Fender Rumble Club

[coast2coast]

Not to worry, coastie. Your Rumble is working just fine. As Johnny Stevie says, you have discovered the "hidden mute feature", as we have come to call it here in The Club, and documented near the bottom of the Rumble Talks section of the Rumble Club Wiki page, linked in my signature. It is a very handy mute, especially with a footswitch, if you never use the Overdrive. Also, the manual says to use the Level control to balance volume levels.

On the subject of "effect" vs "circuit" vs "channel" I side with either "effect" or "circuit". The manual calls it "the Overdrive circuit", but I think of it as an "effect", too. And, to me, a "channel" includes the EQ controls, bass, mids & treble, such that switching between channels can give the different tones based on those different EQ settings without the use of any other effects or circuits. Rumbles don't have that, nor is such mentioned in the manuals.

That's my tuppence, anyway.
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Thank you so much John Stephen, G-Dog and Chupacerveza

Much appreciated.

I knew in my heart of hearts my 500c was okay (it sounds too damn good to be faulty ) and just wanted to know what was going on. I totally get the channel thing now and how the EQ would factor in.

Regarding the "use of the Level control to balance volume levels" in the manual, I misinterpreted this to mean to balance them together whist both were heard together (stacked) at the same time. Oops!

What's not to like about a handy muter?

Thanks for this folks. Much appreciated. Rumble on !!!

Stay safe and remember to Self-Bassilate

 

[Clayton H]

Hey everyone! I’m new to TalkBass, and would appreciate some insight.

I’ve been doing quite a bit of research on both the Rumble 500 combo and the Stage 800, and I really like both. I currently have the Rumble 100 (which I love), but after my last few outings realized I need more power. I do have an Avatar 4x10 (4 ohm) cab with a Behringer 450 watt head (which also sounds really good) that I use for larger gigs, but am looking to consolidate to a smaller, “all in one” setup.

My question: does anyone with any experience with either the 500 or the Stage 800 have any insight on which would be the better investment, given my situation? My budget is limited to the price of the Stage 800, and I’m open to buying used.

About me: I would say that I’m an intermediate level, finger style player. I currently play a 5-string Jazz, and OCCASIONALLY my active 4-string Jackson. I play 1-2 times/week with our church praise team (2 guitars, 2-3 vocalists, very good drummer), and I also play in a metal group (2 loud guitars, heavy drummer, AND another bass player). I rarely use effects, but am open to/would like to incorporate them more into my playing.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Deleted member 268085]

Those are my settings on our gigs. We do mostly "Classic-and older-Rock". I rarely dig out my Rumbles at home. I have my 'practice amp' always plugged in, since it never leaves the house any more.
View attachment 3762859

Ah, yes. Your own personal EarthQuaker Device!

 

[G-Dog]

... ... I’ve been doing quite a bit of research on both the Rumble 500 combo and the Stage 800, and I really like both. I currently have the Rumble 100 (which I love), but after my last few outings realized I need more power. ... ... a smaller, “all in one” setup.
My question: ... ... which would be the better investment, given my situation? My budget is limited to the price of the Stage 800, and I’m open to buying used.
About me: I would say that I’m an intermediate level, finger style player. ... ... I rarely use effects, but am open to/would like to incorporate them more into my playing. ... ... !

Welcome to TalkBass in general and The Rumble Club in particular, Clay!

You're obviously familiar with the normal Rumble amps, so the Rumble 500 combo would be a very easy upgrade for you. And, I believe, could give you all you need at a very reasonable price. My R500c has been a solid performer for over 5 years, now, and I still love it.

But, first, you need to decide if you want the bass modeling amp, Rumble Stage 800, or the more normal bass amp, like the Rumble 500 combo. Otherwise, you're comparing apples and oranges. Normal bass amps can give a range of tones from different settings, but nothing like the versatility of a modeling amp. Go to the Rumble LT25, Studio 40 & Stage 800, linked under the Specs tab under the video, for explanations of what all that amp can do. It's amazing, but not for everyone.

You might consider trying out the Stage 800 before committing to it. I've had the Studio 40 for just about one year and find something new to me almost every time I use it. But, I've been fiddling with modeling amps for many, many years. And this one, with wifi and Bluetooth, takes things to the next level! If you take a measured approach, all the modeling doesn't have to be overwhelming. Just twirl the wheel to hear the different voices and wait until you're ready to delve deeper. You can also browse the Rumble LT25, Studio 40 & Stage 800 sub-thread of this Main Club thread to see what gets discussed there.

However, nobody but you can decide what's better for you. All we can can do is give you our opinions based on our own situations. But, we'd be happy to try to answer more objective questions!

I hope this helps you, Mr. H.
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[GonePlaid]

Ah, yes. Your own personal EarthQuaker Device!

