What comes first, the amp or the gig?

Well it doesn't look like the Rumble 100 has any room to add another cabinet, so I would say to look around for that 500C, as it would be a big step up from where you are. I've owned the 500C and it served me well for a while. I eventually went back to separate head and cab, for the modular approach. I now have 3 different heads, and 4 different cabs.

 

Ever heard the saying "dress for the job you want, not the job you have"?
Bands that get paid expect you to have your gear sorted from day one.

 

I have the Rumble 500c and even have an ext. 115 Rumble cab. Always ready for any sized venue or any sized gig with that powerful lightweight rig. I wouldnt go for less after many heavy rigs in a 50+ year semi-pro gigging career. Go for the 500 if you love playing bass and are going to stick with it and improve...you dont need to stoke 500 watts if you dont want to, but its ready if you need it.

 

It's the chicken comes first.

It really depends on the area you're at I guess. Almost every place in NYC have a decent bass amp. I gigged ampless at some point. I wouldn't buy a bigger amp unless I need it.

 

Sounds a little like the current BL is concerned about your becoming too loud, i.e., bigger amp=louder bass player. But get what you want to play through...then you'll be ready to move on/up when the time comes. I'd consider getting something tiny but potent, that would probably carry you in a louder setting but doesn't look "too loud" visually. Hot mini-head and two small cabs, maybe?

 

I had the 500C/210 and it really did a nice job. Still had the nice deep lows, but was able to be a bit more articulate. In the end it just wasn't practical for my needs. I was doing alot of sub work, in various sized venues, and I needed to be modular.

 

I have a Rumble 100 combo as well as a Rumble 500 head. I run the head into one or two GK Neo 15s. You could probably find the head used for cheap (I paid $200) and match it to the cab(s) of your choice. Regarding your band mate complaining of the 100 being boomy, I agree. I tamed mine by plugging one of the ports.

 

Stick with what you've got for now. You can always get something bigger later, but if you don't need it, you don't need it.

 

I would stick with what you have but keep an eye out for something interesting at a good price. Who knows if you would get in that big group, and if you were in that big group whether you would want to go into the PA.

 

IME bandmates and venues expect that you're set up and ready to play, which means having the ability to adapt to the band and venue. One of the key things that you mentioned is that you already feel like you sometimes push the 100 too hard which in my opinion means you might want a little more headroom anyway. I have a head/cab that works fine for the venues I play in (mostly bars with FOH support but in a very loud band), but I have made mods to my rig give myself the option to add another cab when we play outdoor or bigger venues. I don't think it can hurt (except in the pocketbook) to have a little extra mmmffff... and options are always nice. Plus, there are volume knobs on high-wattage heads. All that being said, I have a tendency to give in to the GAS..... so what do I know?

 

Good advice, but it does nothing for that bad case of GAS.

 

You'll likely not find a funk/soul band that is "not really interested in getting into the club scene". I have met a TON of bands through playing festivals and even running sound. I have yet to me a funk/soul band that doesn't play clubs.... unless they only play high-dollar weddings and corporate parties.... in which case they all play for a living.

If you have no interest in playing clubs, you may want to lock down the gig first. I don't think you'll find one with a full band. If you do, it'll likely be older players who don't play very loud anyway.

 

Sell him on the idea that your getting a new amp absolutely will help with that boomy, muddy sound that he doesn't like.

 

When you do start looking you can order that bigger amp and have it in your hands in a couple days. Why get something now that may sit for months unused?

 

Hold for now.

Keep an eye on listings for the rare steal.