Whilst in Andertons yesterday, trying and buying another Sire bass, I was plugged into a 25W Fender Rumble bass amp and I was really impressed. Big, real and lovely sound that suited both active and passive sounds and a nice bell like tone, which I like. I tend to need a compressor to get that sound but it was there in this small bundle, especially when I activated the Contour switch
I've plugged into one of the bigger, earlier version combo models a few years ago and remember being impressed on that occasion as well.
I'd be interested to hear what people think and if a 200W does the job for pub gigs? I know it's recommended that you have a high wattage amp for bass and head room etc but I've been using a Roland Bass Cube 120 watter for the last few years and it's been fine.
Thanks
Comments
I’ve played quite a few gigs where the house amp has been a rumble 500 and it’s done a cracking job.
In my opinion, the price difference - and most importantly the size and weight difference - makes the 500 a no brainer over the 200.
The 500 is a classic and has a huge following - there’s an extension can available if you need any more heft later on.
Well worth every penny. The 500’s come up for sale secondhand on Basschat every now and again and get snapped up pretty quick.
BUT note that the 200 is only 140w with the internal speaker - it is 200w with an extension cab. I'm not sure that the extra money for another 40 watts is worth it. Maybe the 500 would be better (350 watts with just the internal speaker)
The built in overdrive is surprisingly versatile should you need to throw a Motörhead cover into the set.
Surprisingly, there's not a lot of difference in weight between the 200 and the 500 and about £100 difference in price for new.
Thus, by itself, the Rumble 200 will be no more powerful than the Roland Bass Cube.
That’s 500w and 4x10 of fender goodness for the price of a reasonable class D 500w head...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/184621401586617/permalink/2030307347018004?sale_post_id=2030307347018004&sfns=mo
well chuffed with mine and would definitely recommend the 500 over the 200. It’s still a tidy package.
With my Roland Bass Cube, the one big gig we did (an outdoor festival), it didn't matter about the volume as I took a DI out from the amp. However, as pleasing as that amp is, from what I've heard so far, the Rumble sounds better and I preferred it.
I also have a 40 in my den for practicing, they’re great amps IMHO.
I don’t bother with the combo bit - I DI from a pedal and have a PA wedge for monitor.
Trading feedback: http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/72424/