modest combo amps

[brisonic]

I have a Fender Rumble 40 and I like its tone and its very light weight. I am looking for something slightly more. Right now the leaders are the 100-watt Fender and the Blackstar combos; the 50-watt Glenn Hughes model looks particularly appealing. Any other suggestions without spending a huge pile? I'd like to stay under $500.

 

[scottfeldstein]

You should consider the Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-112 100w. Or the Hartke KB12 Kickback that I have. The only real feature it has is the "kickback" one, but it is pretty dang cool. It doesn't have much of a baked-in sound profile, which some people like and other hate. But it's surprisingly light and loud. And of course you should try to buy used. You save so much money. And if you buy at a used price and sell at a used price you don't lose many dollars in the deal. Buy new and sell used, you lose a lot.

 

[rockdoc11]

Initially I was skeptical of the Fender Rumble series, having experienced the bland nothingness of the first couple of versions.

But one day, killing time in a Guitar Center, I cranked up a P bass through a Rumble v3. I was knocked out by how great it sounded! I picked up a used one (a Rumble 100), then a second used one (Rumble 40), and then a third one a Rumble 200. I use each of them in specific situations.

I've opened them up, and not been impressed with the apparent quality of the components. But the sound is somehow glorious.

So I'd say grab the next used one you see coming down the pike.

 

[BigDrew]

If you have a 40, skip the 100 and grab the Rumble 200. There isn’t much difference between the 40 and the 100, but the 15” in the 200 is fantastic! In my opinion.