Fender Rumble Club

[G-Dog]

For some crazy reason, I'm looking at getting a Fender Rumble combo amp for band rehearsal and maybe even small gigs. I've narrowed it down to two options:

View attachment 7289821

The Rumble 500 with 2x10 and 500 watts @ $679 and the Rumble 200 with 1x15 and 200 watts @ $609. I actually don't need another amp but it might be nice to have a 1-piece back up for the convenience. I play mostly 80's covers in a 5 piece band. Thoughts?

A. First, maple, try to play them both at your local music store(s) and listen carefully to see if you prefer the tone of one over the other. Some people don't hear any significant difference, while others hear (and/or feel) a real difference. Many 200 owners really love the sound of that 15". I was an absolute 15" snob in 2014 when I heard my first Rumble.

2. Second, be aware that neither of them output their nameplate power without a suitably rated (at least 1/2 their nameplate power) 8 ohm extension cabinet connected. The 200 can output up to a decent 140 watts alone, while the 500 can output a really rockin' 350 watts alone! My 11-1/2 year old 500 has been my big dog rig since I got it for a very loud country cover band. I tried it with a 350-watt 8 ohm Bassman Neo 115 cab outdoors a few times, but it really wasn't required!! For the small price difference, the 500 offers much more bang for the buck. I was also shocked at how deep & rich those 10" speakers sounded with my low b-string basses.

Feel free to ask any questions. And let us know which one you get so we can officially induct you into The Club.

 

[MadJack]

For some crazy reason, I'm looking at getting a Fender Rumble combo amp for band rehearsal and maybe even small gigs. I've narrowed it down to two options:

View attachment 7289821

The Rumble 500 with 2x10 and 500 watts @ $679 and the Rumble 200 with 1x15 and 200 watts @ $609. I actually don't need another amp but it might be nice to have a 1-piece back up for the convenience. I play mostly 80's covers in a 5 piece band. Thoughts?

G-Dog is spot on with the info he presented.

In my experience, a lot of it depends also on what bass you play. I've found that five string and BEAD tuned or lower sound a bit better with the R500/210, while a four string Drop D or higher works better with the 200/115. The 10" speakers seem to respond better to the frequencies of the B string and lower frequencies, whereas the four strings have a fuller, deeper tone with the 15" speakers frequency curve.

I primarily play four strings and I like the deeper sounds of the 15", but I find the 15" to get a bit too loose for low tunings, below Drop D.

 

[mapleglo]

I play a 5 string, so it looks like the 2x10 version may be what I'm looking for. I may have to stop by my local GC and try them out. Thanks for the responses!

 

[Akiyama]

For some crazy reason, I'm looking at getting a Fender Rumble combo amp for band rehearsal and maybe even small gigs. I've narrowed it down to two options:

View attachment 7289821

The Rumble 500 with 2x10 and 500 watts @ $679 and the Rumble 200 with 1x15 and 200 watts @ $609. I actually don't need another amp but it might be nice to have a 1-piece back up for the convenience. I play mostly 80's covers in a 5 piece band. Thoughts?

What 80s bands are you covering? Are you finger style or pick?

The 80s was a great time for bass guitar and a wide variety of bass tones.

 

[mapleglo]

Looking at the song list now, there's quite a few from the 60's and 70's as well:

And I mostly play finger style.

 

[John D Harris]

I think it was a "fair" design choice from Fender to make the DI "as if it had a mic in front of the combo" approach. Despite it's not common, so people see it as weird.
Because the "old"/original Rumble DI is after master and has a built-in CAB sim too! Just if You'd mic up a combo.

I don't know if the Cab Sim was switchable or not - personally, I don't want a mandatory Cab Sim.

I want to be able to hear the sound of my bass guitar for certain songs.

My Two Notes Opus allows building Presets either way.

 

[Akiyama]

Looking at the song list now, there's quite a few from the 60's and 70's as well:

View attachment 7290251

And I mostly play finger style.

I missed your post settling on the 2x10.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I don't know if the Cab Sim was switchable or not - personally, I don't want a mandatory Cab Sim.

I want to be able to hear the sound of my bass guitar for certain songs.

