Gallien-Krueger 400RB

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$343.98 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (9)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Gallien-Krueger 400RB-III

5.0 (1)

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (9)

$343.98 2 available Used

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Average Price: $344

Standard/Professional

$200

$801+

Price Tier

In the Bass Amplifier Heads category, Gallien-Krueger 400RB is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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The Gallien-Krueger 400RB Bass Amplifier is a cornerstone in the realm of bass amplification, revered for its reliability and signature GK growl. This bass amplifier head is perfect for both emerging musicians and seasoned pros who crave a robust and dynamic sound. With its powerful 240-watt output at 4 ohms, the 400RB ensures your bass lines cut through the mix with precision and clarity.

Designed with the gigging musician in mind, the 400RB features a rugged construction that withstands the demands of frequent travel. Its intuitive interface provides easy control over tone shaping, allowing for a wide range of sonic possibilities. The active 4-band EQ and voicing filters deliver a versatile tonal palette, making it suitable for diverse musical genres—from jazz to rock.

A standout feature of the 400RB is its bi-amp capability, which allows for separate control over your low and high frequencies, offering more nuanced sound customization. This amplifier head also includes an effects loop, a direct output for seamless PA integration, and a tuner output for on-the-fly tuning adjustments.

Whether you're playing small clubs or large venues, the Gallien-Krueger 400RB Bass Amplifier is engineered to deliver consistent performance and exceptional sound quality, making it a reliable choice for bassists everywhere.

Key Features:

240 watts of power at 4 ohms
Bi-amp capability for enhanced sound control
Active 4-band EQ and voicing filters
Effects loop for incorporating external effects
Direct output for PA system integration
Tuner output for convenient tuning
Rugged construction for durability on the road

Owner's manual

Gallien-Krueger 400RB User Manual

Product specs

Brand	Gallien-Krueger
Model	400RB
Finish	Black
Year	1990s
Made In	United States
Categories	Bass Heads
Color Family	Black
Electronics	Solid State
Impedance	4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels	1 Channel
Number of Inputs	1 Input
Output Power (Watts)	400
Power Tube Type	None

FAQs

What is the power output of the Gallien-Krueger 400RB Bass Amplifier?: The Gallien-Krueger 400RB Bass Amplifier delivers 400 watts of power, making it suitable for both practice and live performance environments.
What type of tone can I expect from the Gallien-Krueger 400RB?: The Gallien-Krueger 400RB is known for its signature "growl" circuit, providing a rich, dynamic tone that is both precise and clear, ideal for bassists seeking a punchy and articulate sound.
Is the Gallien-Krueger 400RB suitable for live performances?: Yes, with its 400-watt power output and solid-state electronics, the Gallien-Krueger 400RB is well-suited for live performances, offering reliable and powerful sound projection.
How many channels does the Gallien-Krueger 400RB Bass Amplifier have?: The Gallien-Krueger 400RB features a single channel, designed to deliver a focused and consistent bass sound.
What are the impedance options for the Gallien-Krueger 400RB?: The Gallien-Krueger 400RB can operate at 4 ohms and 8 ohms, providing flexibility in speaker cabinet pairing for various performance settings.

Videos

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Gallien-Krueger

Gallien-Krueger 400 RB Demo by Norm Stockton

Gallien-Krueger

1984 Gallien-Krueger 400RB Bass Amp demo

IplayMusic2

Gallien-Krueger 400RB Demo

Dan M

Gallion Kruger 400 RB Bass Amp Review and Company History Info

Gene Thorpe's Little Red Rooster TV

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional sound quality, among the best for bass amps
200 watts power handles loud bands well
Offers a wide variety of usable sounds
Compact and lighter than alternatives
Reliable performance with correct speaker load
Warm solid-state tone with musical grit at high volumes
Flexible for pairing with different speaker cabinets
Maintains classic sound quality that competes with newer Class D amps

CONS

Requires careful maintenance, especially the effects return jack
Power amp can self-destruct if improperly matched with speakers under 4 ohms
Limited features compared to newer models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gallien-Krueger 400RB.

Comparisons

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The 800RB is noted for being significantly louder than the 400RB, and some users describe the 800RB as having a more mid-focused sound compared to the 400RBII.
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The 700RB is recommended over the 400RB for those seeking a sound similar to Matt Sharp's tone due to its robust 485-watt output.
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Use cases and applications

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The 400RB may not be suitable for metal bands without PA support, as it can struggle to compete with multiple guitarists and a heavy-handed drummer in high-volume settings.
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While ideal for funk or jazz ensembles, the 400RB might require a full stack or 4-ohm cab to reach its potential in louder contexts.
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Owners find the 400RB-III head works well with a 115 cab for rehearsals and gigs, noting it as a great used market deal.
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User experience

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Owners mention the 400RB can sound "stuffed" with high-gain distortion unless ample headroom is maintained, emphasizing the importance of wattage for clarity.
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Some owners find the 400RB to deliver a notably punchy and powerful tone despite its lower wattage, suggesting it performs better than its specs might imply.
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Some users highlight that the amp, when paired with a 15-inch cab, offers decent loudness but requires higher volume settings.
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Features and functionality

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The DI out on the 400RB is highlighted for its usefulness in larger venues, allowing integration with PA systems for enhanced volume.
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The 400RB-III combo amp can output 185 watts into its internal 210 speakers, increasing to 200 watts with an additional 8-ohm cab for more volume.
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The 400RB-III combo includes a line out for connecting to a PA system, useful in gig settings with PA support.
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Critic Reviews

Rex and the Bass: Gallien-Krueger 400RB Bass Amplifier Review

rexbass.com

The Gallien-Krueger 400RB Bass Amplifier is a blast from the past, offering reliability, impressive volume, and a smooth tone that's rare for vintage solid-state amps. Weighing only 15 pounds, this amp delivers 200 watts at 4 ohms, making it a lightweight powerhouse. The simple front panel design and sturdy construction are definite highlights. However, potential buyers should note that features vary across different series, with the Series I requiring a footswitch for its boost function and having a non-detachable power cord. Despite these quirks, its unique character and affordability make it a worthwhile addition for bassists seeking a classic sound.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

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