Adding more bass to an already scooped sound would make things worse!
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The way it was described was that the amp lacked bass/bottom end & mids, which was described as scooped.....don't shoot the messenger, lol....
Check out the Rumble Club Wikipedia page(s). Amongst other things, you'll find that to get a "flat" tone you need to set the EQ @ Bs:9-10; Lo mid:~1; Hi mid:~2; Tr:10(all "o'clock")and adjust from there.
So if bass has to be set at 9-10 to achieve a flat sound...how do you add bottom end from there ?
I know this may sound strange but you actually may add bottom to your sound by taming the bass.
I use a 500 head into a Rumble 210, and I upgraded from a GK MB200. Different beast then an 800RB to be sure but I still moved from a loved GK to an even more loved Rumble.
I don't see volume, weight, portability, or reliability being issues with the Rumble 800. Are you willing to make a sonic change though? There's lots of tonal possibilities in the Rumble. I'd say it'll do a GK-like sound for sure, especially with a preamp or 10-band EQ up-front. It just might not sound as modern, dry, or clanky. Which was never a thing I went for with my GK anyway. I like bold, but controlled mids, a solid foundation in the bass, and then enough highs to keep my effects happy. I also prefer a vintage-style sonic profile but with modern-style definition, which I feel the Rumble delivers.
So for finger-style I either run all flat or B: 12 LM: 2 HM: 3 T: 12 o'clock. With a pick I'll either run all flat with the vintage button engaged or B: 1 LM: 2 HM: 2/3 (depends on strings) T: 12 o'clock.
My old GK I used to run at B: 2 LM: 3 HM: 2 T: 12 o'clock for pick and finger style.
Oh golly. Maybe "taming" was a poor choice of words. But I have found that overwhelming bass can utterly ruin the solid thump in your face lows that you may be searching for. Especially when it comes to Rumbles. I have several amps as well as the Rumble 500 combo. IMHO I think the Rumble sounds much better and solid if you back off on the bass EQ. I actually discovered this on accident as I was playing late at night and wanted to be certain I wasn't disturbing my neighbors. I backed the bass and low mid down some and it actually seem to shake the earth more in a very good way. I realize there are countless variables involved, room acoustics, my aging ears, etc. Just a suggestion...certainly not a rule.
BBass-- I don't think I am necessarily chasing the same sound as my GK but I am concerned that the Fender may not have the solidity in sound throughout the EQ range of the GK...I have always played 6 string through quality valve amps so I know what a great tone is & the GK is solid but I wouldn't consider it a great tone...I'm not even sure my idea of a great tone exists with bass, lol....It is funny hearing you describe the GK as a modern sound considering the 800RB came out in 1982, lol....but I understand what you meant.....I think I would enjoy a change in tone but don't want to find out the Fender doesn't have the punch & clarity which I like in any amp when playing with a group.....Which is why i am hoping to get feedback from players who are using them.....
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Hey, @Precision Pete. Here are some Rumble 800 HD testimonials for you:
And, Pete and @DTRN, here's a link to some O-scope results of a Rumble 500 that are considered typical for the line. Hope this helps you understand the voicing.
Pete, show us a pic of your Rumble 210 cab and get a free membership to The Club! DTRN, likewise, show us your Rumble and join up for free!.
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Hey, @Precision Pete. Here are some Rumble 800 HD testimonials for you:
There are many others here but I just can't find them right now.
And, Pete and @DTRN, here's a link to some O-scope results of a Rumble 500 that are considered typical for the line. Hope this helps you understand the voicing.
Pete, show us a pic of your Rumble 210 cab and get a free membership to The Club! DTRN, likewise, show us your Rumble and join up for free!.
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Thanks a bunch for posting this info, particularly the frequency settings....I was orinaly confused because I didn't read GonePlaids reply correctly & have been picturing 10 on the dials as a full turn to the right rather than o'clock, as he pointed out clearly in his reply......but somehow I managed to miss.....it's all making a lot more sense now, lol....
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Still love to read more user replies from Rumble 800 head owners....
Everything is from "noon"(center detent). There are no numbers on the Rumble controls, so adjustments are made 'by the clock'. Noon/center is "0", therefore '10 o'clock' would equate to "minus 2"; '2 o'clock' would equal +2, etc. The 7ender Rumble Wikipedia page gives a ship load of helpful hints, based on 'real world' experiences for operating these amps. These are the first amps I've owned that EQ'ed this way-takes a little getting used to.
