I gave my vote earlier to the Rumble 500. I have both your contenders where we rehearse and between those two my vote go to the Rumble by a mile. It is very easy to dial in or correct the sound with the Rumble (I really like the high/low mids) but I find all the knobs on the Rumble are useful. Not so much on the MB. And one thing that is really annoying on the MB is that you have go crawl around on the floor to be able to adjust the settings (I know, not a big thing, but for a guy that stand 6"4 tall it is). On the Rumble they are on top instead of in front and it is much easier to see and use. And you have the overdrive (I do not use that) on the Fender if needed.
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Mesa Walkabout + Ampeg 210 vs Fender Rumble 500?
- Thread starter sultanoswing
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- mesa walkabout
@Peltor! Sorry you haven't found The Rumble Club yet. Drop in and say "hello" with a photo if your 500. We'd love to see ya.
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@Peltor, as far as I know, the current MB210 and 212 combo amps have the controls on the top (though toward the back), not on the front of the amp (which I agree is annoying on a short combo, though it would be a secondary criterion for me). At least it appears so, here: Gallien-Krueger MB212-II 2x12" 500-watt Bass Combo Amp
@sultanoswing, It's been a long time since I've played through any of the GK combos, so I might be missing things or feel differently if I tried them today. It's been a little less long since I've played through their cabs and, while I might refine my opinions of them if I heard them today, I recall feeling that their 10s were boomy (definitely recall feeling this way about the MB210 combo, too -- similar to my feelings about the Rumble 500 in that regard, though I don't know if the voicing and extent of the boom was the same), 15s middy, and the 12s more balanced, relatively, and pleasant to listen to. (Note, I'm not say that all 10s, 12s, and 15s are like this -- those were just my impressions of the recent-generation GK cabs I tried.)
As you can see, though, you've got folks with different opinions on the Rumble vs. the GK. If there's any way you can try them to hear for yourself, that'd be best -- your preferences might be very different than mine or someone else's.
I also wonder what you have available to you in separates (head + cab). My Rumble experience is mostly with their combos -- the only time I've played the head was in a store, through Rumble cabs (210 -- forget the other). I have a feeling that I'd like it more through different cabs, but can't say for sure.
One thing to consider with the MB212 is that, should you want to add a cab (though, with the 212, you might never feel the need), I believe that you need to use one of GK's powered extension cabs (you might also be able to run the signal into a different amp and cab, but I'd want to know the level -- at any rate, I don't think that it will power another passive cab).
@MarkA I really doubt that you would need an extension cab for either of those cabs because of a lack of head room. If you need to go louder than what those amps can go your venue propably would have a PA-system and you'll end up using the amp as a monitor.
The reason why I (when I play loud) use an extension cab for my Rumble is that the sound is somewhat fuller with the two extra 2x10 (one might want to add the 1x15 as well, i prefer the 2x10).
I prefer the Rumble, but that said, both options have more than enough headroom for a band setting with a loud drummer. And there will be other major things to decide the sound like what kind of bass is chosen, pedals on the pedalboard + last but not least the most important factor to decide the sound, the player....
The reason why I (when I play loud) use an extension cab for my Rumble is that the sound is somewhat fuller with the two extra 2x10 (one might want to add the 1x15 as well, i prefer the 2x10).
I prefer the Rumble, but that said, both options have more than enough headroom for a band setting with a loud drummer. And there will be other major things to decide the sound like what kind of bass is chosen, pedals on the pedalboard + last but not least the most important factor to decide the sound, the player....
Thanks all - I'm leaning slightly towards the MB 212 ii at this stage (the 2x12's seem to get a lot of love). Had a listen to the the Rumble 200 and MB115 in the shop yesterday - both sounded great, and seem of similar build quality. Both are more amp than we need for now, but I'm also purchasing with an ear to the future of larger than-at-home jams.
My one remaining quesiton about either is how they sound at low-med volumes (I know, shock, horror!) i.e. with a light handed drummer and single guitarist trying not to annoy the neighbours.
In terms of additional cabs for the Rumble or MB212, that seems far enough in the future it won't be my dime, but lil' Jack Bruce's!
My one remaining quesiton about either is how they sound at low-med volumes (I know, shock, horror!) i.e. with a light handed drummer and single guitarist trying not to annoy the neighbours.
