Fender Rumble 500 or Ampeg BA-210 V2

[David Lakin]

The shops I'm considering and where I can get better deals in the amps i mentioned don't sell GK amps, unfortunately.

Sweetwater Sound is the place you need to check out for GK gear. Great folks and they have great service and return policy as well.

 

[KSChris]

Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to try the Ampeg but the Rumble 500 has performed way beyond expectations for me, a shot with my Rumble 410 cab. Absolutely shakes things.

 

[JimmyM]

Hi Jimmy

For me, it’s things like that affect me. I was looking at ampeg before I settled on the fender but there appeared to be several reviews pointing to quality issues.

I think too that the op was describing buying before trying. As players we fork out a lot of cash when we buy gear and manufacturers that don’t respect that and rely on their brand name alone, just don’t do it for me any more

Like, who as a bass player wants the risks of rattles ... and even if they are fixed later there aren’t a lot of subsequent reviews singing their praises

It is also hard to know how long stock has been on the shelf.

I also then saw ampeg has been taken over by Yamaha (if my memory is correct)

So each to their own but the fender has it for me, based on the op choice and situation.

I agree about the money part, but you are talking two completely different versions of BA amps from 2011 and the ones you get currently. Now sure, there have been isolated cases where a BA V2 combo had a rattle or other problem, but I've also seen isolated cases on here where a Rumble V3 rattled, as well as other problems, too. And a quick Google search revealed 4 1/2 to 5 star ratings for the BA 210 v2 at every single major musical instrument seller listed on the first page, including Sweetwater, Musicians's Friend, GC, and Sam Ash.

So if the Rumble is your choice, I am very happy for you that you have an amp you like. But no need to resort to BS to sing their praises. And I don't know if you noticed, but both the Rumbles and Ampeg amps have warranties. So if you do get one with a problem, it can easily be exchanged.

 

[GreyBeard]

So, to make a long story short, get the Rumble 500. If you don't love the tone, there are a ton of pedals you could use to fix it.

I use a Mesa preamp DI with mine mainly because of the preEQ DI but the top end is a little sweeter than the Fender pre.

 

[Leonsuper]

Sweetwater Sound is the place you need to check out for GK gear. Great folks and they have great service and return policy as well.

I think they don't ship products to my country, but thank you for the suggestion. I'm looking at their website.

 

[jallenbass]

I tried the Rumble at a store and I didn't dislike it, but it didn't impress me. Maybe I need some practice messing with the settings. Every knob does something and I liked the versatility, but the low end sounded somewhat muddy.

I have and gig the Rumble 40 and pretty much always have the Bass control at 9 or 10 o'clock otherwise it's too much. Don't be afraid to turn that knob down. If I add lows it's with the low mid control.

 

[Tim Skaggs]

I owned an Ampeg BA210V2 for a couple years. Here's my take;

• Sounded OK, a little bit of a baked-in tone, but not so much like classic Ampeg
• The pots / knobs seemed very flimsy, but functioned ok.
• The amp is not exactly a lightweight.
• Amp alone didn't seem to be as loud / powerful as it should be at it's power rating.

I traded mine for a new Fender Rumble 115 that I drive with a GK MB500. That setup will get much, MUCH, louder than the BA210v2 would by itself, and I like the tone much better.

The BA210v2 has some nice features, but was a disappointment overall. It was at its best when I sat it on top of another 8 ohm cab. It sounded much better with som help.

 

[Madhouse27]

My daughter has an Ampeg BA110 that gets schlepped back and forth to school a couple of times a week (and who knows what happens to it while its there). If there was some fragility or inherent quality issue, I think we would have found it by now. Used sparingly, I kind of like the tube warmness vibe from the Scrambler section. I don’t about the bigger models, but for around 150 bucks this thing’s been a great buy.

 

[Engineer_Josh]

FWIW, I spent like three hours A/Bing the Rumble 500, BA210, Rumble 200, BA 115, and even tried the Rumble 100....ultimately went home with the Rumble 500 in part because of the slightly smaller and lighter cabinet and the larger number claimed for watts (I know this was succumbing to Marketinq hype but who hasn’t at one time or another)

 

[gary mitchell]

I have a Ampeg BA110 I caught it just to play small gigs with my pastor who is an awesome musician. I got to so I wouldn't have to drag my MB jeff Berlin 151p around. I have played maybe 100 people on those gigs, And I have had to crank it sometimes. I bought it early 2017. I have never had an issue with it none, and that little amp gets knock around a lot in out the car and such, plays great as good as the day i bought it.

 

[filmtex]

There was a batch of BA110's and 108's in 2011 that had rattle problems. Haven't heard of the newer versions having rattle problems.

I bought both a BA-108 and BA-210, both v2's. Not a single problem with either. Oh the 108 did get about 3 gallons of sweet tea poured over it a few months back but didn't seem to damage it. Go figure. I do shows with both every week, and absolutely love the BA-210 BTW. Yep it's a bit heavy, but boy can it drive an 810 cab when needed. Highly recommend them both.

 

[Leonsuper]

Thank you, everyone. You really helped and I think your comments will help more people with the same question I had.

I ordered the Rumble. I think it's a safer bet than the Ampeg. The GK amps look good too, but from what I researched it would be hard to buy one in my country. I hope I have the chance to try them out in the future.

I can share my opinion about the amp when I try it.

 

[Linnin]

I ordered the Rumble.

You have chosen wisely. Rumble On!

 

[BobDeRosa]

I agree with Linnin. Great choice. Please let us know how you like it.

 

[Leonsuper]

I've been playing at home in the last two days since I got the amp and until now I'm not disappointed. I've been experimenting with the knobs and playing different songs and it's been fun. I hope I can try it with my band one of these days to see how it feels when I play it louder.

 

[adk teleman]

I used to be a die hard Rumble guy with the v2s. To me the v3s were nothing but mud. I tried the BA210 and fell in love. I have switched totally over to Ampeg. I still have my Rumble 150 v2 which IMO is one of the best sounding Rumbles ever. The v3s, just not for me.

 

[Yahboy]

When you are looking for a combo which able produce both Rumble/Bassman and Ampeg SVT tone with friendly price, you should look on Tech21 VT200 bass combo.

Otherwise, the Rumble Stage 800 combo are absolutely great choice.