I have a Fender rumble 15 v3 that I use for my private practicing. The amp has an 8" speaker that farts when I play my 'B' string. I want to replace it with a 10" speaker. Has anyone done that and what recommendations/suggestions would you have?
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Fender Rumble 15 v3 speaker replacement
- Thread starter RoyA
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- combo amp fender rumble
The Rumble 15 delivers a lot of performance for the money, but really is not up to the task of reproducing the low B - it does pick up the 3rd harmonic, but the cab's peaked bass causes the driver to run out of excursion when turned up - hence the fartout. The amp may also be running out of power (15w).
The Rumble 15 cab is already a little small for an 8 inch driver, so changing to a 10 is not likely to provide a solution you will be happy with. This driver ([Invalid or Expired Link Removed]) will likely provide a a useful upgrade. You'll also want to add some acoustic damping material. Try lining the back and 2 non-parallel sides.
Or you could just sell or trade in the Rumble 15 to get something that meets your needs. Look for a combo with significantly more power (at least 30-50w) and a larger cabinet (total combo size at least 1.5 cubic feet). In the long run, that may be less expensive than trying the upgrade path.
The Rumble 15 cab is already a little small for an 8 inch driver, so changing to a 10 is not likely to provide a solution you will be happy with. This driver ([Invalid or Expired Link Removed]) will likely provide a a useful upgrade. You'll also want to add some acoustic damping material. Try lining the back and 2 non-parallel sides.
Or you could just sell or trade in the Rumble 15 to get something that meets your needs. Look for a combo with significantly more power (at least 30-50w) and a larger cabinet (total combo size at least 1.5 cubic feet). In the long run, that may be less expensive than trying the upgrade path.
I was going to recommend the eminence Alpha 8a, but yeah, no point putting a bigger speaker into a tiny cab, you'll probably just choke the low end.
I tried to upgrade a Rumble 15 with a Jensen 8 inch driver BS 8N/250A that I had lying around. I still sounded bad. The cab is to small. So I ended up making a new cab/casing and make it a ported cab.
Now it sounds very good, lot's of low end even with a 5 string bass
Here are some pictures:
I made a slanted front.
New cab with Jensen speaker vs old cab with original speaker
I also installed a tweeter, Dayton Audio ND16FA-6 5/8".
And with other knobs:
B.t.w. the Rumble 15 uses a TDA2050 module/integrated circuit.
I included the datasheet.
The datasheet show that it can handle a 4 Ohm load and can produce 24 Watt RMS at 4 Ohm. It is a great living room/ bedroom practice amp. And I think I can use it for a small unplugged gig (singer and acoustic guitar).
Now it sounds very good, lot's of low end even with a 5 string bass
Here are some pictures:
I made a slanted front.
New cab with Jensen speaker vs old cab with original speaker
I also installed a tweeter, Dayton Audio ND16FA-6 5/8".
And with other knobs:
B.t.w. the Rumble 15 uses a TDA2050 module/integrated circuit.
I included the datasheet.
The datasheet show that it can handle a 4 Ohm load and can produce 24 Watt RMS at 4 Ohm. It is a great living room/ bedroom practice amp. And I think I can use it for a small unplugged gig (singer and acoustic guitar).
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You'd be much better off with a 1x10 Rumble 40 combo. Just trade in your Rumble 15, and be done with it.
Just too cool! OP you up for these kind of mods?
If you haven't considered this find a decent pair of headphones and plug that straight in for practice. If you need to practice with tunes use some sort of cheapo interface. I get a fab tone through my phones and don't shake stuff off the walls.
I know this thread is 2 years old. I am conversant with why you can't just put any old speaker in any cabinet and expect better results. I intentionally downsized my Rumble amps, particularly the v3 ones from 200 Watts on down to the 100, 25 and 15. Done strictly for weight and because I wanted the most light weight grab and go amp possible for an acoustic project I'm in plus I'm not playing in bar bands any more. I do play electric bass with these folks. I know the trade offs of 8" speakers for bass too. So...when I got the Rumble 15 v3 I tested it out and got the occasional crackle noise - not a fart, but a snap when playing too hard or hitting too low a note, loudly. I checked this out while listening through good headphones too and the noise was not there, so not coming from the preamp, etc. I have an 8" speaker from a Vox50A which is rated 50 Watts. I just had to try it. Voila - no more of that offending noise. BTW, I don't play 5 stringers or tune down. Theory says it probably shouldn't have worked, but in my case, the 50 Watt bass speaker made an improvement.
Ok, I know this was 6 years ago… but I came across this and noticed that your original Rumble cab had a port on front and back. I’m wondering if that was calculated based on box volume or more of trial and error? How did it sound before and after? I’m looking for ways to improve my kid’s Rumble 15 and just ordered a new 4ohm PRV speaker.
Ok, I know this was 6 years ago… but I came across this and noticed that your original Rumble cab had a port on front and back. I’m wondering if that was calculated based on box volume or more of trial and error? How did it sound before and after? I’m looking for ways to improve my kid’s Rumble 15 and just ordered a new 4PRV speaker.
- Feb 12, 2006
- 60,963
- 5
- 220,656
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Best way to improve that model is to upgrade to the Rumble 40 which is much more substantial all around. It will probably cost you less once you sell the Rumble 15 for a few dollars.
It think it was more a trial and error thing.
Follow the advice of mr. @agedhorse and spend your money wisely.
