Help Me Find A Cab: Fender Wizards Needed!

[Trucker Bumptip]

I've been keeping a feeler out for a bass cab(s) now for about 6-8 months, and I'm trying to narrow down my options.

For context, I had a ported Ampeg Celestion 1x15 for 10 years and I always liked what I got out of it. I'm not chasing that exact sound, but I do like how a big speaker pulses. Logic tells me to get a Ampeg 8x10, because other than a few guys here and there, all bass players who's sound I enjoy use an Ampeg 810. Not that I want to sound like them exactly, but I play similar types of music and need to keep up with a loud drummer and 2 guitarists. Heavy music.

There is someone near me selling a very clean, new-looking 810 Heritage model with the soft cover for $800, which seems like a good deal considering the price for a new one. The problem I'm having is that I am very discouraged because as I've been reading about user experiences with different variations and eras of the Ampeg 810 (and other companies' cabs), and users mention snagging these cabs for only a few hundred dollars even just a few years ago. I saw a 810 for $600 a while ago, but it was very, very beat up. It looked like it had been dropped badly and the bottom panel was broken.

Anyway, I'm letting go of the idea of getting an Ampeg fridge because I have seen some Fender 4x10s for a much lower price from Guitar Center, but the photos are bad and don't have the specific model listed. Here are a few I'm seeing:

Rumble 410 for $200

Bxh410 for $230

Bassman 410 for $200

I figure Fender cabs are common enough that I could easily find a matching pair to stack. Hopefully someone can give me some pointers. I can't find much specific info for these models, does anyone know how they sound? I'm aware that the Bassman series are a little lower quality than the Rumbles, and also that they mostly sound the same? I've also read conflicting posts saying these cabs are 8ohms and 4ohms. The ability to get an additional cab for a full stack is necessary. I don't need anything right now, but I do intend on auditioning for some bands this year, God willing.

Sorry for the novel-length post. Thanks for your input.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

I've been keeping a feeler out for a bass cab(s) now for about 6-8 months, and I'm trying to narrow down my options.

For context, I had a ported Ampeg Celestion 1x15 for 10 years and I always liked what I got out of it. I'm not chasing that exact sound, but I do like how a big speaker pulses. Logic tells me to get a Ampeg 8x10, because other than a few guys here and there, all bass players who's sound I enjoy use an Ampeg 810. Not that I want to sound like them exactly, but I play similar types of music and need to keep up with a loud drummer and 2 guitarists. Heavy music.

There is someone near me selling a very clean, new-looking 810 Heritage model with the soft cover for $800, which seems like a good deal considering the price for a new one. The problem I'm having is that I am very discouraged because as I've been reading about user experiences with different variations and eras of the Ampeg 810 (and other companies' cabs), and users mention snagging these cabs for only a few hundred dollars even just a few years ago. I saw a 810 for $600 a while ago, but it was very, very beat up. It looked like it had been dropped badly and the bottom panel was broken.

Anyway, I'm letting go of the idea of getting an Ampeg fridge because I have seen some Fender 4x10s for a much lower price from Guitar Center, but the photos are bad and don't have the specific model listed. Here are a few I'm seeing:

Rumble 410 for $200

Bxh410 for $230

Bassman 410 for $200

I figure Fender cabs are common enough that I could easily find a matching pair to stack. Hopefully someone can give me some pointers. I can't find much specific info for these models, does anyone know how they sound? I'm aware that the Bassman series are a little lower quality than the Rumbles, and also that they mostly sound the same? I've also read conflicting posts saying these cabs are 8ohms and 4ohms. The ability to get an additional cab for a full stack is necessary. I don't need anything right now, but I do intend on auditioning for some bands this year, God willing.

Sorry for the novel-length post. Thanks for your input.

For some reason, 4x10's have seemed to drop in popularity. Thus there seems to be an abundance at very good prices on the used market.

Of the three Fender/Rumble cabs you've shown, I'd go with the Rumble (first one). These are the latest version (V3) for the Rumble line. You'll probably find more of these for sale than the others. That way if you do want to double up your have an easier to load in and out version of a fridge, and the flexibility of only taking half a fridge.

I've bought used stuff from CG and find their rating system to just short of worthless because one guy's "good" condition might be another's "excellent." It all seems way too subjective. I purchased a "good" condition Rumble 200 combo from GC and was pleased to say it looked practically brand new and played perfectly.

On the plus side you can order on-line and they will deliver to any local-ish store of your choosing at no cost to you. I prefer this to home delivery, as while it is in the store you can inspect it, try it out and decide to keep it or not, on the spot.

 

[Trucker Bumptip]

For some reason, 4x10's have seemed to drop in popularity. Thus there seems to be an abundance at very good prices on the used market.

Of the three Fender/Rumble cabs you've shown, I'd go with the Rumble (first one). These are the latest version (V3) for the Rumble line. You'll probably find more of these for sale than the others. That way if you do want to double up your have an easier to load in and out version of a fridge, and the flexibility of only taking half a fridge.

I've bought used stuff from CG and find their rating system to just short of worthless because one guy's "good" condition might be another's "excellent." It all seems way too subjective. I purchased a "good" condition Rumble 200 combo from GC and was pleased to say it looked practically brand new and played perfectly.

