noob and amp expectations

[wrench45us]

so I'm just getting started with bass and didn't wanted to limit the cash outlay incase it didn't work out, so bought a Fender Rumble 15 for a practice amp.

1) it sounds much much better through headphone than it does through the speaker -- rich and detailed (Grado 80's) that I don't get even half of through the speaker.

2) I'm playing at low volumes to limit disturbing others, so I don't expect a lot of detail from the speaker, but wondering is this a characteristic of wattage or speaker or both.

3) If I turn it up I don't really get a lot more detail, what I do get is a certain boominess with certain frequencies (mostly E string ) like the amp/speaker gets a downwind boost. I have to use less neck and more bridge pickup and set balance more to treble to get rid of the boomy response. This doesn't happen under headphoes, so I assume it's like a speaker resonance sort of issue. Anyway I don't like the tone I end up with after I make these adjustments near as much.

So not knowing too much about amps, is this typical behavior?
What is the usual solution?

Did I just get a nice headphone amp and forget using the speaker?
Would I have the same issue with other practice amps -- say an Acoustic B-20 that seems to get some love on this board?

Do I need to get into serious wattage to get the same level of rich detail I get underheadphoes from a speaker -- an at what sort of volume level?

lost of noob amp questions

[klokker]

It's a Rumble 15, give it a break. It's not going to be a tone machine or push a deep rich tone at any kind of volume. And yes you'll get more bass response out of your headphones than the speaker. Totally normal for this kind of amp.

Personally I like the little Rumbles. Super light and good enough for practice. I'd just enjoy getting better at bass and save up for a better amp someday.

[tom once dead]

Small, cheaper combo's like that one will always have that kind of tone. It's just because it's generally a small speaker that can't handle much low end. Also just the small size of the enclosure will affect the tone just as much.

[Son of Bovril]

The boominess on certain notes is usually due to certain frequencies resonating more than others because of the size and shape of the room.

The headphones will have a more detailed sound because there is less lost in the reproduction of the sound wave by the speaker in the room before it gets to your ear...

The rumble is a decent performing little combo for it's price, nice for home or acoustic practice but it won't keep up with a loud'ish band

it is typical behavior for your amp, don't worry

[wrench45us]

what sort of wattage would I have to have to approach the tone detail I get in the headphones?

and my guess is that takes it out of a quiet practice amp category
and probably wouldn't be there at low volume levels even with a more powerful amp?

[waleross]

+1 on giving the 15 watt apractice amp a break. I would plan on getting an up-grade to 75 watts or better, my first was a Fender Rumble 60 ................

[ian_s]

You can always plug in headphones, or keep the volume low. I started with a headphone amp, then moved to an Acoustic B20 which I think is a better practice amp than the Fender. Then tiny heads - a GK MB200 to go with my own cab, but while I was building the cab, the GK worked great through headphones. This last is a great idea because it gives you flexibility to grow.

[wrench45us]

would a preamp help the tonal reproduction on the Fender?

I need to pick up something for DI anyway.

[Bass_Pounder]

Originally Posted by wrench45us

would a preamp help the tonal reproduction on the Fender?

I need to pick up something for DI anyway.

Most likely not................


Look at it this way:

Which sounds better, listening to a transister radio or a home stereo ?

Both can be set to the same relative volume, but which one sounds fuller/richer/beefier