Ampeg Rocket Bass Combos

[SheaNC]

I still own my beloved B-100R, but I bought an RB-110 because I like the simplicity of a 3-band EQ, and it is smaller, lighter, and also has the built-in overdrive, which is something I have always liked. I only got it as a home-use amp, but now I just don't like it as much as I thought I would. It's a great little amp, but I think I will go back to the good old B-100R. If I want overdrive I have a VT-Bass pedal or an old Tube Works Blue Tube pedal. Maybe the RB-110 was my "midlife crisis" amp.

 

[GreyBeard]

Should give the Rumbles a run for their money

 

[iagtrplyr]

I still own my beloved B-100R, but I bought an RB-110 because I like the simplicity of a 3-band EQ, and it is smaller, lighter, and also has the built-in overdrive, which is something I have always liked. I only got it as a home-use amp, but now I just don't like it as much as I thought I would. It's a great little amp, but I think I will go back to the good old B-100R. If I want overdrive I have a VT-Bass pedal or an old Tube Works Blue Tube pedal. Maybe the RB-110 was my "midlife crisis" amp.

Can ya tell us what it was exactly that you didn't care for in the RB-110? Obviously, there's the volume and speaker size difference, but was there something tone-wise you didn't like as well? Just curious. Thanks!

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Anyone who has actually played both the RB-115 and the RB-210, please feel free to chime in. Unfortunately, I don't have local shops that stock the 2 Ampeg models I'm considering. The fact that I haven't owned a cab with a 15" driver for at least 16 years might sway me to get the RB-115. Also, it's $100 less.

I'd actually go for it over the two, if I have owned any ampeg 15s. I love their 12s, I love their 10s. I can't imagine not loving their 15s, but I've never owned one. So over the 2 in question, I would buy the 210. Based off the "what if I didn't like it?" factor.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I still own my beloved B-100R, but I bought an RB-110 because I like the simplicity of a 3-band EQ, and it is smaller, lighter, and also has the built-in overdrive, which is something I have always liked. I only got it as a home-use amp, but now I just don't like it as much as I thought I would. It's a great little amp, but I think I will go back to the good old B-100R. If I want overdrive I have a VT-Bass pedal or an old Tube Works Blue Tube pedal. Maybe the RB-110 was my "midlife crisis" amp.

You have to play these cabs for a couple weeks before they blossom.

I have the 12. It started out kinda boomy, and a little dark. But, still sounding pretty darn great for the price and weight. Totally happy with it in all areas. Like, well above my combo standards, which I admit, aren't very high. I haven't had another combo in like 15 years. It's been about a month. I'm now bumping the low end up a notch, and dialing back the treble. Also, it was driving a lot easier than it is now, and the SGT circuit actually doesn't sound half bad. When I got it, I couldn't get anything I liked out of the SGT.

Play it for a month or so, it blossoms.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I have the RB115 and have ran a Warwick Corvette Standard, Fender Jazz Elite, and a Fender American P Bass thru it. All three are fivers and all three sounded fantastic. No issue handling the B at all. My expectations weren't real high as it is just a combo and I bought it for a grab and go type deal. I wasn't too thrilled in the beginning with the sound and chalked it up to it is what it is. Still pleased but wasn't "wowed" by it. After having this now for about a month and a half this thing has exceeded my expectations. Pretty versatile, in my opinion, but I tend to like my sound a bit on the warm side and it accomplishes that with no problem. I have other gear for a bigger sound and flavor but for the purpose I bought this for? Couldn't be happier. As a matter of fact I have a low profile gig coming up playing contemporary country in a pretty decent sized pavilion. Have some stout PA support so just for fun I'm thinking of leaving the Aguilar stuff at the house and bringing the RB115 to see what it can do with a line out. The other pickers are easy going and they would be interested to see as well.

Yup. Same deal with the 12. At first, it was just good. Not amazing, but perfectly great for what I got it for.

Now, it's been about a month, and it's amazing me everytime I plug into it. They apparently have a few week break in time. Start out good, get great. Love it.

 

[Les Fret]

I still own my beloved B-100R, but I bought an RB-110 because I like the simplicity of a 3-band EQ, and it is smaller, lighter, and also has the built-in overdrive, which is something I have always liked. I only got it as a home-use amp, but now I just don't like it as much as I thought I would. It's a great little amp, but I think I will go back to the good old B-100R. If I want overdrive I have a VT-Bass pedal or an old Tube Works Blue Tube pedal. Maybe the RB-110 was my "midlife crisis" amp.

