Fender Rumble Club

[RL5]

Seems like the GK is duplicative. But toys are fun!

 

[Doug4321]

What year is the GK? You can add GK powered cabs to some even if they don’t accept more unpowered standard cabs.

I’d check prices on reverb.com even if you don’t want to mail it out. Craigslist is tough as it’s more localized. Price guide on the newer version: https://reverb.com/p/gallien-krueger-mb115-ii-ultra-light-200w-1x15-bass-combo#price-guide

I’ve been a little curious about GK. Kinda spendy. What do you think compared to the Rumbles?

 

[dORSY]

 

[Griendrr]

My GK was new appx 10 years ago. I paid maybe $375 back then. It was the only year the plug for their cabs (or any cab) wasn't a thing.

They did offer a free kit to convert it, but it was my first bass, first bass amp, I'm downstairs noodling around for at least 3 years with no outside contact. By the time I even considered more the conversion was long gone, at least I can't find any and nothing offered in GK website.

Just looking at the price of this amp today (200 watts, 1X15, $700) yeah I'd say it's over priced IMO. My 500 Rumble combo is $650 at GC, I got another $72 off for floor model.

But no way just having the Rumble, I wouldn't take my GK for half what the rumble cost new or used. So yeah I think they are over priced. I got my use out of it. Maybe someone can use it.

I really don't want to knock anyone's taste, and maybe I'm comparing apples to oranges but my GK did its job and nothing more. I've never been much of a gear enthusiast, but I guess that's changing some. If I compare it even to my Rumble 100 combo there's no contest I'd take the Rumble. I've never done a side by side comparison, and maybe I just never took enough time to dial in the GK, but after a short time I got tired of trying to dial in the GK.

 

[Griendrr]

What year is the GK? You can add GK powered cabs to some even if they don’t accept more unpowered standard cabs.

I’d check prices on reverb.com even if you don’t want to mail it out. Craigslist is tough as it’s more localized. Price guide on the newer version: https://reverb.com/p/gallien-krueger-mb115-ii-ultra-light-200w-1x15-bass-combo#price-guide

I’ve been a little curious about GK. Kinda spendy. What do you think compared to the Rumbles?

Looking on reverb I'd say I'm in line with their prices considering it's 10 years old... it's going for more than what I paid new. I'm not looking to get rich on it I'd be happy to see a young kid or just someone starting out get it on their budget, I might have to drop in price.

Being they cost soo much less when I bought it I don't think it's necessary to be focused on getting top dollar. IMO it's not worth much to me at this point.

Thanks for the help !!!!

 

[AncientNoob]

Looking on reverb I'd say I'm in line with their prices considering it's 10 years old... it's going for more than what I paid new. I'm not looking to get rich on it I'd be happy to see a young kid or just someone starting out get it on their budget, I might have to drop in price.

Being they cost soo much less when I bought it I don't think it's necessary to be focused on getting top dollar. IMO it's not worth much to me at this point.

Thanks for the help !!!!

If you didn’t live on the opposite side of the country from me, I might know someone that would be interested in taking that GK off your hands. I imagine the shipping on a parcel that size and weight would be insanely high. My daughter is looking to upgrade from her little Hartke, but everyone in my neck of the woods must think their used amps are crafted from unicorns and rainbows. The prices on used gear is out of hand.

 

[stingray69]

I really don't want to knock anyone's taste, and maybe I'm comparing apples to oranges but my GK did its job and nothing more. I've never been much of a gear enthusiast, but I guess that's changing some. If I compare it even to my Rumble 100 combo there's no contest I'd take the Rumble. I've never done a side by side comparison, and maybe I just never took enough time to dial in the GK, but after a short time I got tired of trying to dial in the GK.

Kinda same story here - a few years ago I had picked up a GK MB500. At first I thought it was great, but I was probably more stoked about the lightweight/power features which is what I really bought it for so I could break away from the heavy racks and poweramps. I found out in short order I didn't care too much for the voicing of the tone controls. I sure couldn't dial in a good low-mid presence. It was all lows (and boomy ones at that) and highs - at least in IME.

I eventually started using EQ pedals, SansAmp, etc, going into the FX-in to just bypass the on-board voicing. I was much happier with the tone but it kinda defeated the purpose of carrying a simple plug-n-play lightweight head. Then it eventually crapped out on me altogether, so the issue kinda resolved itself. As you say, it served its purpose at the time I suppose. I moved onto the Rumble 200c after that and I've never been happier. So much tone control options and all of them very musical indeed. I wouldn't have the MB500 back if you handed me one for free to be honest. The Rumble sounds miles better (to me), and just fantastic on gigs. IMO/IME.

 

[John Stephen]

@stingray69, you have described my experience with the GK MB150 exactly. The Rumble (40 in my case) gives me much better tone, much less noise, and is lighter weight as well.

 

[Doug4321]

I sure couldn't dial in a good low-mid presence. It was all lows (and boomy ones at that) and highs - at least in IME.

