudMaker Posted October 22, 2007 Moderators Posted October 22, 2007 How can your poll not have MESA or GENZ BENZ on it? As far as your list, I'd go with Peavey.
Members 78pbass Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 Walter Woods! Only amps I've had in the last 27 yrs. Not one problem with either of them, ever. Of course, very expensive. what's up OT, long time no see!!
Members 78pbass Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 in my experience, my '94 Mesa M2000 has about 1500 or so shows on her an not even a hiccup. Second by my Peavey gear. My Ampeg, GK and Hartke were all in the shop at some point in their ownership. The Ampeg and Hartke were the reason I dropped the coin on the Mesa - I NEEDED reliability at that time. the GK 400rbIII was bought for size and weight to take the place of the Mesa in small venues. it was a problematic SOB
Members NeonVomit Posted October 22, 2007 Author Members Posted October 22, 2007 How can your poll not have MESA or GENZ BENZ on it? Price/availability issues Need to track down the Peavey dealer here, see what their latest heads say...
Members Onkel Bob Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 Since reliability is your top priority, if you were here in the States, I'd say Genz Benz, but since your in Europe, I'd say Markbass. What about EBS? I know you want more power, but you absolutely cannot go wrong going quality over quantity. EBS is up there with Aguilar and Mesa. Edit: Actually not quite there. I thought they were though Maybe the prices went down a bit?
Members T. Alan Smith Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 Yeah, I suppose you can't go wrong with Peavey. I was just shooting for something a little closer to home for you just in case you needed CS. Peavey's Tour Series 700 head was a very nice head tho.
Members NeonVomit Posted October 22, 2007 Author Members Posted October 22, 2007 Since reliability is your top priority, if you were here in the States, I'd say Genz Benz, but since your in Europe, I'd say Markbass. What about EBS? I know you want more power, but you absolutely cannot go wrong going quality over quantity. Hmm, EBS are hard to find in this remote, godforsaken corner of the EU, and I can't find an online dealer. I'll keep searching though.
Members T. Alan Smith Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 EBS is up there with Aguilar and Mesa. K...I was hoping that over there, they'd be more in the price range of Genz.
Members guitargod0dmw Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 Peavey's Tour Series 700 head was a very nice head tho. I agreed about Peavey's reliability. I'm not a fan of that head though. I don't like how it only has a graphic EQ.
Members Brother Mango Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 Mesa and Aguilar are out of my price range sadly. Stop being cheap! Get up off the sock and spend the money!
Members T. Alan Smith Posted October 22, 2007 Members Posted October 22, 2007 I agreed about Peavey's reliability. I'm not a fan of that head though. I don't like how it only has a graphic EQ. I flat out don't like graphic EQs on heads, but this head rawks!
Members NeonVomit Posted October 22, 2007 Author Members Posted October 22, 2007 Stop being cheap! Get up off the sock and spend the money! I just bought a Warwick and an ABM4x10 I've also gotta save up cash for my postgrad studies which commence next year. It's amazing I still have GAS after all that!
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