In terms of additional cabs for the Rumble or MB212, that seems far enough in the future it won't be my dime, but lil' Jack Bruce's!
I use a Walkabout head with an Ampeg SVT 410He. It is a great combo and can cover small and large gigs.
I have used a 210 similar to the Ampeg AV except mine is ported which may not be the case with the AV. Nevertheless. My ported 210 was great for almost all gigs unless it was outdoors.
I have used a 210 similar to the Ampeg AV except mine is ported which may not be the case with the AV. Nevertheless. My ported 210 was great for almost all gigs unless it was outdoors.
Fair enough on all counts.
I have played a few things where I'd have wanted more than the 210 combo (well into earplugs-mandatory territory -- I'd rather be playing more quietly, but haven't always had the luxury), but agree that, in terms of acoustic volume, it should keep up fine with most drummers. Also agree on using two cabs (in general -- haven't tried that with the Rumble), sometimes, where one would suffice, in terms of fullness of sound rather than volume.
I was coaxed out of retirement by a good friend about a year ago. Needed a good amp for rehearsal that could also handle small to medium club gigs and be expandable if needed; but didn't want to spend near what I used to when steady gigging [$1500 to 2500 for amp and cab. Was looking in 5-700 range
Listened to the usual suspects praised here
Fender Rumble 500, GK MB series, Ampeg BA series, Hartke HD. and a few others. They were OK
I bought a used mint Markbass CMD 121P for $500 [with cover
] and have been quite happy with tone I get and overall performance; it holds it own easily at rehearsal with Dynamic Drummer and 2 Guitars playing Loud Classic, Blues and Southern Rock.
Our gig's were cancelled but I had heard this amp sound great in Medium sized clubs with a few bands in my area on its own. [Reason I checked them out]
I would be confident using in small clubs; but when we start getting gig's I plan on getting used NY 121 CAB to have available for medium to large clubs if I don't get FOH Support. This Band has 2 Lead Guitarist and the Drummer is not shy
Listened to the usual suspects praised here
Fender Rumble 500, GK MB series, Ampeg BA series, Hartke HD. and a few others. They were OK
I bought a used mint Markbass CMD 121P for $500 [with cover
] and have been quite happy with tone I get and overall performance; it holds it own easily at rehearsal with Dynamic Drummer and 2 Guitars playing Loud Classic, Blues and Southern Rock. Our gig's were cancelled but I had heard this amp sound great in Medium sized clubs with a few bands in my area on its own. [Reason I checked them out]
I would be confident using in small clubs; but when we start getting gig's I plan on getting used NY 121 CAB to have available for medium to large clubs if I don't get FOH Support. This Band has 2 Lead Guitarist and the Drummer is not shy
I was coaxed out of retirement by a good friend about a year ago. Needed a good amp for rehearsal that could also handle small to medium club gigs and be expandable if needed; but didn't want to spend near what I used to when steady gigging [$1500 to 2500 for amp and cab. Was looking in 5-700 range
Listened to the usual suspects praised here
Fender Rumble 500, GK MB series, Ampeg BA series, Hartke HD. and a few others. They were OK
I bought a used mint Markbass CMD 121P for $500 [with cover
Our gig's were cancelled but I had heard this amp sound great in Medium sized clubs with a few bands in my area on its own. [Reason I checked them out]
I would be confident using in small clubs; but when we start getting gig's I plan on getting used NY 121 CAB to have available for medium to large clubs if I don't get FOH Support. This Band has 2 Lead Guitarist and the Drummer is not shy
I have a CMD 121P -- haven't played it for awhile, both because I have other stuff I prefer, now, and the amp in mine is on the fritz, but it's a very capable and forward little amp -- not shy in a mix. With the extension cab, it would make for a potent little stack. The voicing is pretty different than that of the the Rumble and of the GK combos, so I'd advise the OP to play one in person before buying, but, if they're available and affordable in NZ, they'd be another option worth investigating.
Did you mean to
I am an Ampeg guy after trying several different amps and speaker configurations from Peavey heads and Fender speakers to whatever I could get my hands on that was cheap. When I finally had the money my cousin sold me his Ampeg 4x10 cab and head (SVT410) but after the first thump to the last pop, I knew immediately. So if you're looking for great equipment that is competitive I will always point people to Ampeg.
