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Rumble 500 - Any Cabinet Mods Worth Doing?

#21
For what is is, I love the v3 rumble 100 & 500 with the vintage switch. I don't see the point in modifying anything with the amp. It's a plug in and play amp, zero EQ necessary 99.99% of the time…. That being said my tube preamp DI / compressor is a factor in achieving the sound. I'll take my rumble with my pedal board set up over any Aguilar, Markbass, etc…only thing that's beats it is a B15…
 
#22
anightintunisia said:
only thing that's beats it is a B15
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Or maybe an Ampeg Rocket RB-115 combo?

Least expensive (-$550 most places new) and most readily available option for getting that B-15 vibe without springing for the real McCoy.

I've got both a B-15N and a RB-115 so I was able to compare them myself. The RB-115 doesn't exactly match it across the board. But it's remarkably close. And the extra wattage is definitely a plus. :)
 
#23
40Hz said:
Or maybe an Ampeg Rocket RB-115 combo?

Least expensive (-$550 most places new) and most readily available option for getting that B-15 vibe without springing for the real McCoy.

I've got both a B-15N and a RB-115 so I was able to compare them myself. The RB-115 doesn't exactly match it across the board. But it's remarkably close. And the extra wattage is definitely a plus. :)
Click to expand...

I had an Ampeg B-100R and honestly the rumble 100 & 500 blows it out of the water in every way. I think the rumbles are overlooked as it's it a little cheaply made, the price is super low, and frankly because it's a Fender. There's a notion that companies like Aguilar, MarkBass, Epifani, etc etc must be better because they're smaller more boutique-esq companies and Fender just isn't as cool or hip. If something sounds good you can't deny it and one needs to forget about current social trends and videos/photos you see on social media platforms which is really just marketing. I've played through a Roland keyboard amp before and I mean it sounded killer. I had an opinion on it before I played it because it doesn't have that "look at me with this hip bass gear" but there was no denying the sound. We need to trust our ears and not our eyes.
 
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#24
anightintunisia said:
We need to trust our ears and not our eyes.
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I do and did trust my ears and not my eyes or someone else's opinion. I trust my own judgement after 50+ years of playing bass. That's why I went with the little Ampeg and not a Fender Rumble that time.

Sorry to disagree with your thesis - except for that part above. :)

FWIW I use a small keyboard combo amp with my ABG. I think the full range speaker and more interesting EQ points work better for that than a regular bass amp does. So I hear you about that Roland amp. :thumbsup:
 
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#25
40Hz said:
I do and did trust my ears and not my eyes or someone else's opinion. I trust my own judgement after 50+ years of playing bass. That's why I went with the little Ampeg and not a Fender Rumble that time.

Sorry to disagree with your thesis - except for that part above. :)

FWIW I use a small keyboard combo amp with my ABG. I think the full range speaker and more interesting EQ points work better for that than a regular bass amp does. So I hear you about that Roland amp. :thumbsup:
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It's okay to disagree! That's what makes choices and options. What a sad world we would live in if everybody agreed on the same thing!
 
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#28
MustangWally said:
One of my neighbors is a retired sound guy and he has some really cool stuff in his studio, often prototypes from some of the companies that he has worked for. One of those is a small powered speaker with a 12" and a horn that sounds absolutely killer with bass, originally designed for keyboard use.
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I'm using an old Yorkville BLOC40K. The thing sounds killer and has just enough wattage that you can get it fairly loud without it being so loud it causes feedback. It also fits neatly out of sight under the chair you're sitting. Which can help preserve "the look" if you're doing an "all acoustic" ensemble performance. My El Capitan ABG loves that little amp. You can really dial in the mids just right the way the tonestack is set up. Marriage made in heaven. :)
 
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#29
As far as 2x10 combo's go, I think the 500C has become the standard by which we measure all others. If the combo alone isn't enough, you can add a rumble 1x15 or 2x10 extension cab. I use a BFM Simplexx 1x15 loaded with a Eminence 3015 that I built with mine when I play outside and it is all I ever need.
q2CQ7PVl.jpg
 
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#30
Ampslut said:
As far as 2x10 combo's go, I think the 500C has become the standard by which we measure all others. If the combo alone isn't enough, you can add a rumble 1x15 or 2x10 extension cab. I use a BFM Simplexx 1x15 loaded with a Eminence 3015 that I built with mine when I play outside and it is all I ever need.
View attachment 4512460
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My Rumble 115 is on order!
Duke
 
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#31
Has anyone modded a 500 combo to work only as a cabinet with the horn? My amp appears to be on the way out and looking at options without spending lots! IF you did any info like parts etc. would be appreciated!!
 

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