On the fence Fender Rumble 200 / Peavey MAX 250

[Blick_Fang]

Thanks!

Rumble 500. But. I think I may be over thinking this. Couple of reviews indicate that the 500 can't keep up with a hard rock band. I got spooked. Do I look at Beringer 2000 and cab? Sorry.

 

[pcake]

Thanks!

Rumble 500. But. I think I may be over thinking this. Couple of reviews indicate that the 500 can't keep up with a hard rock band. I got spooked. Do I look at Beringer 2000 and cab? Sorry.

i wouldn't - behringer is pretty well known for over-reporting their wattage.

besides, the rumble 500 with the extension speaker would probably be more effective than a rig with a single speaker or cab.

 

[Blick_Fang]

First for small bars/clubs, 150 people or less, you’ll never need more than a 2x10 or 1x15, so the extension cab isn’t really a factor IMO. At the top of your budget is the Rumble 500c and the Hartke HD500. Between those I would choose the Hartke. It is cleaner/less boomy, has far more usable tone settings with the controls available, and it puts the full 500 Watts to the two 10’s, where as the Rumble would have to have a extension cab to reach its full 500 watts.

But those aluminum/paper speakers on the hartke?

 

[Tad]

Thanks!

Rumble 500. But. I think I may be over thinking this. Couple of reviews indicate that the 500 can't keep up with a hard rock band. I got spooked. Do I look at Beringer 2000 and cab? Sorry.

I’ve not found that to be the case. Others’ Mileage May Vary.

 

[Blick_Fang]

It's now the Hartke HD500 VS Fender Rumble 500

 

[Rooster009]

It's now the Hartke HD500 VS Fender Rumble 500

Check out Andy Irvine’s review of the new Hartke HD508. I saw it on Facebook but it may also be in other places.

 

[Rooster009]

Here it is

 

[bhendrix]

Thanks!

Rumble 500. But. I think I may be over thinking this. Couple of reviews indicate that the 500 can't keep up with a hard rock band. I got spooked. Do I look at Beringer 2000 and cab? Sorry.

I play mostly with a power trio - hard heavy drummer and loud guitar (uses either Fender tonemaster stack or Marshall stack) and my 500c not only keeps up, but never breaks a sweat! Add a cab and add one or two more guitars....no problem!

 

[Blick_Fang]

Thanks guys for your input. To confuse myself even more, I have added the Hartke kickback and the TC Electric combo to the mix. Also, I have been doing tests with a 2 X 15 cab, and I think I might be disappointed if I have any speakers smaller than a 15. "Go check them out at a music store".... can't really do that as they don't carry the ones I am looking for. I am driving myself nuts looking for this holy Grail.

 

[nomaj]

It's your call and your money, but IMO, Hartke is a step backward from your original considerations, as I'd choose Peavey or almost any brand over Hartke.

Rumble 500, however, is probably the best value combo currently on the market - lots of tone and lots of volume, too, if you need it.

 

[LoveJackBruce]

You're not close to Asheville NC by chance? Rumble 200 just got posted in the classifieds for a good price!

Murphy NC here lol

 

[LoveJackBruce]

I started playing bass as the first wagon trains hit California. My vote is for the Rumble 200c with the 15” speaker. Great sounding! Especially with a P bass! I also play my Les Paul through it with an overdrive pedal (Boss). I crank the od on the rumble and add the pedal to taste! I am able to get very pleasurable tone dripping with pinch harmonics. I play a lot of ZZ Top! Good luck on your search!

Just got a R200 and love the tones, more so than the R500 I had before. So rich and deep. As I only play at home I don't need the extra wattage that some people desire.

Also received a 2 x10 cab but have yet to unbox it. I'm sure it's going to go Boom Squared! Hooked up.

 

[LoveJackBruce]

Thanks!

Rumble 500. But. I think I may be over thinking this. Couple of reviews indicate that the 500 can't keep up with a hard rock band. I got spooked. Do I look at Beringer 2000 and cab? Sorry.

Rumble...... Keep up find.

 

[AlBass]

I have a new 2019 Peavey MiniMax 500 head and I personally like it a lot. The fan on it is loud, but it's an attractive, lightweight, powerful head that does what I need it to and has some really nice features. It doesn't have any characteristic tone or anything (it could be considered "dry" compared to my old Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 it replaced), but I like that. I prefer amps that don't color my instrument's tone much. However, people who want a tone that's "rich" or "buttery" from their amp would probably think the Peavey sounds "boxy" or "dry."

But it sounds to me like you're leaning toward the Fender Rumble, and people on TalkBass do like Rumbles.

Thats exactly how I feel. The amp is not packed with character, but CERTAINLY not lifeless! It has tons of balls, and really flexible eq-wise.

 

[LoveJackBruce]

Hi all

I have been playing guitar and bass for a while. Longer then some of you have been alive I suppose. Anyhow, I am looking at these 2 amps and kind of on the fence as to what to purchase. I am looking for what everyone is looking for in a combo: Lightweight, enough power, reliability, nice sound. I am not a bells and whistles guy. I play a P-Bass and don't slap.

I am looking for any one knowledgeable to offer any oppinons. Happy Friday and thanks.

I will only comment on the Fact that the Max250 is much heavier than the Rumble.
Personal note: Love my R200c.

 

[jeff7bass]

i've never bought a combo amp that didn't have the ability to run an External speaker cab ..!

i believe it makes it much more useful for various live situations ... but that does limit your choices ..!

many have outputs for a 'powered cab ' ... which is cool , as long as that powered cab can be used for other things .!

Both can run a second cab

 

[jeff7bass]

How much does the Max 250 weigh? All I can find on it is a “shipping” weight of 53 pounds. I’m guessing it’s probably around 50... yikes! The Rumble 500C is under 35!

44 pounds

 

[jeff7bass]

Here it is

Killer amp.