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Fender Rumble Club

#27,001
Hi Rumble club. I’m getting ready to order a Rumble 200 combo, but as the time to buy it gets closer, I’m starting to worry it might not be enough power. Without getting to into the situation, I will gig with this amp, and before I looked into too much figured the 200 should be fine based off of the only combo I’ve ever gigged with without having a di/mic option was an acoustic b450. I figure that’s probably pretty similar to the 500 in volume, and found it to be more than enough, so based on that I assume I should be able to get by fine with the 200.

And then I actually did some research, and have realized that I haven’t seen one review complaining about the 200 not being enough, and then I a/bed the 500 and 200 in the store. The 500 clearly has more power, but the 200 seemed plenty loud too. I do find it hard to really tell in that setting though. So it seems from the reviews either pretty much everyone who bought and reviewed the combo had the most realistic expectations ever, or it is a pretty powerful/well designed 140 Watts (or whatever it is with no extension)

Now the other general comments in the spirit of “always get more power, the 500 is the obvious choice” you’d expect to see when trying to find thoughts on the topic have me second guessing, because even though those comments don’t seem to come from people who have much, if any, experience with the line of rumbles, it’s still a fair point. Headroom is a good thing...

After testing both, I honestly can’t say I preferred the sound of one to the other. It’s really the price that makes me want the 200 to work. I do realize in the grand scheme the price difference is pretty negligible, especially if the extra power is needed, but I’m in this situation somewhat unexpectedly, I wasn’t planning on needing to be gig ready right now, so I do need to consider the price. The band is a reasonably loud drummer and two guitars. Everything lined up right now will go through a PA, but it’s not far fetched to think I might need to carry a bar with no support at some point. I can definitely see ending up with a rumble cab to go with the combo, but that will need to wait, as again, price is a concern.

I know this isn’t an original question, so I apologize if it’s been beat to death. A quick search and skim seems that maybe I shouldn’t be too worried about it, but figure why not ask people who actually use and like these amps anyway. I appreciate any insight any of you might have.
 
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#27,002
Linnin said:
You are using an active bass, and you have got to turn the damned thing down. Also do not boost EQ on your bass or on your amp, but rather investigate and explore subtractive EQ for the best high volume settings. Use your ears and your brain. Check out the Tone Pool and keep trying. Good Luck. Yes, a Rumble 200 would be better because ...
Mo' Rumbles Is Mo' Betta! :smug:
Click to expand...

I cut Lo mid and it improves
 
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#27,003
Gravedigger Dav said:
Your 100 will handle it just fine. The EQ knobs do have an effect on the sound, but not the same effect as the master/gain. The only way an EQ knob can cause your amp to start farting is to turn the bass up too far. I've used a 100 on a few gigs and usually had the gain at about 9-10 and the master at about the same. Which you use to increase volume depends on how you want your tone. Increasing gain increases the signal going from the pre-amp to the power amp. That will give you more "grind", like a low level OD. Increasing volume will do just that, but this is where you can overdrive the amp and make it sound really bad. If anything, they will ask you to turn down. Have a great gig!
Click to expand...

Thanks. People say if it starts to sound bad to turn the gain down a bit. But not all the way. I usually keep it at 9 o’clock and it’s alright.
 
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#27,004
GonePlaid said:
The R200 is 140 watts w/o an external cab-which is the way I usually use it. I keep the gain at noon for my PASSIVEs which I use for most gigs. The master is normally 9-noon, depending on the room. Bass is noon +/-,both mids around 2, treble is noon or less. If it starts to "fart" or get muddy, I back Something off. What I back off depends on the room and what the problem seems to be. As stated b4, whatever you set up at home is going to change, at least Some, on the job. When I play my Active bass-at home(it rarely goes out)-I bring the gain Down to 10 or even 9. Otherwise it Does distort. I'm old school-or just old-and not a fan of active electronics. Your bass, being active, means you're going to have to experiment w/ what works for you. My suggestions are based on My experiments w/ my passive basses and may be totally off base/bass for your situation
Click to expand...

