Fender Rumble Club

[G-Dog]

What do you guys think of the Fender Rumble stand-alone 150 watt amplifier? ... ...

Depends what you mean by "stand-alone". Amp head? Or combo amp (with speaker). I think it was a very underestimated piece of gear manufactured between 2010 and 2014. The V2 Rumble. The first Fender D Class. The head's only about 5 lb.s, while the 15" combo was still pretty heavy at about 55 lb.s. Not as light as the 15" V3 Rumble 200 combo at about 35 lb.s.​

... ... There has been one in a local pawn shop for months now at $200 Canadian ($162 USD).

I'm looking for something a little easier to move around than my 63-pound Ampeg V4B amp if I ever play "out" again. I also have a Roland cube 60 but I'm looking for a little more horsepower.

Or should I hold out for a 300 watt class D amp to come up?

I'm getting a custom 2x10 bass cab built by a local boutique amp builder.

OK, so you must mean the Rumble 150 amp head, since the combo is not much less weight than your 'Peg. That price seems about right from what I see on the 'net. And the power could do a lot of venues, depending on how loud your band is.

Just be aware that the 150W amp is not gonna be a whole lot louder than your 100W amp. The V2 Rumble 350 head or V3 Rumble 500 head (both discontinued) would be more noticeable volume, if that's a concern to you.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.
.​

 

[EatS1stBassist]

Yeah! Put a sock in it!

Lol!

 

[Slaphound]

Slaphound, your story inspires me as well. It would be great to hear from other users about how their Rumble 100 outperformed their expectations. If I could get away with bringing just the Rumble 100 to 90% of my future gigs, I would be a very happy bassist.

Another question: With upright, do you find a need for a preamp? I've used one with my Rumbles, and it definitely smooths out the sound, but I'm not sure that minimal sound refinement is enough to worry about once we're buried in the mix.

The Rumble is rated at 1M Ohms which is enough for a Piezo pickup to work efficiently without a preamp but because I slap and I use a clicky pickup under the fingerboard, I use a pre amp.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Yeah! Put a sock in it!

Bl@@dy Scots!





And yes, I'm part Scot!

 

[Kijekuyo]

Yeah! Put a sock in it!

 

[Kijekuyo]

I don't want you to give up on it. I go for a 60's sorta Motown tone, but from what you're playing I'd say try B-9, LM-12, HM-2, Tr-11. Now, I use VINTAGE pretty much always and BRIGHT depending on room acoustics, so YMMV. I do use my R40 for some small rooms where we really gotta 'keep it down'. Our drummer plays lightly.

Thank you for your help and positive attitude.

I prefer a '60s Motown or fat reggae sound. I've tried a wide variety of EQ settings. They are currently at B-10, LM-1, HM-0, T-0. Vintage seems to make it worse. I have had Gain and Master at all possible combinations.

I have discovered something that may be relevant. When I play it with the Overdrive on, it sounds pretty much the same, with the same amount of distortion. I wonder if the overdrive could always be engaged or something.

 

[Kijekuyo]

A simpler version of the batting idea is to put a sock, or two, in the ports; easily added, tried & removed. If that does help, then some batting inside is the answer.
.

When you say "port" does that mean the round vent holes that allow pressure to escape?

I'm still wondering why my R40 needs modification (socks) to sound clean, but other people's don't. Something must be wrong.

 

[G-Dog]

When you say "port" does that mean the round vent holes that allow pressure to escape? ... ...

Yes, the ports are near the speaker under the velcro'd grille cloth.​

... ... I'm still wondering why my R40 needs modification (socks) to sound clean, but other people's don't. Something must be wrong.

Many other people's R40s and R100s, though not all, have needed internal batting to get the tones they wanted. You said you tried all suggestions but the batting. What did the Authorized Fender Service Center I suggested say?
.​

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Thank you for your help and positive attitude.

I prefer a '60s Motown or fat reggae sound. I've tried a wide variety of EQ settings. They are currently at B-10, LM-1, HM-0, T-0. Vintage seems to make it worse. I have had Gain and Master at all possible combinations.

I have discovered something that may be relevant. When I play it with the Overdrive on, it sounds pretty much the same, with the same amount of distortion. I wonder if the overdrive could always be engaged or something.

