Fender Rumble Club

[JakobT]

So the 15 & 25 are the 'lesser' models... like the step children. I'm sure there is a handy comparison chart somewhere in the near infinite amount of material available on TB

Edited: how embarrassing... found the Wiki. Reading now...

Not stepchildren exactly - think of them more like entry-level models.

Here is a quick rundown of the range. Bear in mind that this video reflects the point of view of a professional musician (fellow Rumbler @droo46), whose requirements may differ from yours.

 

[Deleted member 268085]

So here is the beginners dilemma, right? I don't know what I don't know. I don't know what I'm missing.
To me it sounds 'meh' (I believe that is a technical term). But is that because I suck (most definitely a strong YES on that one), is that because of my bass (second one is on its way), or would a better amp make me suddenly sound like Lee Sklar? Ok, I doubt that last part, but back to the beginning - thanks to COVID19 I haven't really had much chance to try equipment, I really don't know if I'd be ten times happier with a better "home practice amp"... which is why I'm here, making a fool of myself

You're not gonna hear much (any) of the fundamental on the B string, nor some of the E string, but so what? IMO, a player needs to reach a certain level of technical proficiency before getting focused on tone.

The 15 will never be a tone monster. That's not what it was designed for.

Use your 15 in good spirits and good health.

 

[JakobT]

So here is the beginners dilemma, right? I don't know what I don't know. I don't know what I'm missing.
To me it sounds 'meh' (I believe that is a technical term). But is that because I suck (most definitely a strong YES on that one), is that because of my bass (second one is on its way), or would a better amp make me suddenly sound like Lee Sklar? Ok, I doubt that last part, but back to the beginning - thanks to COVID19 I haven't really had much chance to try equipment, I really don't know if I'd be ten times happier with a better "home practice amp"... which is why I'm here, making a fool of myself

Better gear will sound better, but like many other things, music gear is subject to the law of diminishing returns. As you’re just starting out, it makes sense to hold off on major purchases until you get a clearer idea of what you like. If what you have sounds OK to you now, you’re fine for a while. In a few months, you may find that you’d like to upgrade from the 15, and you’ll be in a much better position to make an informed choice and get the most out of your budget.

 

[dirkhh]

Not stepchildren exactly - think of them more like entry-level models.

Here is a quick rundown of the range. Bear in mind that this video reflects the point of view of a professional musician, whose requirements may differ from yours.

So the summary of that is "get a Rumble 40 - the 15/25 are garbage that comes in the bundles" (ok, mildly paraphrasing here -- but that is exactly how I got my 15)

You're not gonna hear much (any) of the fundamental on the B string, nor some of the E string, but so what? IMO, a player needs to reach a certain level of technical proficiency before getting focused on tone.
...
Use your 15 in good spirits and good health.

Yeah - learn how to play the bass, or until "you reach a certain level of technical proficiency", then spend money on gear.
I hear that's how most bass players do things.
That's why there are so few threads here about cool gear. And that's why there's no way I'd buy a Dingwall that's arriving next week or anything like that... right... right...

I will, however, try my best to honor your wise guidance use the 15 in good spirits and especially in good health

 

[dirkhh]

Better gear will sound better, but like many other things, music gear is subject to the law of diminishing returns. As you’re just starting out, it makes sense to hold off on major purchases until you get a clearer idea of what you like. If what you have sounds OK to you now, you’re fine for a while. In a few months, you may find that you’d like to upgrade from the 15, and you’ll be in a much better position to make an informed choice and get the most out of your budget.

You sound like me when I talk to people about dive computers or other gear that I know a lot about. So now I know why people are always giving me those long-suffering looks when I do that... this is great advice... but... but... I mean... that's why there are these forums, right? So I don't have to wait!!!

Never mind. You're all right and I'll pipe down.

 

[droo46]

You sound like me when I talk to people about dive computers or other gear that I know a lot about. So now I know why people are always giving me those long-suffering looks when I do that... this is great advice... but... but... I mean... that's why there are these forums, right? So I don't have to wait!!!

Never mind. You're all right and I'll pipe down.

I think you're going to fit in very nicely around here.

 

[droo46]

So the summary of that is "get a Rumble 40 - the 15/25 are garbage that comes in the bundles" (ok, mildly paraphrasing here -- but that is exactly how I got my 15)

In the bundle, I think they're fine. I just wouldn't pay $100 for the 15 by itself. Not a good value IMO.

