So I'm a drummer.
For those still reading, thanks! I do play a lot of bass these days and get way more bass gigs. My "main" bass rig has been an Ampeg BA115 (100w, 15") combo amp I've owned probably 15 years or so. Weighs a ton but the bass hits you in the chest. Now that I am playing out 4-6X/month, and being an older dude, schlepping that amp is a real PITA.
So I recently picked up a Rumble 100 (100w, 12") for a screaming deal used at a somewhat local GC ($129, and $140 out the door!). It looks and plays like new. My concern is whether it had enough low end to handle blues/rock gigs. I know at home, I cannot turn up the Ampeg to the proverbial "11" as it's just too loud. However, I can turn up the R100 all the way. This made me very nervous about whether it was enough.
I am in a band that is a coffee house/Americana/pop/light rock band and we recently gigged a big room (coffee shop) and I used the R100. The staged was cramped so I had to stand in front of the amp. It was moving a LOT of air to the point that after the first song, I had to move out of the way. But at 5, it was more than enough for that gig.
Last night was the real test. Full rock band with 2 electric guitars, bass, drums and vocals in more of a bar scenario. Well, I am very happy to report that the little R100 pumped out some serious bass tones. I got compliments by the drummer, both guitars and our singer. I had the volume turned to about 2:00 (7?) and ran my bass (a 1966 P bass tribute - a hot rodded Squier, original 63 PU's, upgraded pots/wires, and mid-heavy relic by yours truly) directly into it. No effects, preamp or pedals. All I can say is heck yes!!!
I am debating if I should upgrade the woofer. I recently did this on a R15 I have, finding an 8" subwoofer on CList for $10! I swapped out the woofers and I can now turn that little practice amp up to "11" without popping or maxing out the sound and get a low bass tone. A real game changer.
I would like this R100 to be my main gigging amp for now. If business picks up, I will consider a separate amp and cab. But I had to walk about 1/2 block and doing it with the bass over my shoulder and carrying the amp was nothing since it's so light. Definitely stoked, though, since I read that the R200 should be the minimum amp for a gig............
If anyone has suggestions for a 12" replacement speaker, please let me know. And of course, part of me wants to cut out the 12" and make a hole for a 15"!
For those still reading, thanks! I do play a lot of bass these days and get way more bass gigs. My "main" bass rig has been an Ampeg BA115 (100w, 15") combo amp I've owned probably 15 years or so. Weighs a ton but the bass hits you in the chest. Now that I am playing out 4-6X/month, and being an older dude, schlepping that amp is a real PITA.
So I recently picked up a Rumble 100 (100w, 12") for a screaming deal used at a somewhat local GC ($129, and $140 out the door!). It looks and plays like new. My concern is whether it had enough low end to handle blues/rock gigs. I know at home, I cannot turn up the Ampeg to the proverbial "11" as it's just too loud. However, I can turn up the R100 all the way. This made me very nervous about whether it was enough.
I am in a band that is a coffee house/Americana/pop/light rock band and we recently gigged a big room (coffee shop) and I used the R100. The staged was cramped so I had to stand in front of the amp. It was moving a LOT of air to the point that after the first song, I had to move out of the way. But at 5, it was more than enough for that gig.
Last night was the real test. Full rock band with 2 electric guitars, bass, drums and vocals in more of a bar scenario. Well, I am very happy to report that the little R100 pumped out some serious bass tones. I got compliments by the drummer, both guitars and our singer. I had the volume turned to about 2:00 (7?) and ran my bass (a 1966 P bass tribute - a hot rodded Squier, original 63 PU's, upgraded pots/wires, and mid-heavy relic by yours truly) directly into it. No effects, preamp or pedals. All I can say is heck yes!!!
I am debating if I should upgrade the woofer. I recently did this on a R15 I have, finding an 8" subwoofer on CList for $10! I swapped out the woofers and I can now turn that little practice amp up to "11" without popping or maxing out the sound and get a low bass tone. A real game changer.
I would like this R100 to be my main gigging amp for now. If business picks up, I will consider a separate amp and cab. But I had to walk about 1/2 block and doing it with the bass over my shoulder and carrying the amp was nothing since it's so light. Definitely stoked, though, since I read that the R200 should be the minimum amp for a gig............
If anyone has suggestions for a 12" replacement speaker, please let me know. And of course, part of me wants to cut out the 12" and make a hole for a 15"!
