Ampeg Rocket Bass Combos

[butterfingers1]

I tried to like the Fender Rumbles (200W 115, 500W 210, 115 cab). I got rid of them two years ago but sometimes I wonder if I shouldn’t have kept them anyway, even if just to use as comparisons.

I use Traynor combos which are similar to GK. They don’t sound as nice on their own (cold clean harsh metallic, especially when raised up from the floor) but are wonderful playing with others and to recordings, and I play 1960s rock and motown.

Ampeg BA combos sound really nice at the store (as do Rumbles). I am really interested in the new Rocket Bass line, but hesitant because of my experience with Rumbles.

 

[iagtrplyr]

The BA110v2 can be had for $50 less than the Rumble 40. Frankly, I much prefer the Ampeg and did buy it after a side by side comparison to the Rumble. Be careful as you listen. The Rumble is initially more impressive with it's exaggerated lows but as you play you'll realize that the Ampeg is more honest sounding, IMHO.

Great point. As I've always noted, and I like the Rumble too, the Ampegs dish up a healthy amount of bass, but it's in a ratio where you can still hear the slightly forward mids, and most importantly, the bass further up the neck. The Fender tone stack, to me, doesn't quite do that unless you manipulate the tone controls excessively. There are, as you said, exaggerated low-mids that wash out much of everything else above it. I'll play through Fender, but always return to Ampeg when I want to hear each note. Again, my humble opinion only. Of course, if ya disagree, then jump off, this is an Ampeg page!

 

[Bill Murray]

Those are situations I would never think of using a combo . Those are gigs for a real amp .

Exactly! These aren’t “real bass amps”
They look cool and they’re fun but if your like me and only have the option to own 1 rig, these are not what you’re looking for.

As someone who was disappointed with GK and the Rumble prior to trying out the rocket I can say that if you’re only interested in the rocket because it’s in the vein of the other combos but didn’t like the others, than it’s likely you won’t be into the rocket series either.

Every gig gets a real amp and that’s what every bassist deserves.

I just wish Ampeg, Rumble, and GK could capture the BOOM/Headroom of a Markbass combo, then we’d have something worth while going on (IMHO).

 

[lowendrv]

Exactly! These aren’t “real bass amps”
They look cool and they’re fun but if your like me and only have the option to own 1 rig, these are not what you’re looking for.

As someone who was disappointed with GK and the Rumble prior to trying out the rocket I can say that if you’re only interested in the rocket because it’s in the vein of the other combos but didn’t like the others, than it’s likely you won’t be into the rocket series either.

Every gig gets a real amp and that’s what every bassist deserves.

I just wish Ampeg, Rumble, and GK could capture the BOOM/Headroom of a Markbass combo, then we’d have something worth while going on (IMHO).

A 30 watt 60 year old Ampeg B15 gig worthy for me .No matter how big the venue is .

 

[Bill Murray]

A 30 watt 60 year old Ampeg B15 gig worthy for me .No matter how big the venue is .

To be clear I’m not saying that Ampeg, GK, and Fender don’t make real bass amps. Just that their modern combos may not meet all of ones needs (specifically when it comes to volume)

I’m definitely jealous that you have a 60s ampeg 1x15! I used the same cab (not vintage) for a few years but the weight kind grew on me and at the time I wanted something more hi-fi. Still 15s are where it’s at.

 

[jeff7bass]

Exactly! These aren’t “real bass amps”
They look cool and they’re fun but if your like me and only have the option to own 1 rig, these are not what you’re looking for.

As someone who was disappointed with GK and the Rumble prior to trying out the rocket I can say that if you’re only interested in the rocket because it’s in the vein of the other combos but didn’t like the others, than it’s likely you won’t be into the rocket series either.

Every gig gets a real amp and that’s what every bassist deserves.

I just wish Ampeg, Rumble, and GK could capture the BOOM/Headroom of a Markbass combo, then we’d have something worth while going on (IMHO).

Have you compared the Legacy 800/212 combo to a Markbass?

 

[bassegg]

The BA110v2 can be had for $50 less than the Rumble 40. Frankly, I much prefer the Ampeg and did buy it after a side by side comparison to the Rumble. Be careful as you listen. The Rumble is initially more impressive with it's exaggerated lows but as you play you'll realize that the Ampeg is more honest sounding, IMHO.

Thank you. I agree and Ampeg just has that tone I love. I’ve set myself a budget for this purchase and for the money I can get either the Rumble 100, BA112 or RB110. I think I’d be happy with the 10” for my use case.

I’m going to use it with my acoustic rock covers band. No drums, just a cajon, and 2 guitars. I’ve always gone direct to the PA with my Sansamp but lately I’ve been wanting a small amp to use as my own monitor. Sometimes we play louder - weddings / parties - and the drummer brings an electronic kit. For those gigs I’d go through the PA.

Sorry for the essay but I’m just hoping tb’ers can help me make a decision or I may procrastinate on this forever Obviously I’d prefer a 12” but I think 10” would work.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Exactly! These aren’t “real bass amps”

That’s okay, I didn’t use “real money” when I bought it...

