The Combo Club

[bordinco90]

@iagtrplyr - yes to BXD15a having a DI (that would be a deal breaker IMO).

I have that Behringer BDI 21 DI box- I think it’s awesome for the $30!! Really small spaces, I just use the DI box into the PA. Gets an OK SVT type sound- certainly adds character to the line signal from the bass. Going in “dry” is a bit sterile!

As for the aluminum cone- I’m not really chasing after “modern” sounds, but reviews say the speaker can do a lot of tones- and keep that 15” a bit more focused while still pumping out the low thump.
At that price, with that power (NOT 1000w, but more than the 125w of Rumble 200 without extension cab, and more than 150W of BA115v2) I think it would be the best power and value for $$. Also, a little folding dolly would make schlepping a bit less...of a hassle.

it also has FX send/return, “Tuner” out that can run another cab (they say) and an adjustable onboard compression. Also a 5-position (sort of parametric) mid-range selector that focuses the frequency of the mid EQ knob... and hi/low boost as well.
Reviews seem promising, and the price seems reasonable.

It can definitely produce a vintage vibe. Just read the reviews on sweetwater it has a 5 star average. Great underrated combo IMO.

 

[bordinco90]

@iagtrplyr - yes to BXD15a having a DI (that would be a deal breaker IMO).

I have that Behringer BDI 21 DI box- I think it’s awesome for the $30!! Really small spaces, I just use the DI box into the PA. Gets an OK SVT type sound- certainly adds character to the line signal from the bass. Going in “dry” is a bit sterile!

As for the aluminum cone- I’m not really chasing after “modern” sounds, but reviews say the speaker can do a lot of tones- and keep that 15” a bit more focused while still pumping out the low thump.
At that price, with that power (NOT 1000w, but more than the 125w of Rumble 200 without extension cab, and more than 150W of BA115v2) I think it would be the best power and value for $$. Also, a little folding dolly would make schlepping a bit less...of a hassle.

it also has FX send/return, “Tuner” out that can run another cab (they say) and an adjustable onboard compression. Also a 5-position (sort of parametric) mid-range selector that focuses the frequency of the mid EQ knob... and hi/low boost as well.
Reviews seem promising, and the price seems reasonable.

Or you could go with the BXD15 (without the aluminum cone).

 

[bordinco90]

Here is an updated pic of my BXD15A. It's in like new condition.

 

[68Tele-Bass]

It can definitely produce a vintage vibe. Just read the reviews on sweetwater it has a 5 star average. Great underrated combo IMO.

Yeah!! Can’t believe I’ve never heard of it until, like, two hours ago!!
Also can’t believe you scored yours for $100 you owe your buddy a steak dinner!
Sweetwater is $329, but have none in stock, MF is $411, and in stock. Do you think they would price match?? Everything to gain and nothing to lose by asking...Then cash in my loyalty of around $43, could get it under $300....that sounds pretty good if I can swing it!

 

[bordinco90]

Yeah!! Can’t believe I’ve never heard of it until, like, two hours ago!!
Also can’t believe you scored yours for $100 you owe your buddy a steak dinner!
Sweetwater is $329, but have none in stock, MF is $411, and in stock. Do you think they would price match?? Everything to gain and nothing to lose by asking...Then cash in my loyalty of around $43, could get it under $300....that sounds pretty good if I can swing it!

I bet that they would. MF and GC want your business.

 

[68Tele-Bass]

Or you could go with the BXD15 (without the aluminum cone).

Yeahh- but that one isn’t on INSANE $329 deal yet....

 

[bordinco90]

Yeahh- but that one isn’t on INSANE $329 deal yet....

Yes it is. It's on Sweetwater.

 

[68Tele-Bass]

I bet that they would. MF and GC want your business.

I’ll keep you posted!!

 

[bordinco90]

I’ll keep you posted!!

Cool! MF has the BXD15 on sale for $399 and it's in stock!

