Fender Rumble Club

[trseal]

I am thinking about purchasing this actually with the 210 cab. Any pros/cons? It can be used for small/medium/large/outdoor gigs with no problem? Also, if you use the FOH, when you adjust the volume on the combo does it effect the volume a the FOH? Or, is it separate so you can turn up your amp on stage without impacting FOH volume? Does it 'cut out" at all? Reliable? Anything you can tell me would be appreciated. Thanks! -Bill

Absolutely NO cons. That's the rig I use and it is maximum flexible. It's WAY overkill for small venues. Altho' I haven't used the full stack at small indoor venues, I don't know how much (if any) use there would be to drive 4 10's @ 200W in a small room. Your 100W into the resident 2 10's may be plenty. For large or outdoor places, I'm not sure it gets any better than 800 Rumble watts into 4 10's.

Tim

 

[TriadKing]

Thank you, my dear @G-Dog

Looking forward to getting to know all of you in due time! I’m a Philly/NYC based bassist and a producer mostly working with strings and jazz fusion bands. I got the GAS but also a thin enough wallet to tame it.

I am thinking about purchasing this actually with the 210 cab. Any pros/cons? It can be used for small/medium/large/outdoor gigs with no problem? Also, if you use the FOH, when you adjust the volume on the combo does it effect the volume a the FOH? Or, is it separate so you can turn up your amp on stage without impacting FOH volume? Does it 'cut out" at all? Reliable? Anything you can tell me would be appreciated. Thanks! -Bill

I still haven’t properly used the DI out yet, but I can do a quick test with my interface this weekend and let you know! I can tell you that this thing can handle pretty much any gig I usually play, from 50 people to 500 people, indoor or outdoors.

 

[G-Dog]

View attachment 5123236 Hi everyone! This little beast had showed up on my doorstep a few months ago, but took it out on a ride for the first time today. ... ... ... Anyway, here is my Rumble 800, standing in front of my Stingray Special HH, AKA WalletReaper.

I am thinking about purchasing this actually with the 210 cab. Any pros/cons? ... ...

It might seem to be a bit too lightweight to be true! Pro or con? You decide. ​

... ... It can be used for small/medium/large/outdoor gigs with no problem? ... ....

Exactomundo, leapin' Lemur! With the 1/4 Power Switch it fills the roll of a 100w amp alone, (200w with 8 ohm or 4 ohm cab(s)!). Up to 800w with 8 ohm or 4 ohm extension(s)!!​

... ... Also, if you use the FOH, when you adjust the volume on the combo does it effect the volume a the FOH? Or, is it separate so you can turn up your amp on stage without impacting FOH volume? ... ...

The Master control DOES NOT affect the XLR level AT ALL. Your stage volume changes do not go to the FOH.​

... ... Does it 'cut out" at all? Reliable? Anything you can tell me would be appreciated. Thanks! -Bill

I'm sure there are some unreasonable settings that might could make it "cut out", "fart", or otherwise make bad noises. But I think you'd have work at it to do that.

Reliable? 9 years experience with the V3 Rumbles (preamp), 5 of them with the 800w power amp (Stage). Yes, it should be quite reliable. And there's the Fender 2-year warranty on new ones to guarantee it.

Here's a pretty thorough thread about it:

Fender Rumble 800 Combo Thread for the NEW 2022 800 Combo

Rumble On!
.​

 

[Jaya W]

@Lemur Bassman et al., I haven’t played my 800c out on a gig yet, but the line out features a PRE-/POST- switch, and here’s what the manual says: “Select PRE for direct, unaffected signal; select POST for fully processed signal (except MASTER).”

That would seem to suggest that the line out is a set level, that nothing you do volume wise is going to change the level leaving your amp via the line out. In fact, looking at the schematic, it seems quite clear that the MASTER volume is being completely bypassed when you run the line out. (Caveat: I’m not a schematics guy, so I’m including a picture so those of you with more engineering knowledge can double check.)

Apparently, PRE is a “pure” signal, unaffected by the amp’s settings, whereas POST sends your “processed” signal, incl. the gain, the voicing buttons, the overdrive, and whatever EQ settings you have set. Either way, turning the MASTER up or down has no effect. Am I right?

 

[Jaya W]

Oh, remember my little foam-under-the-feet trick for stacking the 40 securely atop my shiny new 800? Well, I was in the garage and had a stroke of inspiration! Skateboard wheels! They’re sturdier, more stable, and hella dope looking! I happened to have a set not being used (Slime Balls 52mm, 97a, for the curious), and they do the trick oh so nicely! I might eventually buy some just for the job, maybe orange for a flag of color, or black if I decide to go low key. But these white ones look pretty bussin’ for the time being.

