Traynor SB115 vs Fender Rumble 200 v3

[AstroSonic]

That's all I did. I'd much rather have a high-quality combo than a lesser quality combo which needs an additional cab for the reasons I listed. Quality, punch, clarity, focus, ease-of-transport, all important.

I also like Fender, have a new bass on the way, but the first line of Rumbles weren't worthy of the Fender name. I'm glad these amps are better because consumers deserve quality for their hard-earned cash.

As for WHERE we are sending money, it's practical, not political.

You claim to be impartial with respect to Fender, but continue to assert that their combo is a 'a lesser quality combo which needs an additional cab for the reasons I listed'. I find no evidence in support of that assertion. IME, the Fender does not 'need' the extension cab to to compete with its peers. The extension cab option is an advantage that extends its spell and tonal capabilities usefully beyond what combos in that price range can do. IMO, both the Fender and Traynor (as well as GK, Ampeg and a few others) are competent performers in this price range. Different flavors for individual player needs.

With respect to the political aspects, what you are suggesting is not so much practical as it is ethical. I prefer to make my own decisions - no discussion here - but those aspects, in their full complexity, are very much in need of consideration.

 

[jeff7bass]

You claim to be impartial with respect to Fender, but continue to assert that their combo is a 'a lesser quality combo which needs an additional cab for the reasons I listed'. I find no evidence in support of that assertion. IME, the Fender does not 'need' the extension cab to to compete with its peers. The extension cab option is an advantage that extends its spell and tonal capabilities usefully beyond what combos in that price range can do. IMO, both the Fender and Traynor (as well as GK, Ampeg and a few others) are competent performers in this price range. Different flavors for individual player needs.

With respect to the political aspects, what you are suggesting is not so much practical as it is ethical. I prefer to make my own decisions - no discussion here - but those aspects, in their full complexity, are very much in need of consideration.

I hear you using the term "complexity" yet it seems you've ignored posts from others, including the OP who wants a grab+go combo and isn't interested in hauling an extension cab.
Since the Traynor internalizes all 200w and the Fender needs an extension for 200w, that's one. Another poster compared the two and said the Traynor sounded much better, that's two. Another poster claimed he bought the Traynor for small gigs only, but it's been so good he's using it for larger gigs. Three. I also, in my experience, have checked out the Traynors and the quality of them seems much better than most combos. Four. The fact all it's 200w are used to drive a single 15" speaker, it takes better engineering (and a better speaker) to make it work when comparing it to a lesser-powered combo. Five. The fact the Traynor is lighter is gravy. Six. The fact the Traynor is built by our great neighbors to the North, where the op resides is SEVEN.
The Fender can add an extension, but the OP doesn't care about that. ZERO. The Fender's warranty is great. ONE, but I want to check that out because I haven't seen 5 year transferable warranties on afforadable combos unless they are extension warranties.

 

[shawshank72]

Just to add a little clarity. My intended purpose for wanting a smaller lightweight combo is so that I can have a gig-able grab and go solution. I am not interested in having a multiple cab setup so I would only really be considering these 2 combos in their stand alone configurations. As for volume, considering what I just said, there won't be an appreciable volume difference so it would come down to tone and a few other factors such as warranty, country of origin, etc...

Please go to L&M and rent the sb115. Take it to rehearsal and see for yourself.
You wont be disappointed in this amp.
Like i said before.... Keep it in Canada

 

[AstroSonic]

I hear you using the term "complexity" yet it seems you've ignored posts from others, including the OP who wants a grab+go combo and isn't interested in hauling an extension cab.
Since the Traynor internalizes all 200w and the Fender needs an extension for 200w, that's one. Another poster compared the two and said the Traynor sounded much better, that's two. Another poster claimed he bought the Traynor for small gigs only, but it's been so good he's using it for larger gigs. Three. I also, in my experience, have checked out the Traynors and the quality of them seems much better than most combos. Four. The fact all it's 200w are used to drive a single 15" speaker, it takes better engineering (and a better speaker) to make it work when comparing it to a lesser-powered combo. Five. The fact the Traynor is lighter is gravy. Six. The fact the Traynor is built by our great neighbors to the North, where the op resides is SEVEN.
The Fender can add an extension, but the OP doesn't care about that. ZERO. The Fender's warranty is great. ONE, but I want to check that out because I haven't seen 5 year transferable warranties on afforadable combos unless they are extension warranties.

