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Fender Rumble 500 combo (2014)

iSteen

iSteen

Mar 29, 2012
221
90
Denmark
#1
Currently using a GK MB200 with a 15" cab. It sounds nice, warm and full, but I need something more powerful, when I gig with the rock band. I have been looking at the new Rumble 500 combo, but I haven't had a chance to try it out yet. Can anyone explain a bit about the tone from it - is it bad, acceptable or good?
I'm thinking of getting an additional 2x10 later on, to beef up the combo.

For the same price, is there another option for the same amount of power (or more), when going for something new?
I compete with two loud guitarists, and a beast of a drummer. I would like to play LOUD, but still keep a good clean tone.

Any inputs would be most welcome
 
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#2
Hello there, iSteen, good to see you here. Everyone who has gotten a Rumble 500 either head or combo has raved about it. Tons of love; raves, and reviews here -> http://www.talkbass.com/threads/fender-rumble-club.970397/page-83 just read through a bit.

This is Labor Day weekend here in America and TalkBass is going to be a little slow. Maybe some of the Rumble 500 owners will see this thread and comment. Hang in there baby! :cool:

:laugh: Rumbles Rock! :smug:
 
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#3
I have a GK MB200 and I recently bought the Rumble 500 v3 combo. My GK was only a back up. I rarely used it. The never found it to be warm or full and I couldn't get much variation in its sound. That could be due to other factors such as the cab, the bass or even the location.

The Rumble sound is huge. With the tone knobs set to neutral, the tone is full, round and warm. And with adjustment it can get bigger still. Overall, the combo is very loud. I have not tried it with a band yet; first time will be tomorrow.

The Rumble has a lot of different tones. It can get harsh if you want it to. It can get a punchy, modern tone, perhaps not as punchy as a Markbass but punchy enough. Extreme settings of any of the knobs is encouraged. The placement helps too. I find it sounds better when it is not set up against a wall.

I also tried it with an EA 210 as an extension cabinet. It didn't sound much different; just louder.

The amp I have been using most often recently is a Euphonic Audio Micro with a pair of 210 cabs. It is very clean, with a beautifully clear high end but to get the bottom end near the fullness of a Fender, I need to crank its bass and mid range to full, and it's still not as satisfying as the Fender Rumble.

I also have a Fender Super Bassman 300 with a 610 cab. I think the Rumble will be a very good compromise when I can't bring the Super beast.
 
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#4
I own the Fender Rumble 500 Combo and let me tell you its amazing! I sold all my other amps to get this one and I wouldn't change anything with it. Great tone and very powerful. Also at 38lbs its very easy to carry around. I can't wait to get the 1x15 Fender ext cab for it.
 
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#5
iSteen said:
Currently using a GK MB200 with a 15" cab. It sounds nice, warm and full, but I need something more powerful, when I gig with the rock band. I have been looking at the new Rumble 500 combo, but I haven't had a chance to try it out yet. Can anyone explain a bit about the tone from it - is it bad, acceptable or good?
I'm thinking of getting an additional 2x10 later on, to beef up the combo.

For the same price, is there another option for the same amount of power (or more), when going for something new?
I compete with two loud guitarists, and a beast of a drummer. I would like to play LOUD, but still keep a good clean tone.

Any inputs would be most welcome
Click to expand...
If you're currently using he GK rig, and like it, then add another 115 cab. That'll give you more volume for a to keep up with the band.
 
#7
I played my Rumble 500 combo and 1x15 extension cab at the weekend. I wanted to do this before moving on my existing rig. Wow...sounded big, full and I loved the tone. I switch between a passive '76 Jazz Bass and an Upright. I do not use the Overdrive and keep most of the eq flat with just a minor boost of the bass and a little cut of the treble. I also found the Contour button sat nicely in the mix for my taste. I've used Ampeg for many years but the tone and weight (or lack of) has made this a winner for me.
 
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