Upgrading from Rumble 15-Thoughts on Hartke KB-12?

[SJan3]

Correction: I am co fused about something. I totally thought he meant he had the Rumble 115. Not the starter 8/15w. My bad yo!

Glad you said it! LOL!!

 

[SJan3]

Looking to upgrade from my crappy Rumble 15, which I managed to blow out in my first few months playing bass, despite not pushing it past 12 O clock.

I am looking at the Hartke KB-12 mostly due to the price, output, and portability.

I don't quite understand the "class d power" thing.

Current requirements are mostly at home practice and some garage jam sessions with friends, but I want something that can hold its own on smaller gigs if I ever join a band.

Thoughts, suggestions welcome. Thank you.

--just a hobbyist with delusions of weekend warrior cover band bar gigs.

Unless I missed it, you didn't share your desired budget limit. That would really help us zero in on some good options that meet your financial preference.

 

[Old_Noob]

Unless I missed it, you didn't share your desired budget limit. That would really help us zero in on some good options that meet your financial preference.

Thought i did...$500-600

 

[SJan3]

Thought i did...$500-600

Check out the MarkBass Players school CMD 151 combo amp. Great reviews and within your budget. Often found in Sale for less at MF or Guitar Center.

 

[tvbop]

The Rumble 15 and 25 are basically toys and are nothing to do with the 40 and upwards which are serious amps. I used a Rumble 100 for a year and it was very good indeed and a super light schlep.

 

[pepj]

For garden jams and low key...read low power required...gigs, I'd pick something with a decent 12 or 15 speaker around 200w.

Very easy for bass to be swallowed and you are in for a torrid time if the speakers can't handle it.

I recently did a garden gig with a Fender Bassman 410 and you had to be very very respectful to what it could do so getting something adequate is key..hence my criteria above.

 

[Old_Noob]

The Rumble 15 and 25 are basically toys and are nothing to do with the 40 and upwards which are serious amps. I used a Rumble 100 for a year and it was very good indeed and a super light schlep.

Well, I only started playing in 2020 and the 15 was my first amp, as I had no need for anything other than for bedroom practice and wasn't going to spend a ton on a hobby I didn't know if I would stick with.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

OK, blew the rumble 15. It is barely a practice amp. You need something that take some abuse. Many have suggested the Rumble 200. I would even suggest the Rumble 500. GK makes a 2-10 combo that is good

 

[SAlcott]

well the rumble15 blew just in bedroom use. Didn't run it past 12:00

How high was the bass tone knob turned up?

 

[Old_Noob]

How high was the bass tone knob turned up?

3 O'clock.

 

[Wfrance3]

You have been getting tons of opinions which are good. - @agedhorse is in the biz and is very respected in this area. - I wanted to add one more opinion. I play P&W at my church through this little GKMB 110. - I think that’s the model. Anyway, it’s the little combo GK that has a single 10” speaker. It’s an easy carry, and sounds pretty good. If you like the notion of a 12, I think they they make that too.
In my situation there is FOH support, so the 110 doesn’t have to do more than act as a monitor for me. I use about 25% of what that amp can do and it’s plenty. - again, I’m also in the PA.
ONE thing that really helps, especially with a 5 string is an HPF (high pass filter). It essentially throws away all the really low (too low to be useful) frequencies so that an amp speaker doesn’t have to work so hard. This is the one I use. No knobs or switches is perfect for me.
[sfx] sfx sound: micro-Thumpinator v2

 

[scottfeldstein]

ONE thing that really helps, especially with a 5 string is an HPF (high pass filter). It essentially throws away all the really low (too low to be useful) frequencies so that an amp speaker doesn’t have to work so hard. This is the one I use. No knobs or switches is perfect for me.
[sfx] sfx sound: micro-Thumpinator v2

Strong advice. I also use a HPF with the goal of being able to push smaller speakers/cabs a little harder than I would otherwise be able to. If you're gonna expect a lot from your speakers at least don't ask them to reproduce those ultra low frequencies that you don't even need. I use the Broughton Audio always-on unit. It just has a knob with no values on it.

 

[CallMeAl]

@Old_Noob , I think my message may have gotten lost in translation. I think the KB12 is a good choice. Not saying you should get something bigger, just that you could consider something bigger. The KB12 would meet your current goals of small gigs and jams, it just might not be the last amp you buy

I do think the Rumble 200 was a good suggestion too. Even though it’s lower in wattage (watts/ratings aren’t everything) it has a bigger speaker and extension out. Or if you don’t want Rumble, the Ampeg 115 is similar in price/specs.

Good luck with your decision, and the next chapter in your bass journey!

@agedhorse , not trying to challenge your suggestion at all, I always respect your input. I just like discussing possibilities! Be well