Fender Rumble Club

[G-Dog]

What can you guys tell me about the overdrive circuit on the Rumble 100? I've got both knobs turned all the way up, and so far I get a lot more volume, but never any distortion. Do I need to turn up the input gain and turn down the master to get distortion at low volume?

Pics of your settings?

Gopher, see the Rumble Talks link on Fender Rumble Overdrive, Adjust Gain, Drive and Level to Taste. I will add, in your case, don't be too conservative with your EQ on the amp and on the bass, as well. I know I like to have such low EQ and low bass volume for clean tones with the availability of quick manual boosts onstage but, for some gritty distortion add more of the EQ frequency(s) you want to a very strong input signal.

 

[SharpCat]

View attachment 7274489

Hard to tell from straight on, but doesn’t look like the overdrive button is pressed.

 

[John D Harris]

Hard to tell from straight on, but doesn’t look like the overdrive button is pressed.

He said, "Yes, so far it just acts as a volume boost."

 

[SharpCat]

He said, "Yes, so far it just acts as a volume boost."

Yeah, read that, but it’s ambiguous whether it got left on after that finding. And we know if it’s off, there’s NO chance things are gonna start working.

My advice: set gain to 2 o’clock, drive to 3 o’clock, level to 1 o’clock, the bass volume to full, and the overdrive button pressed in. If that gives no drive sound at all, let a repair center take a look.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

View attachment 7274489

Yeah, read that, but it’s ambiguous whether it got left on after that finding. And we know if it’s off, there’s NO chance things are gonna start working.

My advice: set gain to 2 o’clock, drive to 3 o’clock, level to 1 o’clock, the bass volume to full, and the overdrive button pressed in. If that gives no drive sound at all, let a repair center take a look.

Neither is the power button on. He just took a photo when asked.

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

So Anyway, am currently playing gigs with an Ashdown Studio 15 (300w 1x15) with a G&L Tribute Fallout. We're an Americana trio (G/D/B) and don't get too loud.
I want to get a little more upper end response and am thinking about a Fender Rumble 500. I believe they come with a 2x10 setup.
Advice from anyone who's using that model would be appreciated.

 

[SharpCat]

So Anyway, am currently playing gigs with an Ashdown Studio 15 (300w 1x15) with a G&L Tribute Fallout. We're an Americana trio (G/D/B) and don't get too loud.
I want to get a little more upper end response and am thinking about a Fender Rumble 500. I believe they come with a 2x10 setup.
Advice from anyone who's using that model would be appreciated.

Everyone else in the thread is tired of me saying it, but if you like the 500 (it’s great, no problem doing what you are asking) spend a little bit more to get the 800.
— Also a 2x10, but the speakers have Neo magnets making the 800 much lighter than the 500.
— The 800 has a 1/4 power switch making it easier to control in low volume situations.
— The 800 ( and newer 100 models) but not the 500 has XLR DI out volume independent of the main volume setting, and a pre/post switch.

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

Everyone else in the thread is tired of me saying it, but if you like the 500 (it’s great, no problem doing what you are asking) spend a little bit more to get the 800.
— Also a 2x10, but the speakers have Neo magnets making the 800 much lighter than the 500.
— The 800 has a 1/4 power switch making it easier to control in low volume situations.
— The 800 ( and newer 100 models) but not the 500 has XLR DI out volume independent of the main volume setting, and a pre/post switch.

Thanks- You had me at lighter!
This is as light as the Ashdown, which was the primary reason I bought it.
I'm old and brittle!

I'll be ordering the 800.

 

[John D Harris]

Thanks- You had me at lighter!
This is as light as the Ashdown, which was the primary reason I bought it.
I'm old and brittle!

I'll be ordering the 800.

The RR800c will also produce more clarity in the upper midrange (which of course you can EQ out if so desired).

 

[SharpCat]

I'm old and brittle!

I resemble that remark!

Glad to help you spend money anytime!

