NAD - Bassman 500 + Rumble 115

[tbirdsp]

Ah, that new amp smell Will post impressions once I play through it more.

 

[kwaping]

Drooool!

 

[rodl2005]

Looking forward to hearing your views on the 500 especially but also the Rumble 115.
Congrats!

 

[tbirdsp]

Replaced the plastic logo on the Rumble with a cast aluminum "Blackface" one to match the Bassman head. Any apparent difference in the logos is due to the light hitting them differently. Match perfectly in real life. The grill cloth is a slightly different shade between the two units, barely noticeable though.

Haven't had much chance to play though the rig yet. Initial impressions: More vintage "rounder" sound than my GK MB Fusion 500 (as expected, and desired). Doesn't sound quite as good as the 100T I sold to get this setup, but almost as good. Need to try the Bassman 500 head with some of my other cabs (Genz Benz Focus 115 X 2, Avatar B212 Neo)

 

[blmeier7]

I'd be interested to see how the Bassman 500 sounds through 2 Focus 115's. I've been looking at the Rumble 500 head and Bassman 500 to go with my Focus 115's. Let us know once you get some time to try it out.

 

[tbirdsp]

Will do. My "music room" is our smallest spare bedroom and it's packed with gear, so swapping cabs out is a royal pain. Need to test all configurations out though

 

[Chef]

that looks GREAT!!!!!

super rig, I'd wager.

 

[Linnin]

Smashing!

 

[tbirdsp]

Tried the 500 with my two Focus 115s today - sounds really good! Head is the same width so it fits well. Note I'm in a tiny room where I can't get more than 3 feet away from the rig, and any serious volume gets the drywall rattling. I didn't try using only one Focus, but I think they sound slightly better than the Rumble - probably because the box is deeper. Nothing major though. I also ran the DI out to my Shure PSM200/ Westone UM Pro 30 IEM system. Got a good sound there too. I used "post EQ" (as I do on my MB Fusion 500). With the DI level set about in the middle (between 6 and 7) I seemed to get about the same signal strength I get from the non-adjustable DI on the GK. I think I'll use the two Genz cabs this Friday - gig at a rock club with a big stage/big PA and I usually don't use IEM.
Other notes - if you use the vintage channel you should know how a "Fender tone stack" works - I'm running it at 3-10-3 (bass mid treble) which is probably still a slight mid scoop (I like lots of mids). Fender MIM Active Deluxe Jazz V with the controls centered.
Cooling fan seems to run all the time. It's not too loud, and more of a "whoosh" of air sound than the "propeller" sound of the one on my GK.
I'm not a tweeter guy so I have the tweeters off in both the Rumble and the Genz cabs.

 

[Bobb Nagel]

Ah, that new amp smell Will post impressions once I play through it more.

I'm happy to see I'm not the only one swapping out logos to match the rest of my Fender gear.
From left: Rumble 500 combo, 210 ext cab, 115 ext cab. My ancient GK 400RB and my more ancient 1968 Dual Showman purchased new. Yeah, I'm old.

 

[Linnin]

I'm happy to see I'm not the only one swapping out logos to match the rest of my Fender gear.
From left: Rumble 500 combo, 210 ext cab, 115 ext cab. My ancient GK 400RB and my more ancient 1968 Dual Showman purchased new. Yeah, I'm old. View attachment 611596

Most Groovy, Bobb-O!

 

[pfschim]

yeah, I'm old too (also originally from Chicago myself)
I swapped a Fender logo on to an LDS 2x15 so it would match my Fender Studio Bass head. No shame in trying to make them look like they were built for each other. In the case of the LDS cab, it WAS built specifically with the Fender head in mind.

 

[GoLeafsGo]

You swapped logos?!?! So, that cab could be....a Squier?

 

[pfschim]

umm, I don't think Squier/Fender makes cabs (?) ... only instruments

 

[Linnin]

You swapped logos?!?! So, that cab could be....a Squier?

Pay no attention to the uninformed.

 

[Larry McQueary]

You swapped logos?!?! So, that cab could be....a Squier?

Rest easy... the less literal-minded got your joke

 

[GoLeafsGo]

Rest easy... the less literal-minded got your joke

But they are so much fun to play with. So...predictable.

 

[CP63]

Where did you guys get the cast Fender logo's?

 

[Jeb]

Logos are everywhere. What I don't understand is why the bassman 115 cab is more than DOUBLE the cost of a rumble 115 cab. Yeah, the bassman cab is neo, but the rumble cab is lighter weight, slimmer depth and both sound pretty much like a bass to anyone who pays attention.

So, if I'm a patron? I don't know the difference. If I'm the bass player? Load in/out is a huge consideration.

Badge = vanity? Say it isn't so.

Now, that bassman 500 amp? Do the tubes make a difference, or are they a marketing gimmick like the rest.

 

[Larry McQueary]

Logos are everywhere. What I don't understand is why the bassman 115 cab is more than DOUBLE the cost of a rumble 115 cab. Yeah, the bassman cab is neo, but the rumble cab is lighter weight, slimmer depth and both sound pretty much like a bass to anyone who pays attention.

Yeah, I have to say, that is a bit hard to swallow. The 410 price/weight difference I can kind of see, but the 115 is just crazy. I guess those neodymium magnets must have a pretty high price floor. And they must be using some very lightweight wood on the Rumble 115. Or maybe the casters are really heavy?

Now, that bassman 500 amp? Do the tubes make a difference, or are they a marketing gimmick like the rest.

That's what I'm wondering as well. Is there $1000 worth of tone difference between this hybrid amp and the SB300?