Are Fender Rumble heads really that bad?

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by IPYF

I probably wouldn't buy one in today's market because it's low powered and not a micro. Low wattage amps which you can't fit in a backpack are going to struggle in 2013 and beyond.

Not entirely sure about that. There are plenty of players out there who wouldn't ever be caught dead using a micro. I'm not one of them, but I know lots, and most haven't changed their minds about it and aren't likely to. I totally get why, too. Just like regular SS wasn't a direct substitute for tube when it first came out, micro isn't a direct sub for regular SS, either.

[IPYF]

But are those people who don't want to swap to micro in the market for budget amps rated <500w?

I don't get that. I just don't see why anyone would want a full-weight low-wattage amp. I know people do, but i dont know why. Not when you could have a MB or a Shuttle or a BH250. You would have to go a long way these days to convince me that the tone on a Rumble or an Ashdown Mag was superior to any of the micros mentioned above. I could understand if Trace Elliot was your bag why you would put up with the weight but that's about the only example I can think of.

[RadioRob]

Originally Posted by Dugachug

Rumble has an awesome clean sound in my opinion, but it doesn't have the right distortion/overdrive i'm looking for, but then again you can use overdrive pedals. I do think the pf-500 sounds better to my ears.

I had the PF-500 and it does sound nice, but it doesn't do clean. It has a warm sound, modeled after the early Ampegs. I need and like a clean tone.

[Edward G.]

I can't claim any experience with the heads but all the Rumble combos I've tried have sounded great. I was so surprised and pleased that I ended up buying a small one (60 watts) for practice.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by RadioRob

I had the PF-500 and it does sound nice, but it doesn't do clean. It has a warm sound, modeled after the early Ampegs. I need and like a clean tone.

Certainly it does clean. Does clean very well IMHO.

[Peepaleep]

I played a medium/large sized room (for me, ~300 people) with a Rumble 350, and the 2x8 and 1x12 cabs as backline gear. It had plenty of power, plenty of volume and was plenty good enough for the gig. I didn't get to mess with the controls much because as soon as I found the sound I wanted I let it stay at that, but I got the feeling that it is a good no-frills amp that gives you decent tone without a lot of bells and whistles.

I have the Rumble 75 combo and find the amp to be adequate. I even payed a small solo show with it (40 people or so) and it was enough to keep people entertained. Is it as versatile as my Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0 with my Schroeder 112 cab? No. But it's a decent amp that will do what you need it to do.

[rockamimjazz]

Some time ago, I had a Rumble 100 1x15 combo. It was built well, sounded decent enough, and gave me no problems. In the end, it just wasn't the sound I was looking for. But it did what it was designed to do, and it was reasonably priced. Nothing wrong with that.

[Jaco who?]

http://www.fender.com/series/rumble/rumble-350-head/



5.6 lbs. class D.

[Youngspanion]

I played through a Fender Rumble 100 today. I was blown away. So....blown away. I play through a LM2 normally and a RS210 and I never felt so happy with my tone. I liked it all. up and down the neck. I'm going to start looking into the Rumble 350 head and see if I get from that, what I think is the tone I wan't to hear from my rig.

[Zoa]

They're alright if you like cleaner, more modern tones. They don't have a great weight-to-power ratio though, and IMHO there are certainly better options out there at that price point.

[Russell L]

I don't get paying $550 for a Rumble 350 with only 350w at 4 ohms when $50 more can buy a Little Mark III with 300w at 8 ohms and 500w at 4 ohms. Maybe it sounds ok, but jeez. (Oops, I see that was the MSRP price, never mind).

[tabdog]

Originally Posted by Russell L

I don't get paying $550 for a Rumble 350 with only 350w at 4 ohms when $50 more can buy a Little Mark III with 300w at 8 ohms and 500w at 4 ohms. Maybe it sounds ok, but jeez. (Oops, I see that was the MSRP price, never mind).

Mine was on clearance $250 with a 15%
discount, $212.50.

$230 out the door at GC.

I think it's a nice sounding amp and it is
easy to use.

Sure, I'd rather have a Mark Bass, but I
ain't got tha jack,

Tabdog

[Floyd Eye]

Personally I wouldn't pay that for the MarkBass either.

[shoesandbasses]

I really like the rumble 350 on a 115 and 210, and it sounds great! Also sounds great by itself with the 210!

Quit h8n!

[blaze17]

I have been gigging a Rumble 350 for almost a year now and it hasn't missed a beat. I got it after having to return a PF350 for the dreaded cut out issue. I'll admit the PF350 sounded slightly sweeter but I had to go for reliability.

I play rock covers in medium size bars with a 5 string and two SVT15E cabs. I've never needed the volume past 1:00.

BTW they're only $400 and easily fit in a backpack.

[rydin4lifebass]

I have the 350 through a fender 410.. adds nice punchy bottom end to my ears and can put out the low b when I need it. Snagged the pair from musicians friend with 15% off and free shipping last year. I'm quite happy with it!