Thanks. :thumbsup: Do u find passive basses are easier for managing loud volumes? I’m looking at buying a passive jazz bass aswell.
 
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#27,005
TheDayMan said:
Hi Rumble club. I’m getting ready to order a Rumble 200 combo, but as the time to buy it gets closer, I’m starting to worry it might not be enough power. Without getting to into the situation, I will gig with this amp, and before I looked into too much figured the 200 should be fine based off of the only combo I’ve ever gigged with without having a di/mic option was an acoustic b450. I figure that’s probably pretty similar to the 500 in volume, and found it to be more than enough, so based on that I assume I should be able to get by fine with the 200.

And then I actually did some research, and have realized that I haven’t seen one review complaining about the 200 not being enough, and then I a/bed the 500 and 200 in the store. The 500 clearly has more power, but the 200 seemed plenty loud too. I do find it hard to really tell in that setting though. So it seems from the reviews either pretty much everyone who bought and reviewed the combo had the most realistic expectations ever, or it is a pretty powerful/well designed 140 Watts (or whatever it is with no extension)

Now the other general comments in the spirit of “always get more power, the 500 is the obvious choice” you’d expect to see when trying to find thoughts on the topic have me second guessing, because even though those comments don’t seem to come from people who have much, if any, experience with the line of rumbles, it’s still a fair point. Headroom is a good thing...

After testing both, I honestly can’t say I preferred the sound of one to the other. It’s really the price that makes me want the 200 to work. I do realize in the grand scheme the price difference is pretty negligible, especially if the extra power is needed, but I’m in this situation somewhat unexpectedly, I wasn’t planning on needing to be gig ready right now, so I do need to consider the price. The band is a reasonably loud drummer and two guitars. Everything lined up right now will go through a PA, but it’s not far fetched to think I might need to carry a bar with no support at some point. I can definitely see ending up with a rumble cab to go with the combo, but that will need to wait, as again, price is a concern.

I know this isn’t an original question, so I apologize if it’s been beat to death. A quick search and skim seems that maybe I shouldn’t be too worried about it, but figure why not ask people who actually use and like these amps anyway. I appreciate any insight any of you might have.
Click to expand...

My 40 is very loud, my 500 is obnoxiously loud (I didn't ever want to turn it all the way up to check how much it can do - that's how loud it is), so I assume the 200 is going to be ridiculously loud too. If I were you, I'd get the 200, wait for that dreaded bar gig with no PA and order the extension cab.
 
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#27,008
TheDayMan said:
Hi Rumble club. I’m getting ready to order a Rumble 200 combo, but as the time to buy it gets closer, I’m starting to worry it might not be enough power. Without getting to into the situation, I will gig with this amp, and before I looked into too much figured the 200 should be fine based off of the only combo I’ve ever gigged with without having a di/mic option was an acoustic b450. I figure that’s probably pretty similar to the 500 in volume, and found it to be more than enough, so based on that I assume I should be able to get by fine with the 200.

And then I actually did some research, and have realized that I haven’t seen one review complaining about the 200 not being enough, and then I a/bed the 500 and 200 in the store. The 500 clearly has more power, but the 200 seemed plenty loud too. I do find it hard to really tell in that setting though. So it seems from the reviews either pretty much everyone who bought and reviewed the combo had the most realistic expectations ever, or it is a pretty powerful/well designed 140 Watts (or whatever it is with no extension)

Now the other general comments in the spirit of “always get more power, the 500 is the obvious choice” you’d expect to see when trying to find thoughts on the topic have me second guessing, because even though those comments don’t seem to come from people who have much, if any, experience with the line of rumbles, it’s still a fair point. Headroom is a good thing...