Makes sense, the GK preset on the Bronco 40 I had was pretty “scooped”. Not as dramatic and compressed as the Ampeg setting though. Haven’t actually tried a GK though. You’d think you could dial in more mids as needed but sounds like there is some baked in element too.
I tried out at the store the Rumble, Acoustic, Markbass, and Ampeg small combos. Fairly cheap except the Markbass of course.
I thought the Markbass would be super, but switching to the Rumble immediately got much more warmth and presence. The Markbass had great clarity but was sort of thin, cold and distant. The Ampeg seemed kinda similar. The Acoustic had a lot of presence but more in your face, kinda harsh. So went with the Rumble….
Anyways sounds like I’m not missing much as far as the GK!

 

[Griendrr]

If you didn’t live on the opposite side of the country from me, I might know someone that would be interested in taking that GK off your hands. I imagine the shipping on a parcel that size and weight would be insanely high. My daughter is looking to upgrade from her little Hartke, but everyone in my neck of the woods must think their used amps are crafted from unicorns and rainbows. The prices on used gear is out of hand.

The rumble 100 goes 350 new. I found mine on FB market place for 230. Messaged and asked if they'd take 150 I'd be right up. They said yes and I ran up there. I'm reading about shortages and it sucks. I've seen a $500 cab go up to $600 just this week. List. Every site. Seems crazy. Today I bought 2 oil filters at Napa telling the guy he might not have them next year, they see what's happening, I said I'm glad to give you the sale now. Anyway I digress.
My son's bud has a rumble 40, sure the 100 has more but maybe 25% more punch than the 40. The 40 is what started it for me. They're down there on Fridays and the kid would turn up and shake the walls, not the whole house but it's little. My unsolicited advice is go for a 40 over the MB 115 which is 200 watts. I know that sounds crazy but to my ear the 40 just seems to cut it. In any case the situation sucks and I hope you get lucky. I don't recommend the GK for anyone for anything lol, it's not THAT bad but the rumble is THAT good. With that said if you happen to be or get that desperate for a fully operational amp in good shape it'll be here and I'd ship to someone here, feels like family. I know shipping on stuff like that from GC goes about 60/70 bucks but it could be a lot closer geographically. I'm not in a big hurry with it, and no hits 3 weeks it's not flying off the shelf haha.

 

[Griendrr]

Kinda same story here - a few years ago I had picked up a GK MB500. At first I thought it was great, but I was probably more stoked about the lightweight/power features which is what I really bought it for so I could break away from the heavy racks and poweramps. I found out in short order I didn't care too much for the voicing of the tone controls. I sure couldn't dial in a good low-mid presence. It was all lows (and boomy ones at that) and highs - at least in IME.

I eventually started using EQ pedals, SansAmp, etc, going into the FX-in to just bypass the on-board voicing. I was much happier with the tone but it kinda defeated the purpose of carrying a simple plug-n-play lightweight head. Then it eventually crapped out on me altogether, so the issue kinda resolved itself. As you say, it served its purpose at the time I suppose. I moved onto the Rumble 200c after that and I've never been happier. So much tone control options and all of them very musical indeed. I wouldn't have the MB500 back if you handed me one for free to be honest. The Rumble sounds miles better (to me), and just fantastic on gigs. IMO/IME.

Funny you're talking a rumble 200 over a GK 500, I'M talking a rumble 100 over a GK 200, I don't know what yours operates at without an external cab but mine has no provisions for one and I think it sounds crazy. Obvious maybe it's not soo crazy if two people that never met would take one amp with less than half the rated power over the other...

 

[Griendrr]

I have a Fender Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special SS (short scale). It came with round wound strings. They are still on. I haven't played it since I got my Ibanez SR 300 with active electronics. I have D'Adario flats on it. I don't plan on ever playing rounds again.

I recently read that many people use flats on passive pickup guitars to enhance the Vintage sound they want. I'm not big on any nuances of tone I'm really not. But I'm in love with the sounds my Rumble stuff makes. So that's about the level of my sophistication.

I'm going to put flats on my short scale. I'm not critically picky I just want some flats that sound feel and play well. Will I notice the sound difference between the Ibanez active and fender passive ? Will I notice the sound difference the flats make ? I considered pulling the frets off as I truly want a fretless next. I've seen others do it but looking at the neck I'll probably trash an otherwise nice bass. I have a buddy that does extensive work on guitars. If anyone can do it he'll let me know and do it. I'm not going to do it but I did think about it until I looked at the neck.

Last one, and I don't want to open a can of worms, can I get a few suggestions on popular flats that are being used as I'll use them (with the passive and the rumble amps) I'd be interested in half rounds too,

but only if they feel as nice as the flats (IDK how they feel) will another set of ADarios do me OK ?

If this doesn't belong here (I know strings are like motor oil in some ways) I'll move it, but I thought the best place to get a few good suggestions would be in this thread where most love the sound of the rumbles.

I'm very excited to bring this practically new bass into action again. And if it ends up I can go fretless I'll flip.

Funny how one amp can have such a profound affect on my outlook. For most of my life I just picked it up and played it, now there's more joy, but I really don't want to go down a rabbit hole. I know the major factor in my sound is my playing. I'll try to remember that.