 

[Jaya W]

And not to take up all the oxygen in the room, but wanted to say… as light as my load-in/load-out is compared to the rest of the band (I’m looking at you, drummer) I think I’m definitely going to carry both amps next time we play out because it just looks rad, and it will give me either 140 or 440 W through 3 10” speakers, which is too good not to use. Next show is in about a week. I can’t wait!

 

[TriadKing]

Oh, remember my little foam-under-the-feet trick for stacking the 40 securely atop my shiny new 800? Well, I was in the garage and had a stroke of inspiration! Skateboard wheels! They’re sturdier, more stable, and hella dope looking! I happened to have a set not being used (Slime Balls 52mm, 97a, for the curious), and they do the trick oh so nicely! I might eventually buy some just for the job, maybe orange for a flag of color, or black if I decide to go low key. But these white ones look pretty bussin’ for the time being.
View attachment 5124524 View attachment 5124525 View attachment 5124527

yep, certified bussin’

 

[PiquetBass]

Oh, remember my little foam-under-the-feet trick for stacking the 40 securely atop my shiny new 800? Well, I was in the garage and had a stroke of inspiration! Skateboard wheels! They’re sturdier, more stable, and hella dope looking! I happened to have a set not being used (Slime Balls 52mm, 97a, for the curious), and they do the trick oh so nicely! I might eventually buy some just for the job, maybe orange for a flag of color, or black if I decide to go low key. But these white ones look pretty bussin’ for the time being.
View attachment 5124524 View attachment 5124525 View attachment 5124527

If there is a way to make skate-wheels even cooler.... this is it!

 

[CoughSyrup]

Hi all -

I've been looking for a "buy once, cry once" amp in either a head/cab configuration or a well-made combo under $1k US. I thought the Rumble 500 was the answer to my prayers, but I've seen some posts saying the Stage 800
is worth the extra money over the 500. I'm not big on effects or amp modeling (for the time being) so I like to keep things simple, but the Freddy Washington demo of the loaded settings on the Stage 800 might have sold me.

Is this something I should feel confident in buying second-hand from a reputable dealer when there's a big chunk of savings but no warranty support from Fender?

 

[TriadKing]

Hi all -

I've been looking for a "buy once, cry once" amp in either a head/cab configuration or a well-made combo under $1k US. I thought the Rumble 500 was the answer to my prayers, but I've seen some posts saying the Stage 800
is worth the extra money over the 500. I'm not big on effects or amp modeling (for the time being) so I like to keep things simple, but the Freddy Washington demo of the loaded settings on the Stage 800 might have sold me.

Is this something I should feel confident in buying second-hand from a reputable dealer when there's a big chunk of savings but no warranty support from Fender?

Regular Rumble 800 (non-stage) is lighter and in my opinion just a better amp, especially if you’re not interested in modeling.

 

[G-Dog]

Hi all -

I've been looking for a "buy once, cry once" amp in either a head/cab configuration or a well-made combo under $1k US. I thought the Rumble 500 was the answer to my prayers, but I've seen some posts saying the Stage 800
is worth the extra money over the 500. I'm not big on effects or amp modeling (for the time being) so I like to keep things simple, but the Freddy Washington demo of the loaded settings on the Stage 800 might have sold me.

Is this something I should feel confident in buying second-hand from a reputable dealer when there's a big chunk of savings but no warranty support from Fender?

Hello, Coughy. Thanks for dropping in to our little part of TalkBass. You've come to the right place to ask about Rumble amps, cabs & combos. You ask some very interesting questions with a lot of room for subjectivity in the answers. I'll be happy to give you my perspective, and others probably will, too.

In 2014 the Rumble 500 combo was the answer to my search for the ultimate lightweight bass combo amp and, actually, it still is! It stll does all the basics for me in a most excellent way! The power, portability, sounds and inexpensive cost are unsurpassed. It is almost always plenty powerful for even big venues by itself, but adding an 8 ohm cab really clinches the biggest I've had outdoors.

However, I am kind of a "gadget guy", but not a fan of having several pedals for lots of different sounds/effects/tones. I have a Cyber-Deluxe guitar modeling amp that I enjoy, along with a G-DEC 30 guitar modeling amp. And I've loved having Fender's 1st generation bass modeling amp, the B-DEC, too. So, when the Stage 800 & Studio 40 bass modeling amps came out in 2018 I agonized over which to get! I decided on the Studio with all the same modeling as the Stage, and I can make it louder with the Rumble 500 combo! For those of us that like modeling amps, Fender's are very well worth it! I love mine!!! We even have a special Rumble LT25, Studio 40 & Stage 800 sub-thread of this Club for their special discussions.