 

[JakobT]

I just picked up my Bugera BXD15A for $100 from a friend of mine. Yes the Combo has a DI. I've compared the BXD15A to my Rumble 500 combo in a side by side comparison and this is what I've found:

When adjusted at roughly the same settings (volume, gain, and rough EQ), the Rumble has way more boominess (It rattles everything in my music room) and is a tad bit louder due to the low and high mid presence at the same volume and gain settings. The Bugera is more well rounded and has a more modern clear sound IMO. When I first switched from the Bugera to the Rumble, it was like I threw a blanket over the rumble. It sounded completely muffled. The Bugera can rattle everything in my music room, but the Bass EQ has to be at around noon with the Ultra Lo button engaged (I leave it engaged all the time). The Bugera can get just as loud or louder than the Rumble (which is about as loud as I would want to go anyway) and has tons more clarity and brightness than the Rumble. When turned up, the Rumble felt like it was about to fart out with my downtuned P-Bass. The Bugera however sound nice, clear, and deep. The Rumble is lighter and is easier to carry around, but I can say that the Bugera is the clear winner for me IMO. The aluminum speaker really works wonders in the Bugera. The Bugera also feels more solidly built than the Rumble and can tilt back so another plus for the Bugera.

What tone you like is of course an individual thing, but these kinds of side by side evaluations can be somewhat misleading.

The first thing is the EQ. This will work differently for different amps, an amp’s «flat» setting may not be «flat» at all, which is certainly the case with the Rumble. Therefore, if you try to approximate the settings of another amp by simply having similar knob positions, you will not necessarily get a realistic comparison. Also, the fact that you’re not getting a similar sound with a similar setting doesn’t mean that it’s inherently impossible, it will just require different settings. Some of the differences you mention may be due to that.

Secondly, there is the gain setting. Rumble amps differ from most other brands here, as evidenced by the fact that they will work fine with the gain all the way down. It’s therefore very difficult to match this setting with that of other amps in a reliable way, which could lead to a difference in sound.

Also, the clear/muffled comparison is always suspect, IMHO, and this does not apply solely to amps. If I roll the tone off on my P-bass, it sounds incredibly muffled right away - until my ears adjust. After that, it just sounds pleasantly thumpy. If you roll off the treble on any amp, that will sound muffled to begin with as well.

That’s not to say that amps - the Rumble included - don’t have a «baked-in» tone, most do. But most amps can also get a myriad of other tones with different EQ’ing. I can get a glass-clear tone out of my Rumble 500 if I want, but it’s more geared in the direction of old-school tone, which is what I personally prefer. It’s different strokes for different folks.

 

[GwenOnBass]

I’ve heard good reports about the sound, but be warned that their power ratings are inflated. I’m not sure how they arrive at them (possibly they use peak power), but at least halve that number, and you’re closer to the truth. But there’s no arguing with the price.

The weight, however, would be the deal breaker as far as I’m concerned.

If you have a really heavy combo, you can leave it in the rehearsal room forever and it will never be nicked.

 

[Protagonist]

Yeah!! Can’t believe I’ve never heard of it until, like, two hours ago!!
Also can’t believe you scored yours for $100 you owe your buddy a steak dinner!
Sweetwater is $329, but have none in stock, MF is $411, and in stock. Do you think they would price match?? Everything to gain and nothing to lose by asking...Then cash in my loyalty of around $43, could get it under $300....that sounds pretty good if I can swing it!

If you can, order at a local Guitar Center instead of (their sub-brand) Muscian's Friend. If you have a problem it's easier to return it locally than to pay to ship it back to MF. I lost $45 on a pedalboard return/exchange, I can't imagine how much shipping a 50lb amp would cost.

 

[iagtrplyr]

If you have a really heavy combo, you can leave it in the rehearsal room forever and it will never be nicked.

Having a Peavey flashback, M?

Jakob, as usual, makes some fine points. While he’s not saying don’t think about the Bugera, he is trying to level the playing field.

Here’s an idea. Try buying through GC and getting a price you’re happy with. Audition the combo at home for a month and if you decide it’s your sound, keep it. If, on the other hand, you realize it’s not for you, drop it off at your local store and look for another option like the Ampeg BA115 v2. Let your ears decide!

 

[iagtrplyr]

If you can, order at a local Guitar Center instead of (their sub-brand) Muscian's Friend. If you have a problem it's easier to return it locally than to pay to ship it back to MF. I lost $45 on a pedalboard return/exchange, I can't imagine how much shipping a 50lb amp would cost.

Prota, geniuses do think alike. Nicely played, my bass brotha!

 

[JakobT]

Jakob, as usual, makes some fine points. While he’s not saying don’t think about the Bugera, he is trying to level the playing field.

