Okay, so I'm after a GK Fusion 550, and I'm looking at about $800 for it. Pretty solid price considering most places have it for about $1000. Brand new. 1 year warranty. I love the tone and all the features are exactly what I need.

My question is...anybody out there have problems with it? I've heard great things about their customer service as well...is this true or no? I'm just worried about the servo for the motorized knobs breaking down on me after a few weeks on the road.

The whole idea is to have an amp to actually tour with. I have a '68 Fender Bassman that has served me well for many years (THANKS A MILLION TIMES A MILLION CHRIS!) but I just don't feel comfortable with the open tubes and transformer standing up to touring. And it doesn't have an XLR out either...which is important when you're trying to run through a PA system.

Also, any other heads I should compare to? I need that low grittyness, but it's gotta be just as clean at the same time, if that makes sense. It can't be dirty distortion, just clean grit. And the GK Fusion was fantastic in the showroom for it.

Okay...that's alot of ranting for a small question.

Your thoughts on any of it? I'm open to all opinions.

`

Bassman heads are not known for going down.
Give it a tune up from a good shop. To go DI
from any head, all you need is a MarkBass DI.
It inserts into your head-to-cab lead and taps
the signal for DI. It's a passive device, and will
not drop the current or voltage to your cab. You
can also do the same thing with a THD HotPlate,
but the THD costs over 4X the price of the Mark,
altho it is also an adjustable attenuator to keep
your power tubes at a rolling boil yet allow you
to drop the volume to the cab [for studio, small
venue, etc].

Markbass's DI box is for any amp, but the THD
is designed for tube output stages. I personally
dig G-K, but would not be comfortable touring
with those servomotors or any other weirdness,
especially if it involves tiny moving parts.

--------------------------------------

MarkBass DI info:

Advert & info here.
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Markbass-Super-Pro-DI-Box-Bass-Pedal?sku=484192

Link to owner's manual here.
http://www.markbass.it/risorse/allegato_pro.php?id=140




`

Check out Tom Bowlus's review of the Fusion here:
http://www.gallien.com/BGM3GK.pdf

I'm not familiar with the current GK amps. but I trust Tom's opinion.

As far as the Bassman not having a DI, you cans solve that with a any direct box as long as you want the sound of your bass to go to the board and not the sound of your amp. If you want the amp sound, I'd follow Golem's recommendation on the Markbass box.

If you want the sound of your bass but with effects, consider getting something like the Radial ToneBone. Two channels with an effects loop and boost and it doubles as a DI. Great if you use two basses or want two sounds from one bass. Costs about $250 new. I've used one for about five years.

The Bassman should hold up as long as it's packed well and you have access to replacement tubes. Whether it will be loud enough onstage for your uses depends on the volume of the band and how good your monitors are.

You know, I might just go with the GK 550, just because it's already 10 times better than my Bassman for Ribbons. The Bassman is warm and deep, but not nearly as punchy as the Fusion 550, and I can't get the same kind of clean grit.

Plus, I found two online for $700 each, which is a heck of a lot cheaper than it would be new ($950-$1050), so it's looking like not a bad idea. =)

Still, that Markbass DI is a very cool thing. Maybe after tour once I recoup some cash, I'll be looking into one whether for bass or keys or whatever I have going at the time.

Did you ask the GK rep you met in Nashville if he can hook you up at cost? He seemed impressed with your playing. Or call Victor!

That was Hartke...and I haven't contacted them just yet...I'll see about it...it's not very new, that's for sure...

GK Hartke -- both have a "K" in 'em! Wonder if Genz-Benz would like an endorsing artist? You might try them -- if you can show ytou're in the spotlight, Jeff Genzler may be open to some half-price gear. He's very approachable and answers his own e-mail. They have several lightweight head/cab combos. The Shuttle 9.0 and a NEO 212 or 210 cab might be just right for you. jeff.genzler@kmcmusic.com