I forget which bass you’re using for this, but my Classic Pro Thunderbird does a great Motown sound with the R100 tone controls set nearly flat (10:30/1:00/1:30/10:30), vintage and bright on. Bass: neck p/u full, bridge & tone off. I’m using EBCF strings.
FWIW

 

[GonePlaid]

I forget which bass you’re using for this, but my Classic Pro Thunderbird does a great Motown sound with the R100 tone controls set nearly flat (10:30/1:00/1:30/10:30), vintage and bright on. Bass: neck p/u full, bridge & tone off. I’m using EBCF strings.
FWIW

Yup. Very close to my 'default' settings, adjustable to room acoustics.

 

[Billyears IV]

Hi there Rumblers,

Anyone playing an active bass into a Rumble 500c ? Specifically a Sterling by Music Man Stingray Ray34?

I've just bought this bass. Tried it last week in store & quite inspired with range of punchy/funky/growling/rattling sounds that can be produced. Played in through a rumble 200c in store.

A week later I'm playing it at home, on the 500c. Surprise, surprise, it sounds a bit different. OK its bound to. But what Im wondering, is to what extent would you expect the sound be slightly 'distorted' / coloured at higher volume/gain? I can't describe it much better. Its not a full distorted sound, but a bit like the speakers are being pushed? Sounds

I can reduce the gain (or turn it right down) on the Rumble AND on a Markbass Compressore but the distorted effect is still noticeable with amp volume past 12 o'clock.

That level of volume is too much for my small practice room, so god knows what else might be reverberating. But my ears are hearing it from the speakers (I think?!!).
I dont get it when I play my trusty passive J Bass MIM with flatwounds. Its all I've got to compare it to - had the same thing for 5 years. The Sterling is a brighter instrument and I've tweaked the EQ accordingly. Ive also tried reducing the volume on the bass. I read that this is not a gain as such, so shouldn't effect sound.

I really like many things about the Sterling but would be good to hear from anyone with same set up or what to be aware of with an active bass and a Rumble, as its brand new territory for me....

Thanks guys !!

 

[Thundar]

Hi there Rumblers,

Anyone playing an active bass into a Rumble 500c ? Specifically a Sterling by Music Man Stingray Ray34?

I've just bought this bass. Tried it last week in store & quite inspired with range of punchy/funky/growling/rattling sounds that can be produced. Played in through a rumble 200c in store.

A week later I'm playing it at home, on the 500c. Surprise, surprise, it sounds a bit different. OK its bound to. But what Im wondering, is to what extent would you expect the sound be slightly 'distorted' / coloured at higher volume/gain? I can't describe it much better. Its not a full distorted sound, but a bit like the speakers are being pushed? Sounds

I can reduce the gain (or turn it right down) on the Rumble AND on a Markbass Compressore but the distorted effect is still noticeable with amp volume past 12 o'clock.

That level of volume is too much for my small practice room, so god knows what else might be reverberating. But my ears are hearing it from the speakers (I think?!!).
I dont get it when I play my trusty passive J Bass MIM with flatwounds. Its all I've got to compare it to - had the same thing for 5 years. The Sterling is a brighter instrument and I've tweaked the EQ accordingly. Ive also tried reducing the volume on the bass. I read that this is not a gain as such, so shouldn't effect sound.

I really like many things about the Sterling but would be good to hear from anyone with same set up or what to be aware of with an active bass and a Rumble, as its brand new territory for me....

Thanks guys !!

While I don't have experience with that particular model, I have played numerous active basses including a USA Stingray5, several Spectors, and several Peavey Cirrus through my 500c and never had an issue really, even with the gain at a moderate level. I wish you luck trying to resolve the issue, and keep us posted.

 

[Billyears IV]

While I don't have experience with that particular model, I have played numerous active basses including a USA Stingray5, several Spectors, and several Peavey Cirrus through my 500c and never had an issue really, even with the gain at a moderate level. I wish you luck trying to resolve the issue, and keep us posted.

Thanks.

Its really not a bad 'distortion' ( wrong word to use perhaps) but the amp gain knob does have significant impact. Could that also be a combination of brighter roundwound strings, a brighter punchier instrument (maple neck/fingerboard), a gain on the compressore, plus the pre amp in the bass, all 'pushing' the sound more significantly?

Should I embrace the 'honk' /different vibe or be concerned?

Tomorrow Ill make some recordings

 

[EatS1stBassist]

Thanks.

Its really not a bad 'distortion' ( wrong word to use perhaps) but the amp gain knob does have significant impact. Could that also be a combination of brighter roundwound strings, a brighter punchier instrument (maple neck/fingerboard), a gain on the compressore, plus the pre amp in the bass, all 'pushing' the sound more significantly?

Should I embrace the 'honk' /different vibe or be concerned?

Tomorrow Ill make some recordings

Turn the gain all the way down volume to taste!