 

[AncientNoob]

I have a Fender Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special SS (short scale). It came with round wound strings. They are still on. I haven't played it since I got my Ibanez SR 300 with active electronics. I have D'Adario flats on it. I don't plan on ever playing rounds again.

I recently read that many people use flats on passive pickup guitars to enhance the Vintage sound they want. I'm not big on any nuances of tone I'm really not. But I'm in love with the sounds my Rumble stuff makes. So that's about the level of my sophistication.

I'm going to put flats on my short scale. I'm not critically picky I just want some flats that sound feel and play well. Will I notice the sound difference between the Ibanez active and fender passive ? Will I notice the sound difference the flats make ? I considered pulling the frets off as I truly want a fretless next. I've seen others do it but looking at the neck I'll probably trash an otherwise nice bass. I have a buddy that does extensive work on guitars. If anyone can do it he'll let me know and do it. I'm not going to do it but I did think about it until I looked at the neck.

Last one, and I don't want to open a can of worms, can I get a few suggestions on popular flats that are being used as I'll use them (with the passive and the rumble amps) I'd be interested in half rounds too, View attachment 4534924 View attachment 4534925 but only if they feel as nice as the flats (IDK how they feel) will another set of ADarios do me OK ?

If this doesn't belong here (I know strings are like motor oil in some ways) I'll move it, but I thought the best place to get a few good suggestions would be in this thread where most love the sound of the rumbles.

I'm very excited to bring this practically new bass into action again. And if it ends up I can go fretless I'll flip.

Funny how one amp can have such a profound affect on my outlook. For most of my life I just picked it up and played it, now there's more joy, but I really don't want to go down a rabbit hole. I know the major factor in my sound is my playing. I'll try to remember that.

I’ll keep this quick, since you’re right, this might not be the place for this to be discussed at length. My personal experience is with D’Addario and LaBella. I very much like them both. Chromes are brighter and very articulate. LaBellas tend to be a bit warmer and more “thumpy”. I suggest you try out some tapewounds on that Jaguar. Either of the mentioned brands are an excellent choice, and they both make short scale sets. As an FYI, there is an entire forum dedicated to strings where you can get the full scope of experience and suggestions.

 

[stingray69]

Funny you're talking a rumble 200 over a GK 500, I'M talking a rumble 100 over a GK 200, I don't know what yours operates at without an external cab but mine has no provisions for one and I think it sounds crazy. Obvious maybe it's not soo crazy if two people that never met would take one amp with less than half the rated power over the other...

I can't recall which of my cabs (ohms) back when I was running with the MB-500, but if there's a noticeable volume difference between now & back then, I honestly haven't noticed. Because of the heavily voiced nature of the GK, perhaps a lot of the power was spent trying to push flubby, boomy lows? Not sure. I play most gigs with just the 200 combo and only bring out the extension cab in the biggest of rooms. The guys in the band love the tone too - one of the guitarist has stated several times how great he thinks the Rumble sounds and how he can always hear me clearly when we play out live. All that aside - I'll take tone over volume all day, every day, and with the Rumble, I'm lacking neither.

 

[Peter Yuen]

...But yesterday I tried my old RF wireless headphones (Sennheiser RS 120 II - Audio Headphones Stereo Wireless - Ideal for modern music & TV - Lightweight). They work great! So now I can practice with wireless headphones with no delay. Those headphones had been unused for about 10 yrs so it was great to resurrect them.

Wait a minute. I have to do more testing, but I just noticed that these headphones seem to have some kind of dynamic range limiting built in. When I play hard, the headphones attenuate the sound. Not good!

 

[Black Out Jazz]

Looking on reverb I'd say I'm in line with their prices considering it's 10 years old... it's going for more than what I paid new. I'm not looking to get rich on it I'd be happy to see a young kid or just someone starting out get it on their budget, I might have to drop in price.

Being they cost soo much less when I bought it I don't think it's necessary to be focused on getting top dollar. IMO it's not worth much to me at this point.

Thanks for the help !!!!

Maybe your local high school music teacher could use a donation if it's not worth much to you.

 

[Griendrr]

Maybe your local high school music teacher could use a donation if it's not worth much to you.

Good Thinking Mr. Black Out Jazz. That leads me to my own version which would be going 2 miles into town where they have a very elaborate music establishment complete with all types of lessons and recording studios and just anonymously handing it over to a kid myself. This way the kid can do whatever he pleases with it.

 

[Black Out Jazz]

Good Thinking Mr. Black Out Jazz. That leads me to my own version which would be going 2 miles into town where they have a very elaborate music establishment complete with all types of lessons and recording studios and just anonymously handing it over to a kid myself. This way the kid can do whatever he pleases with it.

That is one hell of a good idea.

 

[JAC70]

Hello, all New Rumble LT25 owner. Would love to join the club.

 

[JakobT]

Good Thinking Mr. Black Out Jazz. That leads me to my own version which would be going 2 miles into town where they have a very elaborate music establishment complete with all types of lessons and recording studios and just anonymously handing it over to a kid myself. This way the kid can do whatever he pleases with it.

Well…as a kid I know what my mother would have said if I came home with a bass and a story about how some guy I’d never met before just gave it to me.