Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $820
High-end/Boutique
$200
$801+
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Budget
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Gallien-Krueger Legacy 500 - 450-watt Ultra Light Bass Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Gallien-Krueger Legacy 500 is not just another bass head; it's a testament to over fifty years of audio innovation. Designed for the modern bassist, this 450-watt Class D powerhouse is as lightweight as it is powerful, making it an ideal companion for both intimate gigs and large venues. Drawing inspiration from the legendary 800RB, the Legacy 500 is infused with the same DNA that made its predecessor a staple in solid-state bass amplification, yet it brings its own unique flavor to the stage.
From crisp, clear cleans to a saturated overdrive, this amp head delivers a versatile tonal palette that suits any genre. The intuitive 4-band EQ, paired with voicing filters like "Bump," "Contour," and "Presence," allows musicians to effortlessly sculpt their sound. The robust construction with gold-plated connectors ensures reliability and longevity, handling the demands of touring without missing a beat. Additional features such as a balanced DI output, effects loop, and flexible load capacity make it a versatile tool in both live and studio settings. Whether you're practicing quietly at home or performing live, the Legacy 500 has got you covered.
Key Features:
- 450W Class D lightweight bass amp head
- Analog preamp with footswitchable overdrive
- Classic 4-band active EQ
- Voicing filters: Bump, Contour, Presence
- Balanced XLR output with pre/post-EQ options
- Unbalanced 1/4-inch FX loop send and return
- Aux input and headphone output
- Twist-lock speaker outputs
- Load capacity for 2-, 2.7-, 4-, and 8-ohm cabinets
Product specs
| Type | Solid State |
| Number of Channels | Single Channel |
| Output Power | 450W @ 2.7ohms, 300W @ 4ohms |
| EQ | 4-Band Active EQ, Bump, Contour, Presence switches |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" (aux) |
| Outputs | 2 x SpeakON (balanced), 1 x XLR (direct out), 1 x 1/4" (tuner) |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/8" |
| Effects Loop | Yes |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 1/4" (overdrive, tone control) |
| Footswitch Included | Yes |
| Cooling System | 2 x Internal Fans, Side Air Vent |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 2.3" |
| Width | 11.5" |
| Depth | 11" |
| Weight | 5 lbs. |
FAQs
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What are the main tonal characteristics of the Gallien-Krueger Legacy 500 bass head?
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The Gallien-Krueger Legacy 500 offers a clean, punchy sound with a 4-band active EQ and additional tone-shaping options like Bump, Contour, and Presence switches, allowing for versatile sound customization suitable for various playing styles.
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Is the Gallien-Krueger Legacy 500 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Gallien-Krueger Legacy 500 provides 450 watts of power at 2.7 ohms, making it capable of handling live performances, especially in small to medium-sized venues.
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Can the Gallien-Krueger Legacy 500 bass head be used with a footswitch?
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Yes, the Gallien-Krueger Legacy 500 includes a footswitch input for controlling overdrive and tone settings, and it comes with a footswitch included.
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Does the Gallien-Krueger Legacy 500 bass head have an effects loop?
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Yes, the Gallien-Krueger Legacy 500 features an effects loop, allowing you to integrate external effects into your signal chain.
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How portable is the Gallien-Krueger Legacy 500 bass head?
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Weighing only 5 lbs and with dimensions of 11.5" x 11" x 2.3", the Gallien-Krueger Legacy 500 is highly portable, making it ideal for gigging musicians who need a lightweight yet powerful amplifier head.
Reviews
PROS
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Handles 2 Ohm loads, offering flexibility with different speaker setups
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Lightweight and portable at about 4 lbs, easy to transport
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Footswitchable overdrive circuit for tonal versatility
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Produces clean and punchy tones, even at lower volumes
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Direct input with pre/post options for front-of-house integration
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Compatible with a wide range of basses, enhancing each instrument's unique sound
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Quiet operation when needed, maintaining sound clarity
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Easy to set up and dial in personal sound preferences
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Built-in headphone out and aux in for convenient practice sessions
CONS
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Limited power compared to higher models in the Legacy series
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Tone controls on amp may not be effective for all practice scenarios
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gallien-Krueger Legacy 500 - 450-watt Ultra Light Bass Head.
Features and functionality
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The Legacy 500 amp head outputs 450W at 2.7 ohms, 300W at 4 ohms, and 190W at 8 ohms, offering varied power options based on cab impedance.
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The Legacy 500 includes a footswitch and a simple interface, appreciated for its balance and clarity across genres, with a subtle overdrive setting.
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Comparisons
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The Gallien-Krueger Legacy 800 head offers more headroom and cleaner sound at high volumes compared to the Legacy 500, beneficial for avoiding THD in loud settings.
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Users note that the Legacy 500 is lighter at 4 lbs and offers reliable consistency in tone, unlike some other amps with tonal variations.
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Use cases and applications
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A MarkBass 2x10 cabinet is recommended for small venues, providing adequate volume similar to a 1x15 configuration, but with the option to add an 8 ohm 1x15 for 450W output.
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Owners highlight the Legacy 500's versatility for practice, headphone practice, recording, and gig playing, especially with a variety of bass guitars like the Epiphone Thunderbird Classic Pro IV.
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User experience
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Users find the sound of a MarkBass 2x10 cab paired with a Gallien-Krueger head suitable for most gigs, except in extremely loud environments with amplified drums and guitars.
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Some users choose the Legacy 500 for its weight, price, and consistent customer support, valuing its dependability over other brands.
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