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Novice help

R

razbo

Guest
Dec 5, 2011
3
0
st pete florida
#1
I'm an old dog trying to learn some new tricks. Took up the bass a while back on a whim and could kick myself for not having done it decades ago. I play an old Washburn XB-200 and currently use a Peavy practice amp. I would like to buy an upgrade on my amp to practice with and something I would not be embarrassed to take to a small bar gig somewhere. I've been looking at a Fender Rumble 350 and wonder if that might suit my needs. I could still plug in a CD/IPOD for practice and yet have enough punch for a small gig. Are two 10in speakers in any way better than one 15in.
Help me out... I'm really green.
 
#2
2x10 and 1x15 cabs generate more or less the same amount of volume. A cab's tonal character depends more on the whole box and speaker design rather than just the speaker sizes.

No idea about the Rumble 350. I would recommend a GK MB115 combo though. It has proven itself to be a worthy combo amp for small gigs.

You can also save up and hunt down a used rig. Something like a used Hartke HA-3500/LH-500 with a 410 cab. A 410 cab will almost certainly satisfy your needs.
 
#5
Haven't played that amp but have heard one played at a couple small bar gigs. Pretty good sound and can handle a blues gig down at the corner bar but I don't know if it had anything left in the tank or not. A good size, decent power combo may suit your needs but whatever it is, I'd make sure it had the ability to chain another 8ohm cab to it for when it's not quite enough by itself. I'd be inclined to do that at anyplace bigger than a small tavern. Even if the thing may be able to carry it on it's own, it's less taxing on the equipment when you have a little more than you need and let things cruise along comfortably rather than have the amp and speakers working as hard as they can just to do what needs to be done. If that Rumble can do that, getting a second 210 to stack with it would be enough rig to pretty much play wherever you end up playing. Anything bigger than that and you should be in the PA anyway.


Welcome to the wide, wide world of bass. Lot's of options out there for us now. A little 112 combo may be a bit more convenient to haul around and for practice but you'd almost certainly need another 112 extension cab for all but the smallest gigs. That's what I'm running now with my homebrew cabs and I'm quite happy with it. Smaller, portable, good sound and the pair of them gets plenty loud.
 
#6
After having talked to a couple of other local bassists, they both, much like sad katz, recommended (thank you), the GK MB115. I bought one last nite on line. I hope that Santa can squeeze it down the chimney. Thanks all for your help and recommendations. This forum is fantastic as there is no one trying to sell anything and get into your pocket.
 
#8
Congratz on the purchase OP :) The MB115 is a loud amp for the size and price!

oniman7 said:
I love GK. Plan on getting an MB Series head Neo cab as well.
and I believe the 115 might even allow you to add an extension cab.... don't quote me on that though
Click to expand...

GK has plans for MBX powered extension cabs but it has been months without further info. Right now the MB115 cannot be expanded. What dual MB115 owners have done, though, is using a stereo splitter box or slaving the second amp from via the FX-in. Can't look it up right now but it is possible.
 

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