Double Bass Fender "Rumble Reinvented" combo amps

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Here at the Aebersold camps and this year the rental bass amps are all the new Fender Rumble series combos both the Rumble 40 and Rumble 100 combos. I have to say that so far, plugging straight in with a Full Circle-equipped DB, the sound coming out of these things is really, really good set flat. Plus, they are really cheap and *ridiculously* light. I can easily pickup either by the handle with my pinky. If you're in the market for a small, light, cheap amp, these definitely deserve a look.

 

[Jay Corwin]

They are pleasing to the eye as well.

 

[tombowlus]

Here at the Aebersold camps and this year the rental bass amps are all the new Fender Rumble series combos both the Rumble 40 and Rumble 100 combos. I have to say that so far, plugging straight in with a Full Circle-equipped DB, the sound coming out of these things is really, really good set flat. Plus, they are really cheap and *ridiculously* light. I can easily pickup either by the handle with my pinky. If you're in the market for a small, light, cheap amp, these definitely deserve a look.

I did a Quick Look review of the Rumble 200 head and Rumble 115 cab for our next issue, and I was also very impressed. I even did the same "pinky test" at NAMM! I could pick up their biggest combo (the Rumble 500, which is a 2x10 combo) with one pinky. And the kicker is, those are ceramic, not neodymium, drivers!

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

If those are ceramic drivers, how did they do the weight thing? Seems like the box alone should weigh more than they do.

 

[tombowlus]

If those are ceramic drivers, how did they do the weight thing? Seems like the box alone should weigh more than they do.

Fender tells me that they use lightweight 15mm meranti plywood, which must account for much of the weight savings.

 

[Don Sibley]

Recordings or it didn't happen!

Seriously, that's cool.

 

[Tom Lane]

Indeed, I was impressed by them too. 15 lbs maybe, and sound quite good.

 

[fdeck]

It's nice to see good honest gear that's affordable.

 

[Pentatonic]

Played a small one (40?) at GC today, looked and sounded great.

 

[seamonkey]

Fender is doing amazing things here. Good sound, price, features and a 5 year transferable warranty.
It's amazing they're able to do this at such a low price. They must be reliable.

 

[gerry grable]

Here at the Aebersold camps and this year the rental bass amps are all the new Fender Rumble series combos both the Rumble 40 and Rumble 100 combos. I have to say that so far, plugging straight in with a Full Circle-equipped DB, the sound coming out of these things is really, really good set flat. Plus, they are really cheap and *ridiculously* light. I can easily pickup either by the handle with my pinky. If you're in the market for a small, light, cheap amp, these definitely deserve a look.

Why are they called "combos?" I'm thinking two parts like the flip-top Ampegs. The ones I was shown were light single units. Thanks.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

My take on the term "combo" is that it refers to an amp that combines the amplifier and speaker into a single unit. My etymology instincts could be wrong on this point, though.

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

My take on the term "combo" is that it refers to an amp that combines the amplifier and speaker into a single unit. My etymology instincts could be wrong on this point, though.

That's my understanding as well.

- Steve

 

[gerry grable]

My take on the term "combo" is that it refers to an amp that combines the amplifier and speaker into a single unit. My etymology instincts could be wrong on this point, though.

Okay Chris and Steve. I was thinking the opposite, but I'm not much of an amp expert.
I've only owned a couple of Ampeg B-15s which I always thought of as combos (combinations) and my favorite, the GK 200mb as a single unit amp. Anyway thanks to both of you for the info on the Rumbles.

 

[Vince Waldon]

Yup, "combo"nation amplifier and speaker cabinet .

 

[Max George]

Would the Rumble 40 be enough for an upright in a generally small Bluegrass group?? It would basically just be for some projection.

 

[Ric Vice]

My take on the term "combo" is that it refers to an amp that combines the amplifier and speaker into a single unit. My etymology instincts could be wrong on this point, though.

Works for me. There have only been a handful of combos that were great Double Bass Amps. The Acoustic Image Contra, Genz Benz Shuttle series, Galien Krueger Microbass, Phil Jones Super Flight Case. B-15N and SB-12's certianly fit the category but by todays standards they are heavy and underpowered. Just my take.

Ric

 

[Mister Boh]

I was thinking of picking up a new rumble at some point. I have always liked fender amps (for both bass and guitar). That they look nice is a neat little bonus.

 

[jvgreene]

I played through to Rumble 40 once for an in-store and was really impressed. I'm interested in their 410 cab, anyone tried it?

 

[B String]

From what I've seen, most of the amp technology in these (and other newer fender amps) has come directly from the acquisition of the great Genz Benz brand. Fender absorbed the technology, then shelved Genz Benz. I guess I'm still a little miffed at how Fender screwed Genz Benz. BUT!!! Their combo amps have gotten much better!