Hi all, I've been using a Fender Rumble 30 as both my practice amp and stage monitor for a good few years now, and although I've grown fairly fond of the sound, I need a more professional and dedicated setup now that I've specialised into playing jazz. I'm basically looking for something simple if possible, no need for built in OD or effects like my Rumble, but primarily in a smaller package, that I can get a carry case for as well. Sound wise it would be great if I could amplify a double bass as well, but that's not too much of an issue. Price wise....well I don't even know. I'm no professional - I only play a £250 Squier Jazz - but if I have to save up for a while it shouldn't be an issue to fork out a couple of hundred for something, new or used. Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm really stumped and don't even know where to look! Cheers, Woody
First thing need to do is figure a budget. You can spend under $500, you can spend well over a grand. How loud do you need to be - what kind of venues are you playing, Will you have PA support, how large/loud is the band? Certainly a larger Rumble is a decent lower budget option.
I don't need to be too loud. I'm only ever typically playing with jazz bands so 30W does me just fine, and I'm almost always gigging with a PA. I ideally want to downsize as the Rumble is in a bulky weird shaped box. Budget wise, yeah a couple of hundred (£200-300) shouldn't be a problem. Will buy used if it gets me way more value for money.
Hey Woody1999, I've got an idea or two and an offer to make you. First the offer: come on over to the Combo Club with your question and put it to our esteemed panel of experts. Between all of us, we'll easily be able to offer you advice. Add a picture to your post and we'll make you a member! Doing a little research, I see you've got a second-generation Fender with the tilt-back cab. Nice unit overall, but Fender has reduced the weight, improved the tone, and kept the price pretty reasonable. If you like what the Fender did for you sound-wise, it'd be a no-brainer to move up to the third-gen Rumbles. You're saying you don't need any more power, so I'd suggest the Rumble 40-watt 10" combo. Around 20-lbs, uses the same preamp as its bigger brothers, and costs 239 quid (Anderton's Music Store quote). Now if you are wanting a different sound than the standard Fender tone, the world is your oyster. I could name a number of brands, but before doing that we'd still need to qualify you a little more. Will this amp be for home practice and gigging? Is weight an issue? How do you fit in the band, sonically-speaking? Large band or small group? Do you want one solid tone or might you be interested in a modeling amp with built-in effects? First thing, besides getting some ideas, would be to head to your local shop and play through some models you're possibly unfamiliar with to see what they have to offer. The price range you're at is pretty common so your choices are wide. Come visit us in the Combo Club if you get the chance and we'll see what we can do for ya. Thanks!
You want something more professional, but smaller than your Rumble 30? I would look at the Trace Elf. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ELF110C--trace-elliot-elf-200-with-1x10-inch-bass-combo-amp