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Average Price: $750
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$200
$801+
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Description
The Gallien-Krueger 800RB Bass Amp Head is a legendary piece of gear that has shaped the sound of countless hit records since its debut in 1982. Revered for its bi-amped design, this amp head offers a unique approach to sound amplification, with separate power sections dedicated to high and low frequencies. This innovative design allows bassists to achieve a meticulously tailored sound, whether you're aiming for a deep, resonant low end or a sharp, articulate high end.
This amp head isn't just about power; it's about precision. The four-band Active EQ provides an extensive range of tonal shaping possibilities, letting you craft your sound with confidence. Complementing this, three proprietary Voicing Filters—Low Cut, Mid Contour, and High Boost—add further depth and flexibility, making it suitable for any genre or performance setting.
Whether you're jamming in a garage or playing on a big stage, the Gallien-Krueger 800RB delivers unwavering performance with clarity and punch that cuts through the mix. Its rugged build and intuitive control layout make it a reliable choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike, ensuring your bass lines always stand out.
Key Features:
- Bi-amp design with adjustable crossover for separate high and low frequency amplification
- Two separate Master volume controls for 100W and 300W power amp models
- Four active EQ bands for precise tonal control
- Three Voicing Filters: Low Cut, Mid Contour, and High Boost
- Rugged construction for durability in live and studio settings
Product specs
| Brand | Gallien-Krueger |
| Model | 800RB 300 / 100-Watt Bi-Amp Bass Amp Head |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1990s |
| 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) | 100 |
| Power Tube Type | None |
| Reverb | None |
FAQs
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What is the power output of the Gallien-Krueger 800RB Bass Amp Head?
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The Gallien-Krueger 800RB features a 300-watt low-frequency amp and a 100-watt high-frequency amp, allowing for bi-amp capabilities or full-range mode.
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Is the Gallien-Krueger 800RB suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Gallien-Krueger 800RB is well-suited for live performances, offering powerful output and bi-amp capabilities that are ideal for stage settings.
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Does the Gallien-Krueger 800RB Bass Amp Head support bi-amping?
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Yes, the 800RB supports bi-amping with selectable crossover frequency, providing flexibility for different sound setups.
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What type of electronics does the Gallien-Krueger 800RB use?
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The Gallien-Krueger 800RB uses solid-state electronics, known for reliability and consistent performance.
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How does the Gallien-Krueger 800RB handle different speaker impedances?
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The 800RB is designed to work with 4 ohm and 8 ohm speaker configurations, offering versatility in speaker pairing.
Videos
Brandon Michael
The Most Innovative Bass Amp EVER? GK 800RB
The Most Innovative Bass Amp EVER? GK 800RB
Brandon Michael
Gallien Krueger 800RB
Alejandro Lozano
DK Gets a GK! Gallien-Krueger 800RB auction find.... Does it work?
DeadKoby
Reviews
PROS
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Legendary power and tone
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Easy to tune in any room setting
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Lightweight and portable compared to similar models
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Works well with pedals and various effects
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Reliable performance in extensive live and rehearsal settings
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Offers a classic rock bass tone that stands out
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Versatile for use with guitar and bi-amp mode
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Favored by many professional bassists
CONS
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May lack color for some users, offering a more transparent sound
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Potential durability issues over prolonged use
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gallien-Krueger 800RB.
Features and functionality
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Cranking the master volume to maximum while controlling overall loudness via input volume produces a unique, musical distortion known as "hitting the rails."
Source -
Engaging the bi-amp mode and turning the crossover up cuts highs above 1-2k, enhancing midrange presence in drop tunings.
Source -
The 800RB can utilize both power amps with an Ampeg 810 split cab, allowing for independent operation of the top and bottom 410s.
Source -
The head provides a total output of 400 watts when using both power amps, compared to 300 watts on the low end alone.
Source
Use cases and applications
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To achieve a tone similar to Duff McKagan's from the late 80s-90s, set EQ at noon, engage high boost, and slightly increase the boost control.
Source -
Using a 5-string Music Man Stingray with the 800RB can result in a booming B string, particularly when paired with a 115 and 410 cab setup.
Source -
Ideal for pairing with split cabs like the Ampeg 810, offering versatile power distribution across different speaker sections.
Source
User experience
Comparisons
4.5 out of 5
Based on 7 Reviews and 15 Ratings
474
Incredible Bass Head!
Possibly one of the best solid-state bass amp heads I’ve ever used. It’s a great amp to have for getting a classic rock bass tone that will stand out in recordings or in live settings. It’s a workhorse amp but it’s surprisingly lightweight, so it won’t break your back like an SVT would. It also works extremely well with pedals or with any kind of effects you may want to use for your sound. So if you’re looking for a quality bass head that is light and very reliable, I’d say give the 800RB a try.
53
Mine is a 1982/3 GK800rb. Small Block Logo, Horizontal Power Switch, Red Lights, etc.
Gallien-Krueger 800RB Vintage - Rare – 1982 Small block logo, horizontal power switch, red lights, etc. Clean solid state power that is pure GK. These amps are still seen on nearly every major multi-band backline from clubs to festivals. I have owned it for 28 of its 38 years, in excellent condition. I have babied it for years. Its in PERFECT conditions. Of course for sale or trade.
397
111
SUPER POWER MASSIVE AMAZING GK800rb
remains the best basshead ever made so far. I use 800rb with guitar and bi-amp mode on with 2x15 and 4x10. I crumble the walls!! practically every bassist I love has used the gk 800rb
105
Good bass head
As a day to day use it´s a great head. It just lacks in color in my opinion. It´s good for who wants a transparent head
Artist usage
Add artist
In this photo (taken in late 80's - early 90's), Flea is seen using three Gallien Krueger 800RB's with several Mesa/Boogie cabinets.
"Used on the In Utero tour." as shared by Earnie Bailey, guitar tech for NIRVANA.
(seen in lower right corner)
This amp was bought as a replacement for GK 400B, and was used as touring amp in late 1992 - mid-1993, as a backup in early 1994 and as a prop item in 'Basket Case' music video. The amp never saw use on any of Green Day records.
"Used from the early days until circa 2003. He kept the head in a rack with the rest of his units. Run into an Ampeg SVT 8x10 Cab, almost certainly the same one which he went on to use with his Ampeg SVT heads."
-Source: The King Of Gear (http://thekingofgear.com/colin)
The interviewer here asks Dave if he remembers what amp he used before Hartke came out with the amp heads which he currently uses to which Ellefson responds, "Yeah, I used the GK 800RB..." going on to talk about the bass and cabinets which he used in conjunction with this amp.
Jeordi white pictured playing through a Gallien-Kreuger 800rb bass amplifier head, distinguished my number of knobs and other controls, circa early to mid 1990s
At 2:00you can see the amp next to him in the background connected to his bass
"Matt Freeman used the Gallien-Krueger 800RB Bass Amp Head before switching to Fender, as shown in the user-uploaded photo."
At 15:08, you can see the amp in the background.
a GK 800RB Amp Head can be seen in the background on the left of this image
Album Usage
The Gallien-Krueger 800RB has been featured on the following albums:
Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees
Dogstar (2023)
Room Inside the World
Ought (2018)
Operation: Mindcrime II
Queensrÿche (2006)
Live In Chicago
Ween (2004)
Undertow
Tool (1993)
8-Way Santa (Deluxe Edition)
Tad (1991)
Empire - 20th Anniversary Edition
Queensrÿche (1990)
God's Balls (Deluxe Edition)
Tad (1989)
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses (1987)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gallien-Krueger 800RB, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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