800$ limit on gigging rig

[MrKeef]

The downside to high tech heads is that they become obsolete quickly. I don’t mind that in pedals. But in heads / combos, the fewer things that can break are a plus in my book. But whatever works for you is what works for you.

I own a Helix, so I’m not anti modeling. Just prefer to keep it out of the amp.

I'm not a big effects person, primarily a little overdrive. I do mostly blues/country and rock/metal with two different bands.

 

[Son of Wobble]

I'm a big fan of keeping things simple. I don't want any more knobs, doodle-ma-bobbers, or thing-a-ma-hickeys than is necessary. "Necessary" features will vary by user, but doesn't the Rumble 800 rely on Fender maintaining a phone app to interface with it?

These rigs have bluetooth onboard so they can be upgraded over time, just like your phone and your desktop.
So yes, they're computerized, and to that degree run the risk of becoming outdated at some point, upgrade capability or not.

But if you'r into doodle-ma-bobbers and thing-a-ma-hickeys, this is the amp for you! The amp emulations sound great. Even if you are a rank beginner, and want to end up with a one-trick-pony amp, this would be a relatively economical way to learn what sound you really like.

All that plus 800 watts in a lightweight package for under eight bills? At that point, who cares about resale value. Imagine what $599 is gonna buy in ten years!

 

[MrKeef]

So it seems the biggest ones that continue to pop up are the Rumble 500 combo, Rumble 500 head with the 4x10 Cab, Rumble Studio 800, and Ampeg PF500 with the Peavey 4x10 Cab. There have been some other great one off suggestions as well! I just keep seeing these pop up consistently with plenty of discussion about the pros and cons of each!

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I'm not a big effects person, primarily a little overdrive. I do mostly blues/country and rock/metal with two different bands.

The Helix has never left the house. But it’s fun to make weird noises with it.

 

[Son of Wobble]

So it seems the biggest ones that continue to pop up are the Rumble 500 combo, Rumble 500 head with the 4x10 Cab, Rumble Studio 800, and Ampeg PF500 with the Peavey 4x10 Cab. There have been some other great one off suggestions as well! I just keep seeing these pop up consistently with plenty of discussion about the pros and cons of each!

One way I'd ordinarily divide the choices is Fender V Ampeg, which to most ears are pretty distinct sounds, and kinda like a choice between ketchup and mustard if you will. Thing is, the Fender Rumble Studio 800 has Ampeg and SVT cab samples, so you can dial in Ampeg on your Fender(!). That's a game-changer to be sure.

 

[MrKeef]

One way I'd ordinarily divide the choices is Fender V Ampeg, which to most ears are pretty distinct sounds, and kinda like a choice between ketchup and mustard if you will. Thing is, the Fender Rumble Studio 800 has Ampeg and SVT cab samples, so you can dial in Ampeg on your Fender(!). That's a game-changer to be sure.

That's true as well.. I completely forgot that the 800 can cop a Ampeg tone. Even though I had just watched the demo video with someone doing just that. If the Studio 800 comes with the pedal.. It may just be the clear winner..

 

[MrKeef]

One way I'd ordinarily divide the choices is Fender V Ampeg, which to most ears are pretty distinct sounds, and kinda like a choice between ketchup and mustard if you will. Thing is, the Fender Rumble Studio 800 has Ampeg and SVT cab samples, so you can dial in Ampeg on your Fender(!). That's a game-changer to be sure.

Guess the best thing I can do is start the payment plan on the 800, play with it for a month or so and if I don't like it, zzounds has a 45 day return policy.

 

[Son of Wobble]

That's true as well.. I completely forgot that the 800 can cop a Ampeg tone. Even though I had just watched the demo video with someone doing just that. If the Studio 800 comes with the pedal.. It may just be the clear winner..

Sweetwater specs sheet says the foot switch is indeed included.

 

[beaglesandbass]

I’ve also thought the 210 sounded good. But GK isn’t available through ZZounds and I believe that’s where he is going to purchase, only there.

Ah I missed that part

 

[MrLenny1]

I'm partial to the used market.
You can buy top of the line for 1/2 price.
i.e. GK, Aguilar,Eden.

 

[forrestlaw]

These rigs have bluetooth onboard so they can be upgraded over time, just like your phone and your desktop.
So yes, they're computerized, and to that degree run the risk of becoming outdated at some point, upgrade capability or not.

But if you'r into doodle-ma-bobbers and thing-a-ma-hickeys, this is the amp for you! The amp emulations sound great. Even if you are a rank beginner, and want to end up with a one-trick-pony amp, this would be a relatively economical way to learn what sound you really like.

All that plus 800 watts in a lightweight package for under eight bills? At that point, who cares about resale value. Imagine what $599 is gonna buy in ten years!

More power is definitely appealing. Even a Rumble 800 with the same feature set as the 500 combo would merit lots of attention. This seems to be that and ALOT more.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Don't chase the watts unicorn. The cab's efficiency is the key. 300W into a more efficient cab is going to be louder than 800W into a lesser cab.

 

[bordinco90]

Have they released a 2x10 ext cab for the Stage 800 yet?

Not too sure. I was just talking about what I used to own.

 

[DrummerwStrings]

I've heard people have had issues with cheap electronics in the Ampeg PF heads, don't know how true it is. Any insight?

Yamaha bought Ampeg, so if this was a problem it won't continue to be. I'm curious to see if others have seen cheap electronics - a real problem would be underspec electronics.

 

[Tom Baker]

The Helix has never left the house. But it’s fun to make weird noises with it.

I gig my Helix. Helix+QSC+ Cab of my choice. works great.

 

[Linnin]

 

[MrKeef]

View attachment 3089940

That is beautiful!

 

[catalin gramada]

800 bucks=8xTNT130

Here 200 bucks version:

 

[p-time bass guy]

Fender Rumble 500! Go!

Trying out a bass in GC. Plugged it into a Rumble 12" combo. Didn't buy the bass but walked out with the Rumble !! Cant believe how nice this thing is. Thinking mainly someones home or small indoor gigs. I have 2 other amps and 4 cabs but brought this to a outdoor backyard gig. It was great!! Can only imagine how good the 500 is.

 

[DavesnothereCA]

If you can push your budget just a bit, I would recommend the Quilter 800 and Peavey Headliner 410.

I saw a band perform two months ago and the bassist ran that head with a 210 Peavey cab. Couldn't believe how tight, punchy, and good that rig sounded. I believe going head/cab will give more flexibility down the road.

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In used gear, I just recently paired my 52 pound Peavey Headliner 210 cab with an somewhat older Peavey Tour 450 head (22 pounds, and puts 300 Class AB RMS watts into this 8 ohm 200 watt RMS cab - it can slightly overpower the cab), and was quite pleasantly surprised for a couple of gigs.

If you can find something similar, new or used, you can always add a 2nd cab later if necessary.

BTW, that cab of mine is for sale or trade on Kijiji, as it weighs too much for an old geezer like me to lift alone anymore.

I also have a used Ampeg Micro VR rig, and would like to get a 2nd of its own much lighter cab (SVT210AV) to double up, as nearly everyone here (in a specific thread of over 50 pages) has praised running 2 of those cabs together with one head or another.

BTW, a Micro VR rig might be something for the OP to consider too.
~