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Practice amp upgrade...

tothemax

tothemax

Nov 1, 2013
1,463
1,701
Annapolis Area
#1
A few years ago I picked up a Fender Rumble 40 for a small but functional practice amp, it was hard to beat for price and portability. My main amp is a Ampeg BA-115v3 which does pretty much everything I need for band practice and gigs. A few times I've been in rush and just grabbed the Rumble for band practice and it "just about" keeps up, but I know that it's pushing the limits and don't want to kill the amp (plus have a decent sound for the band). I'm considering upgrading the 40 to a Rumble 100 model to use for practices - it's just so easy to transport.

Just thought I would throw it out there and see what y'all thought...
 
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#2
Cool. Many people do not have the resources to have the flexibility to have different amps for different situations. Why not get a small, powerful head like a Behringer UltraBass BXD3000H 300-watt 2-channel Bass Head ($250) and a 2x10 cab? Then you have an extra 2x10 you cam put under the Ampeg when you want to push more air.

I'd scour CL, EBAY, TB classifieds, or reverb for a deal on that kind of setup.
 
#3
Look at the Paul Jones Bass line (PJB ). Not everyone’s cup of tea. If you don’t need to practice at stadium volumes ( which I suggest You don’t) and depending on the model they will give you a really good idea of your sound, warts and all. YMMV Good luck.
 
#5
A used Ampeg Micro VR and an SVT210 is a great solution. The head has aux in and headphones out for silent practice. It'll easily cover practice and if you add a second 2x10 it's very giggable.
 
#6
I gigged a Rumble 100 for a few years, it’s still my rehearsal amp. It’s indeed a powerhouse for 300 bones, keeps up with a loud Marshall 112 tube amp and moderate drummer for blues and classic rock. (With the occasional guest player added.) highly recommended, especially if money is tight and you already like the 40.

I also have a Markbass CMD 121p. Ridiculously loud and more clarity than the Rumble. 30lbs, and actually smaller than the Rumble 100. A great option if you have the budget
 
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#7
Great info, thanks for the feedback. My budget has limits, the idea of having a 2x10 cab is enticing. My goal (yes, who am I kidding...) is to keep the gear pile under control (and budget). My 40 is in great shape with a nice custom cover so I'm hoping I can either sell it locally or trade up.
 
#8
tothemax said:
A few years ago I picked up a Fender Rumble 40 for a small but functional practice amp, it was hard to beat for price and portability. My main amp is a Ampeg BA-115v3 which does pretty much everything I need for band practice and gigs. A few times I've been in rush and just grabbed the Rumble for band practice and it "just about" keeps up, but I know that it's pushing the limits and don't want to kill the amp (plus have a decent sound for the band). I'm considering upgrading the 40 to a Rumble 100 model to use for practices - it's just so easy to transport.

Just thought I would throw it out there and see what y'all thought...
Click to expand...
Rumble 100's good little amp. But, the Peavey max is better
 
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#9
CallMeAl said:
I gigged a Rumble 100 for a few years, it’s still my rehearsal amp. It’s indeed a powerhouse for 300 bones, keeps up with a loud Marshall 112 tube amp and moderate drummer for blues and classic rock. (With the occasional guest player added.) highly recommended, especially if money is tight and you already like the 40.

I also have a Markbass CMD 121p. Ridiculously loud and more clarity than the Rumble. 30lbs, and actually smaller than the Rumble 100. A great option if you have the budget
Click to expand...
+1 on the Markbass
 
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#14
BobDeRosa said:
This really works? I have both as well, but never would have thought of this. No possibility of damage?
Click to expand...
The proper way to do this is via the effects loop. You plug your bass into the 100, and and instrument cable from the Effects Send on the 100 to the instrument input on the 40 (since the 40 doesn’t actually have an effects loop). This will let you use both amps together, and get the full 140 watts. I did this with mine, you can read about it here: Fender Rumble Club.

If you get two Rumbles with effects loops, like two 100s, you plug the cable from the Effects Send to the Effects Return, like this: Fender Rumble Club
 
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#16
JakobT said:
The proper way to do this is via the effects loop. You plug your bass into the 100, and and instrument cable from the Effects Send on the 100 to the instrument input on the 40 (since the 40 doesn’t actually have an effects loop). This will let you use both amps together, and get the full 140 watts. I did this with mine, you can read about it here: Fender Rumble Club.

If you get two Rumbles with effects loops, like two 100s, you plug the cable from the Effects Send to the Effects Return, like this: Fender Rumble Club
Click to expand...

Thanks very much, Jakob. I'll have to try that.
 
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#17
BobDeRosa said:
Thanks very much, Jakob. I'll have to try that.
Click to expand...
If you do use the 40 and the 100 together, be aware that, since you’re plugging straight into the input, the preamp on the 40 will still be active. I copied this from an earlier Rumble Club post:

Technically you can run the SEND to the second amp INPUT (there is no risk of damage), but the line level signal at the SEND may overdrive the input stage so you will need to reduce the GAIN on the second amp. And re-amping the signal this way will allow one to use the second preamp controls, but may not produce the desired results so it is up to the individual."

I would recommend that you set the controls of the 40 to the 12 o’clock position, and use the controls on the SEND amp. Just be careful, and do things by increments, until you get the desired result.
 
#18
JakobT said:
If you do use the 40 and the 100 together, be aware that, since you’re plugging straight into the input, the preamp on the 40 will still be active. I copied this from an earlier Rumble Club post:

Technically you can run the SEND to the second amp INPUT (there is no risk of damage), but the line level signal at the SEND may overdrive the input stage so you will need to reduce the GAIN on the second amp. And re-amping the signal this way will allow one to use the second preamp controls, but may not produce the desired results so it is up to the individual."

I would recommend that you set the controls of the 40 to the 12 o’clock position, and use the controls on the SEND amp. Just be careful, and do things by increments, until you get the desired result.
Click to expand...

Thanks again.
 
#19
Not to deputize GK into a conversation where it wasn’t called for, but...
The GK folks have these powered cabinets that you can use to connect with their combo amps. You connect one of their powered extension cabs to the combo using a microphone cord. Now the controls on the combo amp become the controls for both the attached cab and the amp itself. It’s a pretty neat concept. You have to plug the extension cab into the wall to power its onboard preamp, so there is that, but not a big deal really. I have the 110, and am considering getting a 112 or maybe a 115 to go with it if we ever get to a point where playing out is a thing again...
 
#20
All great info,
I just checked out the Peavey Max video from Sweetwater... pretty cool but simple concept. Whenever I've used my 40 at rehearsal I'll set it on a chair - looks like Peavey is getting it. I've had Peavey guitar amps in the past, always been dependable. The Peavey 100 is still a 10" speaker - just wondering if the extra 60w with a 10" speaker will be adequate. We're not a loud band but have both a drummer and percussionist. The GK MB-110 is nice but the price point is about $200 over the Max at $249. It's nice to have options... Probably after the Xmas rush I'll go out and do some testing.
 

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