But, I understand that all those tonal options are not for everybody. The non-modeling Rumbles have the Bright, Contour & Vintage voicing buttons that add plenty of flexibility to their sound for most uses. And now, as TriadKing has correctly pointed out already, there is the new non-modeling Rumble 800 combo that has surpassed the 500 in power as the new ultimate bass combo! It has most the same features of the 500, but with some additional improvements besides just more power.

Whichever you decide on, Syr, we're here to celebrate with you and help with any questions you may have. So, please don't hesitate to ask, or let us know which one you get! Your free Club Membership awaits you!
.

 

[Akiyama]

Hello Rumblers, I purchased an Ampeg SGT-DI a few months ago. That little wonder plus the SVT suite provides my Ampeg fix and then some. My RB-110 has become expendable. I am shopping for a new amp with different tone possibilities. I have a severe itch for Fender Bassman tone but I need to fit an amp in a small studio. I do not gig (but there may be some options to casually gig down the road). I have tried Bassman sims that do well but I want to feel and hear the sound when I am recording my original tunes to DAW. I have tried a number of the Rumble models and the only one that suits my taste is the 500. The 500 is the maximum size I can fit in my studio. So, I have established that the 500 is a nice-sounding possibility and would fit within my studio but I NEED to cop a Bassman tone. What settings on the 500 will give me a ballpark sound of the Bassman? Or do I go with other options? My budget is under $800 total. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[Lemur Bassman]

Hello, Coughy. Thanks for dropping in to our little part of TalkBass. You've come to the right place to ask about Rumble amps, cabs & combos. You ask some very interesting questions with a lot of room for subjectivity in the answers. I'll be happy to give you my perspective, and others probably will, too.

In 2014 the Rumble 500 combo was the answer to my search for the ultimate lightweight bass combo amp and, actually, it still is! It stll does all the basics for me in a most excellent way! The power, portability, sounds and inexpensive cost are unsurpassed. It is almost always plenty powerful for even big venues by itself, but adding an 8 ohm cab really clinches the biggest I've had outdoors.

However, I am kind of a "gadget guy", but not a fan of having several pedals for lots of different sounds/effects/tones. I have a Cyber-Deluxe guitar modeling amp that I enjoy, along with a G-DEC 30 guitar modeling amp. And I've loved having Fender's 1st generation bass modeling amp, the B-DEC, too. So, when the Stage 800 & Studio 40 bass modeling amps came out in 2018 I agonized over which to get! I decided on the Studio with all the same modeling as the Stage, and I can make it louder with the Rumble 500 combo! For those of us that like modeling amps, Fender's are very well worth it! I love mine!!! We even have a special Rumble LT25, Studio 40 & Stage 800 sub-thread of this Club for their special discussions.

But, I understand that all those tonal options are not for everybody. The non-modeling Rumbles have the Bright, Contour & Vintage voicing buttons that add plenty of flexibility to their sound for most uses. And now, as TriadKing has correctly pointed out already, there is the new non-modeling Rumble 800 combo that has surpassed the 500 in power as the new ultimate bass combo! It has most the same features of the 500, but with some additional improvements besides just more power.

Whichever you decide on, Syr, we're here to celebrate with you and help with any questions you may have. So, please don't hesitate to ask, or let us know which one you get! Your free Club Membership awaits you!
.

Let me preface this by saying I understand "tone" is individual. However, Let's say the Fender 800 Rumble which has 2x10's with a cab hooked up to the Fender 2x10 then compared it with say a Fender 800 Rumble IF it had a 1x15 hooked up to a Fender cab 1x15....What would be the "advantages" and "disadvantages" If such a setup existed from the Fender company? Which types of music and venues would one be "better" for? Type of music? For setting "better" in the mix? for recording? I understand these can be subjective answers, but I am looking for opinions and experience. Thanks! -Bill

 

[RL5]

Hello Rumblers, I purchased an Ampeg SGT-DI a few months ago. That little wonder plus the SVT suite provides my Ampeg fix and then some. My RB-110 has become expendable. I am shopping for a new amp with different tone possibilities. I have a severe itch for Fender Bassman tone but I need to fit an amp in a small studio. I do not gig (but there may be some options to casually gig down the road). I have tried Bassman sims that do well but I want to feel and hear the sound when I am recording my original tunes to DAW. I have tried a number of the Rumble models and the only one that suits my taste is the 500. The 500 is the maximum size I can fit in my studio. So, I have established that the 500 is a nice-sounding possibility and would fit within my studio but I NEED to cop a Bassman tone. What settings on the 500 will give me a ballpark sound of the Bassman? Or do I go with other options? My budget is under $800 total. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

The Rumble Stage 800 has a very good Bassman sim built in. It is the same size as the Rumble 500, so it will fit in your space. Unsure of the new price, but you can certainly get a used one in that price range.

