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Opinions/Experience: Fender Rumble 500 vs. Stage 800

C

Clayton H

Oct 22, 2019
8
27
#1
Hey everyone! I’m new to TalkBass, and would appreciate some insight.

I’ve been doing quite a bit of research on both the Rumble 500 combo and the Stage 800, and I really like both. I currently have the Rumble 100 (which I love), but after my last few outings realized I need more power. I do have an Avatar 4x10 (4 ohm) cab with a Behringer 450 watt head (which also sounds really good) that I use for larger gigs, but am looking to consolidate to a smaller, “all in one” setup.

My question: does anyone with any experience with either the 500 or the Stage 800 have any insight on which would be the better investment, given my situation? My budget is limited to the price of the Stage 800, and I’m open to buying used.

About me: I would say that I’m an intermediate level, finger style player. I currently play a 5-string Jazz, and OCCASIONALLY my active 4-string Jackson. I play 1-2 times/week with our church praise team (2 guitars, 2-3 vocalists, very good drummer), and I also play in a metal group (2 loud guitars, heavy drummer, AND another bass player). I rarely use effects, but am open to/would like to incorporate them more into my playing.

Thanks everyone!
 
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#2
Welcome!

Ultimately, do you like the sound of the 100, or do you want to play with the amp modeling? Personally I love my 100 and the modeling doesn’t appeal to me, so I’d pick a 500 hands down. Plus, you may find you miss the 410 and want to add the 210 to it down the road. So the 500 + 210 might be a little more budget friendly.

if you truly want an “all in one box” combo solution, check out the GK MB 212 ;)
 
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#4
Good suggestions! And that 2x12 GK combo also caught my eye as well; plenty of power and excellent tone, it seems.

CallMeAl said:
Welcome!

Ultimately, do you like the sound of the 100, or do you want to play with the amp modeling? Personally I love my 100 and the modeling doesn’t appeal to me, so I’d pick a 500 hands down. Plus, you may find you miss the 410 and want to add the 210 to it down the road. So the 500 + 210 might be a little more budget friendly.

if you truly want an “all in one box” combo solution, check out the GK MB 212 ;)
Click to expand...
 
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#6
Get the 800, the tone options alone make it the hands down winner. I have a 500 head as backup for my Hiwatt and Orange gear, the 500 works fine in a pinch. I bought the 800 for rehearsing and when I need a small powerful rig that has a volume and tone I can work with. The 800 gets my vote.
 
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#7
Update:

I ended up going with the Rumble 500, and I love it. I do have one concern, however, with some popping/cracking at higher volume; I was looking to get some answers/insight from anyone who has any experience or similar issues.

I was doing some jamming/practice outside on a wonderful, sunny 72 degree day in Indiana, and decided to turn up the volume a bit. The volume was about 60%, and the Gain at 50%. EQ: bass at 1, low mid at 11, high mid at 11, and treble at 1. The Horn was switched on, and I engaged the Vintage button as well. When I started playing, especially notes on the E and low B, there was a popping and cracking noise. I couldn’t tell if it was from the horn or the speakers.

Has anyone else encountered this issue, or have any insight as to what may be happening? Thanks!
 
#8
Clayton H said:
Update:

I ended up going with the Rumble 500, and I love it. I do have one concern, however, with some popping/cracking at higher volume; I was looking to get some answers/insight from anyone who has any experience or similar issues.

I was doing some jamming/practice outside on a wonderful, sunny 72 degree day in Indiana, and decided to turn up the volume a bit. The volume was about 60%, and the Gain at 50%. EQ: bass at 1, low mid at 11, high mid at 11, and treble at 1. The Horn was switched on, and I engaged the Vintage button as well. When I started playing, especially notes on the E and low B, there was a popping and cracking noise. I couldn’t tell if it was from the horn or the speakers.

Has anyone else encountered this issue, or have any insight as to what may be happening? Thanks!
Click to expand...
There is a report here (one of several I have read) of a Rumble 500 showing “cutting out, farting out” being remedied with DeoxIT spray...
V3 Rumble reliability data
 

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