 

[G-Dog]

So Anyway, am currently playing gigs with an Ashdown Studio 15 (300w 1x15) with a G&L Tribute Fallout. We're an Americana trio (G/D/B) and don't get too loud.
I want to get a little more upper end response and am thinking about a Fender Rumble 500. I believe they come with a 2x10 setup.
Advice from anyone who's using that model would be appreciated.

Everyone else in the thread is tired of me saying it, but if you like the 500 (it’s great, no problem doing what you are asking) spend a little bit more to get the 800.
— Also a 2x10, but the speakers have Neo magnets making the 800 much lighter than the 500.
— The 800 has a 1/4 power switch making it easier to control in low volume situations.
— The 800 ( and newer 100 models) but not the 500 has XLR DI out volume independent of the main volume setting, and a pre/post switch.

Thanks- You had me at lighter!
This is as light as the Ashdown, which was the primary reason I bought it.
I'm old and brittle!

I'll be ordering the 800.

Howdy, Hurri! @Hurricane Jimmie, you are now member #1858 in the Fender Rumble Club. Congratulations and welcome. Put that number in your TalkBass Signature for safe keeping. Then make yourself at home here and on your Rumble Club Wiki page, the repository of all Rumbling wisdom and knowledge.

Jimbo, I can only echo the Cat's recommendation, and I'm not at all tired of him saying it. He's pretty Sharp, you know. I have totally loved every minute of my now 11-year-old Rumble 500 combo. But, if I were in the market today, I'd go with the Rumble 800 combo without hesitation. I, too, am old and brittle, but I am SO very much intrigued by the 1/4 Power Switch of the 800 to get highly driven tone at a much lower volume level. I use the Overdrive on my 500 for some of that now but, I suspect the 800 (with just a touch of OD) set at 100 watts does it even better!

So, James, how's about telling us a bit about yourself, such as your bass experience in general and your Rumble journey in particular? You'll fit right in here since we have all kinds. But we all love to ... ... ...

Rumble On!​

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

Howdy, Hurri! @Hurricane Jimmie, you are now member #1858 in the Fender Rumble Club. Congratulations and welcome. Put that number in your TalkBass Signature for safe keeping. Then make yourself at home here and on your Rumble Club Wiki page, the repository of all Rumbling wisdom and knowledge.

Jimbo, I can only echo the Cat's recommendation, and I'm not at all tired of him saying it. He's pretty Sharp, you know. I have totally loved every minute of my now 11-year-old Rumble 500 combo. But, if I were in the market today, I'd go with the Rumble 800 combo without hesitation. I, too, am old and brittle, but I am SO very much intrigued by the 1/4 Power Switch of the 800 to get highly driven tone at a much lower volume level. I use the Overdrive on my 500 for some of that now but, I suspect the 800 (with just a touch of OD) set at 100 watts does it even better!

So, James, how's about telling us a bit about yourself, such as your bass experience in general and your Rumble journey in particular? You'll fit right in here since we have all kinds. But we all love to ... ... ...

Rumble On!​

Thanks for the advice on getting the Rumble 800. It's ordered and on the way from SW.

I've been playing local gigs for 50+ years and have gone through a LOT of different basses and amps. All my gear needs to earn its keep, so I don't hold on to anything that isn't in my gig rotation. I've never owned anything exotic or above the Ampeg, Gibson, and Rickenbacker price point. In the past, I've 'collected' a lot of gear and had a music room full of basses and amps. I don't want to get in that situation again.
I started out in lounge bands in the early 70's, then played rock and country at roadhouses and dives, followed by a 60's band that played private parties and weddings. Heck, I even did a stint in a church band. I played Zydeco music for community events and county fairs for 15 years, and now it's wineries and Antler Clubs with a little Americana trio. Our current band draws on our combined 150 years of gig experience for our songs. We seldom have a set list. I love requests, especially if we're familiar with the song but never played it as a band. We travel light and are usually gone 30 minutes after the gig is over.

