Just thought I'd throw this out as comparison for my next amp. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get an V4-B but I keep hearing A LOT of good things about the Rumble 500 2x10 combo. Between the two which one do you get the most bang for your buck? Does the rumble leave you wishing you had bought an additional external cab with it to use the 500 watts?
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Ampeg V4-B with AV212 or Fender Rumble 500 2x10 combo?
- Thread starter Mo Boogs
- Start date
I have 3 Fender Rumbles, 25, 100, and a 500. I do have the 2x10 extension, but is isn't really necessary.
In the 70s, I played a V4B with an 8x10. That is an awesome rig. It is the sweetest sound there is.
The Rumble sound full and sweet as well. I think it can get as close to a tube sound as any amp can without tubes.
I have had to make the same choice recently. I ended up with the Rumble. There were two factors that drove the decision. First, the weight. The head alone on the V4B is 41 lbs. and the AV212 is 66 lbs. The Rumble weighs in at 36 lbs. Since I use the 2x10 with it, that adds another 39 lbs. I'm old and have a weak back, so the 66 lb. cab is a strain.
The other factor was the money. The Rumble is about half the price of the V4B, so bang for the buck goes to the Rumble.
I did later add the 2x10, but it wasn't because the Rumble couldn't handle it. It is plenty loud. I played one gig with 3 guitars and drums outdoors and was right in the mix where I wanted to be. I got the 2x10 to raise speaker levels up so it is easier for me to hear and it does add more physical punch.
Were I younger, or had roadies, my decision might have been different.
In the 70s, I played a V4B with an 8x10. That is an awesome rig. It is the sweetest sound there is.
The Rumble sound full and sweet as well. I think it can get as close to a tube sound as any amp can without tubes.
I have had to make the same choice recently. I ended up with the Rumble. There were two factors that drove the decision. First, the weight. The head alone on the V4B is 41 lbs. and the AV212 is 66 lbs. The Rumble weighs in at 36 lbs. Since I use the 2x10 with it, that adds another 39 lbs. I'm old and have a weak back, so the 66 lb. cab is a strain.
The other factor was the money. The Rumble is about half the price of the V4B, so bang for the buck goes to the Rumble.
I did later add the 2x10, but it wasn't because the Rumble couldn't handle it. It is plenty loud. I played one gig with 3 guitars and drums outdoors and was right in the mix where I wanted to be. I got the 2x10 to raise speaker levels up so it is easier for me to hear and it does add more physical punch.
Were I younger, or had roadies, my decision might have been different.
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Obviously, the V-4B is more money. If cost the main criteria, then it's easy. That being said....
I own a V-4B with 2 of the 112AV's and it totally killed my amp search. It is exactly what I have been looking for tonally. Having 2 of the 112's allows lighter loads for smaller gigs. The only thing I've added since is an attenuator and a MicroVR/210AV stack for quick rehearsals.
So in the end, when I factor in how much I've spent buying and selling off amps, I could have had this V-4B and it would have been cheaper in the long run. So get the one that sounds the most like you want an amp to sound and it may serve you the best for the longest time.
I own a V-4B with 2 of the 112AV's and it totally killed my amp search. It is exactly what I have been looking for tonally. Having 2 of the 112's allows lighter loads for smaller gigs. The only thing I've added since is an attenuator and a MicroVR/210AV stack for quick rehearsals.
So in the end, when I factor in how much I've spent buying and selling off amps, I could have had this V-4B and it would have been cheaper in the long run. So get the one that sounds the most like you want an amp to sound and it may serve you the best for the longest time.
I own a V4B and 212av and have played the Rumble.
The Rumble is a nice amp but the V4B/212 combination blows it away in tone and throw IMO.
To be fair there is a significant cost difference and the Rumble is an easier schlep but that aside there is no comparison.
The Rumble is a nice amp but the V4B/212 combination blows it away in tone and throw IMO.
To be fair there is a significant cost difference and the Rumble is an easier schlep but that aside there is no comparison.
I am a little surprised that you are comparing these two rigs - meaning I don't consider them to be in any way in the same league.
If I had to pick one new, production rig, my one and only to gig with at all times and could get anything I wanted- regardless of price- it would be a V4B with a 212.