My Two Notes Opus allows building Presets either way.

Cab sim is baked in.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Cab sim is baked in.

I expect the concept is giving the bass player the ability to send what they hear to the board. It makes sense to me but I can see why some want something else. The Rumbles (at least 100 and up) actually have two cab sim components, one affecting the headphone out and the second affecting only the XLR feed.

 

[John D Harris]

I expect the concept is giving the bass player the ability to send what they hear to the board. It makes sense to me but I can see why some want something else. The Rumbles (at least 100 and up) actually have two cab sim components, one affecting the headphone out and the second affecting only the XLR feed.

I understand at their price point not being able to provide very many options (or at least prioritizing the ones that are available).

I think they are exceptional values for what they provide.

I normally shouldn't have to be concerned about it, as I use the Opus for my DI - allowing Cab Sim or not.

 

[Giffro]

For some crazy reason, I'm looking at getting a Fender Rumble combo amp for band rehearsal and maybe even small gigs. I've narrowed it down to two options:

View attachment 7289821

The Rumble 500 with 2x10 and 500 watts @ $679 and the Rumble 200 with 1x15 and 200 watts @ $609. I actually don't need another amp but it might be nice to have a 1-piece back up for the convenience. I play mostly 80's covers in a 5 piece band. Thoughts?

Hey there @mapleglo. I own the R500 combo and have a Peavey Dyna 5 string and a MM Stingray 5 string that I use through the Fender R500. I know you have 5 string Rics and you probably recognize me from the Ric club with my FG 4 string Ric. I have had great success using the Fender Rumble 500 Combo with the 2x10"drivers and the 5 string basses plus the 2017 4 string Ric. I added the extra ext 115 (15") Fender Rumble cab to squeeze the total 500 watts from the amp. I like this combination of the 2x10"and the 1x15" ext cab for all my basses...plenty of "cut through" at any gig and the extra depth of the 15"driver is great, although not needed for all gigs...the stand alone Rumble 500 Combo does a great job on its own...but I love it paired with the 115 cab...just a suggestion knowing you run 5 string Rics.

 

[JakobT]

I think it was a "fair" design choice from Fender to make the DI "as if it had a mic in front of the combo" approach. Despite it's not common, so people see it as weird.

Actually, it’s been fairly uncommon for combo amps to come with a pre/post option for the DI Out, especially in the sub-500W category, so it’s wasn’t just a «fair» design choice, but a relatively mainstream one.

I do remember when the head/cab crowd used to belittle the Rumble series for just about everything, the lack of a pre/post switch included. Those voices have died away as the Rumble has proved itself over many years.

 

[dORSY]

Actually, it’s been fairly uncommon for combo amps to come with a pre/post option for the DI Out, especially in the sub-500W category, so it’s wasn’t just a «fair» design choice, but a relatively mainstream one.

I do remember when the head/cab crowd used to belittle the Rumble series for just about everything, the lack of a pre/post switch included. Those voices have died away as the Rumble has proved itself over many years.

Well, Rumbles are quite versatile in terms of the preamp itself.
As for other functions like DI pre-post, sometimes less (but actually well made) is more.

Also Fender seems to narrow it's designs down by bringing the 800 head's preamp circuit into the combos, which indeed includes the pre/post switchable DI out. Keeping 1 circuit design in production persumably costs less in the long run, despite needing a few more components IMO.

 

[G-Dog]

Well, Rumbles are quite versatile in terms of the preamp itself.
As for other functions like DI pre-post, sometimes less (but actually well made) is more. ... ... ...

I quite agree. 4-band EQ, Gain, Overdrive & 3 voicing buttons is very versatile for analog amps; not to mention the digital modeling of the Stage & Studio Rumbles!​

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And why in the world is bass still the only instrument that "is supposed" to strip all the player's hard-won EQ & voicing so somebody else (FOH, who may have no idea what songs or sounds you're going for) can apply their idea of what you should sound like? Don't get me started.​

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... ... ... Also Fender seems to narrow it's designs down by bringing the 800 head's preamp circuit into the combos, which indeed includes the pre/post switchable DI out. Keeping 1 circuit design in production persumably costs less in the long run, despite needing a few more components IMO.

