You can't handle the truth! (Or the low B string)

[Greenman72]

So....I had a Fender Rumble 40 and a 4-string bass.

Then I bought a 5-string bass, and my bass teacher says "You're gonna need a new amp. That can't handle the low B string." So I bought a Rumble 100.

Now, my teacher is again saying "You need a bigger amp." But I'm pushing back this time, because this already rattles the walls at only 25% capacity. And let's keep it real--if a Rumble 100 can't do it, I just don't think it can be done. (Note--I'm just using this for home practice. I never leave the house with it.)

Who's right? Me or teacher? (edit - my teacher lives a thousand miles away, so going to his house and letting him hear it isn't an option)

 

[seamonkey]

Take your current amp with you to a lesson and let your teacher hear and audition it.

 

[Aloe]

I indeed wasn't happy with my low B string definition in my Rumble 100 and got another amp (and it was not a Rumble at all).

I wouldn't say, you need a big amp, as tiny Phil Jones BG-75 is not as bad with the low B, and the S-77 is just thunderous in lows, I really believe it reaches 30Hz as advertised, and it's a small 100W combo. that is: low B reproduction isn't something you can't do with little watts or small speakers, but it raises the bar to your amplification overall.

this all said, I'm currently playing through a cab that's advertised to go down only to 50Hz, and somehow it's enough for me at the moment. although, I do hear it when the cab reaches lower.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I voted 500 w / 2x10 solely because, at some point in time, I’ll be dragging it elsewhere for other applications.

Riis

 

[Zooberwerx]

So....I had a Fender Rumble 40 and a 4-string bass.

Then I bought a 5-string bass, and my bass teacher says "You're gonna need a new amp. That can't handle the low B string." So I bought a Rumble 100.

Now, my teacher is again saying "You need a bigger amp." But I'm pushing back this time, because this already rattles the walls at only 25% capacity. And let's keep it real--if a Rumble 100 can't do it, I just don't think it can be done. (Note--I'm just using this for home practice. I never leave the house with it.)

Who's right? Me or teacher? (edit - my teacher lives a thousand miles away, so going to his house and letting him hear it isn't an option)

So he’s diagnosing your gear requirements via distant learning? Does he also wear his Kangol cap backwards?

Riis

 

[kesslari]

If it's working for you, it's working for you. If your teacher has a problem, take a page from the Rush book - put a photo of a big washing machine in front of your amp for your Zoom lessons.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I've played a 5 through a Rumble 40 and it was fine. This was just a few rehearsals and I didn't have to lug an amp because that was already there. Would I gig with it? No. But for playing at home or low volume rehearsals it's fine.

 

[Thumpin6string]

My bedroom practice amp. Ask him if this would be big enough.

 

[gln1955]

What do you think? Can you hear your low B notes with adequate volume and some clarity? If the answer is yes, your teacher needs to stick to his job of helping you play better.

 

[chris_b]

Depends on your volume, but IMO for playing at home that Rumble 100 (112) should be OK with a 5 string bass. If it isn't turn it down.

 

[Plectrum72]

If he also says 15" speakers are for the lows and 10" speakers are for the highs, do not take any amplification advice from him. Your amp is the right size for home practice with a low B if you can hear the note with the clarity you desire at the volume you desire.

 

[tom-g]

I gig with 5 string and a Rumble 100. Tell you what, it works fine for me. So, I don’t see a reason why that amp should not work for home practice.

 

[themickster]

So....I had a Fender Rumble 40 and a 4-string bass.

Then I bought a 5-string bass, and my bass teacher says "You're gonna need a new amp. That can't handle the low B string." So I bought a Rumble 100.

Now, my teacher is again saying "You need a bigger amp." But I'm pushing back this time, because this already rattles the walls at only 25% capacity. And let's keep it real--if a Rumble 100 can't do it, I just don't think it can be done. (Note--I'm just using this for home practice. I never leave the house with it.)

Who's right? Me or teacher? (edit - my teacher lives a thousand miles away, so going to his house and letting him hear it isn't an option)

The 3w Blackstar Fly 3 can handle a low B.

 

[DJ Bebop]

So....I had a Fender Rumble 40 and a 4-string bass.

Then I bought a 5-string bass, and my bass teacher says "You're gonna need a new amp. That can't handle the low B string." So I bought a Rumble 100.

Now, my teacher is again saying "You need a bigger amp." But I'm pushing back this time, because this already rattles the walls at only 25% capacity. And let's keep it real--if a Rumble 100 can't do it, I just don't think it can be done. (Note--I'm just using this for home practice. I never leave the house with it.)

Who's right? Me or teacher? (edit - my teacher lives a thousand miles away, so going to his house and letting him hear it isn't an option)

Are you using the amp for gigging or just practicing right now?

If you are or going to gig with it, what kind of music?

 

[Stewie]

I normally run an HPF at about 80hz. Anything lower is just mud. I only run 4 strings. The Rumble combos dont float my boat. The heads are nice.

 

[Manticore]

Sounds like you need a new teacher.

 

[Killing Floor]

PJB Double Four handles B just fine. If it doesn’t, your amp is in the wrong spot in the room.

 

[FRoss6788]

I look at it like this.

The cost difference and size difference between the 100 and the 500 is minor. The 500 will offer way more flexibility in the future for gigging, if that's your goal.

There is a huge difference between being able to handle a low B at quiet bedroom volume and in a band mix with available headroom.

I voted for the 500 because it has a volume knob, is very lightweight, and you can add an extension cab and have a very capable gigging rig.

 

[dave64o]

You said the Rumble 100 will not leave your home. Then keep it. There's no point spending more money on gear you are certain you won't need.

If you think you might use your amp to play out in a band setting, then, when that day comes, I'd say the Rumble 500 would be a great addition. I never owned one but I've used one as the backline in a couple of open mics and I was quite impressed with it. Great tone, lots of volume for a typical bar-sized setting, it's a lightweight and easy carry, and it's reasonably priced. IOW, it's a great bang-for-the-buck value.

But, for now, don't spend money on an amp it doesn't seem like you need

 

[DwaynieAD]

I used an ampeg ba108 for a while and had no issue with the b string dropped to a.