Traynor SB110 vs Fender Rumble 40

[MakoMan]

Looking for a small amp with a little more boost than my Rumble 40 and have been eyeing a used Traynor Small Block 110. Much as I love the 40, I find just a bit too much of a gap between it and the 200 and I'd like something that I can use at certain gigs where the 40 is a little overwhelmed and the 200 is a little too big.
So it's a pretty simple question. Is the SB110 with 120 watts significantly louder than the 40 watt V3 Rumble 40 and capable of handling larger gigs? Or do both having 10 inch speakers limit them so that there really is not a huge real world difference, despite the extra wattage? Thanks!

 

[Basically Bob]

Although it does not answer your specific question, you might find reading through this thread useful.

small 110 combo amp. GK, PEAVEY, TRAYNOR, FENDER?

 

[frankie5string]

The SB110 has a less boxy sounding midrange. It's a more polite-sounding combo, but even if you boost the midrange, it doesn't get that honkey, hollow sound like the Rumble 40.
I like the sound and "feel" of the SB110 better, too.

 

[MakoMan]

The SB110 has a less boxy sounding midrange. It's a more polite-sounding combo, but even if you boost the midrange, it doesn't get that honkey, hollow sound like the Rumble 40.
I like the sound and "feel" of the SB110 better, too.

Thanks guys. I answered my own question as well by buying the SB110 today. frankie5string, I have to agree with your comments above, after playing it and my Rumble 40 side by side this afternoon. My Rumble 40 has that hollow sound you describe when I try to push it, while the Traynor 110 stays clear at higher volume. My other impression though is that the 120 watt Traynor goes louder than the 40 watt Rumble, but not by much, although it has noticeably more 'thump'. I'll have a better idea once I get to use the Traynor at gig locations where the Rumble 40 has struggled to keep up.
Also, while the Traynor is pretty light for its size, the Fender 40 is a helium-filled balloon by comparison. The specs say the Rumble 40 is 16 lbs, but mine actually weighs 14.5. The Traynor SB110 is listed at 21 lbs, but mine actually weighs 24.75. I had the same experience with my Rumble 200 and SB115. The SB115 was listed at 31 lbs and mine actually weighed 38, while the Rumble 200 is listed at 34.5 pounds and mine actually weighs 32. The extra weight is noticable, but it's still more than 6 pounds lighter than my Rumble 200 and a lot smaller and less bulky to carry. Also will take up less room on stage.

 

[butterfingers1]

The Traynors are generally louder, cleaner, fuller than most comparably sized combos.

 

[MakoMan]

Thanks guys. I answered my own question as well by buying the SB110 today. frankie5string, I have to agree with your comments above, after playing it and my Rumble 40 side by side this afternoon. My Rumble 40 has that hollow sound you describe when I try to push it, while the Traynor 110 stays clear at higher volume. My other impression though is that the 120 watt Traynor goes louder than the 40 watt Rumble, but not by much, although it has noticeably more 'thump'. I'll have a better idea once I get to use the Traynor at gig locations where the Rumble 40 has struggled to keep up.
Also, while the Traynor is pretty light for its size, the Fender 40 is a helium-filled balloon by comparison. The specs say the Rumble 40 is 16 lbs, but mine actually weighs 14.5. The Traynor SB110 is listed at 21 lbs, but mine actually weighs 24.75. I had the same experience with my Rumble 200 and SB115. The SB115 was listed at 31 lbs and mine actually weighed 38, while the Rumble 200 is listed at 34.5 pounds and mine actually weighs 32. The extra weight is noticable, but it's still more than 6 pounds lighter than my Rumble 200 and a lot smaller and less bulky to carry. Also will take up less room on stage.

After using the SB110 all summer for multiple gigs, I have to revise my initial review. The SB110 is goes MUCH louder than the Rumble 40! It took me a while to figure out the proper equalizer settings - almost the opposite of what I use on my Rumbles - but now I'm in love with the amp. I do wish it actually weighed 21 pounds, but I can live with it, as it takes up very little room on stage. It will also cover a wide variety of gigs. I only had to bring out the Rumble 200 to one show all summer.