I should qualify this with the fact that I routinely use a B25B, a V4B, an SVT and a variety of cabinets.
If I had to pick one new, production rig, my one and only to gig with at all times and could get anything I wanted- regardless of price- it would be a V4B with a 212.
I should qualify this with the fact that I routinely use a B25B, a V4B, an SVT and a variety of cabinets.
This is my go to rig too, light enough, wonderful wonderful tone, more than enough volume, what can I say more?
I've made my opinion obvious on your other threads (and no, I am not stalking you @Mo Boogs 
), so I'll just say that I agree with Chris, above me.
Like the Subway amps, this is kind of comparing apples and oranges. It's hard to get an objective comparison when the two are so different in design and function. You'll mostly get a "I like this one" or "I like the other one" scenario. Or in the last instance, someone proposing a different amp altogether from the two you were interested in.
FWIW, the clips I've heard of the Rumble sound really great and the drive is a very pleasing and organic sounding drive emulation compared to other class D heads in the same range. My experience is that I've played the Rumble head and Neo 410 on a large outdoor stage as a backline (with no time to adjust settings or really explore its capability) and it felt underpowered and outgunned. Not necessarily the amp's fault though, and honestly after listening to clips today, I'd be interested in trying to give it a run as a replacement back up head instead of my PF800 due to the drive characteristic.
But the thing I will say, is that going with a combo is probably not a good idea for you. You've mentioned that for bigger shows you play a 410 cab, and I can tell you that if that is the case, the limitations of the 210 will be terribly apparent and more than likely leave you needing more. IME, The 212 will compete with a 410 cab but the 210 will not.
), so I'll just say that I agree with Chris, above me.Like the Subway amps, this is kind of comparing apples and oranges. It's hard to get an objective comparison when the two are so different in design and function. You'll mostly get a "I like this one" or "I like the other one" scenario. Or in the last instance, someone proposing a different amp altogether from the two you were interested in.
FWIW, the clips I've heard of the Rumble sound really great and the drive is a very pleasing and organic sounding drive emulation compared to other class D heads in the same range. My experience is that I've played the Rumble head and Neo 410 on a large outdoor stage as a backline (with no time to adjust settings or really explore its capability) and it felt underpowered and outgunned. Not necessarily the amp's fault though, and honestly after listening to clips today, I'd be interested in trying to give it a run as a replacement back up head instead of my PF800 due to the drive characteristic.
But the thing I will say, is that going with a combo is probably not a good idea for you. You've mentioned that for bigger shows you play a 410 cab, and I can tell you that if that is the case, the limitations of the 210 will be terribly apparent and more than likely leave you needing more. IME, The 212 will compete with a 410 cab but the 210 will not.
I've made my opinion obvious on your other threads (and no, I am not stalking you @Mo Boogs
Like the Subway amps, this is kind of comparing apples and oranges. It's hard to get an objective comparison when the two are so different in design and function. You'll mostly get a "I like this one" or "I like the other one" scenario. Or in the last instance, someone proposing a different amp altogether from the two you were interested in.
FWIW, the clips I've heard of the Rumble sound really great and the drive is a very pleasing and organic sounding drive emulation compared to other class D heads in the same range. My experience is that I've played the Rumble head and Neo 410 on a large outdoor stage as a backline (with no time to adjust settings or really explore its capability) and it felt underpowered and outgunned. Not necessarily the amp's fault though, and honestly after listening to clips today, I'd be interested in trying to give it a run as a replacement back up head instead of my PF800 due to the drive characteristic.
But the thing I will say, is that going with a combo is probably not a good idea for you. You've mentioned that for bigger shows you play a 410 cab, and I can tell you that if that is the case, the limitations of the 210 will be terribly apparent and more than likely leave you needing more. IME, The 212 will compete with a 410 cab but the 210 will not.
Hey man, don't feel stalked at all. As a matter of fact I really appreciate all the info and feedback. These amps I've listed on here are all ones that have come to mind in my search for my buy it for life (BIFL) purchase. And all of them are unavailable to try in stores around here. It's pretty much down to me choosing my amp by gathering info from here, YouTube and what I like on recordings.