?? Uh, well, ya lost me there, dOR. I could be wrong but, I do believe that 7ender has actually expanded its number of designs from the original V1 line with 15, 25, 60 & 100 combos, to then changing to the V2 line with 15, 30, 75, 150 & 350 combos & 150 & 350 heads and 2x8, 1x12 & 4x10 cabs, before changing yet again to the current V3 line with 15, 25, LT25, 40, Studio 40, 100 (with and w/o Pre/Post), 200, 500, 800 Stage, 800 HD, 800 and 1x12, 1x15, 2x10 & 4x10 cabs!! That's right, the 100 actually has 2 designs currently in production, with the Pre/Post version purportedly being a temporary situation.​

 

[dORSY]

7ender has actually expanded its number of designs

I specifically meant V3 preamp designs. I still think making 1 universal option for all 100W+ combo/amps is a cost saving move. In terms of inventory management, supply chain for components, etc. Same preamp circuit with lots of poweramps/combos/cabs as options. (they are effectively modular, even sitting on separate PCBs inside)
Also helps with "if you've used a rumble, you used/know'em all"

PS: remember 200W/500W heads? They were almost the same as the 800HD inside. Also costs almost the same to make and therefore to sell. So they were phased out. (and had no pre/post switch either!)

If I could guesstimate I'd say the r100 was/is the most popular of the 100W+ combos, so it was just the fitst to be upgraded to pre/post preamp (AKA: HD800) design. At least I'd have done so if I worked as a Fender product engineer.

 

[GonePlaid]

I quite agree. 4-band EQ, Gain, Overdrive & 3 voicing buttons is very versatile for analog amps; not to mention the digital modeling of the Stage & Studio Rumbles!​

​

And why in the world is bass still the only instrument that "is supposed" to strip all the player's hard-won EQ & voicing so somebody else (FOH, who may have no idea what songs or sounds you're going for) can apply their idea of what you should sound like? Don't get me started.​

​

?? Uh, well, ya lost me there, dOR. I could be wrong but, I do believe that 7ender has actually expanded its number of designs from the original V1 line with 15, 25, 60 & 100 , to then changing to the V2 line with 15, 30, 75, 150 & 350 and 2x8, 1x12 & 4x10 cabs, before changing yet again to the current V3 line with 15, 25, LT25, 40, Studio 40, 100 (with and w/o Pre/Post), 200, 500, 800 Stage, 800 HD, 800 and 1x12, 1x15, 2x10 & 4x10 cabs!! That's right, the 100 actually has 2 designs currently in production, with the Pre/Post version purportedly being a temporary situation.​

I guess I'm sorta glad we don't ever have FOH. No sound(person)f---ing* up the tone I wanna put out there.

*oul

 

[Mvf]

And why in the world is bass still the only instrument that "is supposed" to strip all the player's hard-won EQ & voicing so somebody else (FOH, who may have no idea what songs or sounds you're going for) can apply their idea of what you should sound like? Don't get me started.

This

 

[G-Dog]

... ... ... Fender seems to narrow it's designs down by bringing the 800 head's preamp circuit into the combos, which indeed includes the pre/post switchable DI out. ... ... ...

The V3 Rumbles were already 4 years old when the Stage & Studio introduced separate simultaneous Pre- and Post- XLRs to them Rumble line. The, the next year, the 800 HD first brought the Pre/Post switch to the line.​

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But, I respectfully submit that the Pre/Post switch is not so much a preamp feature as more of an amplifier module, if not power supply, function.​

... ... ... I specifically meant V3 preamp designs. I still think making 1 universal option for all 100W+ combo/amps is a cost saving move. In terms of inventory management, supply chain for components, etc. Same preamp circuit with lots of poweramps/combos/cabs as options. (they are effectively modular, even sitting on separate PCBs inside) ... ... ...

Well, you're right, they started with just three V3 preamp designs for the 15 & 25 each and one for the 40-500 (including 200 & 500 heads) that later also got used for the 800 HD & 800 combo. Then they added a couple of digital preamps, one for the LT25 and one for the Stage & Studio. So, yes, really just 5 preamp designs coupled with 9 amp/power designs for about 14 different models, in occasionally special limited edition tolex & grille colors!!​

... ... ... Also helps with "if you've used a rumble, you used/know'em all" ... ... ...