What did you not like about it? Did you like the sound of the B100R more? I also have the B100R.

 

[68Tele-Bass]

Yup. Same deal with the 12. At first, it was just good. Not amazing, but perfectly great for what I got it for.

Now, it's been about a month, and it's amazing me everytime I plug into it. They apparently have a few week break in time. Start out good, get great. Love it.

“Blossoms”. Can’t wait for this RB-115 to bloom. Have another Friday night/Saturday with no sound restrictions !!

I think the Epi EB-3 gets to go to bat. I want to hear that Sidewinder “Mudbucker” through the ‘peg 15” Eminence

 

[mickebas]

They sound like an ampeg bro. Will it be the same as your all tube heads, no. Will it be similar, yes. I've had plenty of ampeg heads and cabs. Portaflex 210 and a V4b being two of them. It sounds like an ampeg bro. They really did do a good job with these combos.

It will sound much closer to your rig now, than your Rumble will. My personal opinion, a heck of a lot better.

I was mostly hesitating between the RB115 or the RB210 but went with the 115 since I usually don’t play that loud and prefer warmth over aggressiveness in tone… not that I think the 210 is that aggressive but I already feel I have that option covered and would like a portable version of my PF50T/PF115HE combo. I’m aware it wount sound like my tube Ampegs but hopefully it will be warm and sweet enough. And I already know it looks fantastic
Will pick it up later today.

 

[R2Bass]

I owned a BA115v2 in the past as a giging amp and that tone is what I always was looking for. Nevertheless, I missed a bit more power and sound clarity when playing with the band (just with the combo, no PA). So, I finally decided to go for the RB210 this time. The gain knob is a feature that I would have liked to have on these new combos, but I think the tone/power/portability balance makes them winning combos (at least for ampeg fans like me).
I already ordered the RB210 it but it seems there is no stock in Europe yet ... Looking forward to receive it and post a photo in the thread!

BTW: Thank you very much @iagtrplyr for your help to make this decision

 

[iagtrplyr]

You have to play these cabs for a couple weeks before they blossom.

I have the 12. It started out kinda boomy, and a little dark. But, still sounding pretty darn great for the price and weight. Totally happy with it in all areas. Like, well above my combo standards, which I admit, aren't very high. I haven't had another combo in like 15 years. It's been about a month. I'm now bumping the low end up a notch, and dialing back the treble. Also, it was driving a lot easier than it is now, and the SGT circuit actually doesn't sound half bad. When I got it, I couldn't get anything I liked out of the SGT.

Play it for a month or so, it blossoms.

This should be added to the stickies because it’s universal to all combos. Give ‘em some time to break in and hear what happens. If you still don’t like it then it’s not for you.

 

[iagtrplyr]

I was mostly hesitating between the RB115 or the RB210 but went with the 115 since I usually don’t play that loud and prefer warmth over aggressiveness in tone… not that I think the 210 is that aggressive but I already feel I have that option covered and would like a portable version of my PF50T/PF115HE combo. I’m aware it wount sound like my tube Ampegs but hopefully it will be warm and sweet enough. And I already know it looks fantastic
Will pick it up later today.

Hey, that sounds great, Christmas in August! I know you’ve got that Tubey tone in your head from your 50T, but don’t sell the combo short until you get it home and put it through its paces for a few weeks. You may be pleasantly surprised. Keep us posted!

 

[mickebas]

 

[iagtrplyr]

I owned a BA115v2 in the past as a giging amp and that tone is what I always was looking for. Nevertheless, I missed a bit more power and sound clarity when playing with the band (just with the combo, no PA). So, I finally decided to go for the RB210 this time. The gain knob is a feature that I would have liked to have on these new combos, but I think the tone/power/portability balance makes them winning combos (at least for ampeg fans like me).
I already ordered the RB210 it but it seems there is no stock in Europe yet ... Looking forward to receive it and post a photo in the thread!

BTW: Thank you very much @iagtrplyr for your help to make this decision

You are very welcome, my bass brotha. I’ve been an Ampeg for almost as long as Ive been playing the instrument. They please my ears and that improves my playing!

This is my third generation of their combos and though I’ve enjoyed them all in one way or another, this current line is by far the best sounding I’ve played through. All of my basses sound great, getting a good recording is a breeze, and moving it from here to there is simple. Oh yeah, and prices are competitive too.