 

[RL5]

Hi all -

I've been looking for a "buy once, cry once" amp in either a head/cab configuration or a well-made combo under $1k US. I thought the Rumble 500 was the answer to my prayers, but I've seen some posts saying the Stage 800
is worth the extra money over the 500. I'm not big on effects or amp modeling (for the time being) so I like to keep things simple, but the Freddy Washington demo of the loaded settings on the Stage 800 might have sold me.

Is this something I should feel confident in buying second-hand from a reputable dealer when there's a big chunk of savings but no warranty support from Fender?

I bought my Stage 800 (and Studio 40!) second-hand from reputable dealers. Got the dealer (Guitar Center) to through in a warranty on the Stage 800 (haven't needed it). I've had no issue at all with either of them. If you decide to go that route (a used Stage 800 as opposed to a Rumble 800 combo), try to negotiate for either a better price or get some sort of deal on a warranty.

 

[Akiyama]

The Rumble Stage 800 has a very good Bassman sim built in. It is the same size as the Rumble 500, so it will fit in your space. Unsure of the new price, but you can certainly get a used one in that price range.

Thanks for the suggestion. I had a bad experience with a Mustang amp failing just after the warranty period on me. I am quite leery of Fender's modeling amps. Once bitten, twice shy...

 

[SoulReflection]

Hello Rumblers, I purchased an Ampeg SGT-DI a few months ago. That little wonder plus the SVT suite provides my Ampeg fix and then some. My RB-110 has become expendable. I am shopping for a new amp with different tone possibilities. I have a severe itch for Fender Bassman tone but I need to fit an amp in a small studio. I do not gig (but there may be some options to casually gig down the road). I have tried Bassman sims that do well but I want to feel and hear the sound when I am recording my original tunes to DAW. I have tried a number of the Rumble models and the only one that suits my taste is the 500. The 500 is the maximum size I can fit in my studio. So, I have established that the 500 is a nice-sounding possibility and would fit within my studio but I NEED to cop a Bassman tone. What settings on the 500 will give me a ballpark sound of the Bassman? Or do I go with other options? My budget is under $800 total. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I had the itch for a Bassman tone myself, but found my Rumble 100 can get me very close with EQ tweaking and, maybe a little help from a compressor and/or OD pedal. In addition, the Bassdude plugin does a great job on the DAW front.

I believe you could get very close to your goal with the 500 you already have and without spending $800. Like you, I am not gigging but, if I was and really wanted a Bassman tone, I would buy a Bassman !

As an aside, try various IRs into your SGT, like the Sunn 2-15s and running the SGT into your 500. I found some interesting tones doing that.

Oh, and on the modeling front, I had a Studio 40 and most of the effects, like the Bassman, did not impress so I sold it. But, as has been said, everyone's ears a different...

 

[RL5]

Thanks for the suggestion. I had a bad experience with a Mustang amp failing just after the warranty period on me. I am quite leery of Fender's modeling amps. Once bitten, twice shy...

We all have our own experiences. I've had no issues with my amps, but your mileage may vary.

 

[CoughSyrup]

I bought my Stage 800 (and Studio 40!) second-hand from reputable dealers. Got the dealer (Guitar Center) to through in a warranty on the Stage 800 (haven't needed it). I've had no issue at all with either of them. If you decide to go that route (a used Stage 800 as opposed to a Rumble 800 combo), try to negotiate for either a better price or get some sort of deal on a warranty.

The dealer I'm looking at has a really good price on the Stage 800, but doesn't offer a warranty. That's where the decision comes in I guess. Looking at the Rumble 800 (not the stage) makes me less worried because I think I can take it to my local amp repair guy if anything happens. Not sure he can fix the interface on the Stage 800.

 

[G-Dog]

The dealer I'm looking at has a really good price on the Stage 800, but doesn't offer a warranty. That's where the decision comes in I guess. Looking at the Rumble 800 (not the stage) makes me less worried because I think I can take it to my local amp repair guy if anything happens. Not sure he can fix the interface on the Stage 800.

Yeah, I'd be very leary of a used Stage 800 with no warranty, too. But, unless your "local amp guy" is an actual Authorized Fender Service Center, then he may not be as much help as you'd like on a new amp warranty repair, either. All the Rumbles use proprietary printed IC boards, unlike most older wired amps. Plus, Fender doesn't make their parts available to just everyone. They stand behind their warranty best when you use their repair people. Anyone else working on them just voids the warranty! There are too many stories on TalkBass of "local amp guys" making a relatively simple repair of all brands into a much worse problem. Beware.
.