-Shane
Shazanez wrote; "I am an Ampeg guy after trying several different amps and speaker configurations from Peavey heads and Fender speakers to whatever I could get my hands on that was cheap. When I finally had the money my cousin sold me his Ampeg 4x10 cab and head (SVT410) but after the first thump to the last pop, I knew immediately. So if you're looking for great equipment that is competitive I will always point people to Ampeg."
yea in my prime I had Ampeg 4x10 [started with8x10] also used SWR , Trace Elliot and Hartke Aluminum 4x10's because I could. But the Ampeg's had something Special. Way to heavy for me now even the New Neo Cab's
yea in my prime I had Ampeg 4x10 [started with8x10] also used SWR , Trace Elliot and Hartke Aluminum 4x10's because I could. But the Ampeg's had something Special. Way to heavy for me now even the New Neo Cab's
An Accident I guess not sure how it happened
When you're making or editing your post, you should see a row of icons/options up top. Under the little "+" (plus sign), you should see an option for
You should still be able to edit your post if you want (not sure exactly how long we can do that, but I clicked on my post upstream of your to see if it was still an option and it was) or you can leave the
If the 500 combo's speaker cab sounds the same as the standalone Rumble V3 210 cab, I just can't recommend it. I literally just packed mine up to return to Sweetwater. I had if for almost a month and just couldn't get myself to like it. "Boxy" is a word often thrown around, but I can't really come up with another way to describe this thing.
I gave it ample break-in time, and played it 3-4 times a week, trying to get a sound I was happy with. I played it with a Laney Nexus, a Markbass Blackline 250, and a TC Electronics BQ500. No joy. I had to crank the lows more than I expected to get an "average" tone, but it was those darn, almost "honky" mids that I just couldn't get rid of. Whether EQing at the bass, amp, or both, it always sounded like I was listening to a somewhat nasal playback of a recording of a bass... not the live, present, clear sound I wanted. I think this would be a great cab for someone who wanted a grinding, mid-heavy distorted tone, however. It always sounds like it is being "driven" even at low volumes. At first blush I kinda liked that about it, but I don't use much drive on bass. I like a fat, clean, warm tone that responds to touch dynamics, etc. This cab seems to very much have its own "color" and sound profile. I'm sure it's perfect for what many folks are wanting.
My Subway 115 should be here Wednesday. Yea, it's a huge jump in price (nearly 3x) but I'm hoping it will give me what I'm looking for in a similarly smaller, lighter cab. Best of luck in your search!
I gave it ample break-in time, and played it 3-4 times a week, trying to get a sound I was happy with. I played it with a Laney Nexus, a Markbass Blackline 250, and a TC Electronics BQ500. No joy. I had to crank the lows more than I expected to get an "average" tone, but it was those darn, almost "honky" mids that I just couldn't get rid of. Whether EQing at the bass, amp, or both, it always sounded like I was listening to a somewhat nasal playback of a recording of a bass... not the live, present, clear sound I wanted. I think this would be a great cab for someone who wanted a grinding, mid-heavy distorted tone, however. It always sounds like it is being "driven" even at low volumes. At first blush I kinda liked that about it, but I don't use much drive on bass. I like a fat, clean, warm tone that responds to touch dynamics, etc. This cab seems to very much have its own "color" and sound profile. I'm sure it's perfect for what many folks are wanting.
My Subway 115 should be here Wednesday. Yea, it's a huge jump in price (nearly 3x) but I'm hoping it will give me what I'm looking for in a similarly smaller, lighter cab. Best of luck in your search!
Thanks again all - I'm keeping an eye on the second hand market too (pretty small here in NZ). How about a GK MB Fusion 500?
Although attracted by the flexibility and portability, the trouble with a seperate head + cab approach are the very limited cabinets available here e.g. Amp Cabinets - Amplifiers - Bass | NZ Rockshop. I'd like to pair a 500w head with a single 210 or 212 4 Ohm cab - but can't buy one new.