The 2 50(?)+y/o 15"speakers 'fart' some below A, but, yeah, it's loud. Some day, after the virus thing is over, @jt62 and @Aaron Houts are gonna come over and play through it-in the garage*. I'll let them do a review.
* with the door open.

 

[G-Dog]

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Anybody heard from @Giffro?
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[Ronzo]

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Anybody heard from @Giffro?
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I sure hope he’s OK. Australia is, of course, under the same strain as we in the USA are. I worry that he hasn’t posted.

 

[Pulverizor]

I do have an Avatar 4x10 (4 ohm) cab

Do you like that cab and want to keep using it with whichever Rumble you buy?
I'd just get a Rumble head, preferably the 800HD if it's in the budget. It'd feel odd to me bringing a combo and a 410 to a gig.
But if I did they'd have to be the same colour at least lol, so Stage800.

 

[Moody Tuner]

I recently aded a 2x10 to complete my Rumble 500 vertical stack. I went ahead and removed the feet from my Rumble combo, but am wondering if I should remove the corner protectors on the bottom of the combo and on top of the paired cabinet - to get optimal coupling? I searched the internet and the Rumble wiki and noticed that everyone keeps the corner protectors on. I still see a small gap between the cab and the combo. For this reason, I'm wondering if I should remove the corner protectors to get more surface area touching. Am I being too persnickety here?

 

[Deleted member 268085]

I recently aded a 2x10 to complete my Rumble 500 vertical stack. I went ahead and removed the feet from my Rumble combo, but am wondering if I should remove the corner protectors on the bottom of the combo and on top of the paired cabinet - to get optimal coupling? I searched the internet and the Rumble wiki and noticed that everyone keeps the corner protectors on. I still see a small gap between the cab and the combo. For this reason, I'm wondering if I should remove the corner protectors to get more surface area touching. Am I being too persnickety here?

If you remove the feet from the combo, what will you do when you want to use it without the 210 cab? Anyway, I suspect that the coupling is acoustic.

 

[Thundertips]

I searched, but can't seem to find a club for those of us who use and love the Fender Rumble series of amps. Any interest?

I've been playing at home with my Rumble 30 since late January and it seems to me like this amp puts out a good share for being so small! Originally I was looking at the Rumble 15 but went with the 30 because of the extra input jack, more wattage, and I read online reviews which said the 30 would be good enough to play with a band in a small venue even versus the 15 which didn't have as much bang.

Hope to hear form some fellow Rumble fans soon!

So this makes me the founding member, #1? I feel this is a big honor for someone so new on the forum!

I have a Rumble 15 and it's really loud for the size of it. This is the first practice amp I've had since one that I bought in the 80's. I quit playing Bass for years and when I started again I got the Rumble 15. Is it just me or are practice amps way louder than they used to be?

 

[Ronzo]

Loud, unfortunately, doesn’t equate to good.

The Rumble 25 is much better than the Rumble 15, and the Rumble 40 is much better than the Rumble 25, in my opinion. Heard all 3 plus the Rumble 100; I bought the Rumble 40. No regrets, two years later.

 

[Bill Thorsberg]

Loud, unfortunately, doesn’t equate to good.

The Rumble 25 is much better than the Rumble 15, and the Rumble 40 is much better than the Rumble 25, in my opinion. Heard all 3 plus the Rumble 100; I bought the Rumble 40. No regrets, two years later.

I got a 40 and a 200 and I just played a front yard - social distancing concert with the 40 and it was PLENTY loud - outside even - with two guitar players who were running DI through a PA with vocals. Granted our set list is not Metallica or Iron Maiden but I was surprised at how well the Bass carried and stood up to the rest of the sound.

 

[Thundertips]

Loud, unfortunately, doesn’t equate to good.

The Rumble 25 is much better than the Rumble 15, and the Rumble 40 is much better than the Rumble 25, in my opinion. Heard all 3 plus the Rumble 100; I bought the Rumble 40. No regrets, two years later.

The Rumble 15 is good for just playing along to music in my living room. I didn't play Bass for 13 years and got rid of all my equipment, so when I decided to play again I got one of those Squier Beginner Packs that comes with a Squier P-Bass and a Rumble 15. I love the amp but hated the Squier, had to get a US P-Bass quick. I can't play loud where I live and I'm never gonna jam or join a band again, so the Rumble 15 is cool. I used to play in bands and had a Fender 200 Watt Head on top of a 4-10 and a 1-15. That moved some air! Haha.

 

[Thundertips]

I got a 40 and a 200 and I just played a front yard - social distancing concert with the 40 and it was PLENTY loud - outside even - with two guitar players who were running DI through a PA with vocals. Granted our set list is not Metallica or Iron Maiden but I was surprised at how well the Bass carried and stood up to the rest of the sound.

