Questions pre-amp or lack thereof- older Fender Rumble 350 2x10 combo

[Big AL-Muncher]

Hello All,
I play a (passive) Fender RB-5 Jazz Bass, mostly through a SWR Super Redhead 350w 2x10 combo which has a gain (pre-amp?) and a master volume. So that's what I'm used to.

Unlike most amps I've seen, this Fender doesn't have a gain, but there is a gain in the overdrive section. Is that used as the pre-amp or what? Should I stay away from an amps that don't have a pre-amp built in? Also, Is this amp any good for 250 bucks? I'm looking for a spare amp comparable in volume to my SWR, with decent sound, but cheaper. I'm a new member here, so I hope this all makes sense. Thanks!

This one:

This one:

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

These have preamps.
Anything that allows you to plug a bass into it directly has a pre-amp or they wouldn't work.

I'd suggest you try to Google up, or otherwise find the manual and read up on what the controls all do on this beastie.

 

[Linnin]

The Fender Rumble 350 is a killer combo, and is modeled off of the Fender Pro 400 and the SWR Redhead. Actually what you are missing is a master volume. The volume on those V2 Rumbles are actually channel volumes (and not gain). The master volume (if you had one) is dimed, or wide open. The Rumble 350 is justifiably world famous and put Fender Rumble on the map as a reliable gig worthy bass amp. Sound quality is stellar.

 

[Big AL-Muncher]

These have preamps.
Anything that allows you to plug a bass into it directly has a pre-amp or they wouldn't work.

I'd suggest you try to Google up, or otherwise find the manual and read up on what the controls all do on this beastie.

Thanks. I will do that.

 

[Big AL-Muncher]

The Fender Rumble 350 is killer combo, and is modeled off of the Fender Pro 400 and the SWR Redhead. Actually what you are missing is a master volume. The volume on those V2 Rumbles are actually channel volumes (and not gain). The master volume (if you had one) is dimed, or wide open. The Rumble 350 is justifiably world famous and put Fender Rumble on the map as a reliable gig worthy bass amp. Sound quality is stellar.

Cool. Sounds to me like you're saying this is a perfect low cost alternative to the Super Redhead. Thanks!

 

[Linnin]

Cool. Sounds to me like you're saying this is a perfect low cost alternative to the Super Redhead. Thanks!

I think it sounds better!

 

[Big AL-Muncher]

I think it sounds better!

Wow, that's good news and hard to believe. The tube pre-amp in the Redhead has spoiled me. The headphone output on the Redhead is like stepping into heaven. In any case, the Fender sounds like a good deal at 250, assuming everything is working on it. Thanks