• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Fender Rumble Club

Anyone running preamps into the return of your Rumble? I tried my VT Bass & VT-DI pedals into my 800c, and didn't really like the results.... but, I just tried this Sushi Box Slampegg that I took on trade, and it sounded pretty awesome!!!! Made me wonder how many others are successfully/happily running preamp pedals into the power section of their Rumbles.

I've been very curious about the SGT-DI, but I've yet to try one yet....

Sushi Box!
[This invalid link has been removed]
I'm using a Two Notes Opus modeler into my R100c v3 (with a Celestion BN12-300S (4)) FX Return, mainly using the Preamp models (mainly Foundry (Fender Showman), Foundry Bass (Fender Bassman), and Peggy (Ampeg SVT); sometimes with a Power Amp model / sometimes not).

It sounds awesome to me!
 
This is going to sound like a silly question. Perhaps because it is a silly question.

Is it possible to EQ a Fender Rumble 500C to sound more like a G-K MB500-II?

I find my Rumke a bit too dark for playing a SBMM Stingray with a Duncan SMB-4A wired in parallel.

“It is not a silly question, but generally, it is not possible to fully replicate the distinct
Gallien-Krueger MB500-II (GK) tone with a Fender Rumble 500C using only onboard EQ. While you can approximate the EQ curve, the core sound difference is due to GK's signature high-mid "growl" and solid-state fast transient response, compared to the Rumble's warmer, more vintage-voiced, and looser character.

To get as close as possible to a GK sound on a Fender Rumble:

  • Bass: Set to 1 o'clock (GK amps often have a tight but prominent low end).
  • Low-Mid: Boost to 2-3 o'clock (crucial for getting that GK growl).
  • High-Mid: Boost to 2-3 o'clock.
  • Treble: Boost to 1 or 2 o'clock (GK has a bright, modern treble edge).
  • Contour/Bright Switches: Turn on the Bright switch if available to get the GK treble sheen.”
“Tips for Refining the Tone

* The "G.I.V.E." Simulation: G-K amps have a specific type of internal overdrive. If you have an overdrive pedal (like your ODB-3), set the gain very low and the blend to about 50%. This can simulate the harmonic complexity of a pushed G-K head.
* Speaker Differences: The Rumble 500C uses 10-inch speakers which are naturally punchy, but they are voiced for a classic sound. If it still feels too "soft," try backing off the master volume and increasing the Gain/Drive for a more aggressive internal response.
The Wildcard: If EQ alone isn't getting you there, a G-K Plex or a Gallien-Krueger Diesel preamp pedal into the "Effects Return" of your Rumble will bypass the Fender preamp entirely and give you the actual G-K circuit through your 500C's power section.”

Courtesy of Gemini!
 
“It is not a silly question, but generally, it is not possible to fully replicate the distinct
Gallien-Krueger MB500-II (GK) tone with a Fender Rumble 500C using only onboard EQ. While you can approximate the EQ curve, the core sound difference is due to GK's signature high-mid "growl" and solid-state fast transient response, compared to the Rumble's warmer, more vintage-voiced, and looser character.

To get as close as possible to a GK sound on a Fender Rumble:

  • Bass: Set to 1 o'clock (GK amps often have a tight but prominent low end).
  • Low-Mid: Boost to 2-3 o'clock (crucial for getting that GK growl).
  • High-Mid: Boost to 2-3 o'clock.
  • Treble: Boost to 1 or 2 o'clock (GK has a bright, modern treble edge).
  • Contour/Bright Switches: Turn on the Bright switch if available to get the GK treble sheen.”
“Tips for Refining the Tone

* The "G.I.V.E." Simulation: G-K amps have a specific type of internal overdrive. If you have an overdrive pedal (like your ODB-3), set the gain very low and the blend to about 50%. This can simulate the harmonic complexity of a pushed G-K head.
* Speaker Differences: The Rumble 500C uses 10-inch speakers which are naturally punchy, but they are voiced for a classic sound. If it still feels too "soft," try backing off the master volume and increasing the Gain/Drive for a more aggressive internal response.
The Wildcard: If EQ alone isn't getting you there, a G-K Plex or a Gallien-Krueger Diesel preamp pedal into the "Effects Return" of your Rumble will bypass the Fender preamp entirely and give you the actual G-K circuit through your 500C's power section.”


Courtesy of Gemini!
Thank you! That did the trick. I was playing some Squeeze tonight and I said to myself, "Yep, that's it! That's the ticket!" :thumbsup: Just what I was after.
 