 

[P Cheen]

Exactly! These aren’t “real bass amps”

Lukas are you saying… that… we live in… in a simulation??

 

[Mastermold]

Exactly! These aren’t “real bass amps”
They look cool and they’re fun but if your like me and only have the option to own 1 rig, these are not what you’re looking for.

As someone who was disappointed with GK and the Rumble prior to trying out the rocket I can say that if you’re only interested in the rocket because it’s in the vein of the other combos but didn’t like the others, than it’s likely you won’t be into the rocket series either.

Every gig gets a real amp and that’s what every bassist deserves.

I just wish Ampeg, Rumble, and GK could capture the BOOM/Headroom of a Markbass combo, then we’d have something worth while going on (IMHO).

Only combo I’ve gigged is my Mesa Walkabout Scout, it’s got a 12” but also the bottom port which helps its effectiveness as a monitor when standing next to it and it’s 300 watts so plenty of headroom. And it sounds glorious.

 

[butterfingers1]

Sorry for the essay but I’m just hoping tb’ers can help me make a decision or I may procrastinate on this forever Obviously I’d prefer a 12” but I think 10” would work.

This even looks like a perfect setup for the Rocket Bass 30W 108.

I have a Traynor 120W 110 which would easily submerge any acoustic group. I bet the Ampeg RB 50W 110 can do the same.

 

[Bass]

...I can get either the Rumble 100, BA112 or RB110...

I have gigged with the Rumble 100 several times. We have drums, bass and guitar. It is normally OK, but sometimes depending on the room it is not quite enough.

If it were me, I would be looking for something bigger for gigs. But maybe it would be fine for you.

 

[Les Fret]

Exactly! These aren’t “real bass amps”

I don’t know why some of you don’t consider combo amps as real amps. They are just as real as any other amp. As said before the 15” version can possibly be used in almost any situation. Unless you play in a loud metal band in a large venue without a PA.

 

[butterfingers1]

I only ever used combos for 40 years. I don’t see why not have an amp and speaker conveniently integrated. Most can add an extension cab.

 

[butterfingers1]

Sorry for the essay but I’m just hoping tb’ers can help me make a decision or I may procrastinate on this forever Obviously I’d prefer a 12” but I think 10” would work.

Although I just saw the RB 108 doesn’t have a line out, that starts with the RB 110.

 

[P Cheen]

I don’t know why some of you don’t consider combo amps as real amps. They are just as real as any other amp. As said before the 15” version can possibly be used in almost any situation. Unless you play in a loud metal band in a large venue without a PA.

IKR? Somebody has to break the news to Brian May then…

 

[SJan3]

Thank you. I agree and Ampeg just has that tone I love. I’ve set myself a budget for this purchase and for the money I can get either the Rumble 100, BA112 or RB110. I think I’d be happy with the 10” for my use case.

I’m going to use it with my acoustic rock covers band. No drums, just a cajon, and 2 guitars. I’ve always gone direct to the PA with my Sansamp but lately I’ve been wanting a small amp to use as my own monitor. Sometimes we play louder - weddings / parties - and the drummer brings an electronic kit. For those gigs I’d go through the PA.

Sorry for the essay but I’m just hoping tb’ers can help me make a decision or I may procrastinate on this forever Obviously I’d prefer a 12” but I think 10” would work.

If you're going to the PA more often than not, the RB110 should be fine for your application. That said, the BA112 is more stout on it's own but it doesn't have a DI out like the RB series.

 

[jeff7bass]

Only combo I’ve gigged is my Mesa Walkabout Scout, it’s got a 12” but also the bottom port which helps its effectiveness as a monitor when standing next to it and it’s 300 watts so plenty of headroom. And it sounds glorious.

Mesa used to make top notch combos but then went away from them. I think more people wanted separate components then so building powerful combos wasn't really paying off. That's why it's interesting that GK has decided to go the opposite direction and build these new super combos. It actually saves the buyer 200-300 bucks although there are still a couple of trade-offs. The market fluctuates. Ampeg is going to sell a ton of these combos as long as they hold up quality-wise. Many players simply don't need big stage volume anymore and are also getting older so they also need light equipment. They look great and the 210 is 250 watts by itself so is plenty for even fairly loud stages. It's also reasonably priced at 650 bucks. I do wish the RB-115 was 200w at 8 ohms however. You need an extension for the full 200w so by itself it's a rehearsal, small gig amp. That's why I liked the 112 right off. All 100w go to the internal speaker so it is what it is. Should be great for recording, rehearsals and small gigs. At 400 bucks, price is right. Did I mention they look great?

 

[JimmyM]

Id say there are absolutely all in the same wheelhouse, just different vibes.

The Ampeg (at least on my opinion) felt and looked the best.

They all suffer from the same issue though, they sound best at low volumes and can only be pushed to about 70-80% of their max volume before farting out.

Most of the greatest amps in history do that. It's nothing new.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Only combo I’ve gigged is my Mesa Walkabout Scout, it’s got a 12” but also the bottom port which helps its effectiveness as a monitor when standing next to it and it’s 300 watts so plenty of headroom. And it sounds glorious.

Sounds like a “real” amp to me!