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What comes first, the amp or the gig?

#41
CallMeAl said:
Hey everyone!

I've got this internal debate going on, and I'd like to bounce it of the more experienced players.

I'm an experienced trumpet player, and no stranger to the stage. I have dabbled on and off with bass for 20 years. I've decided to go all in with bass, and have been playing with a paying cover band for the past 2 years. I love it, and am looking ahead to the future.

My band has a low stage volume, and I can use a Rumble 100c. (Drummer plays a cajon.) We do our own PA, and I always have line in when we need it. My BL specifically told me I dont need anything bigger; Yet I find myself GASing for a Rumble 500c. I tell myself it would prepare myself for future possibilities. I would love to play with a kit drummer again, maybe in a big funk and soul band.

I'm not talking about going pro here. It's a hobby, but I take it seriously. I want to take a "part time pro" mindset.

So my big question: should I get the amp first to prepare myself for landing possibilities, or should I wait til i get a gig then buy the amp? Do bands expect players (on this level) to be equipped right out of the gate, or can I just say "I'll buy the amp when we need it?"

TIA!! I have very much appreciated the support and advice from TB thus far in my journey! :)
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Only you can answer the question.

I have a basement full of amps, but the only only one I have gigged is my GK 700RB/112 combo. I bought the rest just for fun, and I don't even gig anymore.

So my advice, if you want and can afford a nicer amp buy one, regardless of whether you need it. If you can't afford it, then stick with what you have till you need something better.

IMHO there are lot more amps you should consider than just the Rumble line. Before you make a purchase, establish a budget, do some research, and make an effort to go out and play as many amps and speakers as you reasonably can. Also, I wouldn't disregard buying a used amp. You can find some really incredible bargains on used amps that are in mint condition, but cost way less than new.
 
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#47
No, @BassCliff , thank YOU for your indulgence! ;)

I have to say I've gotten used to the low stage volume.

BassCliff said:
If you plan to play larger rooms without FOH support, or play larger stages outdoors you may need more oomph to be able to hear yourself.
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And this right here is my conundrum; I just dont know where the future will lead me. I might need more, but I might never need more. Makes sense to wait and see.

I went to one audition (really hit it off, but they picked the other guy) and took my rumble. The BL/guitarist said, "see? That's all you need anymore. No one needs a monster rig these days." So I know there's bands out there that roll with a low stage volume. (Yes, they had a kit drummer too.)

Thanks again, plenty to think about :)
 
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#48
CallMeAl said:
His main complaint is that the Rumble 100c is "boomy, or muddy."
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I used a borrowed Rumble at a small festival gig last week. The player who owned it was quite muddy and boomy on the two gigs I saw him play. When I used it I got it a bit further away from the back wall, put all our guitar soft cases behind it and brightened up the EQ a bit including using the bright button. It sounded quite decent.

As for getting something bigger, I'd hold off for a bit but keep your eye on second hand sales. When you are in no hurry you can sometimes pick up a bargain.

I play most of the time with two acoustic guitarist/vocalists and cajon (played by one guitarist using foot pedals for kick and snare). I have a very nice little 10" Schertler B10 bass combo which is surprisingly rated at 300w. I bought it as a small practice amp so I didn't have to use my Peavey Max 115 (also 300w) in the house. The Schertler turned out to be perfect for this project and the Peavey stays at home.

Fast forward a couple of years to now and I recently joined a rock trio. I was sure that i'd need to use the Peavey or even possibly get something bigger to hang with drums and an electric guitar. Turns out that they know how to keep stage volume down and i'm still using the Schertler for rehearsals with them. I may take the Peavey to some larger gigs but at the moment i'm not in need of anything bigger.
 
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#50
Ok, so what if you find that next level band, it's an awesome fit, but they are all like, dude, you need to have that Ampeg sound? Or what if the BL says I don't care what amp setup you have, you're going through our PA and our own sound guy, but you have to have IEM's? Bottom line, you don't know, so better to have the reserve cash so you can get whatever you need, when you know exactly what you need.
 
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#53
Remoman said:
Ok, so what if you find that next level band, it's an awesome fit, but they are all like, dude, you need to have that Ampeg sound? Or what if the BL says I don't care what amp setup you have, you're going through our PA and our own sound guy, but you have to have IEM's? Bottom line, you don't know, so better to have the reserve cash so you can get whatever you need, when you know exactly what you need.
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Yes! Such a good point.
 
#55
One thing to note: the Rumble 500 may indeed have a volume knob on it, but it only takes a mouse fart to send that knob from acceptable indoor volume to Oh-great-now-I-have-to-change-pants. I had to buy a passive volume attenuator box to run in the effects loop for finer volume control!
 
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#56
BAG said:
I used a borrowed Rumble at a small festival gig last week. The player who owned it was quite muddy and boomy on the two gigs I saw him play. When I used it I got it a bit further away from the back wall, put all our guitar soft cases behind it and brightened up the EQ a bit including using the bright button. It sounded quite decent
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Was it a 100 by chance? I've heard this complaint about the 100s specifically.

BAG said:
Fast forward a couple of years to now and I recently joined a rock trio. I was sure that i'd need to use the Peavey or even possibly get something bigger to hang with drums and an electric guitar. Turns out that they know how to keep stage volume down and i'm still using the Schertler for rehearsals with them. I may take the Peavey to some larger gigs but at the moment i'm not in need of anything bigger
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Quite a few responses in the vein of "you never know what you'll need," and those are really resonating with me.
 
#57
Wasnex said:
IMHO there are lot more amps you should consider than just the Rumble line. Before you make a purchase, establish a budget, do some research, and make an effort to go out and play as many amps and speakers as you reasonably can. Also, I wouldn't disregard buying a used amp. You can find some really incredible bargains on used amps that are in mint condition, but cost way less than new.
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Not set on Rumble, but that's what I've liked best so far out of what I've tried. Tone, weight, price, simple interface.... checks all my boxes.

I try to buy used whenever possible. I've been cruising CL and FB just to see what's out there. Plenty of screaming deals, and "only used it for one gig" kinda offers.

My short list is Fender, Ampeg, GK and Mark. I had a Peavey head in college for my noise-rock band, before I knew what I was doing. All I remember was it was loud!
 
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#58
Pork_Chop said:
Can you afford it? If so, I always believe in purchasing something I want sooner rather than later, that way you get better value i.e. more use for the money you spent. Also, if you are rushed to purchase something, you will be a desperate consumer, which may result in buyers remorse.
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Definately dont want to rush, especially since I'm in a small town with a limited selection.

OTOH, since I'm not in need ATM, I feel I can be patient for a good deal.
 
#60
pcake said:
i'm curious. have you heard recordings of the band from out in the audience? is the bass muddy or is the problem that the BL's got hearing dropoff in some frequencies?
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Good question! I've been dying for a live recording. Almost about to buy a recording device myself.

He does have wireless, and will go out for soundcheck, and will also go out mid set sometime to "work the crowd."

I've definately heard about Rumbles (and other amps too, I would assume) that they are not as clear up close as they are out in the room.
 
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