 

[Billyears IV]

Turn the gain all the way down volume to taste!

Yeah, thanks. Turning gain all the way down & volume up is OK until go past 12 oclock - then sounds bit distorted? So is the preamp in bass overloading Rumble amp?

 

[trseal]

I get a similar sound difference from man 200c between the very smooth and warm P bass with flats vs my Sterling Ray5 with pretty bright rounds. I turn the gain down and accept the--for lack of better term--"harsher" tone from the Ray5 as being "the nature of the beast."

Btw, sorry if this is just dumb but it hasn't been mentioned, have you tried adjusting the volume knob on the guitar?

Tim

 

[Billyears IV]

I get a similar sound difference from man 200c between the very smooth and warm P bass with flats vs my Sterling Ray5 with pretty bright rounds. I turn the gain down and accept the--for lack of better term--"harsher" tone from the Ray5 as being "the nature of the beast."

Btw, sorry if this is just dumb but it hasn't been mentioned, have you tried adjusting the volume knob on the guitar?

Tim

Hi Tim,

Thanks. Yes I've tweaked all things. Volume on bass does help, so I only have that 1/2 or 2/3 way up.

Get what you mean re harsher tone although I love the various textures & 'metallic' /funkiness. It's an alternative to my J bass with flats.

Will revisit tomorrow & record some tests. Guess I spent several hours messing about and got tired. Probably made more progress testing varolious EQ than I realise....

Cheers

 

[J-Mags]

Hi there Rumblers,

Anyone playing an active bass into a Rumble 500c ? Specifically a Sterling by Music Man Stingray Ray34?

I've just bought this bass. Tried it last week in store & quite inspired with range of punchy/funky/growling/rattling sounds that can be produced. Played in through a rumble 200c in store.

A week later I'm playing it at home, on the 500c. Surprise, surprise, it sounds a bit different. OK its bound to. But what Im wondering, is to what extent would you expect the sound be slightly 'distorted' / coloured at higher volume/gain? I can't describe it much better. Its not a full distorted sound, but a bit like the speakers are being pushed? Sounds

I can reduce the gain (or turn it right down) on the Rumble AND on a Markbass Compressore but the distorted effect is still noticeable with amp volume past 12 o'clock.

That level of volume is too much for my small practice room, so god knows what else might be reverberating. But my ears are hearing it from the speakers (I think?!!).
I dont get it when I play my trusty passive J Bass MIM with flatwounds. Its all I've got to compare it to - had the same thing for 5 years. The Sterling is a brighter instrument and I've tweaked the EQ accordingly. Ive also tried reducing the volume on the bass. I read that this is not a gain as such, so shouldn't effect sound.

I really like many things about the Sterling but would be good to hear from anyone with same set up or what to be aware of with an active bass and a Rumble, as its brand new territory for me....

Thanks guys !!

I think that the most efficient way to back off an instrument that has too much gain is to back off the output volume of a relatively transparent fx pedal like an eq or compressor, or whatever works. That way you can match up the volume more efficiently with your other instruments and still have the full range of the volume knob.

My P-Bass (passive), and Jazz Bass (EMGs) still overdrive my c200 a little more than my Mustang, but not by much.

 

[GonePlaid]

Hi Tim,

Thanks. Yes I've tweaked all things. Volume on bass does help, so I only have that 1/2 or 2/3 way up.

Get what you mean re harsher tone although I love the various textures & 'metallic' /funkiness. It's an alternative to my J bass with flats.

Will revisit tomorrow & record some tests. Guess I spent several hours messing about and got tired. Probably made more progress testing varolious EQ than I realise....

Cheers

FWIW, my default settings on the 200c are: Gain-~9, VINTAGE-on, BRIGHT-depends on room, OVERDRIVE-off/off(used as mute), BASS-~10, LOW MID-~1or2, HI MID-~2, TREB-10, VOLUME-as necessary for the room, TWEETER-off(except when playing CD's on breaks-and first tune after break when I forget to turn it back off). Try turning the tweeter off-it adds unwanted distortion and unless you spend a lotta time above 12th fret, is kinda useless-IMNSHO.

 

[Billyears IV]

I think that the most efficient way to back off an instrument that has too much gain is to back off the output volume of a relatively transparent fx pedal like an eq or compressor, or whatever works. That way you can match up the volume more efficiently with your other instruments and still have the full range of the volume knob.

My P-Bass (passive), and Jazz Bass (EMGs) still overdrive my c200 a little more than my Mustang, but not by much.

Thanks