Now if Ampeg could only get me one of their 112 covers. They’ve been backordered forever!

 

[iagtrplyr]

View attachment 4355921

Beautiful! What more can be said?

 

[Lowbrow]

View attachment 4355921

NICE BASS!!!

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

You are very welcome, my bass brotha. I’ve been an Ampeg for almost as long as Ive been playing the instrument. They please my ears and that improves my playing!

This is my third generation of their combos and though I’ve enjoyed them all in one way or another, this current line is by far the best sounding I’ve played through. All of my basses sound great, getting a good recording is a breeze, and moving it from here to there is simple. Oh yeah, and prices are competitive too.

Now if Ampeg could only get me one of their 112 covers. They’ve been backordered forever!

Yup. I've got mine on pre order. I guess they're just not released yet.

 

[RSey716]

Well, I played a gig last night with the new RB115. To sum it up, I was very pleased with its performance. Granted I knew this was going to need some PA help to pull this off with being in a pretty good sized open pavilion. We are talking only a 100 watt combo here and normally when we play here I use an AG700 and 2x DB112's. I used the onboard DI and because I have really enjoyed the tone of this little guy I mic'd it as well with 52A. Adam, our drummer, owns and runs the PA and he did a great job at putting a nice mix thru the monitors and mains.

The band is just a throw together as we have been friends for a while and enjoy the musicianship. As far as genres, we never really know what we are going to play but it will range from old country to 90's rock and everything in-between. Sometimes it's just the bass, drummer and two guitar, sometimes three depending who's available to play. No pressure and it is just plain fun to play with these guys. They were pretty polite when I bought this out as they have really enjoyed the sound of my Aggie gear. Non verbals read skepticism but after breaking the combo in at the house I knew they would be surprised. After the show I did get comments that they still liked the Aggie set up but were really impressed with that the combo could do and how it sound. Definitely thumbs up by all moment.

For just purchasing it for a quick grab and go for a rehearsals and just being a nice practice rig I was thoroughly impressed with this. Hopefully my experience will shed some light on "what can I expect" from the RB115.

Posted some pics of the set up and our sound check so please excuse the clutter. The venue is very family oriented and fur kids are welcomed. My wife loves that and brought her favorite to the show.

 

[68Tele-Bass]

Glad for the report!! More playing with my RB-115 as well. No gigs, but with PA support avail- I would be inclined to mic snd DI as well - mix to taste is usually great!!

Well, I played a gig last night with the new RB115. To sum it up, I was very pleased with its performance. Granted I knew this was going to need some PA help to pull this off with being in a pretty good sized open pavilion. We are talking only a 100 watt combo here and normally when we play here I use an AG700 and 2x DB112's. I used the onboard DI and because I have really enjoyed the tone of this little guy I mic'd it as well with 52A. Adam, our drummer, owns and runs the PA and he did a great job at putting a nice mix thru the monitors and mains.

The band is just a throw together as we have been friends for a while and enjoy the musicianship. As far as genres, we never really know what we are going to play but it will range from old country to 90's rock and everything in-between. Sometimes it's just the bass, drummer and two guitar, sometimes three depending who's available to play. No pressure and it is just plain fun to play with these guys. They were pretty polite when I bought this out as they have really enjoyed the sound of my Aggie gear. Non verbals read skepticism but after breaking the combo in at the house I knew they would be surprised. After the show I did get comments that they still liked the Aggie set up but were really impressed with that the combo could do and how it sound. Definitely thumbs up by all moment.

For just purchasing it for a quick grab and go for a rehearsals and just being a nice practice rig I was thoroughly impressed with this. Hopefully my experience will shed some light on "what can I expect" from the RB115.

Posted some pics of the set up and our sound check so please excuse the clutter. The venue is very family oriented and fur kids are welcomed. My wife loves that and brought her favorite to the show.View attachment 4360672View attachment 4360674View attachment 4360676

 

[Michael Eisenman]

25515458[/URL], member: 75082"]I wonder whether the 12” Eminence speaker is a neo driver, but I’m not going to remove it to find out.

My Sweetwater rep called me today to follow up on my purchase of the RB-112. I asked him to find out whether the driver was neo; he called me back to confirm that it is a custom Eminence driver for this cab and that it is neo. EDIT: On the other hand…