 

[Ronzo]

So here is the beginners dilemma, right? I don't know what I don't know. I don't know what I'm missing.
To me it sounds 'meh' (I believe that is a technical term). But is that because I suck (most definitely a strong YES on that one), is that because of my bass (second one is on its way), or would a better amp make me suddenly sound like Lee Sklar? Ok, I doubt that last part, but back to the beginning - thanks to COVID19 I haven't really had much chance to try equipment, I really don't know if I'd be ten times happier with a better "home practice amp"... which is why I'm here, making a fool of myself

It truly is a dilemma for a beginner. That’s why (pre-COVID, of course) it was a good idea to bring an experienced bassist to assist the beginner in auditioning the equipment, and possibly make a recommendation.

Now, things are more difficult. But the problem isn’t your playing level. It’s the inability to hear things in comparison. The “new normal” is to order both by home delivery, and return the one you like least.

Don’t know if that’s an option for you, but it could work.

 

[dirkhh]

In the bundle, I think they're fine. I just wouldn't pay $100 for the 15 by itself. Not a good value IMO.

I know, I said I would pipe down. I didn't mean it, ok?
Anyway... do you think it's worth to upgrade from the 15 to the 40? Or should I wait until I have "reach[ed] a certain level of technical proficiency" and go straight to something even more amazing?

 

[JakobT]

So the summary of that is "get a Rumble 40 - the 15/25 are garbage that comes in the bundles" (ok, mildly paraphrasing here -- but that is exactly how I got my 15)

Yeah - learn how to play the bass, or until "you reach a certain level of technical proficiency", then spend money on gear.
I hear that's how most bass players do things.
That's why there are so few threads here about cool gear. And that's why there's no way I'd buy a Dingwall that's arriving next week or anything like that... right... right...

I will, however, try my best to honor your wise guidance use the 15 in good spirits and especially in good health

Full disclosure: I also own a 15, and yes, I do use it. Its handy size makes it perfect for bringing to small acoustic jams and such. It’s not my main practice amp, but very useful for songwriting sessions at our drummer’s house.

I wouldn’t actually go so far as to suggest waiting to buy gear until you reach a certain level of proficiency (what level is that, anyway?). The most important thing in order to reach that level, whatever it is, is to want to pick up your bass and practice as much as possible. For that you need gear that doesn’t hold you back, so by all means get what makes you happy.

Just remember that GAS is real, most of us TB’ers suffer from it, and there’s no vaccine on the horizon. So we amass more gear and spend a lot more money than we really need to, and get hung up in a never-ending cycle of buying and selling. My own rule for getting new gear is that I won’t get anything unless it does something that I need that my current gear doesn’t do (or unless I really, really want it. )

 

[Ronzo]

I know, I said I would pipe down. I didn't mean it, ok?
Anyway... do you think it's worth to upgrade from the 15 to the 40? Or should I wait until I have "reach[ed] a certain level of technical proficiency" and go straight to something even more amazing?

If it’s within your means, I think you’ll be happier.

 

[dirkhh]

And how exactly do you define "that I need", @JakobT ?

 

[droo46]

Ok, I said I would pipe down. I didn't mean it, ok?
Anyway... do you think it's worth to upgrade from the 15 to the 40? Or should I wait until I have "reach[ed] a certain level of technical proficiency" and go straight to something even more amazing?

Depends on what you need the amp to do. If you're just doing home practice, then the 15 will be fine for now. Were I in your shoes, I'd look into a bigger/better amp in a few months if you're still loving playing bass and you have a need to play with other musicians.

 

[dirkhh]

Depends on what you need the amp to do. If you're just doing home practice, then the 15 will be fine for now. Were I in your shoes, I'd look into a bigger/better amp in a few months if you're still loving playing bass and you have a need to play with other musicians.

That's really solid advice. Thank you for that. I've been practicing for about 9 months now, 7 of which with an instructor (weekly, over Zoom). I just put down ...mumble,mumble... for the dream Dingwall bass that I convinced myself that I "needed"... but I really should press pause and wait if I still enjoy this as much in another few months.
Everyone: really, really appreciate all the feedback!

 

[JakobT]

And how exactly do you define "that I need", @JakobT ?

It could be any number of things, from getting a gigging amp because you’re fed up with crappy backline amps, getting an effects pedal because you’re after a certain sound, or getting a 5-string because the songs you play require it. It all depends on your musical journey and personal circumstance. (If I really, really want something, most of those reasons go out the window. )

 

[G-Dog]

Wait, what? Are there fake Rumbles? How do I know if mine is an actual Fender Rumble 15?

And I'm still curious if people think that this is a reasonable practice amp or if I'm missing out by not getting something 'beefier'...