After selling my long scale basses and the German flatback bass a while back because of some wrist problems, I recently picked up a Schecter Banshee short scale. I got a text asking if I could fill in for a night and I said sure, but I only had a Rumble 100. The guitar player also had a Rumble 100, so he brought it. I stacked and daisy-chained them, so the coupling effect of the two identical speakers came into play. I played a whole night, and my wrist never bothered me at all. The Banshee is basically just a 30-inch Precision, which is perfect for me. We even tuned to Eb. So... maybe I should get a Rumble 500?! I've had the 15, 100, and 200.
444.jpg
 
After selling my long scale basses and the German flatback bass a while back because of some wrist problems, I recently picked up a Schecter Banshee short scale. I got a text asking if I could fill in for a night and I said sure, but I only had a Rumble 100. The guitar player also had a Rumble 100, so he brought it. I stacked and daisy-chained them, so the coupling effect of the two identical speakers came into play. I played a whole night, and my wrist never bothered me at all. The Banshee is basically just a 30-inch Precision, which is perfect for me. We even tuned to Eb. So... maybe I should get a Rumble 500?! I've had the 15, 100, and 200.
View attachment 7455573

Greetings, Greg! Glad to see your annual Club post, again. 😉

Far be it from me to nay-say any possible Rumble Acquisition Syndrome (RAS), but was the 2xR100 not loud enough for the fill-in gig? ... do you no longer have the R200 to connect with? Any particular concerns?

Of course, I can most heartily recommend the R500c, as my now-12-year-old R500c is still just as capable as ever, with only minor road wear. Even at my <ahem> more-than-mature age, I find it easy for me to handle while it can effortlessly handles any venue!
 
I just sold my Rumble 40 Studio today. Got the same amount that I bought it for, so I'm happy with it and the buyer was happy as well.

I really need a decent and light cab. The 115 is great, I'm sure a 210 would be great as well, but I'm really after a 112. But they're unbelievably rare... 115 and 210 are available left and right, while it's hard to believe Fender made any 112 cabs based on how they're completely missing from the used market.
 
Greetings, Greg! Glad to see your annual Club post, again. 😉

Far be it from me to nay-say any possible Rumble Acquisition Syndrome (RAS), but was the 2xR100 not loud enough for the fill-in gig? ... do you no longer have the R200 to connect with? Any particular concerns?

Of course, I can most heartily recommend the R500c, as my now-12-year-old R500c is still just as capable as ever, with only minor road wear. Even at my <ahem> more-than-mature age, I find it easy for me to handle while it can effortlessly handles any venue!
Got rid of the 200 and the duplicate 100. I liked the two 100s, but a single powerful 2x10 combo will do anything I will ever need to do. Last night I did a one trip load out, so one combo is nice. Of course, I stuck around and helped load all the other things. The Rumble 500 and cover are already on the way.
 
After selling my long scale basses and the German flatback bass a while back because of some wrist problems, I recently picked up a Schecter Banshee short scale. I got a text asking if I could fill in for a night and I said sure, but I only had a Rumble 100. The guitar player also had a Rumble 100, so he brought it. I stacked and daisy-chained them, so the coupling effect of the two identical speakers came into play. I played a whole night, and my wrist never bothered me at all. The Banshee is basically just a 30-inch Precision, which is perfect for me. We even tuned to Eb. So... maybe I should get a Rumble 500?! I've had the 15, 100, and 200.
View attachment 7455573
steal that r100 from the guitarist! ;)
 
I'm going to be playing through a backline Rumble 100 tomorrow night. I've used a 500 head on plenty of occasions, but haven't used the 100 combo. Any words of wisdom or suggestions? I like to go for a fat, warm, vintage sound, and will have a few pedals in the mix. Thanks, y'all!
When I use my 100 at church I typically go with the 10/2/2/10 eq, the Vintage switch engaged and occasionally the drive channel with the gain all the way off. Im just playing with electric piano, Wurlitzer organ and choir, so the mix isnt super dense. It always fits right in the mix with my Sadowsky MetroExpress 5. Good luck!
 
Last edited:
I'm going to be playing through a backline Rumble 100 tomorrow night. I've used a 500 head on plenty of occasions, but haven't used the 100 combo. Any words of wisdom or suggestions? I like to go for a fat, warm, vintage sound, and will have a few pedals in the mix. Thanks, y'all!
For my 500c, I like 10, 2, 2, 10 with all buttons off and an HPF to run my pedal board. Depends on what your board has. I can see “vintage” being on too.
 
I'm going to be playing through a backline Rumble 100 tomorrow night. I've used a 500 head on plenty of occasions, but haven't used the 100 combo. Any words of wisdom or suggestions? I like to go for a fat, warm, vintage sound, and will have a few pedals in the mix. Thanks, y'all!
Here are the settings on my Rumble 100 set in stone. No buttons pushed. My Treble is turned a little higher because I run TI flats. Tuesday night, I actually heard people talking about how the bass sounded and received several compliments personally. I truly believe part of my good tone is the fact I place my bass amp on an Auralex GRAMMA v2 Isolation Riser.

DSCN1948.JPG