After testing both, I honestly can’t say I preferred the sound of one to the other. It’s really the price that makes me want the 200 to work. I do realize in the grand scheme the price difference is pretty negligible, especially if the extra power is needed, but I’m in this situation somewhat unexpectedly, I wasn’t planning on needing to be gig ready right now, so I do need to consider the price. The band is a reasonably loud drummer and two guitars. Everything lined up right now will go through a PA, but it’s not far fetched to think I might need to carry a bar with no support at some point. I can definitely see ending up with a rumble cab to go with the combo, but that will need to wait, as again, price is a concern.

I know this isn’t an original question, so I apologize if it’s been beat to death. A quick search and skim seems that maybe I shouldn’t be too worried about it, but figure why not ask people who actually use and like these amps anyway. I appreciate any insight any of you might have.
Click to expand...

If you play with a loud drummer or guitarist or want to cover outdoor gigs, get the 500. Buy it used to bring the price down. The difference between the 2 with extensions is more obvious. Also, if you like one over the other because of speaker size, you can get a head and cab in that size.

If you don't play with a too loud drummer or guitarist, the 200 will be great. I personally appreciated the extra power. I have had both and prefer the 500 head with 15" cab.
 
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#27,009
Happy Fender Friday! :woot: :bassist: :hyper:
P6266280.JPG
 
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#27,013
RumbleMan3 said:
Thanks. People say if it starts to sound bad to turn the gain down a bit. But not all the way. I usually keep it at 9 o’clock and it’s alright.
Click to expand...

No problem. Probably a good place to keep the gain. Like I said from there I'd play with master and/or EQ to keep the sound and volume in check but that's just me.

TheDayMan said:
Hi Rumble club. I’m getting ready to order a Rumble 200 combo, but as the time to buy it gets closer, I’m starting to worry it might not be enough power. Without getting to into the situation, I will gig with this amp, and before I looked into too much figured the 200 should be fine based off of the only combo I’ve ever gigged with without having a di/mic option was an acoustic b450. I figure that’s probably pretty similar to the 500 in volume, and found it to be more than enough, so based on that I assume I should be able to get by fine with the 200.

And then I actually did some research, and have realized that I haven’t seen one review complaining about the 200 not being enough, and then I a/bed the 500 and 200 in the store. The 500 clearly has more power, but the 200 seemed plenty loud too. I do find it hard to really tell in that setting though. So it seems from the reviews either pretty much everyone who bought and reviewed the combo had the most realistic expectations ever, or it is a pretty powerful/well designed 140 Watts (or whatever it is with no extension)

Now the other general comments in the spirit of “always get more power, the 500 is the obvious choice” you’d expect to see when trying to find thoughts on the topic have me second guessing, because even though those comments don’t seem to come from people who have much, if any, experience with the line of rumbles, it’s still a fair point. Headroom is a good thing...

After testing both, I honestly can’t say I preferred the sound of one to the other. It’s really the price that makes me want the 200 to work. I do realize in the grand scheme the price difference is pretty negligible, especially if the extra power is needed, but I’m in this situation somewhat unexpectedly, I wasn’t planning on needing to be gig ready right now, so I do need to consider the price. The band is a reasonably loud drummer and two guitars. Everything lined up right now will go through a PA, but it’s not far fetched to think I might need to carry a bar with no support at some point. I can definitely see ending up with a rumble cab to go with the combo, but that will need to wait, as again, price is a concern.

I know this isn’t an original question, so I apologize if it’s been beat to death. A quick search and skim seems that maybe I shouldn’t be too worried about it, but figure why not ask people who actually use and like these amps anyway. I appreciate any insight any of you might have.
Click to expand...


Seeing as you have no prefference in sound my vote is for the 500. I don't doubt the 200 will be fine, and you can always add an extension in the future and it will be even more fine. But really what's the price difference? Here in Canada it's $100 CAD. That's next to nothing, especially if you own the amp 5-10 years. Skip a few coffees and eating out a half dozen times and you've made up the difference. Or hunt a used R500C down, it might be cheaper then an R200C new.

If you really can't pony up the extra cash buy from somewhere with a good 30 day return policy or rent an R200C and play the gig. If you need more power exchange it for the 500.
 
