GK 2001RB

[jebersole]

I've got an Aguilar GS412 cab on the way, and would like to hear it with the GK 2001RB. I've been using an Eden WT-800 for a little while now and it's just not working out.

I still have and always liked my GK800RB, but it's a bit underpowered for the Aguilar cab, so I'm wondering if the GK2001 would be the logical upgrade.

If there is anyone out there with the GK2001 that is interested in what the head would sound like through an Aguilar 4x12 cab, let me know....

[bassist_25]

Jason, I can't really comment on that particular G-K head, as I don't think I've ever played through the 2001, but every Gallien-Krueger head I've ever played through or heard has been a quality piece and very musical. I think that they are the warmest solid-state heads on the market, IMHO.

I have never played through the GS412, but I bought a GS112 a few weeks ago (thanks to Moondoggy and his dad!) and I REALLY dig it. The 12s are definitely not as fast as 10s, but they still are fast responding and can handle staccato playing better than 15s. With low amounts of power, the Aguilar 12s seem to sound mellow, but once you start putting some watts into them - which the G-K 2001 will have plenty of - they really start to bark! It is true that Aguilar's GS series is a little more scooped, but I'd say that scoop is more relative than anything. You'd notice a big difference in the mids between a GS series Aguilar and an Eden cab. I've been pairing the GS112 up with an S410, which Aguilar doesn't make anymore. The S410 has a lot of punch and more forward mids. The 12 adds a nice low-end presence without getting muddy or woolfy. I really like how a lot of the notes on my B string respond with the 12.

[jebersole]

Yeah, going with the 12s is a little out of character for me, but I've got a 5-day return option on the Aguilar, and free shipping on the purchase. Considering how far I'd have to drive to just try one of these out, I thought it was worth the cost to ship back if I don't like it.

The Eden WT-800 has the power, but I never got used to the EQ section. In contrast, the GK800RB was always so easy to get a nice sound from without a whole lot of tweaking of the knobs. I think I may have located a used GK2001RB, so I'm hoping the shop will give me a decent trade on the Eden.

[CMOR]

I'll admit I'm not up on the specs of the Aguilar cab, but I need to ask...Is the 2001RB a bit much power-wise(every musician here just sighed a little, praying forgiveness for my soul) for one cab? I have a 700RB and it's plenty loud and it has the same preamp section. Supposedly, the 700RB is made to mimic the 800RB if set right, but the rest of their heads aren't really. If you wanted to try my head on the cab just to get an idea, let me know.

[jebersole]

The Aguilar GS412 is actually rated at 1200 watts, so the 2001RB bridged would be a good match. Do I need this much power? I won't answer that... but it is a good question!

Anyway, I'm back with the Earthtones (reggae) here in SC, so a deep, watt-sucking thumping tone is what I'm after, and having overhead ensures it will be clean. We don't always have PA support either.

I know I like my 800RB, so if your 700RB sounds similar (but with more power), I'm sure I would like it. I've heard the 2001RB is a different beast, so I was really hoping to play through one before buying. I might have to head down to Levin's...

[orangekick]

Do I need this much power?

That's a silly question. More power is always good as long as you know what you're doing with it.

[Geetarzz]

I had a 2001RB head and I ran it through 8 10's. The only other thing I used was a Sansamp and it sounded like god! You can never have too much power.

[bassist_25]

In the world of solid-state, more power is always better (that may not always be the case when dealing with tube amps). Bass requires a lot of headroom to reproduce the fundamentals of the notes.

Jason, for what you're planning on doing, I think the GS412 will really work out for you well. My GS112 must be really efficient, because even with a 300 watt rating, it's hella loud. I haven't clipped it yet, which is the problem I always run into when trying to use small, modular cabs, especially since I need a cab to be able to reproduce an open low B. I don't think you'll have a problem filling any room around here with the GS412, even if you don't always have PA support.

[bassist_25]

I had a 2001RB head and I ran it through 8 10's. The only other thing I used was a Sansamp and it sounded like god!

And that was a killer price you sold that rig for too! If I would have been looking to put together a rig from scratch, I would have bought it without thinking twice.

so the 2001RB bridged would be a good match.

Forgot to ask: Does the 2001RB have the bi-ampable feature to work with G-K's horns?

[jebersole]

I don't know all the details of GKs current biamp feature, but it is alot different than my 800RB. I think the answer to your question is yes. The 2001RB does have it...

It looks like I might be selling my Eden WT-800B. Know anyone that might be interested before I post it in the for-sale section and/or Ebay it?

[JackANSI]

I'd investigate the GK 2001 RPB (http://www.basscentral.com/2003/gk.shtml has it listed at $429, with a "call for price" so I'll use $429 in this post).

Rack mount preamp version of the 2001. Then get a real price/watt ratio out of a pair of Behringer Europower 1500's.. (http://www.americanmusical.com $299.97ea)

Should come in about $1229 (the full 2001RB is around 1299 right?) for 2x900watts @ 8ohms, 6U rack, and preamp (less than $1029 if you forego the rack/make your own). Never run out of juice and always have a backup...

You could get into that preamp with 1 EP1500 instead of 2 for around $729... If you use a 4ohm cab, you'd have 1400watts with the EP1500 for almost half the price...


Granted you'll have a 80lb+ 6U rack with those two EP1500... but 2x1400watts at a cheaper price point than 1x1050watts


Personally I'd do it up as 2x2U racks for power and 1x4U rack for preamp, EQ, power conditioner, etc.. Stack it all up then cinch it down to the top of the cabinet with a couple of load straps. Cause it will vibrate off. But I'd start with 1 EP1500 and preamp to see how I like it.

If I hated it, at least I'd have a power amp that could easily drive my cab. Bonus to that is any amp/preamp with a line out can now drive that cabinet too...

Sorry, I just can't get away from being modular... Its so much more cost effective.

oh I just reread.. you already have a GK preamp/amp, so for 300$ you're all set with enough power for your aggie. With a little extra for a 1x15 or 2x10 cab straight out of the GK

[jebersole]

JackANSI,

I like the way you think! Maybe I could take the effect send from my 800RB (which is post EQ) to a Behringer EuroPower. That would give me the GK EQ/preamp section and a good power match to the Aguilar cab.

Would this work? Jason

[JackANSI]

That would work just fine, but.... I'd use the XLR direct out (should be post EQ or switchable pre/post). In fact I'd bet on it being switchable, GK makes quality gear. Probably has a ground lift and level knob as well.

when using an effect send (without some kind of return) the power section in the GK would not be getting signal.

There is no sense keeping an amp that you like hidden away because its only fault is not enough watts.

Only thing that does suck is the added weight of what amounts to 2 power amps.. but I always look at it as a spare, not excess bagage, and worth the extra weight that one time you do need it.

[jebersole]

The 800RB + Behringer idea would be an interim step to the 2001RPB. I could at least get a feel for what the GK Preamp + a power amp would sound like with minimal cost.

I will more likely just use the 800RB as is (although a bit underpowered) until I finally pull the trigger on the 2001RB.

The 800RB as been around (pretty much unchanged) for quite a few years, so some things that are pretty standard on pro amps it doesn't have. XLR out I'm pretty sure is post eq with no dedicated level, & no ground lift if I remember correctly.