Gosh, I guess you like the Traynor. That's cool. Have a nice day.

 

[SickAura]

For what its worth I put the SB115 up against the Rumble, GKMB115 and TCE BG250 last year. I really wanted to like the GK but ended up loving the Traynor. I didn't expect it - as a Canadian I always take Traynor and Yorkville for granted. But this test really opened my eyes/ears.

The TCE was a close second and probably won out based on value - for the price you get a lot of features. You should check these out too.

However, since then I've been jamming often at a few different hourly rehearsal spaces that have Traynor amps and again - I have been really impressed with the tones I can squeeze out of their heads and cabinets. So much so that it really made me consider Traynor again.

So I put the SB200 (same head as the SB115 I believe) up against the GK MB200, Ampeg Portaflex 350 and Ampeg Micro VR. Through an Ampeg PF115HE cab (I own the same one so that why I picked this cab).

This time it was closer - the Ampeg's sounded anemic - which crushed me as I own the PF800 and love it - and the GK and Traynor were very close in terms of the tones I am looking for and volume. I would probably give a slight nod to the GK this time, but the features and price of the Traynor puts it out front.

I hope this helps.
Jason

 

[bebass]

Jason - nice comparison. Is that Ampeg cab an 8 ohm cab?
I would like to point out that the SB115 may have a bit more oomph than the SB200H into the Ampeg cab. Due to cab design, speaker, and the 8 versus 4 ohms.
I have the SB200H and the SB500H and they both blow me away - something that freakin small making that kinda sound! I prefer separates, but that SB115 is a killer combo!
When I was setting up my small bass oriented music store/sound company (actually still in process but open for business) I chose Traynor/Yorkville as the company I wanted to represent based on outstanding quality, usability, and service. Of course for us bass players it always comes down to "how does it sound" and their products sound great! One thing the SB200 has over the SB115 is that you can hook up two 15's for a OMG-how-did-they-pack-this-much-into-1.5 lbs sound.

 

[SickAura]

Is that Ampeg cab an 8 ohm cab?

The Ampeg cab (PF115HE) is 8ohms

 

[name44]

Another +1 for Traynor. Highly underrated brand. Pete is still involved with Yorkville and their products. Sound quality remains at a decent price point.

 

[freshbass]

check out the GK MB115II...very clean very loud very light...robust sounding 15 cab...and u can add the GK MBP115 powered cab for a 400 watt stack when needed.

 

[cbnutt]

Like to hear some more on the SB115 , its tempting because of the weight , everyone still happy with theres ? Are they a Neo speaker ?

 

[quickfix]

They're a fine piece of kit. Still using mine for a lot of smaller to medium shows. I've other preamp, power amp, and speaker cab combinations for larger venues.

The Traynor is such a light and powerful amp, with a great sound.
I like the two handed load in. Amp in one hand (castors help) and bass case in the other with an electrical power cord and guitar cable in the case pockets.
It also works really well with my upright.
Never failed me yet.
Still looks good too. I vacuum its carpet and give it a light shave when required. lol

 

[MyMusic]

Traynor!!!!!! Nothing but solid quality gear!!!!!

 

[cbnutt]

Thanks , are they for sure a Neo speaker , seems ive heard both ways ? I wonder if anyone has re covered one , that would fix the fury covering problems .

 

[cbnutt]

Anyone compared a SB112 to GK,s MB200 112 combo , or the SB115 to the GK 115 ?

 

[quickfix]

Ceramic speaker. Just had a feel through the port. Big, round, smooth ceramic magnet, and a pressed steel frame.

 

[cbnutt]

Ceramic speaker. Just had a feel through the port. Big, round, smooth ceramic magnet, and a pressed steel frame.

Thanks, a ebay dealer has one listed, and is saying its Neo .

 

[quickfix]

Thanks, a ebay dealer has one listed, and is saying its Neo .

Could be a replacement speaker.
There's no mention in any Traynor literature/pubs/sites of a Neo speaker in this particular piece of kit. It would be a selling point if it was.