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Average Price: $736

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$801+

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Description

Unlock the perfect blend of power and tone with the Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head. Designed for bassists who crave versatility, this amplifier head marries the warmth of a 6-stage tube preamp with the punch and clarity of a solid-state power section. Whether you're rocking the stage or laying down tracks in the studio, the Fusion 550 delivers a robust 500 watts for the low end and 50 watts dedicated to your horn, ensuring your sound is both rich and dynamic.

The Fusion 550 doesn't just stop at delivering pristine sound; it offers extensive tone-shaping capabilities with its 4-band active EQ, contour, and presence controls. Add a dash of growl with the GK gain control to tailor your sound to perfection. The motorized controls allow seamless transitions between settings, thanks to the included footswitch, making it adaptable for any performance scenario.

Gigging musicians will appreciate the professional features like the XLR direct out, which can be set pre- or post-EQ with a ground lift switch, ready to interface with any live or studio setup. The effects loop lets you integrate your favorite pedals post-EQ, expanding your tonal possibilities. Built with GK's renowned durability, the Fusion 550 is as reliable as it is versatile, making it an essential piece of gear for bassists of all levels.

Key Features:

  • 6-stage tube preamp combined with solid-state power amp
  • 500 watts for low end, 50 watts for horn
  • 4-band active EQ with contour and presence controls
  • Motorized controls with footswitch for easy channel switching
  • Effects loop and XLR direct out with ground lift switch
  • Built for durability and professional use

Product specs

Brand Gallien-Krueger
Model Fusion 550 500-Watt Hybrid Valve Bass Amp Head
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Bass Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Hybrid
Impedance 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 500
Power Tube Type None

FAQs

What type of preamp does the Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head use?

The Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 features a six-stage tube preamp, which provides rich, warm tones characteristic of tube amplification.

How much power does the Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head deliver?

The Fusion 550 delivers 500 watts of power, making it suitable for both practice and live performance settings.

What are the impedance options for the Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head?

This bass head supports both 4-ohm and 8-ohm impedance options, allowing for flexible speaker cabinet configurations.

Is the Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its 500-watt output and robust construction, the Fusion 550 is well-suited for live performances, providing ample power and reliability.

Does the Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head have multiple channels?

The Fusion 550 features a single channel design, focusing on delivering a consistent and powerful tone.

Bass Gear Magazine

Bass Gear Magazine

Compare Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 and MB Fusion at Smmer NAMM

Video thumbnail for Compare Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 and MB Fusion at Smmer NAMM by Bass Gear Magazine

Compare Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 and MB Fusion at Smmer NAMM

Bass Gear Magazine

Bass Gear Magazine

Video thumbnail for Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Demo by Norm Stockton by Gallien-Krueger

Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Demo by Norm Stockton

Gallien-Krueger

Gallien-Krueger

Video thumbnail for check out the new FUSION 550 from GK at NAMM 2006 by Artist Relations

check out the new FUSION 550 from GK at NAMM 2006

Artist Relations

Artist Relations

Video thumbnail for Tiziano Militello - Sandberg TM-5 + Gallien Krueger Fusion 550 + GK NEO 210-212-II - Bass TEST by Tiziano Militello

Tiziano Militello - Sandberg TM-5 + Gallien Krueger Fusion 550 + GK NEO 210-212-II - Bass TEST

Tiziano Militello

Tiziano Militello

Video thumbnail for Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 vs. EBS Fafner I by kollektivband

Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 vs. EBS Fafner I

kollektivband

kollektivband

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head.

Features and functionality

  • The Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head offers impressive clarity and punch, especially noted in slap tones and high-end sparkle, regardless of fretboard material.

    Source
  • The Fusion 550 handles pedals well and is praised for its portability, fitting comfortably in a guitar gig bag pocket despite its 500W power.

    Source
  • The Fusion series includes a variable load feature for extension cabs, enhancing its versatility for different gig scenarios.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners consistently praise the powerful output of GK heads, with one noting it can shake a room when paired with a Hartke 4.5 XL cab.

    Source
  • Some users report long-term reliability with GK heads, such as the 1001RB, which only had an input jack issue after 15 years of gig use.

    Source
  • Some users find GK amps to have a unique and aggressive tone, with plenty of volume and headroom, but without distortion.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users highlight the GK 700RB-II paired with a SansAmp RBI for a distinctive punch and clarity, differing from the Mesa 400+ used for rock/stoner projects.

    Source
  • High wattage single 12" rigs can sound compressed and 'boxy' when pushed, unlike the more balanced sound of a 210 setup.

