• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Trying to decide between these amps

FitzFitz

FitzFitz

Guest
Oct 14, 2014
131
81
28
Fox Valley, WI
#1
I've been invited to play with a group, but after a little incident, all I've been left with is a 15w guitar amp. So I'm in the market for something new, something of higher quality than the last amp I had, a beat up 90w Behringer I got for cheap off of a friend. Something I could preferably get for around $400, perfectly willing to buy used to make that work. So far the two main contenders are a Fender Rumble 500 V3, and an Ampeg Ba210V2. I guess I'm just looking for opinions on both, which you preferred if you've had experience with both. Other suggestions are also welcome, as long as they're around the budget and could hold up with a group performing small-mediumish house shows/outdoor shows. (If it helps/matters, groups I play the most of include: The Velvet Underground, Mac DeMarco, Tame Impala, The Cure, Joy Division/New Order.) Thank you.
 
#2
Those are two diametrically opposed bass combos competing in the same arena. You really do have to go to a store and make a direct A/B comparison as Fender Sound vs Ampeg sound.

In favor of the Fender Rumble are: honest wattage ratings; light weight, a solid reputation for gig worthy reliability, a very versatile, modern & active four band EQ, an excellent built in overdrive, custom designed Eminence drivers, professional sound quality by virtue of superior engineering design.

Ampeg not so much. If you like the Ampeg sound better, "you pays your money and you takes your chances."
 
#3
I love me some ampeg gear... with that said. The new v3 Rumble 500 is a better amp out of those two. If you were interested in any of the GK gear they have some great offerings in that price range too.

Fender is 500 watts, 2x10 and horn, has a decent od, options for outputs, footswitchable, not MDF, nice quiet line out, 5 year warranty AND weighs less than 40 pounds. FORTY POUNDS!
 
#4
Out of those 2, only a dyed in the wool ampeg lover and/or fender hater would choose the ampeg, simply because it says ampeg, and/or does not say fender.

The v3 rumble series blows away the BAv2 series. And that 210v2 is pretty heavy too.

Don't discount the 200 either, the 15" is the star in the new rumble eminence drivers, and an add on 112 cab or 115 cab are both $299 new, and pop up for $150 used sometimes. $250 for a used 200 is a common price, and $400 could get you a classy small combo stack. It is very loud for 200w. The 112 is very compact, the same width as the combo. The 115 is bigger and wider.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Linnin and deathness
#5
If you need more volume than something like the rumble plus ext cab can pump out, you could look for a cheap peavey head used (like mark 3/4/etc, century/centurion) and a beat up ampeg fridge or peavey 2x15 or hartke 4x10 (with the notion to add another 4x10 down the line). Any of those options will be significantly heavier than the rumble route but can fit within your budget and bring significant volume if you need it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CatSquare
#6
FitzFitz said:
I've been invited to play with a group, but after a little incident, all I've been left with is a 15w guitar amp. So I'm in the market for something new, something of higher quality than the last amp I had, a beat up 90w Behringer I got for cheap off of a friend. Something I could preferably get for around $400, perfectly willing to buy used to make that work. So far the two main contenders are a Fender Rumble 500 V3, and an Ampeg Ba210V2. I guess I'm just looking for opinions on both, which you preferred if you've had experience with both. Other suggestions are also welcome, as long as they're around the budget and could hold up with a group performing small-mediumish house shows/outdoor shows. (If it helps/matters, groups I play the most of include: The Velvet Underground, Mac DeMarco, Tame Impala, The Cure, Joy Division/New Order.) Thank you.
Click to expand...
Nice list of bands you got there.
 
#10
2 good choices. Let me offer a third.
Carvin MB15
Right now it is $399 with free shipping. Light. Loud. Versatile. A few months down the road you can pick up a matching extra cab for a $230. Then you'll have a nice stack that will give you more headroom and more volume for bigger gigs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1stnamebassist
#11
two fingers said:
2 good choices. Let me offer a third.
Carvin MB15
Right now it is $399 with free shipping. Light. Loud. Versatile. A few months down the road you can pick up a matching extra cab for a $230. Then you'll have a nice stack that will give you more headroom and more volume for bigger gigs.
Click to expand...
Yes that is the amp I own and it is highly recommended by me also. I just offered up the Fender of the two he was deciding on.
 
#14
I recently tried both back to back in a local Sam Ash. I assumed the Ampeg would be better hands down. To my surprise the Rumble was louder. The EQ provided better tonal flexibility. I'm not and overdrive guy, but the Fender circuit is quite effective. You can use it to dial in a bit of warmth. I'd go with the Rumble.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ubernator
#15
alack said:
I recently tried both back to back in a local Sam Ash. I assumed the Ampeg would be better hands down. To my surprise the Rumble was louder. The EQ provided better tonal flexibility. I'm not and overdrive guy, but the Fender circuit is quite effective. You can use it to dial in a bit of warmth. I'd go with the Rumble.
Click to expand...
As much better than the BA115, the MKII is, the rumble V3 still runs circles around it, and weighs much less to boot.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back