I haven't had a good reason to stop playing music. I tell myself that I could walk away from it at any time. But that's just what I tell myself.

But first things first.
I've got to make sure Mrs. Hurricane doesn't see the 'big box' when it arrives.
If the Rumble gets here in a few days, I'll take it to my gigs this weekend.

 

[Gopherbassist]

Does the Rumble 800 combo put out 800 watts through its two ten inch drivers, or do you need an extension for full power?

 

[G-Dog]

Does the Rumble 800 combo put out 800 watts through its two ten inch drivers, or do you need an extension for full power?

Just like the Rumble 200 and Rumble 500 combos, both the Rumble Stage 800 and Rumble 800 combos need extension cabs to give full nameplate power. The 200 is 140 watts alone, the 500 is 350 watts, and the 800s are both 400 watts standalone. Although the 200 & 500 can each take only a single 8 ohm cab, the 800s can take one or two 8 ohm cabs, or a single 4 ohm cab. The 800s can produce 800 watts with any of their cab configurations.

Hope this helps.

 

[heynorm]

Well, I did something today. A new Rumble 800 is now in my music room. I’ve been playing into an Ashdown Studio 15 for just over three years. Loved the light weight, but wanted a bit more punch. I have it. Practically the same weight with a lot more power. BTW, my first Fender was a ‘62 Bassman at age 15 and now feel like I’m back home. Still thumpin’ going on 75!

 

[John D Harris]

Well, I did something today. A new Rumble 800 is now in my music room. I’ve been playing into an Ashdown Studio 15 for just over three years. Loved the light weight, but wanted a bit more punch. I have it. Practically the same weight with a lot more power. BTW, my first Fender was a ‘62 Bassman at age 15 and now feel like I’m back home. Still thumpin’ going on 75!

Congrats!

Very nice Amp!

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Well, I did something today. A new Rumble 800 is now in my music room. I’ve been playing into an Ashdown Studio 15 for just over three years. Loved the light weight, but wanted a bit more punch. I have it. Practically the same weight with a lot more power. BTW, my first Fender was a ‘62 Bassman at age 15 and now feel like I’m back home. Still thumpin’ going on 75!

Welcome to the club!

 

[G-Dog]

Well, I did something today. A new Rumble 800 is now in my music room. I’ve been playing into an Ashdown Studio 15 for just over three years. Loved the light weight, but wanted a bit more punch. I have it. Practically the same weight with a lot more power. BTW, my first Fender was a ‘62 Bassman at age 15 and now feel like I’m back home. Still thumpin’ going on 75!

Norm! @heynorm, you are now member #1859 in the Fender Rumble Club. Congratulations and welcome. Please put that number in your TalkBass Signature for safe keeping. Then make yourself at home here and on your Rumble Club Wiki page, the repository of all Rumbling wisdom and knowledge.

Welcome back home, norm. How about telling us a bit about yourself, such as your bass experience in general and your Rumble journey in particular? You'll fit right in here since we have all kinds. But we all love to ... ... ...

Rumble On!​

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

Well, I did something today. A new Rumble 800 is now in my music room. I’ve been playing into an Ashdown Studio 15 for just over three years. Loved the light weight, but wanted a bit more punch. I have it. Practically the same weight with a lot more power. BTW, my first Fender was a ‘62 Bassman at age 15 and now feel like I’m back home. Still thumpin’ going on 75!

heynorm- I'm a few days behind you with replacing my Ashdown Studio 15 for the Rumble 800.
Also one year behind you in age, and still gigging.

My first gear was a Fender Bassman and a Hofner Beatle Bass in '71.
The gear we let get away!

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

Played my new Rumble 800 at yesterday afternoon's 2-hour gig. Small crowded room and we were set up in the corner.
The Rumble sounded great.
I'm liking the 2x10 much better than the Ashdown Studio 15.

Thanks again for the advice!