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Fender Rumble Club

Finally got to play my 800c “out” last night! Heavy-handed drummer, Mesa Boogie guitarist, and me playing a 4-hour bar gig. Had a good time and made a little spending money!

As for the Rumble… I thought it did great! It was nice being able to easily match the volume of my bandmates. I was surprised how high I needed to crank it — gain and master at probably 1 or 2 o’clock — but it still sounded clear and had room to spare. (This was on full power, btw.) I ended up not using any of the voicings and running the EQ at noon. Typically, I set the EQ “flat” (10,2,2,10) and use the bright switch with or without the vintage engaged, as well. I honestly don’t like a bass-heavy tone. I know that sounds like sacrilege, and maybe I’m not explaining myself well, but I want to cut through and sound melodic in addition to simply shaking the room, if that makes sense. I think, especially in a 3-piece, it’s important to help shape the song, and it just gets too muddy, imo, when it’s nothing but rumble. Every room (or outdoor venue) is different, and this was my first experience with the 800, so… Idk… Anyway, I certainly didn’t hear the fan!

I also got use my Poly Blue Octave more last night than usual. Again, it can get muddy with all four guys (we’re usually a 4-piece), but with just us 3, there was plenty of sonic space for throwing in the octaver on numbers like “Superstitious” and “Uptown Funk.”

The 800c is, for me, a definite keeper. Hopefully, I can use it for a long time to come. (Oh, I might mention… I decided not to carry my 40w, but next time I probably will stack it on top just for a little extra sound, almost like a monitor, and because it will look sort of bad ass. :bassist:
 
As for the Rumble… maybe I’m not explaining myself well, but I want to cut through and sound melodic in addition to simply shaking the room, if that makes sense. I think, especially in a 3-piece, it’s important to help shape the song, and it just gets too muddy, imo, when it’s nothing but rumble.

Sorry to quote myself, but I thought I should go ahead and explain… There was a lot of bottom end and a lot of rumbling the room! In drop D, especially, but in standard tuning, too, it shakes the floor and rattles the walls. It’s a beast. But it’s also… sweet? Or, maybe I should say clear/clean. In other words, it doesn’t break up or fart out or anything like that. I know there has been some discussion about the 210 situation, and while people will have their own opinions, I would say that, yes!, 2 10s will absolutely provide enough low end (and sound very clear and pleasant while doing so). Personally, I’m sold.
 
Just got back from visiting my buddy. He's got GAS from trying my basses. Has a Jackson on the way, and we went to a local shop to look at small amps. Compared the Ampeg Rocket Bass 110 to the Rumbles 40 and 100. The rumbles were sounding way better. I thought the Ampeg would have a better showing, but no. Sadly, I now have GAS--my buddy is buying the 100. My 40 yesterday was fine, but today is underpowered. ;)
 
Just got back from visiting my buddy. He's got GAS from trying my basses. Has a Jackson on the way, and we went to a local shop to look at small amps. Compared the Ampeg Rocket Bass 110 to the Rumbles 40 and 100. The rumbles were sounding way better. I thought the Ampeg would have a better showing, but no. Sadly, I now have GAS--my buddy is buying the 100. My 40 yesterday was fine, but today is underpowered. ;)

I love my RB-110! The mids are soooo good and snarly on the RB-110. (I am mainly a pick player. Yeah, one of those bassists). I much prefer the SGT circuit to the Rumble overdrive, also. The Rumble 100 has much more low end and earthquakeability, by a mile, though. Earthquakeability is what I need. I have an SGT-DI so my RB-110 is redundant... and then quite underpowered compared to the Rumble 100.

If you can spring for the 100, get it.
 
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Just got back from visiting my buddy. He's got GAS from trying my basses. Has a Jackson on the way, and we went to a local shop to look at small amps. Compared the Ampeg Rocket Bass 110 to the Rumbles 40 and 100. The rumbles were sounding way better. I thought the Ampeg would have a better showing, but no. Sadly, I now have GAS--my buddy is buying the 100. My 40 yesterday was fine, but today is underpowered. ;)

Having owned a Rumble 25, Studio 40 and 200, my 100 is the best for practice, recording and could still gig. For my needs, it is perfect.
 