Although attracted by the flexibility and portability, the trouble with a seperate head + cab approach are the very limited cabinets available here e.g. Amp Cabinets - Amplifiers - Bass | NZ Rockshop. I'd like to pair a 500w head with a single 210 or 212 4 Ohm cab - but can't buy one new.
Just to update / close off this thread: I ended up grabbing an as-new-in-box Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0 second hand for a good price (for NZ). It's a *heck* of a lot more amp than I see us needing for a long time, but from what I can gather it's a bit of a NLA classic, like the Walkabout.
In terms of cabinets - again, somewhat limited by selection and don't want to spend too much more just yet. I'm torn between getting a better quality 210 or 212, then adding a second cab later, but also a bit wary of 450w @ 8Ohms. Other option is Ampeg PF410HLF cabinet (shame it doesn't have speakon, but oh well), unless you guys can suggest another alternative, preferably for less than $1300 NZD from this selection: Amp Cabinets - Amplifiers - Bass | NZ Rockshop.
In terms of cabinets - again, somewhat limited by selection and don't want to spend too much more just yet. I'm torn between getting a better quality 210 or 212, then adding a second cab later, but also a bit wary of 450w @ 8Ohms. Other option is Ampeg PF410HLF cabinet (shame it doesn't have speakon, but oh well), unless you guys can suggest another alternative, preferably for less than $1300 NZD from this selection: Amp Cabinets - Amplifiers - Bass | NZ Rockshop.
The Shuttle 9.0, if you take care of it, should take your son through pretty much anything for a long time. In terms of being wary of its power vs. cabs 1) use your ears and 2) be careful with the "LF Boost" feature (which used to be labeled "LF Extend" in the manuals), as it rolls the internal HPF (high-pass filter) down a fair bit, making it deep more than actually boosting it (though there is a little bit of boost as well), which can stress your speakers. Not saying don't use it, just to be aware.
I'm a bit familiar with the SVT 410 HLF, but I've never played the PF 410 HLF. The specs look intriguing -- seems to be voiced differently than the SVT HLF and to be pretty efficient -- but I can't speak to it from experience. I expect that it would be a good-sounding cab (and loud, even at 8 Ohms), but I'm not sure if your son will want to drag a 410 to everything.
Congrats on the amp! I'm sure you'll get folks along shortly to advise you on the cab.
I'd have to research them more, but setting the filter on that page to $1500 and under, the cabs that jump out at me are the Mesa Powerhouse 210, the Ampeg PF 115 HE, the GK Neo 112, and maybe the Markbass 12 or 15. The Orange cabs could be interesting as well, but I don't know a lot about them (played their 15, I think, briefly -- sounded stout in the store, but not enough time with it to judge much).
The Mesa I've played -- good sounding, but quite heavy. Might be hard to find a second one later, too, since, as far as I know, the Powerhouse cabs are discontinued. The GK Neo 112, from what I've heard, should have a more balanced sound than the 15 (though the 15s will go louder). Markbass a bit middy -- tweeters aren't my fave -- but sound and work better in a mix than solo (very difficult to lose). Don't have experience with the Ampeg 15, but specs make it sound like it would have some depth.
The GK CX series cabs could be interesting -- only played through a few very briefly, once, in a store. Wasn't crazy about them, then, but didn't get much time with them. Worth looking into and are a lot more economical than the Neos.
Strange about the lack of Speakon -- at these power levels and with a class D amp, frankly, I'd have some retrofit to the cab. Worth doing for a good cab and safer for the users -- shouldn't be difficult or too pricey.
I didn't recommend a 410 because I'm not crazy about the form-factor, but if you don't mind the schlep -- and if you don't think something like a 2x12 or 2x15 rig will be loud enough for you down the road (2x12 I can maybe see in the loudest settings, but two good 15s -- the Ampeg looks efficient, too -- with 800 or so Watts behind them should be plenty for almost anything), a 410 gives you a lot of potential volume more economically than the other cabs. Two 410s, well...
The Warwick and other stuff could be worth a look, too -- just not familiar with it.
Others will have more advice/direct experience with stuff I don't.
The more I consider it, a 210 8Ohm 400w cab should be about the right size/volume, and can be added to when/if needed.
Although I quite like the idea of a 212, it's hard to find the right cab at the right price.
Although I quite like the idea of a 212, it's hard to find the right cab at the right price.