NAD GRBass 800

[vsmith1]

I visited my local store, Promenade Music in Morecambe, and tried out the following with a passive Yamaha BB with a MarkBass cab:

• MarkBass Little Marcus 500
• Ashdown MAG RM420
• Ashdown Retroglide 800
• (Ashdown RM500-Evo II - not available)
• GRBass ONE 800

I mainly focussed on the Little Marcus, which sounded great, but I was not getting much from the Millerizer control. But  I could have gone with it. But I tried the Ashdown's and they felt nowhere as full-bodied as the Little Marcus. I guess I'm the sort of person that has to make huge changes on the EQ then I'm less keen. I tried the GRBass as a last minute and was impressed. So impressed I went back the next day  after some additional research and bought it. Gary in Promenade had picked up GRBass after the show in London as he'd been impressed. 

So a quick view on what I like:

• The sound was full - and back at home with my Ashdown MIni15 cab - just as good. I have to try it with my BB Midget.
• Not needed to have much EQ fettling to get a great sound
• Nice set of EQ - with switches for the frequency of the Low-Mid and High-Mid
• And switches for extra Low and extra High
• A mute button with indicator light
• A built-in tuner (including up to 6-string)
• EQ-bypass switch with indicator (they call it Pure)
• Light, small and well-built - ie metal case
• And a 9V power outlet for some pedals
• Pimp-my-amp LEDs!

What I would like to see:

• Built-in Limiter/Compressor
• Foot switch controls
• Some will want rack ears

Not a lot really. It came in white and you can get black and custom colours as well a range of cabs. 

[Merton]

These do look like well thought out little heads. When will you get a chance to gig it, because we’ll need a full review!

[vsmith1]

Next gig is 1 Nov. I'll let you know how I get on.

[stewblack]

*cough* pictures *cough*

[Bigwan]

6 hours ago, stewblack said:

*cough* pictures *cough*

With lights! 

[stewblack]

I must say the 9v output is genius, and the gain / tuner led array also. Any new amp not designed with tuner and 9v out is really missing a trick. Also I think bluetooth would be a good idea. Just pair with your phone and play away, no need for aux soxkets. Oh and a built in wireless receiver.

Think I'll go have a lie down, enough geniusing for one day.

Edited October 26, 2019 by stewblack

[jazzyvee]

I'm considering a GRBass one Mini for use with my EUB and barefaced Big Baby II, does  anyone have any feedback from owning one, goo d or bad.

 

Edited January 29, 2021 by jazzyvee

[vsmith1]

I did try mine with my Barefaced Midget. It's my gig set up! Though that is now a historical statement!

[chyc]

18 hours ago, vsmith1 said:

I did try mine with my Barefaced Midget. It's my gig set up! Though that is now a historical statement!

Chin up, surely a prophetic statement too?

[chris_b]

It’s a good sign when you find an amp that gets the sound you want with very little EQ fiddling.