I love my RB-110! The mids are soooo good and snarly on the RB-110. (I am mainly a pick player. Yeah, one of those bassists). I much prefer the SGT circuit to the Rumble overdrive, also. The Rumble 100 has much more low end and earthquakeability, by a mile, though. Earthquakeability is what I need. I have an SGT-DI so my RB-110 is redundant... and underpowered.

If you can spring for the 100, get it.

I also have a Rumble 100 and an SGT-DI. Along with my Ampeg PF-20t, I finally have all my bass tones covered :thumbsup::thumbsup:!
 
Thanks for the report. Now you have given me GAS for the 20T! I was eyeing buying one, previously. I still lean toward waiting until Fender releases an answer to the SGT-DI (hopefully with a tube that does something) and go that route.

Funny you should mention a single tube. I though I could get away with a tube pedal and sell the 20T. I bought two of them at $250 each only to find they couldn't hold a candle to the 20T, especially for recording. Maybe they are OK live, a lot of people like them. I sold the two pedals. The experiment cost $100.

To me and others, there is something about an actual tube amp with multiple tubes and transformers.

As far as waiting for Fender or anyone else to make the perfect one-trick-pony, I am not holding my breath. Look at our experience with the compressor on the SGT-DI ;)! I am happy with my SGT for what it does well...as always YMMV and IMHO!
 
Funny you should mention a single tube. I though I could get away with a tube pedal and sell the 20T. I bought two of them at $250 each only to find they couldn't hold a candle to the 20T, especially for recording. Maybe they are OK live, a lot of people like them. I sold the two pedals. The experiment cost $100.

To me and others, there is something about an actual tube amp with multiple tubes and transformers.

As far as waiting for Fender or anyone else to make the perfect one-trick-pony, I am not holding my breath. Look at our experience with the compressor on the SGT-DI ;)! I am happy with my SGT for what it does well...as always YMMV and IMHO!

I am investigating some Sushi Box pedals. Apparently, the Underground Accelerator might be in the ballpark. I will need to dig more before I purchase the pedal. By any chance, have you tried the UA?
 
FWIW, I learned that the model #(200) on the Kasino indicates peak power, so the RMS is prolly ~100. +/-.
Whatever. Still shakes the walls.
IMG_0192.jpg
 
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FWIW, I learned that the model #(200) on the Kasino indicates peak power, so the RMS is prolly ~100. +/-.
Whatever. Still shakes the walls.
View attachment 5141806
Back in the early 70s, a 50 or 100-watt piggy-back Fender Bassman was what our band used. Late 70s I had the black Kustom 250 Bass amp with matching cabinets. The second cabinet had its own built in power amp. Four 15s did the job.
 
I have a couple general questions. Would I be correct in assuming my new R110c will likely not need an extended warranty? Also, is the amp cover recommended? I love chickenhead knobs. Fender has some: Invalid Link Removed. Would they fit on the Rumble's pots and turn without colliding with each other? Thanks!
 
I have a couple general questions. Would I be correct in assuming my new R110c will likely not need an extended warranty? Also, is the amp cover recommended? I love chickenhead knobs. Fender has some: Invalid Link Removed. Would they fit on the Rumble's pots and turn without colliding with each other? Thanks!

To me, extended warranties are only as good as who is offering them, their conditions and cost. In the case of a Fender R100c, I would be more inclined to take the standard Fender warranty. After that expires, who knows if parts will be available, if you have to pay for shipping, or if you may find another product would suit you better? Replacements are not that expensive so it may be better to be self-insured.

Although I did pay $25 for a Fender cover, it is little more than a dust cover. You could throw a towel over the top for that protection.

I believe this thread and wiki has some specs on knobs. I am fine with the stock ones...