I agree. These new practice amps are way different from the ones I used to use in the 80's when I first started playing. I had a Yorkville BLOC80B in the 80's and it could barely keep up in a jam or live situation.

 

[G-Dog]

I have a Rumble 15 and it's really loud for the size of it. This is the first practice amp I've had since one that I bought in the 80's. I quit playing Bass for years and when I started again I got the Rumble 15. Is it just me or are practice amps way louder than they used to be?

Hi, there, tippy! Welcome to TalkBass in general and the Rumble Club in particular.

Glad to hear how much you like your Rumble 15. Show us a picture of it and receive aan official Club membership number! Lotsa helpful folks here if you have any questions or just wanna discuss something.
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[Thundertips]

Hi, there, tippy! Welcome to TalkBass in general and the Rumble Club in particular.

Glad to hear how much you like your Rumble 15. Show us a picture of it and receive aan official Club membership number! Lotsa helpful folks here if you have any questions or just wanna discuss something.
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Hi. Thanks for the welcome. I can't take a picture cuz my wife has our cell phone and she went away for the March Break with the kids and got quarantined in a different city and I don't know when she'll be back.

 

[bassdeal]

I agree. These new practice amps are way different from the ones I used to use in the 80's when I first started playing. I had a Yorkville BLOC80B in the 80's and it could barely keep up in a jam or live situation.

Humm I have a Yorkville Block80B and I find it significantly louder than my Rumble 40. Spec-wise it should be; 80 watts RMS into a 15" driver. It is an amazingly small amp for a 15" combo, maybe even a little smaller (but much heavier) than the Rumble 40. My Rumble 40 is my replacement for my Block80B. I had two main issues with the Block80B for the small semi-acoustic shows I was doing:

1. It is rear-ported. The shows I was/am doing were usually in very small spaces which meant my amp was either tilted against or very close to a wall. Sometimes this work with a nice boosted low-end but most of the time this caused quite a bit of booming which can be difficult to control.

2. No separate gain/volume control. I found it difficult to get a "good" tone without being too loud for the shows I was doing using a Fender Jazz. My Fender P-Bass was better but it drove a much hotter signal. In general, the Rumble 40 pre-amp is much more flexible.

That being said, I have used my Block80B with loud live drums etc. where I could barely keep up volume-wise but were at levels I would not even attempt with my Rumble 40 as good as it is.

Just my experience. One other factor with the Block80B is it seems to be very well built.

Note I have a previous post where I use the Block80B as a slave amp to my Rumble 40. I have not had a chance to test this combination out at a show yet.

 

[Thundertips]

Humm I have a Yorkville Block80B and I find it significantly louder than my Rumble 40. Spec-wise it should be; 80 watts RMS into a 15" driver. It is an amazingly small amp for a 15" combo, maybe even a little smaller (but much heavier) than the Rumble 40. My Rumble 40 is my replacement for my Block80B. I had two main issues with the Block80B for the small semi-acoustic shows I was doing:

1. It is rear-ported. The shows I was/am doing were usually in very small spaces which meant my amp was either tilted against or very close to a wall. Sometimes this work with a nice boosted low-end but most of the time this caused quite a bit of booming which can be difficult to control.

2. No separate gain/volume control. I found it difficult to get a "good" tone without being too loud for the shows I was doing using a Fender Jazz. My Fender P-Bass was better but it drove a much hotter signal. In general, the Rumble 40 pre-amp is much more flexible.

That being said, I have used my Block80B with loud live drums etc. where I could barely keep up volume-wise but were at levels I would not even attempt with my Rumble 40 as good as it is.

Just my experience. One other factor with the Block80B is it seems to be very well built.

Note I have a previous post where I use the Block80B as a slave amp to my Rumble 40. I have not had a chance to test this combination out at a show yet.

It is well built. I used it for almost twenty years before I got rid of it. Never had one problem with it. I should've kept it. Maybe I was having trouble keeping up with the volume cuz the band I was using it in, these guys played incredibly loud Marshall Stacks and the drummer hit so hard, he almost blew out my eardrums everytime he hit the snare.

 

[G-Dog]

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Was just running an errand in my car, listening to The Beatles Channel on SiriusXM, as usual, and they say, "We know it's a difficult time, and we want to help. So, from now until May 15th you can stream SiriusXM for free. No credit card, no commitment."

Make Right Now Sound Better.​

I am not affiliated with SiriusXM in any way, other than being a paid subscriber and fan of their Beatles Channel. I thought I knew pretty much everything about The Beatles before getting the free trial with a new car a couple years ago. But the interviews and trivia stuff has been a Beatles education to me.

I dunno, looks worth a look. But don't axe me no quexxions or tell me no diffugilties. That's what I heard and that's what I found on their website. I'm just sayin' . . . .
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