Picking up a 1x15 combo in the next couple weeks. It will be used specifically in a project in which the band leader requested a "not modern 1x15 bass sound". Majority of rooms will be small (like 100ppl
max) anything bigger will have PA support.
Don't want to spend more than $500. I tend to like my gig tools to be simple. It doesn't have to crazy light - but I don't want anything over 60/65lbs....(or I would just snag a Peavey TNT used somewhere...)
I played a gig with a guy using a Fender Rumble 150 and thought it sounded just fine. Plenty loud, warm and certainly 'not modern'. 50lbs, cheap as hell.
Local shop has those as well as N.O.S. Bassman 250/115. I thought it sounded just fine too. Roughly the same weight. $220 more ($589 vs $369).
Rumble Pros:
cheap
sounds fine
deeper seated casters
delivers full power into internal speaker
have had good experiences with a Rumble 350 2x10 combo
Cons:
no track record
cheap
the 'tolex' is a joke
Bassman Pros
better speaker (and theoretically better parts)
features like on-board compressor, room balance and sem-parametric mids...seperate gain and master....
Cons
rat fur (although arguably better than the Rumble's tissue paper covering)
requires external cab to reach full power (only a con as in this situation adding a second cab is not an option)
as a % of total cost - significantly more expensive
Rumble = Made in China Bassman= Indonesia - so imho a trade-off
any experience with either of these combos? Other than the wheels any other Achilles heals for those Bassman combos?
To my ears the Bassman sounded like a more versatile, 'pro feature' equipped combo. If this purchase was to be my only amp for all bands etc - I think I would choose this one as it certainly has more tones on hand - just not sure I will use any of these other tones in this project.... also not sure that the 'home tone' of the Rumble (though less versatile and refined) isn't more what the doctor ordered.
thanks
tried a GK MB115 as well - cool amp and stupidly light - but (to me) too modern for this project...like the 1x12 too!
Carvin not an option due to import duty etc....
The newer Peavey combos sounded decent to me - (actually like the tour heads a bit more....) but not as old school as the Fenders (again just to my ears)
Like the Bassman TVs....but too pricey...
Yorkville/Traynor - plentiful used up here - but very clean/transparent for the most part....and heavy
