Hi Folks,
I’m getting pretty close to ordering a Fender Rumble 500 combo for my first bass amp. Before I do, I just want to see if anyone out there would suggest that I stop and look at something else.
Let’s see, some potentially useful and related info: I will be buying something new, preferably from my local shop. It’s a small town here and, due to a very busy life, I don’t have much time to explore various local ads for used gear. (Not that there are many here.) Let’s say that the budget limit is the price of a Rumble 500 combo, at $550. I figure that it’s either stay cheap like this or go all the way with a Greenboy cabinet and some fancy head, coming out closer to $2,000+. There are so many ways to let the $550 creep up to $2,000+. I’ll cap it at $550ish for now. I can barely play bass yet. I’m more of a guitar player, but not great there, either. If, by chance, life becomes less busy and I can put a lot of time into learning bass, start gigging, and I outgrow a $550 amp and end up spending $2,000+ for something better… I’d be happy as a clam and not complain about the lost money on amp #1.
The amp now should be good for playing at home, but also give a sense of the pants flapping and power, when the family is away and I turn it up. I don’t gig but it would be nice to have something that is giggle should I ever reach that point. A headphone out would be nice, but is not required. I have a Jazz bass on the way. I don’t “play” any specific kind of music. Mostly just plinking around. But if I get better, surf music is where I’d like to be. And blues. Maybe jazz if I actually learn how all those fancy strings and frets work. 
In some stores, I have played a Fender Rumble 100 (just OK), Rumble 200 (much better), and Rumble 500 (very similar to the 200). I also played the Ampeg 1x15 combo equivalent (forget the model, BA-115 maybe). To my neophyte ears, the Rumble 200 (1x15) sounded cleaner and clearer than the Ampeg. The Ampeg has a specific sound that some may like, but it was not for me. I want clarity over coloration. The Rumble 200 would probably be fine for but now but, eh, a little more spent for the extra power of the Rumble 500 might help if I have any future with the bass.
Anyways, when all is put together, the Rumble 500 seems like a very good option for me. Just thought that I’d check with the residential wisdom here first. Thanks very much!
-Jon
I’m getting pretty close to ordering a Fender Rumble 500 combo for my first bass amp. Before I do, I just want to see if anyone out there would suggest that I stop and look at something else.
Let’s see, some potentially useful and related info: I will be buying something new, preferably from my local shop. It’s a small town here and, due to a very busy life, I don’t have much time to explore various local ads for used gear. (Not that there are many here.) Let’s say that the budget limit is the price of a Rumble 500 combo, at $550. I figure that it’s either stay cheap like this or go all the way with a Greenboy cabinet and some fancy head, coming out closer to $2,000+. There are so many ways to let the $550 creep up to $2,000+. I’ll cap it at $550ish for now. I can barely play bass yet. I’m more of a guitar player, but not great there, either. If, by chance, life becomes less busy and I can put a lot of time into learning bass, start gigging, and I outgrow a $550 amp and end up spending $2,000+ for something better… I’d be happy as a clam and not complain about the lost money on amp #1.
The amp now should be good for playing at home, but also give a sense of the pants flapping and power, when the family is away and I turn it up. I don’t gig but it would be nice to have something that is giggle should I ever reach that point. A headphone out would be nice, but is not required. I have a Jazz bass on the way. I don’t “play” any specific kind of music. Mostly just plinking around. But if I get better, surf music is where I’d like to be. And blues. Maybe jazz if I actually learn how all those fancy strings and frets work. In some stores, I have played a Fender Rumble 100 (just OK), Rumble 200 (much better), and Rumble 500 (very similar to the 200). I also played the Ampeg 1x15 combo equivalent (forget the model, BA-115 maybe). To my neophyte ears, the Rumble 200 (1x15) sounded cleaner and clearer than the Ampeg. The Ampeg has a specific sound that some may like, but it was not for me. I want clarity over coloration. The Rumble 200 would probably be fine for but now but, eh, a little more spent for the extra power of the Rumble 500 might help if I have any future with the bass.
Anyways, when all is put together, the Rumble 500 seems like a very good option for me. Just thought that I’d check with the residential wisdom here first. Thanks very much!
-Jon