    Source
  • Some players find the Fender Rumble 500 produces better sound quality than GK combos when tested side by side.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The GK MB212 is noted for its compatibility with house sound systems via its direct out, making it suitable for larger venues.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Rex and the Bass: Gallien Krueger Fusion 550 Amplifier Review

rexbass.com

Gallien-Krueger's Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head impresses with its robust 550-watt output and all-tube preamp, delivering a clean GK tone and punchy overdrive. The motorized channel-switching adds a unique, albeit somewhat gimmicky, flair. While its heft surpasses competitors, its tonal versatility and simple controls make it a strong choice for gigging bassists. A notable downside is its limited overdrive with active pickups. Despite this, the Fusion 550 stands out as a well-priced, powerful amplifier with rich mids and genuinely effective tone-shaping features. Overall, it's a solid win for those seeking reliable performance and sonic flexibility.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ryanbisson

Anything you want

Seriously. If you can find the tone you are looking for on bass with this amp, you're doing it all wrong. The tube front-end gives you warmth and the solid state back-end provides punch! This amp is extremely versatile; 2 channels, effects loop, incredibly clean and quite DI out. These amps are not very well known in the GK line but are their top of the line amps.

The only negative thing I have to say about this amp is, it's 3 rack spaces large and not light.

If you can find one, buy it. You'll love it.

nicjimba55

A great-sounding, LOUD amp with the signature GK sound!

Had one several years ago, and regretted selling it. I've been a big GK fan since I started playing- my first real amp was a 400RB-III.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tom Morello uses Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head

Tom Morello

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "A Tour of Tom Morello's Guitars & Home Studio" by Musician's Friend, Tom Morello is seen using the Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head at the 0:20 mark.

See how Alex Venturella uses Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head

Alex Venturella

Guitarist, Bassist

Slipknot

...
Verified via Photo

The newest bassist of Slipknot, Alessandro "Alex" "V-Man" Venturella posted this photo on his official instagram of his rig. The bottom 3 racks are all Gallien Krueger heads and the top head is a GK Fusion 550's. He goes on to make a joke about recruiting one of Mastodon's guitar techs. Alex himself teched for many bands including Mastodon.

See how Johnny Christ uses Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head

Johnny Christ

Bassist

Avenged Sevenfold

...
Verified via YouTube

"(...)we use it for clean channel(...)"

See how Scott Shriner uses Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head

Scott Shriner

Bassist

Weezer

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, the Gallien Krueger Fusion 550 bass amp head is visible.

See how Bryan Beller uses Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head

Bryan Beller

Bassist

Dethklok

...
Verified via Bryanbeller

"Specifically, my new full-stage rig is a GK Fusion 550, a GK 2001RB (power amp only), and two GK Neo 4×12 cabinets" - Bryan Beller from his blog archives.

See how Tom Hamilton uses Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head

Tom Hamilton

Bassist

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via YouTube

As seen in this interview with Tom Hamilton's bass tech at 3:40, Tom uses Gallien Krueger Fusion 550 bass amps in his live rig.

See how Rick Savage uses Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head

Rick Savage

Bassist

Def Leppard

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 36 minute mark you can see Rick's rack mount. He uses 2 of these (another one for backup). Still uses them.

See how TYDOLLA$IGN uses Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head

TYDOLLA$IGN

Bassist, Rapper

Taylor Gang

...
Verified via Gallien-Krueger

Listed on Ty Dolla $ign's official Gallien-Krueger artist page.

See how Travis Haley uses Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head

Travis Haley

Bassist

Steel Panther

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Lexxi can be seen with this amp

See how Robbie Merrill uses Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head

Robbie Merrill

Bassist, Composer

Godsmack

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, Robbie can be seen posing with a Gallien Krueger Fusion 550, which is his current main amp after leaving SWR.

See how Mark Klepaski uses Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head

Mark Klepaski

Bassist

Breaking Benjamin

...
Verified via markjamesklepaski

He is seen using this at Ultimate Jam Night in 2016.

See how Johnny 3 tears uses Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head

Johnny 3 tears

Bassist, Rapper

Hollywood Undead

...
Verified via YouTube

The bass head can be seen behind J-Dog at 0:37 in the "Been To Hell" music video in a roadcase.

Album Usage

The Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head has been featured on the following albums:

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 Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gallien-Krueger Neo 412
Gallien-Krueger Neo 412 Bass Amplifier Cabinets
3
Gallien-Krueger Neo 410
Gallien-Krueger Neo 410 Bass Amplifier Cabinets
2
MXR M101 Phase 90
MXR M101 Phase 90 Phaser Effects Pedals
1
Fender Mustang Bass
Fender Mustang Bass Electric Basses
1
Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar
Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
TC Electronic Corona Chorus
TC Electronic Corona Chorus Chorus Effects Pedals
1
Mesa/Boogie Bass 400+ Amp Head
1
Apple Magic Mouse
Apple Magic Mouse Computers & Peripherals
1

1 alternative for Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 Hybrid Bass Head, curated by the Equipboard community.

Gallien-Krueger 700RB-II

$299.00

Vintage or Discontinued cheaper alternative

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