Thank you - I would not presume to tell any TB member what purchases he/she should or should not make. I make no bones about being a Rumble fan, but hopefully that doesn't cloud my judgement too much. I have experience with a fair few different brands, and while I liked some less than others, I haven't encountered a really bad one yet, it all depends on what you're looking for in an amp.

The Bugera does seem like a great deal, and we must all find tonal happiness the best way we can.

 

[GwenOnBass]

Having a Peavey flashback, M?

It is in a Peavey flashback I see mine is still working 40 years later. Knowing your amp takes trips down staircases without you — and still works every time — is how I think of great amps.

 

[68Tele-Bass]

If you can, order at a local Guitar Center... If you have a problem it's easier to return it locally than to pay to ship it back to MF. I lost $45 on a pedalboard return/exchange, I can't imagine how much shipping a 50lb amp would cost.

Prota, geniuses do think alike. Nicely played, my bass brotha!

Yeeeahhhh...That’s what I’d like to do...try before I buy...

I live 2 1/2 hrs from the closest border town, and a “local” GC for me is five hours away in either Phoenix Or Albuquerque..so shipping back although costly, is about a wash in terms of time+gas . Fortunately, UPS comes to our IHS clinic where I work almost daily, and I can have it picked up there!

 

[GonePlaid]

What tone you like is of course an individual thing, but these kinds of side by side evaluations can be somewhat misleading.

The first thing is the EQ. This will work differently for different amps, an amp’s «flat» setting may not be «flat» at all, which is certainly the case with the Rumble. Therefore, if you try to approximate the settings of another amp by simply having similar knob positions, you will not necessarily get a realistic comparison. Also, the fact that you’re not getting a similar sound with a similar setting doesn’t mean that it’s inherently impossible, it will just require different settings. Some of the differences you mention may be due to that.

Secondly, there is the gain setting. Rumble amps differ from most other brands here, as evidenced by the fact that they will work fine with the gain all the way down. It’s therefore very difficult to match this setting with that of other amps in a reliable way, which could lead to a difference in sound.

Also, the clear/muffled comparison is always suspect, IMHO, and this does not apply solely to amps. If I roll the tone off on my P-bass, it sounds incredibly muffled right away - until my ears adjust. After that, it just sounds pleasantly thumpy. If you roll off the treble on any amp, that will sound muffled to begin with as well.

That’s not to say that amps - the Rumble included - don’t have a «baked-in» tone, most do. But most amps can also get a myriad of other tones with different EQ’ing. I can get a glass-clear tone out of my Rumble 500 if I want, but it’s more geared in the direction of old-school tone, which is what I personally prefer. It’s different strokes for different folks.

To (sort of) echo @JakobT, 'Flat" on a rumble is approximately B-10, LM-2, HM-2, Tr-10[o'clock]. I also usually run "gain" at 9 or less. The Rumble WIKI page lists "flat" more accurately. These are the first bass amps I've owned(3)that I hafta turn bass down from center.

 

[iagtrplyr]

To (sort of) echo @JakobT, 'Flat" on a rumble is approximately B-10, LM-2, HM-2, Tr-10[o'clock]. I also usually run "gain" at 9 or less. The Rumble WIKI page lists "flat" more accurately. These are the first bass amps I've owned(3)that I hafta turn bass down from center.

Great points, GP, especially the turning down of the bass. These Rumbles are the first combos in my history of playing bass where I turn down both lows AND low-mids. It’s the only way I can reach a bass tone that’s pleasant to me ears.

On the opposite side, with any of my Markbass amps I rarely if ever even touched any of the tone controls. Their novel VLE and VPF controls, yes, but never needed to alter the tone controls.

What’s it mean? I have no idea.

 

[JakobT]

Great points, GP, especially the turning down of the bass. These Rumbles are the first combos in my history of playing bass where I turn down both lows AND low-mids. It’s the only way I can reach a bass tone that’s pleasant to me ears.

On the opposite side, with any of my Markbass amps I rarely if ever even touched any of the tone controls. Their novel VLE and VPF controls, yes, but never needed to alter the tone controls.

What’s it mean? I have no idea.

It only means that the «flat» for every amp usually represents the «baked-in sound» To approximate this sound with another amp, a completely different EQ is usually necessary.