SeriesGallien Krueger Backline

Bought it at Guitar Center in Concord, CA for $350, bargained to about $300. i had a 40 watt amp and needed at least 100. Same price as say Crate, but 4 times as good. the sound is awesome, and it doesn't wig out or distort until maybe 90 watts, which is very impressive. GK is top of the line. the amp is smaller than most, so its much easier to carry. 12" speaker, but don't be fooled...it shakes. plus it's got distortion switch, and good tone control. 12" speaker is a little small, but it pumps out great sound. size don't matter. pretty good. it tilts back for better sound projection. caged front is tight, but its fragile i'm hot, the amp is hot, trust me, go buy one This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

(Originally written by seb_c_bien/translated from Audiofanzine FR) Two channels, footswitch not included... Carrying handle FX loop, tuner and footswitch connectors on the front (good idea!). Direct out. Only one instrument input with -10dB and mute switches (also very good). Common EQ section for both channels. Seems sturdy. UTILIZATION Easy configuration, clear user's manual. Many sound possibilities. Fat sound! SOUNDS Very big sound! I tried it out in a store with a 4x10" Ashdown speaker cabinet (average sound), a 1x15" Trace Elliot speaker cabinet (great) and my Washburn Taurus T-24 passive bass (tuned two whole tones below standard tuning). Before buying it I also tested an Ashdown (Mag Evo), a Markbass (Little Mark II), and a Trace Elliot (I can't remember the model). Clean channel: Effective controls. The contour control is a good tool if you don't have a compressor. It provides an interesting, rounder sound. The low-frequency response is very powerful. This Gallien does a great job where my Ashdown MAG 300R doesn't have enough power (I will sell it). I guess some people will find the high-frequency range sounds too sharp. Regarding sound presence it's similar to a Trace Elliot. The response is very transparent and neutral. The sound is pleasant even with extreme settings. You can get a growling sound turning up the boost control. I love the distortion channel: If you like the bass sound on Will Halen's El Diablo you'll love this channel. Very fat and modern distortion sound. I set the gain control to 3 or 4, higher settings aren't that interesting. You get a huge and a bit acid sound. This amp head will make you tremble It's the right choice for people who can't afford a Trace Elliot or an Ampeg, it comes pretty close to them considering its price. Markbass amps are very good but they are expensive and produce a more aggressive sound. It's just the best amp head I've ever tested in this price range! ! ! This amp will satisfy heavy metal, hard rock and blues rock players. You get big lows, present low-mids and smooth highs... And a lot of headroom. The sound is not very subtle... You'll buy it because you want to blow your audience away. OVERALL OPINION I would buy it again! It's my new reference product regarding value for money! ! ! I don't recommend it to jazz and funk players, you'll be disappointed.