Are the new Fender Rumbles "beginner" amps?

ScottG · #1 08-04-2010, 03:02 PM

In the market for a new amp. Would love to have an Ampeg, but can't really afford it. Wife just had our first baby 3 months ago. Anyway, my bass guy at my local shop has been talking up the new Rumble 350 but I have this mental block about them. Somehow I've convinced myself they are "beginner" amps & I am past that phase in my playing. What say you? Can the new Rumbles hold their own with the big boys like Ampeg?

guroove · #2 08-04-2010, 03:08 PM

Yes, they are beginner amps. Which Ampegs are you looking at? The BA series amps are very inexpensive, although somewhat amateurish.

steamthief · #3 08-04-2010, 03:10 PM

Have you played through it? What are your thoughts about the sound?

ScottG · #4 08-04-2010, 04:33 PM

Played it yesterday. Seemed pretty solid & pretty good tone. The Ampeg I would get right now is the 300 watt with 2 10's. Not sure of the model #. they sell for around $750. Which is a lot, but I could just save up for it. I'm also interested in Acoustic, but I try to buy local when I can. My shop carries fender, peavey, & ampeg.

pica · #5 08-04-2010, 04:37 PM

Fender makes a Rumble 350. 350 watts with two 10" speakers. I don't really think this is a "beginner" amp. But I could be wrong.

steamthief · #6 08-04-2010, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottG

Played it yesterday. Seemed pretty solid & pretty good tone. The Ampeg I would get right now is the 300 watt with 2 10's. Not sure of the model #. they sell for around $750. Which is a lot, but I could just save up for it. I'm also interested in Acoustic, but I try to buy local when I can. My shop carries fender, peavey, & ampeg.

What's it cost? If it sounds good, is built well and seems like a reasonable price, why not go for it? Does your local shop allow returns if you change your mind? I'd have to agree with the above poster, 350 watts doesn't seem like a beginner amp.

BTW, I have a Fender TB-600 head, love it.

bal704 · #7 08-04-2010, 04:42 PM

I saw the Rumble 350 at GC today. Didn't get a chance to plug it in, but it didn't look beginner. 2x10 on casters, not terribly heavy. Looked like decent features.

RickenBoogie · #8 08-04-2010, 04:46 PM

I don't think the word "beginner amp" is correct. "Entry level" is a better description. Most all amp makers have an entry level of models, Ampeg the "BA" series, GK the "Backline", and Fender's "Rumble". Doesn't make them a bad amp, or unable to use professionally, just that it's their lower cost models, nothing more.

ScottG · #9 08-04-2010, 04:47 PM

I guess my concerns are overall quality. My background is "you get what you pay for." so I have it in my head that the Ampeg is a "better" amp just because it's more expensive. I play nothing but Fender basses. I trust Fender. It just seems like the bassman series is their "pro" line & the Rumbles are the starter line.

VanillaThundah · #10 08-04-2010, 04:53 PM

I had a Fender Rumble 100 as my first REAL bass amp. It was 100w into a 15" speaker and if I had known how to EQ correctly (not scooping the mids), then it would still be in my possession to this day. It was a great backup or practice amp and could hold its own easily in a band setting, just don't forget to turn that mid scoop button off

ScottG · #11 08-04-2010, 05:49 PM

My shop would work with me if I had a problem. I've been going to them for 22 years and about 90% of the gear I've bought came from them, so they know me. Also, the guy that runs the bass dept. is a friend so I know he's not just trying to make a sell. If he says the Rumble 350 will suit my needs, it's because he actually believes it will. I just have this nagging in my gut. In the last hour though, I've read some pretty bad reviews on the Ampeg. It's the BA300/210 BTW. Seems the quality control is a little sketchy. HMMMMM......

Bass_Pounder · #12 08-04-2010, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottG

I'm also interested in Acoustic, but I try to buy local when I can. My shop carries fender, peavey, & ampeg.

Acoustic is more of a beginner/entry level amp then the Fender. They are NOT the Acoustic of old.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottG

I guess my concerns are overall quality. My background is "you get what you pay for." so I have it in my head that the Ampeg is a "better" amp just because it's more expensive. I play nothing but Fender basses. I trust Fender. It just seems like the bassman series is their "pro" line & the Rumbles are the starter line.

"Usually" you get what you pay for. I would not say that is true with the lower level Ampegs anymore - top of the line stuff is still good, but the lower level stuff is just cashing in on the name.

As long as Fender is not still putting those cheesy lights in the port slots, I would say go for it if you like the tone your getting.

ScottG · #13 08-04-2010, 06:19 PM

Does anyone know where the Rumble line is built/made? I assume it's not USA & I can't seem to get an answer on the Fender board.

pica · #14 08-04-2010, 06:55 PM

I found a source that said the amps are made in Baja California, Mexico.

ajunea3 · #15 08-04-2010, 07:00 PM

I don't know what kind of power or volume levels you're looking for, but I say go for the Ampeg micro-SVT and matching 2x10. I played one the other day and it floored me how warm and tubey the sound was. And at 600$ for a damn good 200 watt combination, your amp GAS should be satisfied.

treekiller · #16 08-04-2010, 07:07 PM

I have a Rumble 100 2-10" that was part of my "beginner rig"(I used it on top of an ancient Peavey TNT 100 1-15"). I use it now as a practice amp and while it's ok, I wouldn't rush out to buy one. IIRC, the Rumble 350 replaces the Bassman 250 2=10" combo. I haven't seen or played thru one, but I'm willing to bet there are better deals out there.

Anybody played thru one of the new TV hybrids???

warnergt · #17 08-04-2010, 07:23 PM

How many "beginner amps" have 350 watts?

Jim Nazium · #18 08-04-2010, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

I don't think the word "beginner amp" is correct. "Entry level" is a better description. Most all amp makers have an entry level of models, Ampeg the "BA" series, GK the "Backline", and Fender's "Rumble". Doesn't make them a bad amp, or unable to use professionally, just that it's their lower cost models, nothing more.

I agree, there's really no such thing as a "beginner" amp. There are amps for various budgets, and plenty of working pros have limited budgets for gear. If it fits your budget and you like the sound, go for it.

C.Linton · #19 08-04-2010, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottG

Does anyone know where the Rumble line is built/made? I assume it's not USA & I can't seem to get an answer on the Fender board.

My rumble 15 which i just got last week says on the back panel that it was made in Korea. I would assume the other Rumble amps are too.

C.Linton · #20 08-04-2010, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pica

I found a source that said the amps are made in Baja California, Mexico.

See my previous post ^^^^. I believe your source may be wrong.