That's the ticket, dirky! @dirkhh, you are now member #1291 in the Fender Rumble Club. Congratulations and welcome to TalkBass in general and to the Rumble Club in particular. You say you found the Rumble Club Wiki page? Good! Then you may have found the Magic Rumble Model Comparison Chart that shows most feature differences at a glance.

My advice on upgrading your amp, and the timing thereof? Like your financial advisor has no doubt mentioned, let your own personal sleep factor be your guide. TB, in general, and the Rumble Club to a large degree, will usually lean toward, if not actively push you to, giving in to G.A.S., the Gear Acquisition Syndrome of buying more and "better", if not just bigger, gear! But, when you go too far, too fast, you'll find no financial support from anyone on TB, not even your Club buddies!

If your resources can stand it, then sure, buy every model of every amp & bass that catches your fancy and experience it all as fast as your senses can take it in! If not, then only you can set your own time, money & interest boundaries. We're all too happy to give you our opinions of what is reasonable to do, or what we have done, often with well reasoned justification(s) or lessons learned. But, in the end, YMMV (and probably will). So, carpe diem at your own risk.

Just please, in exchange for our valuable opinions, please share your experiences and feelings about them with us here. And also, by all means, advise others you encounter! For that is how we all here love to ... ...

Rumble On!
.​

 

[ShawnG]

So here is the beginners dilemma, right? I don't know what I don't know. I don't know what I'm missing.
To me it sounds 'meh' (I believe that is a technical term). But is that because I suck (most definitely a strong YES on that one), is that because of my bass (second one is on its way), or would a better amp make me suddenly sound like Lee Sklar? Ok, I doubt that last part, but back to the beginning - thanks to COVID19 I haven't really had much chance to try equipment, I really don't know if I'd be ten times happier with a better "home practice amp"... which is why I'm here, making a fool of myself

My $.02 as a novice who has spent too much money on gear in relation to the meager skills I bring to the table:
- Will a better amp sound better (in this case, based on your situation a Rumble 40 vs. a Rumble 15)? Yes.
- Will a better amp (or bass) make you sound better? Maybe, a little bit, but more than likely, not really.
- Will a better amp and/or bass enable you to better appreciate the improvements you make as your playing progresses through practice and better technique? Yes.
As your proficiency grows, better equipment will better serve you, up to a point. Where is that point? That is (or can be), literally, the $100,000 question!

 

[G-Dog]

So here is the beginners dilemma, right? I don't know what I don't know. I don't know what I'm missing.
To me it sounds 'meh' (I believe that is a technical term). But is that because I suck (most definitely a strong YES on that one), is that because of my bass (second one is on its way), or would a better amp make me suddenly sound like Lee Sklar? Ok, I doubt that last part, but back to the beginning - thanks to COVID19 I haven't really had much chance to try equipment, I really don't know if I'd be ten times happier with a better "home practice amp"... which is why I'm here, making a fool of myself

dirk, here's where I posted a comparison of the features of the "beginner" Rumbles, in case you're interested.
.

 

[G-Dog]

Attention: Rumble Club Wiki Edit Alert!

Thank you, @dirkhh, for asking about what you're missing with your a Rumble 15! It reminded me of my post comparing the features of the Rumbles 15, 25 & 40, which I have now linked in the Rumble V3 Summary Info section of the Rumble Club Wiki, right under the big chart. This should help beginners or those looking for small practice amps see the differences.

Thanks, dirk, for your asking.

Rumble On!​

.

 

[dirkhh]

So many helpful people, so many great responses - it would feel excessive to try to answer to all of them.
Instead, thanks all of you!
@G-Dog there’s no doubt that I will share my experiences here - I can’t believe it took me so long to get hooked with TB... I’ve read posts in the past now and then, but I only created an account in order to buy a bass here
I will read the comparison that you posted in the wiki - but I think the advice from several others that there really is value in allowing myself to get better and to understand better what I need is very valuable.
As for G.A.S. - I’m a scuba diver and avid underwater photographer - if anyone cares, I have some pictures up on the web - if you think bass gear is expensive, I invite you to talk to me and some of my photographer friends. I know quite a few people who jump into the water with $20k+ strapped to their chest... Or maybe you want to talk to my daughter about the cost about her 5/4 Bb concert tuba... yeah, my financial advisor is used to bad news
The whole point of asking here is not to give any of you permission to make me buy things, or to get you to convince me to spend money, but to hear from people who know more (let‘s face it, a LOT more) than I do about all of this. And to let that help me make my own decisions.
@ShawnG I doubt I‘ll spend more than $100k on gear. At least not this year.