I worked in a music store, and borrowed a new - with intent on owning the 90's version of the 100 watt Rocket 1-15 combo. The amp sounded good, until you played below the fifth fret on the 'E' string, and then, it ran out of steam pretty annoyingly, on the gigs I played with it. The rear ports, also created some stage waves that were unacceptable. I returned it. I bought an Ampeg B-248, which sounded incredible in the store. Took it to a gig- all 100 pounds plus of it, and it was like a bass kazoo at band levels. Also rear ports. Hated that thing. But, I owned it by then, so, it was like my boat anchor until I thankfully sold it. Then, I bought a pretty expensive- for is time, SWR Workingman's 12. O.K. for upright, but like all SWR gear, it was overpriced, and pretty much useless for the electric bass Casino gigs I was doing at the time. Again, a small rear ported cab. The advent of neo speakers has been a real blessing for bassists. I currently own a Rumble 200. I compared it side by side with a Rumble 500 at good old Guitar Sphincter- and even though you can feel the higher power of the 500- 2-10 Rumble - the 200 handled the low notes better.
There was a brand new 500 as a house amp in town at the jams. It broke up at 'blues' level playing, not a fan of that. I also played on occcasion, a Rumble 200 at another house jam in town. The 200 was more efficient at band volumes. I've also played a Rumble 100 at some of these. The bass was completely buried, and unusable at real standard (not loud at all) band volumes. I love the light weight of the Rumble combo. What I don't like at all, is what I know from decades of experience, yet keep trying to deny, going on well over a half-Century doing gigs now. Combos, literally are like having too small a caliber when you are facing a charging Bear in the woods. You're just fine, until you need the firepower. Band gets a little loud? You are STUCK with THAT amp, in THAT cabinet. If you are in a controlled setting, with bass in your monitor, no problem. I have now had several experiences with my 200, that proved this reality to me yet again. The 200 weighs about 35 pounds. I did a gig where I used it but had some issues. I decided to leave it home on the last one. I took my Carvin BX 500 head, and my Carvin BRX 10.2 neo cab.. about 50 pounds for both. The Carvin rig was vastly superior to the Rumble, and the weight difference was tolerable, especially considering the performance. The other thing- is the Rumble series has a non defeatable limiting circuit. I despise those. A good, efficient 2-10 cab- or even a 2-12- and a Class 'D' head like my Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0, will destroy the typical combo. With the modular approach, I can take different cabs to suit the gig- like my super light Epifani 1-12 UL. and have a better rig.
