• 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 free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

GK 700RB-II vs Fender Rumble 500?

Ben Mifsud Joslin

Ben Mifsud Joslin

Jun 17, 2014
28
8
32
Malta
#1
I avoided posting this in clubs to eliminate as much bias as possible. The GK amp has been my main amp for the past 4 years, and while it's a great amp, I think it's time I pursue a different flavour. I'm interested in versatility - something I can use for heavy and mellow genres alike. I'm very interested in the Fender Rumble 500, but I don't think it's stocked anywhere in Malta yet, so I'd have to buy without trying it out. My only point of reference is my older model 30 watt Fender Rumble which, admittedly, sounds pretty good for what it is. My questions are:

1) Has anyone had the opportunity compare these two amps together?
2) Has anyone tried to pair the fender rumble with a GK Neo Cab? Were the results positive?
3) Is the fender rumble able to handle a low B? It's a dealbreaker for me.
4) If your experience with the rumble wasn't that great, are there any alternatives within the same budget? (that is to say, around 500 euro for a combo that can be paired with an external speaker, or 700-800 for a head and cab [providing I also choose to sell my GK Neo])

Thanks!
 
#2
I have played both and they both sound good. The Rumble is capable of obtaining a more "vintage" style tone at lower volumes.

I love the 700RB though so it's a tough call. Have you looked at the Ampeg PF series heads? They are in your range and get much love from the users here on Talkbass.

IMO the 700RB will get louder than the Rumble as well. Something to consider if you need the volume. They are both great though. I would just put a VT Bass pedal in front of the 700RB and call it good.
 
  • Like
Reactions: B-string
#3
While I like GK amps fine and they're VERY reliable work horses. .. I like the tone of the Rumble better myself. Just MY ears and opinions.
The VINTAGE control and the DRIVE controls on the Rumble ate great for getting a vintage or old school overdrive tone. Different to the GK - which does its own type of overdrive. ... Just the Fender is more my style. Whether it's gonna be as reliable as the 700RB only time will tell.
 
#4
So I found a shop that has a Rumble 200 in stock and I am very impressed. I would rather go for a 500 model but the amp is so versatile - perhaps a tad easy to make it sound boomy, especially with too much gain and the vintage switch on, but it's all about being smart about the EQ. Handles the low B great, too. Really really tempted to try and sell the GK now.

For the record, one of the reasons why I'm interested in trying something new is that I have a darkglass B7K for more modern tones, so that's definitely covered. So while I see the appeal of putting a VT bass in front of the GK, I might prefer to have the 'opposite' situation of having a modern preamp in front of a slightly more vintage-y amp.

As for the volume issue, my current situation is that I need to be careful with the volume on the GK because the cab takes slightly fewer watts, so I can't really crank it should I need to. So I could get a second cab and call it a day, but I think a change in tone would be nice. Also, I like the idea of having a combo paired with an extension cab because then I could just use the combo by itself at smaller gigs.
 
#5
Ben Mifsud Joslin said:
So I found a shop that has a Rumble 200 in stock and I am very impressed. I would rather go for a 500 model but the amp is so versatile - perhaps a tad easy to make it sound boomy, especially with too much gain and the vintage switch on, but it's all about being smart about the EQ. Handles the low B great, too. Really really tempted to try and sell the GK now.

For the record, one of the reasons why I'm interested in trying something new is that I have a darkglass B7K for more modern tones, so that's definitely covered. So while I see the appeal of putting a VT bass in front of the GK, I might prefer to have the 'opposite' situation of having a modern preamp in front of a slightly more vintage-y amp.

As for the volume issue, my current situation is that I need to be careful with the volume on the GK because the cab takes slightly fewer watts, so I can't really crank it should I need to. So I could get a second cab and call it a day, but I think a change in tone would be nice. Also, I like the idea of having a combo paired with an extension cab because then I could just use the combo by itself at smaller gigs.
Click to expand...

There is nothing "vintage" about the power amp in the Fender, it is even more "modern" than the G-K.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DD Gunz
#7
I agree that you can get many modern sounds from the Rumble, but it still didn't feel as modern sounding as my GK. Speaking in terms of relativity between the two models here, but then again I have not had much experience with the amp at this point, so I won't contradict.
 
#8
You will really have a volume difference with the Rumble 200 v. the 700rb. I don't know how loud you play but the capability of the Rumble will be far less than the 700rb. If you like it that much go for it.

I have a 1001rb II and I personally would not trade it for any head in the Rumble series. It's proven reliability, volume capabilities, and tonal options (especially with the VT pedal) make it a valuable weapon that is hard to replace. Plus the RB series are durable rack mountable heads made for long term use and reliability.

Get what makes you happy though. Only you can decide.
 
  • Like
Reactions: B-string
#10
Ben Mifsud Joslin said:
I agree that you can get many modern sounds from the Rumble, but it still didn't feel as modern sounding as my GK. Speaking in terms of relativity between the two models here, but then again I have not had much experience with the amp at this point, so I won't contradict.
Click to expand...

The education here is that the "vintage" sound you are hearing is in the preamp design of the Rumble (modeling) not the power amp. Out board effects affect the sound also, the power amp in either amp just makes the sound louder not different. Amplifier 102 class over ;).
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ajapses
#11
If you can swing it, keep the GK as a backup.

I run an SVT Heitage Classic and keep the GK just in case. I have had the Heritage for a little over two months and have already had to use the GK on a couple gigs due to tube issues. Things happen and it's always good to be prepared.

I really think a VT pedal would give you exactly what you are looking for. Like the above post states, the tone you are hearing with the Rumble is preamp coloration. The VT (or similar emulation pedal) will give you that and more.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back