Fender Rumble 800/500 or Markbass Mini IV cmd 121p combohead IV?

[Theprezenz]

Hi guys,

I'm looking for a new combo (budget around €800) and atm I'm torn between the new FR 800 (which is similar as the 500) and the Mini IV cmd 121p. Apart from their own sound (the Fender more vintage and the MB more clean) I don't see much difference in volume or loudness as both can output 300 W standalone.

I've used the 121P a couple of times in a jam and was really impressed, the FR 500 has only been tested in store but it impressed me as well, even with a 5 string.

Which one is the most reliable? Both are made in Indonesia, I don't know if that's a thing these days if something breaks.

Please share your experiences.

Thank you!

 

[G-Dog]

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Correction: The new Fender Rumble (non-stage) 800 combo is up to 400 W standalone, and 800 W with one, or two, 8 ohm cabs thru 4x10s or 6x10s. You can add a 121 cab to the MB to get 500 W thru 2x12s.

Also, the Rumble has a 1/4 Power Switch to go from 400 W to 100 W, or 800 W to 200 W, for smaller venues but still get a cranked tone.

Indonesia has been a construction location for many top gear companies for decades. It's the company name on the gear you contact for service, not Indonesia. Fender stands behind their warranty, normally 2-years, but I hear some Euro countries extend it further? My 9-year-old Rumble 500 combo from Indonesia) has never had a moment's problem.
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[manchego_eggo]

which one did you end up going with? been in a similar dilemma.

 

[Theprezenz]

which one did you end up going with? been in a similar dilemma.

Sorry for the waiting but I've ended up A/B'ing the Fender Rumble 800 (not the stage) and the MB58R cmd102 Pure.

Here's my experience:

Both have the same weight and more or less the same dimensions. The MB is perhaps a bit deeper and lower in size than the Rumble.

Soundwise, the MB is cleaner and more flexible in soundshaping. As I play a Fender Marcus Miller V, it can sound harsh sometimes and with the EQ on the MB, I was able to tame it if I wanted to, which I really liked.

The Rumble sounds more vintage and is less flexible in soundshaping however I kinda liked that vintage sound, it has its charme.

When comparing loudness, I've put everything on flat on both amps and for me the Rumble goes louder.

On the Rumble 800 the masterknob won't affect the volume of the line out, which (if I'm correct) is not the case with the Rumble 500. The MB has a separated volumeknob for the XLR line out.

Rumble 800 is around €800, the MB €1200.

I've ended up with the MB as I really liked the shaping options of your sound and until now I'm very happy with my choice.

That said, I had a gig a couple months ago and I didn't had to bring my MB as there was a Rumble 200 there and I must say, I was impressed.

Conclusion: if you're on a budget and don't mind the vintage sound, you won't regret the Rumble at all. Want more soundshaping, go for the MB. These are both great amps, on its own and in a band situation.

Hopes it clears out some doubts.

 

[SJan3]

Hi guys,

I'm looking for a new combo (budget around €800) and atm I'm torn between the new FR 800 (which is similar as the 500) and the Mini IV cmd 121p. Apart from their own sound (the Fender more vintage and the MB more clean) I don't see much difference in volume or loudness as both can output 300 W standalone.

I've used the 121P a couple of times in a jam and was really impressed, the FR 500 has only been tested in store but it impressed me as well, even with a 5 string.

Which one is the most reliable? Both are made in Indonesia, I don't know if that's a thing these days if something breaks.

Please share your experiences.

Thank you!

I personally prefer MarkBass. It's much more road worthy. And it's tone is clean but warm. No worries with Indonesia. They do a good job with both amps and basses.
My Indo MarkBass cabs and my YAMAHA bass are both excellent!

 

[Theprezenz]

The whole new MB58R line, both amps, cabs and combos are all made in Italy.