Stupid deal of the day at Musician's Friend has the Acoustic B100C 1x12 on sale today only for $200 or I can get the Rumble 40 on sale from Fender through Amazon for $200. My budget might go another $50 but that's it. I will probably never be in a band due to age and physical limitations of fingers so just me in my basement, which is where amp will probably stay. Complete beginner. I like to crank Led Zep so louder is better to me and I intend on using pedals at some point. I currently have no bass amp so I don't want to wait for Craigslist and there are no decent music store close (2 hour drive). I think that's about all the background. So, should I jump on the B100c sale that ends tomorrow or Rumble 40 or what <=$250max? Oh, never heard of Acoustic brand, are they good?
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100 Vs 40 watts.
Tone goes to acustic.
Tone goes to acustic.
That's my thought, just seems like so many people on here loving the Rumble. Think I even saw a Rumble 40 group.
Years ago ACOUSTIC was a major player with their 360 model (I had one). These days they live on in name only via G. C. Not to say they're not ok but, you're correct in noting a strong allegiance to the Fender Rumble brand. And, if weight is an issue, the Rumble will likely be substantially lighter. If you're going to play at home with recordings exclusively, the Rumble 40 will provide all you need. It's a nice amp. In fact there's a recent thread expressing love for the Rumble 40 after years of use. Check it out..
The Rumble 40 is less than half the weight of the B100C. If the amp just sits in the basement, I'd be tempted to go for higher power and a 12" speaker — no familiarity with Acoustic amps, though.
I am an Ampeg fan, sorry if I muddy the waters.
Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108 1x8" 30-watt Bass Combo Amp
I have the RB110. I love it. THAT Ampeg sound but... the RB110 is only loud enough for quiet band practice at most. The RB110 does not ROAR. At max volume, SGT off, at 4 feet away I measure 101 dB. It is ideal for home use and recording. I read one review that said the RB108 is louder than the RB110.
I hope that helps
Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-108 1x8" 30-watt Bass Combo Amp
I have the RB110. I love it. THAT Ampeg sound but... the RB110 is only loud enough for quiet band practice at most. The RB110 does not ROAR. At max volume, SGT off, at 4 feet away I measure 101 dB. It is ideal for home use and recording. I read one review that said the RB108 is louder than the RB110.
I hope that helps
Budget be damned. Get the Rumble 500. If you're old...as am I...you'll need the extra volume. Leave the Beltones on the dresser.
Riis
Riis
I have both. I like both. I favour the Acoustic for it's onboard EQ and ease of use. I also think the Fender sound is kind of bland. My Rumble is just for quiet practice because my Acoustic is actually a BC600 coupled to a 4x10 cab so I can get 6x10 goodness in my bedroom.
I like your way of thinking and I am almost 60. Problem is, it's Christmas time so whatever I spend on me I have to spend double on my wife (she's a good woman, want to keep her happy) and I just spent a load on buying my bass. I'm already in deep as one now.
Stupid deal of the day is over now, so it’s probably moot, but these amps sound very different. Personally, I really like the sound of the Acoustic much more than the Rumble, but it’s not a case of “better” they’re just totally different.
Buy the 500...get a Presto electric skillet and gift card for the wife...take the beating and be a man about it. It will be worth it in the long run.
Riis
To practice small is always enough, saves money and they’re fun and practical.
For enjoyment bigger always sounds better even at low volume.
For enjoyment bigger always sounds better even at low volume.
Forgot to answer this bit: Acoustic is one of Guitar Center/Musicians Friend’s revived “iconic, but long dead nameplate” house brands. Kustom, I think, is another one.
I have had both and a Rumble 500. The Acoustic was a good amp, but I didn’t keep it very long. My R 500 I giged for 3 years it was awesome. My band has our own pa so we always have pa support, so I went to the Rumble 100 for live gigs. I have the Rumble in my music room and it’s a fine practice amp. Al that said if you can swing it The R 100 or R 500 will serve you well. The Sweetwater music card offers very nice financial options if cash flow is an issue this time of year. Good luck in your quest. Let us know how this goes.
Duke
Duke
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
The Rumble 40 will be more than ample for the bedroom, but if there was a occasion to get together with some buddies and start messing around with band like sounds, it’s going to be hard to keep up, probably.
That said, check your local FB Marketplace: Rumble 40s are super common and very cheap around me, used.
That said, check your local FB Marketplace: Rumble 40s are super common and very cheap around me, used.
I have a Rumble 40 and I really like that amp. Definitely more than loud enough for an amp for the house. I use mine with volume at 10-11 o'clock and it is loud!
IMO the rumbles are better for bedroom tone, Acoustic is better for the mix. Rumbles lack midrange detail, which to me is the most important frequency when trying to be heard.
The Acoustic brand from guitar center has nothing to do with the original Acoustic brand that is legendary. The tone of the new Acoustic that I tried was nothing I would want it was all low end and no mids it didn't cut through. I did a record a few years ago and the studio had one of those GC Acoustics I brought in my GKMBE because I thought the Acoustic lacked mids. I played on 11 of twelve tracks the one I did not play on the bassist used the studio's Acoustic and you can really tell the difference it sounds like Mud the bass gets totally lost in the mix you cant really make out the Bass. I would avoid the Acoustic.