V3 Rumble reliability data

[CallMeAl]

I’m conducting a little study for the Rumble club on v3 Rumble reliability and longevity. I’d appreciate input from owners of these combos, heads and cabinets.

who has or has not had a problem with a v3 Rumble? Please tell us what you have, when you got it, and the details of your failure and repair/replacement journey.

this thread is about mechanical and electrical issues and failure; “I didn’t like the tone” doesn’t count

thanks everyone!

 

[CallMeAl]

I own 2 100 combos. I bought both used, one in 2017, one this year. I have not had any issues with either, apart from replacing rubber feet that were missing on arrival. Oh, and one “Fender” logo broke off.

the one I got in 2017 has played about 3-4 gigs/month

 

[GonePlaid]

I own 2 100 combos. I bought both used, one in 2017, one this year. I have not had any issues with either, apart from replacing rubber feet that were missing on arrival. Oh, and one “Fender” logo broke off.

the one I got in 2017 has played about 3-4 gigs/month

Got my 200c in November 2015. No problems.

 

[Stingray5]

Rumble 500 Combo purchased in August 2016. Mid September of this year I started experiencing the problem noted in this thread:

New Fender Rumble 500 Combo Crapping Out?

Problem was intermittent got progressively worse and it was clear something in the amp was shot. I didn't bother with exploring repair options as I didn't want the hassle and per the thread there didn't seem to be a lot of success anyhow, so instead I modified the combo to be just a cab (see here: Fender Rumble Club).

This is the only time in over 30 years playing that I've ever had a piece of gear fail without any help from me. So, my perception of the Rumble reliability is low and I wouldn't consider purchasing again.

 

[CallMeAl]

Rumble 500 Combo purchased in August 2016. Mid September of this year I started experiencing the problem noted in this thread:

New Fender Rumble 500 Combo Crapping Out?

Problem was intermittent got progressively worse and it was clear something in the amp was shot. I didn't bother with exploring repair options as I didn't want the hassle and per the thread there didn't seem to be a lot of success anyhow, so instead I modified the combo to be just a cab (see here: Fender Rumble Club).

This is the only time in over 30 years playing that I've ever had a piece of gear fail without any help from me. So, my perception of the Rumble reliability is low and I wouldn't consider purchasing again.

Thanks! I know people rave about these combos, and I haven’t had any issues myself. but I’ve definitely read threads like the one above noting problems.

it was this thread on problems with some 100s (particularly a comment that “Rumbles are disposable”) that got me thinking: how common are problems with the v3’s?

 

[G-Dog]

.
Sorry, guess I jumped the gun and wrote my Rumble reliability report here while this thread was being started.
.

 

[Inky13]

I had an issue with the input jack. 500H. If it’s under warrenty, they replace the entire board. Mine was not covered, so I was SOL.
Everywhere I looked, I was told that it’s impossible to get a replacement jack. It’s been OK since with a different cable.
I’ve owned it since early 2017.

 

[CallMeAl]

.
Sorry, guess I jumped the gun and wrote my Rumble reliability report here while this thread was being started.
.

No sweat! I thought I’d open it up to the whole TB community in hopes of getting more input. A Rumble club poll would be padded with mostly favorable reports; just trying to be scientific here!

 

[CallMeAl]

Oops, just noticed this is in bass guitar. I’m sure it’ll get moved soon enough. Mods!

 

[CallMeAl]

I had an issue with the input jack. 500H. If it’s under warrenty, they replace the entire board. Mine was not covered, so I was SOL.
Everywhere I looked, I was told that it’s impossible to get a replacement jack. It’s been OK since with a different cable.
I’ve owned it since early 2017.

I guess I should’ve had a poll option for “problem was corrected/repaired.” D’oh!

 

[Bottom Octave]

My 100 v3 is a 2014 model, so 5 years old, and I've had no problem at all with it.

 

[bassliner50]

Rum100 v3. 3 years regular gigs. No problem. (Shhhhhh!).

 

[furym]

Not sure how long I have had mine. I have a 500 and a 40. Both are used at home only. The only issue I had was when I hadn’t used the 500 for a while the main level pot was scratchy. A little contact cleaner spray and it has been fine since.

 

[crucislancer]

I had an issue with my first Rumble v3 500 combo, purchased new in 2014. It was intermittent, so at first I didn't worry about it too much, but eventually it got worse, I took it to an authorized repair shop (they couldn't fix it) then contacted Fender and got a replacement.

The issue was a low volume scratching sound, like a bad connection. The sound was unaffected by any of the controls on the amp and could happen even with no bass plugged into it. Much of the story can be found in the Rumble Club if one searches my user name there.

My replacement works great and has served me well for 3+ years. However, I don't use it as much anymore except for band rehearsals.

 

[Alfonso Alba]

I have a 500 combo. Bought it new in September 2017. Still works and looks like new. Most of the time it resides in my home studio, which is free of smoke, drinks, cats, kids, etc. (most of the time). I've practice every day with it, and our band's bassist plays with it every weekend. I've gigged with it 3 or 4 times, I've used the DI output for recording, I've played guitars, mics and synths through it, plugged a switch pedal (for the overdrive), plugged an external 15" speaker. Everything works.

And I do like the tone.

 

[4dog]

i have and use regularly a first issue rumble 350...have never had 1 issue ever...and now ...im regretting this post and knocking on trees!!!

 

[Blue Dragon]

500 combo from 2016. Never a complaint. I think I've probably gigged with it roughly 12 times since then. Weekly rehearsals. Workhorse with no problems whatsoever. I keep thinking of adding an extension, but I never do even with the eardrum-shattering volumes we play at. (another thread for that). I've never been more happy with an amplifier. Ever. If it's not the last amplifier I will ever own, I will be surprised.

 

[SmokinJoe992]

I bought a used Rumble 500 head with a used Rumble 410 and 115 cabinet Oct. 2016 that I used heavily (40ish gigs) for about a year and a half with no issues. Early 2018 got rid of the head and 410, and got a new 500 combo I still sometimes use the 115 with, which I am currently using when I use an amp. I personally think for light, loud, reliable and not too expensive you absolutely cannot beat Fender Rumble gear.

 

[LAST_C]

I have one 25W for practicing at home and a 100W for church and small gigs.

No problems so far (Both have been with me for over a year)

On the little one thou, you can still hear the "pop" when you plug in a bass even with the volume at 0, but its no bug deal to me.

 

[amoodymule]

Thankfully no issues with both my 40c and 200c, both gigged and rehearsed for well over a years time

I DO get to gig tonight, at a small bar, it's changing owners, and they wanna ROCK!

...and ROCK they will receive, playing my new/old Fender PJ 90 into the 200c,

looking forward to that, it sounds so good at rehearsal