We-ee-e-ll, yeah, kinda, but only in a very broad sense. Yes, all the analog models from 40 to 800 share the same preamp controls in common (not to mention the digital models, which I still think could reasonably be considered V4!).​

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But the different power levels and speaker configurations certainly add a whole great lot of versatility for those us familiar with them.​

... ... ... PS: remember 200W/500W heads? They were almost the same as the 800HD inside. Also costs almost the same to make and therefore to sell. So they were phased out. (and had no pre/post switch either!) ... ... ...

Again, I must somewhat disagree. Yes, I too believe that the 200/500 heads share the same preamp with the 800 HD.​

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BUT, it's my (admittedly imperfect) understanding that the 800 HD, being the only 2 ohm stable Rumble, requires considerably higher quality and more expensive amp/power components making it cost much more to make than the 500 combo and closer to the price of the 800 Neo combo! This was definitely not the case with the more "budget friendly" 200/500 heads. Perhaps the 200/500 heads just didn't sell as well as the "more professional" 800 HD?!?​

... ... ... If I could guesstimate I'd say the r100 was/is the most popular of the 100W+ combos, so it was just the [first] to be upgraded to pre/post preamp (AKA: HD800) design. At least I'd have done so if I worked as a Fender product engineer.

Yes, according to the rigorously scientific Rumble Ownership Survey by @Miles_ONeal, the R100 does currently top the list at 29.5%, with the R40 second at 23.8% and the R500 is third at 21.4%.​

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However, as previously mentioned, the R100 "upgrade" of some, not all, units is officially "due to ongoing supply issues", which implies an isolated temporary situation, not a full-blown upgrade program for the whole existing model line. But, if they are tracking sales, or at least consumer preferences, there's always the possibility that the next official generation V4 Rumbles might all have such upgrades and/or maybe some other goodies we can't even conceive of yet!!!​

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Thank you, dORSY, I do so enjoy our discussions. Please, keep the ideas coming. Like, maybe, what other budget friendly, price competitive upgrades can we dream up for 7ender's best selling value line of bass amps (as opposed to the premium Bassman line)? Rumble On!

 

[JakobT]

Uh, well, ya lost me there, dOR. I could be wrong but, I do believe that 7ender has actually expanded its number of designs from the original V1 line with 15, 25, 60 & 100 combos, to then changing to the V2 line with 15, 30, 75, 150 & 350 combos & 150 & 350 heads and 2x8, 1x12 & 4x10 cabs, before changing yet again to the current V3 line with 15, 25, LT25, 40, Studio 40, 100 (with and w/o Pre/Post), 200, 500, 800 Stage, 800 HD, 800 and 1x12, 1x15, 2x10 & 4x10 cabs!! That's right, the 100 actually has 2 designs currently in production, with the Pre/Post version purportedly being a temporary situation.​

I think what @dORSY means -and I tend to agree - is that the decision to use the same preamp section but different power amps for different models makes sense from an economical and practical standpoint. True, the line has diversified a bit over the years, but not as much it might appear on the surface, as I feel that the Studio/Stage line is different enough from standard Rumbles to qualify as a separate product line in spite of the name. After all, they ve even merited their own thread in the Rumble Club!

 

[G-Dog]

I think what @dORSY means -and I tend to agree - is that the decision to use the same preamp section but different power amps for different models makes sense from an economical and practical standpoint. ... ... ...

Agreed. I'm sorry, yes, I missed that distinction from his first post on this subject.​

... ... ... True, the line has diversified a bit over the years, but not as much it might appear on the surface, as I feel that the Studio/Stage line is different enough from standard Rumbles to qualify as a separate product line in spite of the name. After all, [they've] even merited their own thread in the Rumble Club!

Indeed, Jake! Yet, just a few years ago in my poll, you thought the Stage & Studio were just different flavors of V3! What changed?​

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Aha, there it is. Getting a Studio 40 after my poll and comparing it to your regular R40 made you think they are different animals altogether! I think you got a better understanding of the reason for my poll.​