Ampeg Rocket Bass Combos

[Mastermold]

Great! I have the RB-112 and it shakes!! However, the guitar during a rehearsal can easily drown out the 112. Anyone have experience with the RB-115 at a rehearsal?

Rehearsal volume should be easy to control -- so long as the band has self-control. Small combo amps should be sufficient. I've got a Mesa WA 112 that's been my rehearsal amp for maybe 10 years now. It's always been plenty for my band. But we all bring small amps to practice. Playing loud can be fun, I get that, but save it for the gig. My two cents.

 

[Greenstreet]

Rehearsal volume should be easy to control -- so long as the band has self-control. Small combo amps should be sufficient. I've got a Mesa WA 112 that's been my rehearsal amp for maybe 10 years now. It's always been plenty for my band. But we all bring small amps to practice. Playing loud can be fun, I get that, but save it for the gig. My two cents.

I agree.

.

 

[68Tele-Bass]

We hear good reviews on the Rumble and it sells, but the name “Rumble” has always puzzled me. You’d think Fender marketing people would have been able to come up with a better name, I don’t know a bass player anywhere who wants to sound rumbling, lumbering or bumbling.

or “stumbling”!

 

[Greenstreet]

or “stumbling”!

Fair point (I've known a few...).

.

 

[CletusMarley]

I'm digging this 115 the more I play it. It takes fuzz pedals really well. Based on what I'm reading I could have prob gone with a 112. It's really loud. It doesn't fart out when you crank it. I don't really play out anymore. I don't need nearly this much amp for home. It's a badass combo. I made the right choice!

 

[68Tele-Bass]

I'm digging this 115 the more I play it. It takes fuzz pedals really well. Based on what I'm reading I could have prob gone with a 112. It's really loud. It doesn't fart out when you crank it. I don't really play out anymore. I don't need nearly this much amp for home. It's a badass combo. I made the right choice!

Yes!! You never know- a block party may break out!!
I’m really digging my RB-115!!

 

[Gramski]

A couple of factors that decided me on the RB-112 were:

1. The weight .. it was just enough lighter (and perhaps more importantly less bulky) than the RB-115 given my advancing years
   
   
2. The price .. it was bit more of a jump up to the RB-115 than I wanted to pay.

The RB-112 more than holds its own with a couple of mild-mannered guitarists as company in rehearsals ... haven't tried it with any mad drummers in attendance yet.

 

[Bass]

I guess it's a trade-off between weight, price and volume.

The RB-112 is 26 lbs, 100 watts and $375 USD.
The RB-115 is 33 lbs, 250 watts with extension speaker and $575 USD.
The RB-210 is 38 lbs, 500 watts with extension speaker and $900 USD.

As Gramski notes above another consideration is bulk. It's probably good to be aware that the RB-115 is only 100 watts without the extension speaker. So if portability is important, and you only want to haul one piece of gear, then it would be more fair to compare the RB-115 at 100 watts to the RB-210 at 250 watts without extension cabs.

 

[swagbotbilly]

I guess it's a trade-off between weight, price and volume.

The RB-112 is 26 lbs, 100 watts and $375 USD.
The RB-115 is 33 lbs, 250 watts with extension speaker and $575 USD.
The RB-210 is 38 lbs, 500 watts with extension speaker and $900 USD.

As Gramski notes above another consideration is bulk. It's probably good to be aware that the RB-115 is only 100 watts without the extension speaker. So if portability is important, and you only want to haul one piece of gear, then it would be more fair to compare the RB-115 at 100 watts to the RB-210 at 250 watts without extension cabs.

Where is the 210 $900? I got one for like $650 a couple months ago.

 

[Bass]

Where is the 210 $900? I got one for like $650 a couple months ago.

In Canada, I screwed up the conversion. Sorry.

Mods can change it if they like.

 

[swagbotbilly]

In Canada, I screwed up the conversion. Sorry.

Mods can change it if they like.

No sweat. Glad to hear it's not just jacked up beyond belief outside the US

 

[68Tele-Bass]

Where is the 210 $900? I got one for like $650 a couple months ago.

Yes!!! That’s what I thought!! CDN makes sense now- but then I’d go for a a Traynor

 

[Brozzy]

I guess it's a trade-off between weight, price and volume

At 22 pounds, the 110 is holding its own in a two-electric guitar and drums rehearsal band in a garage. I was told to turn down last night!

 

[NoBlackTShirts]

No worse than "Rocket", I suppose.

.

Well, "Rocket" is a legendary Ampeg name, so it's nice to see them keep it aired out all freshy fresh.

 

[Lemur Bassman]

I never played the 112. I'd be willing to bet there isn't a big difference.

Ok, I recently played both the RB-112 and RB-115. I would go with the RB-112 any day; to me, it's louder and clearer. I also recently played the RB-210. I would go with that all the way. Moreover, I ended up selling my Fender Stage 800 with a Fenderbassman NEO115 cab for the Ampeg Rocket RB-210 with the Ampeg PF-115LF 1x15" 400-watt Portaflex Bass Cabinet. AMAZING! So much bassier that doesn’t drown out your overall sound in bass, it’s more articulate and clear…sounds more professional. My son who is a guitarist said “Hands down this Ampeg sounds better”. I agree 110%. Caution: The Ampeg PF-115LF is heavier than the Fenderbassman NEO115. It still has the handles on the sides that makes it easy to carry (get help from another person or use a cart!).

 

[Mastermold]

Ok, I recently played both the RB-112 and RB-115. I would go with the RB-112 any day; to me, it's louder and clearer….

Wow I experienced the opposite when trying these head to head. Interesting.

 

[Lemur Bassman]

Wow I experienced the opposite when trying these head to head. Interesting.

Very interesting. I played them in three different rooms too. The more open the space the more the punchy-ness of the 112 really expands I have found.

 

[LBS-bass]

After using my RB115 at a couple of full rehearsals, I'm feeling like I need a HPF on it to tame the low end somewhat. Otherwise, I'm really happy with it. It delivers enough sound to keep up with a fairly loud drummer in a seven-piece band.

 

[Mastermold]

Very interesting. I played them in three different rooms too. The more open the space the more the punchy-ness of the 112 really expands I have found.

Good to hear, the 112 is smaller too.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Being it's been like a thousand posts since I've been here last, it's great to see the dialogue going on for all the Rocket combos. As many may remember, I have the 112 and it's my jack-of-all-trades. Great for noodling, practice, or with DI, even a gig or two.

The pic below is a trio of teachers (me on bass) who played holiday songs for our students on the last day before break. I DI'd the amp so it had a nice rich tone coming off our gym's stage. The combo was more than enough for the Cajon player and guitarist up on stage.

The fact that it's an easy carry from stage to the parking lot (and looks good too) makes it an easy decision if you're looking. I sold my Rumble 100 to make room and haven't looked back. The 115 is intriguing but the added size and the fact I have a 115 rig for gigging makes it less necessary. I agree, I'd pony up for the 210 if I wanted to play live with a Rocket combo.

Enjoyed the posts, folks, keep it up!