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Practice Amps: Ampeg VS Fender

NKBassman

NKBassman

Jun 16, 2009
16,513
32,899
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Winnipeg, MB, Canada
#1
I’m considering picking up the smallest and cheapest possible practice amp for acoustic jam sessions and just overall ease and portability. It’d be nice if it sounded OK, too.

I’m looking at the Fender Rumble 15 and the Ampeg BA-108 on the Long & McQuade website. Both are 15W 1x8 combos, and both around $150 CAD.

The price is right. I don’t really want to go up over $200 for the next size up.

For additional consideration, A buddy has a larger Fender Rumble combo and I have never gotten a sound out of it that I like.

Thoughts??
 
#3
NKBassman said:
The fact that the Ampeg is a wedge for tilt back is a plus.
How does it sound?
Click to expand...
It sounds ampeggy, and is a fine practice amp and suitable for low volume acoustic sessions.
Personally, I would step up the ladder and get a BA 110, to be honest.
(to have some power left if the jam gets a bit louder)

I prefer the Ampeg over the Fender, because for my taste, the tone of the Rumble 15 is a touch too plastic for me.
IME, IMHO, YMMV
 
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#4
I had the v1 Ampeg 108, it was killer. I even cranked it to 3:00 and pitted it against a drumset once! (A little strained, but it did ok) for acoustic jams, it was always plenty.

I have the Rumble 25 now. I like it a whole lot. I think the key with the rumbles is dropping the bass knob to 10:00 or so. I think they’re made to be extra bassy to sound impressive in the store...
 
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#5
NKBassman said:
I’m considering picking up the smallest and cheapest possible practice amp for acoustic jam sessions and just overall ease and portability. It’d be nice if it sounded OK, too.

I’m looking at the Fender Rumble 15 and the Ampeg BA-108 on the Long & McQuade website. Both are 15W 1x8 combos, and both around $150 CAD.

The price is right. I don’t really want to go up over $200 for the next size up.

For additional consideration, A buddy has a larger Fender Rumble combo and I have never gotten a sound out of it that I like.

Thoughts??
Click to expand...



You might also check out Guitar Center's Acoustic combos and the combos from Hartke.
I'd do a T.B. thread search.
Recent T.B. threads have many players/owners that after A/B-ing those other combos came out liking the G.C. Acoustic combos better.
Watch G.C. web site, they often have the G.C. Acoustics at sale prices.

Also, watch the T.B. Classifieds, you might find a used, but much better amp for the same money.
 
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#7
No guitar Centers here in Canada. Long & McQuade would be the equivalent. I know I could still order from them online (or Sweetwater), but I’d rather support a Canadian retailer if possible.

Also keep in mind that $200 USD = $270 CAD.

Cost is honestly the main priority I think. For bigger volume needs I have two Ampeg 210AV cabs and my Aguilar TH500 which provides enough support for the biggest stages in town. I already do use this rig for small jams and stuff, but the 210 is overkill a lot of the time and I wouldn’t mind an even smaller option if possible.
 
Last edited:
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#8
NKBassman said:
No guitar Centers here in Canada. Long & McQuade would be the equivalent. I know I could still order from them online (or Sweetwater), but I’d rather support a Canadian retailer if possible.

Also keep in mind that $200 USD = $270 CAD.

Cost is honestly the main priority I think. For bigger volume needs I have two Ampeg 210AV cabs and my Aguilar TH500 which provides enough support for the biggest stages in town. I already do use this rig for small jams and stuff, but the 210 is overkill a lot of the time and I wouldn’t mind an even smaller option if possible.
Click to expand...


Since your in Canada, Traynor has some great small combos, also G.K.
 
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#9
I have a 25 watt Rumble. It’s okay. I was planning to get an Ampeg, but honestly didn’t like the sound of their budget amps.

It’s not like I loved the Rumble, but for a cheap practice amp, it did the job.

The 25 watt Rumble can be loud enough for a full band practice if you dime EVERYTHING on the amp, place it near ear level, and play aggressively with a pick.
 
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#13
NKBassman said:
I’m considering picking up the smallest and cheapest possible practice amp for acoustic jam sessions and just overall ease and portability. It’d be nice if it sounded OK, too.

I’m looking at the Fender Rumble 15 and the Ampeg BA-108 on the Long & McQuade website. Both are 15W 1x8 combos, and both around $150 CAD.

The price is right. I don’t really want to go up over $200 for the next size up.

For additional consideration, A buddy has a larger Fender Rumble combo and I have never gotten a sound out of it that I like.

Thoughts??
Click to expand...
Traynor or GK.
 
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#14
EAF95BC4-33AF-47AF-91A1-83C073C34CAD.jpeg
I got a Rumble 25 and replaced the stock 8" speaker with a 10" Dayton, carpeted the inside and tuned the cabinet with a larger port. Dramatic difference. At the very least, get a stock 25 but I would stay away from the Rumble 15... Haven't heard too much good things about it.
 
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#16
Of the two, the Ampeg is the better bet. The Rumble 15 doesn’t really sound that great, TBH, as it doesn’t have the same preamp as the rest of the Rumble range, you need to go to the 25 or 40 to get the best practice amp performance.

However it seems that you don’t particularily care for the Rumble tone in general, so I’d actually suggest a Rumble LT25 which is a modeling amp, and therefore offers a great many tonal choices. I should think it would be possible to find something you will enjoy.
 
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