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#27,014
BBassBassington said:
No problem. Probably a good place to keep the gain. Like I said from there I'd play with master and/or EQ to keep the sound and volume in check but that's just me.




Seeing as you have no prefference in sound my vote is for the 500. I don't doubt the 200 will be fine, and you can always add an extension in the future and it will be even more fine. But really what's the price difference? Here in Canada it's $100 CAD. That's next to nothing, especially if you own the amp 5-10 years. Skip a few coffees and eating out a half dozen times and you've made up the difference. Or hunt a used R500C down, it might be cheaper then an R200C new.

If you really can't pony up the extra cash buy from somewhere with a good 30 day return policy or rent an R200C and play the gig. If you need more power exchange it for the 500.
Click to expand...
Just remember Not to put drinks/cigarettes on it if yer gonna return it!:thumbsup:
 
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#27,015
TheDayMan said:
Hi Rumble club. I’m getting ready to order a Rumble 200 combo, but as the time to buy it gets closer, I’m starting to worry it might not be enough power. Without getting to into the situation, I will gig with this amp, and before I looked into too much figured the 200 should be fine based off of the only combo I’ve ever gigged with without having a di/mic option was an acoustic b450. I figure that’s probably pretty similar to the 500 in volume, and found it to be more than enough, so based on that I assume I should be able to get by fine with the 200.

And then I actually did some research, and have realized that I haven’t seen one review complaining about the 200 not being enough, and then I a/bed the 500 and 200 in the store. The 500 clearly has more power, but the 200 seemed plenty loud too. I do find it hard to really tell in that setting though. So it seems from the reviews either pretty much everyone who bought and reviewed the combo had the most realistic expectations ever, or it is a pretty powerful/well designed 140 Watts (or whatever it is with no extension)

Now the other general comments in the spirit of “always get more power, the 500 is the obvious choice” you’d expect to see when trying to find thoughts on the topic have me second guessing, because even though those comments don’t seem to come from people who have much, if any, experience with the line of rumbles, it’s still a fair point. Headroom is a good thing...

After testing both, I honestly can’t say I preferred the sound of one to the other. It’s really the price that makes me want the 200 to work. I do realize in the grand scheme the price difference is pretty negligible, especially if the extra power is needed, but I’m in this situation somewhat unexpectedly, I wasn’t planning on needing to be gig ready right now, so I do need to consider the price. The band is a reasonably loud drummer and two guitars. Everything lined up right now will go through a PA, but it’s not far fetched to think I might need to carry a bar with no support at some point. I can definitely see ending up with a rumble cab to go with the combo, but that will need to wait, as again, price is a concern.

I know this isn’t an original question, so I apologize if it’s been beat to death. A quick search and skim seems that maybe I shouldn’t be too worried about it, but figure why not ask people who actually use and like these amps anyway. I appreciate any insight any of you might have.
Click to expand...


Buy once, cry once... It's better to have the additional watts and not need it than to need the watts and not have it.
 
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#27,016
TheDayMan said:
Hi Rumble club. I’m getting ready to order a Rumble 200 combo, but as the time to buy it gets closer, I’m starting to worry it might not be enough power
Click to expand...
Welcome @TheDayMan! :woot: I've read your entire post and you are most definitely suffering from 'analysis paralysis'. Sad, but true. I like the Rumble 200 combo better than the 500. I like the 15" woofer better than 10's. I also like the 200 cranked up and pushed hard. It sounds better than a higher powered amp being lazy and just idling away like a diesel. :cool: Rumble On! :cool:
 
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#27,017
Linnin said:
Welcome @TheDayMan! :woot: I've read your entire post and you are most definitely suffering from 'analysis paralysis'. Sad, but true. I like the Rumble 200 combo better than the 500. I like the 15" woofer better than 10's. I also like the 200 cranked up and pushed hard. It sounds better than a higher powered amp being lazy and just idling away like a diesel. :cool: Rumble On! :cool:
Click to expand...
Damn Good Point! If ya need more, go into the PA.
 
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