On the plus side you can order on-line and they will deliver to any local-ish store of your choosing at no cost to you. I prefer this to home delivery, as while it is in the store you can inspect it, try it out and decide to keep it or not, on the spot.

I appreciate it. I've had good luck with a few used pedals from them so far, but I agree about their rating system, as the busted 810 I mentioned was rated as "good" condition. I am also leaning towards the Rumble. I played through one of the new 1x15 combos and I was surprised by how good it sounded, for it's price.

 

[Trucker Bumptip]

On the plus side you can order on-line and they will deliver to any local-ish store of your choosing at no cost to you.

I'm going to test the Rumble and see how it plays with my gear. Unfortunately, GC has changed their shipping services, and sending it to their shop costs the same as to my home. They're a ways away from me, so I just sent it to the house. Hopefully my delivery guy doesn't hate me.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

I'm going to test the Rumble and see how it plays with my gear. Unfortunately, GC has changed their shipping services, and sending it to their shop costs the same as to my home. They're a ways away from me, so I just sent it to the house. Hopefully my delivery guy doesn't hate me.

Thanks for the GC delivery charge update. Good info to know.

 

[Bill Whitehurst]

I don't think you ever mentioned what amp you are using.
That might tip the scales one way or another for some choices.
If size really isn't a problem, there are often used fridges around that someone has gotten tired of moving and just wants to rehome them and move on.

 

[Trucker Bumptip]

I don't think you ever mentioned what amp you are using.
That might tip the scales one way or another for some choices.
If size really isn't a problem, there are often used fridges around that someone has gotten tired of moving and just wants to rehome them and move on.

Thanks, Bill. I do plan on keeping my eye out for a deal on a used fridge, but current prices are off-putting. I figure if I can get a couple 410s for $200 each, I'll be in business. Plus the modularity of running a half stack for practice or smaller venues seems like a good move to me.
I know it won't sound like an Ampeg, but I'm pretty good at getting a good sound with anything I plug into. I'm easy to please.

As for my amp situation, I have a Sunn Model T tube preamp clone into a 2004 Peavey PV900 solid state power amp.

 

[God's Favorite Bass]

I've got a Bassman 4x10 from about the same time. I was leaving it at our practice place. I don't really use it much. I leave a Peavey TVX 4x10 there I use. The Bassman isn't bad, just kind of brown sounding. Woolly. Of note is that it's a slant on the top 2 but I doubt that matters much. It's just ok. Looks like the middle one.

 

[Grinderman]

For some reason, 4x10's have seemed to drop in popularity. Thus there seems to be an abundance at very good prices on the used market.

Thank you to market fads and whims for $300 bargains.

 

[RGerhart]

Thank you to market fads and whims for $300 bargains.

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Those old Eden XLTs are such great cabs. I wish the updated XSTs would be more prominent in the market--I had one for many years and just loved it. Never should've sold it, but...GAS!

 

[Grinderman]

Those old Eden XLTs are such great cabs. I wish the updated XSTs would be more prominent in the market--I had one for many years and just loved it. Never should've sold it, but...GAS!

I do wonder about how highly valued the few that might remain unabused and well preserved in 20 years will be, for some purpose. My guesstimate is either virtually not at all or highly, nowhere in between. Cabinets like those made by Bareface have me leaning more towards the former.

 

[RGerhart]

I do wonder about how highly valued the few that might remain unabused and well preserved in 20 years will be, for some purpose. My guesstimate is either virtually not at all or highly, nowhere in between. Cabinets like those made by Bareface have me leaning more towards the former.

Now that DNA is also out of business, I'd like to think the Eden stuff would at least keep it's value, or increase. But, this used market has seen crazy fluctuations over the last three years. Who knows in 20?

 

[Trucker Bumptip]

Got the Rumble on Tuesday. Very clean condition. Tolex is peeling a bit off the back, but the rest of the cab looks basically new. Nothing a little gorilla glue won't fix.

Haven't had much time for testing with a sick wife and baby, but so far it sounds fantastic being pushed by the Model T preamp into the solid state power. I was worried the peavey would sterilize the toobiness of the Model T, but it sounds good to me. A little muddy, and not getting the midrange I was hoping for, but I'm still learning how to dial in the pre. The treble knob is bizarre; dialing it past 12 o'clock cuts the overall volume down quite substantially.

I was surprised to see I was pushing the power amp into the red at pretty low levels. Fairly certain I was able crank the input gain much higher with the Ampeg cab, but I guess its not a big deal if it sounds good. Now my only concern is if it cuts through the mix with a band.

 

[Trucker Bumptip]

Man I'm rusty and forgot one of the basics: I cranked the power amp and used the master on the preamp to adjust. Much more volume without clipping now. Funny how much goes after not playing for a few years.

The EQ on the Model T is fascinating, I slowly dialed in the bass from zero (which even then had a decent amount of low end), and every time I thought it might start to be too much and drown out the mids and treble, it just kept adding more and more bass without losing clarity. Really impressive. The strange attenuation from the treble is more noticeable at lower volumes, and not too impactful at high volume.

After the first test, I was having some doubts, but this Fender Rumble is proving to be killer. Thanks again for your guidance everybody.