Rumble or Ampeg combo? + cab (for a badish back)

[coast2coast]

Hi Folks

I've mainly been a recording guy up until now but am now looking at starting gigging at local pubs and clubs and could use a bit of advice on my rig purchase. I'll be using my P Bass (USA Standard 2013). I have a bit of a recurring back injury which can flare up now and then, so I am erring on the lighter more modular side of things than the 4x10 cab situations I see most folks use in my local bars/clubs. I have a Roland 2x12 Blues Cube and this is not pleasant but just dooable at 21Kg whever I have to move it.

I'd rather buy once properly and not regret it over the cost incurred and have shortlisted the following:

Rumble 500 Combo + a 2x10 or 1x15 Rumble Cab
A nice light option. Would this 500 watt setup be more than enough to provide piece of mind that I won't turn up to somewhere too large or ever be drowned out my the rest of the band in most gig situations (Rock/Blues/Motown)? I'm not planning anything outdoorsy or concert hallish.

Ampeg BA-210 + 2x10 or 1x15 PF Cab
This is in the same category as the Rumble above, albeit 450 watts with an extension Cab. This setup comes in at 4-5 Kgs heavier for each unit but isn't a deal breaker because of this.

Rumble 800 Stage + a 2x10 or 1x15 Rumble Cab
About the same weight as the above Rumble 500 option but 300 watts more. Several considerations here:

• Would the extra 300-350 watts above the Rumble 500 and Ampeg BA-210 setups equate to a massive difference (stage-wise) and be something I may be glad of at some point in future or am I just being silly?
• Also, I have not been a fan of modelling amps in the past (no experience in the past 6-8 years). I'm not in a position to try a 800 Stage out and clips on youtube are not that great for critical listening. Have Fender actually nailed the modelling with the 800 stage?
• I'm just wondering if I'd likely be content with whatever other physical amp and cabs I buy (old school) given folks dig them? Also, I already have an MXR M87, Diamond Otpo Comp, Ampeg Scrambler SCR-DI and Sansamp Bass Driver v1 for adding a bit of this and that. I'm probably answering this last question myself lol.

Should 800 watts be considered a more flexible and a potentially less regretful option over a 450-500 watt options, I was also looking at:

Rumble 800HD with two 2x10s or 2x10 and 2x15 Rumble Cabs
Would these cabs work out okay with the 800HD? They are rated at 300 and 350 watt continuous. The thought of a 4x10 at 28Kg, along with a smaller cab, does not appeal to my back. A 4x10 is a good 10Kg heavier than the lighter options.

Ampeg Portaflex PF-800 with two Ampeg cabs 2x10 or 2x15
Both 800 head options are considerably more expensive than the combos.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

C2C

 

[bhendrix]

A Rumble 500 combo + the pedals you already have + P bass =

 

[bhendrix]

Years ago, didn't give a damn what my gear weighed. Now that I'm (much) older and still occasionally shlepping gear around, those 36 lbs are nice! Rumble 500 has plenty of power and punch - I've never stressed mine and the bandmates tend to get loud.

Had mine a year and still amazed every time I pick it up how light it is for what it does!

 

[PotsdamBass8]

If you don’t already, I would get a foldable hand truck, and grippy gloves to wear when moving the rig. Those go a long way to making your life easier even if you get something super light.

I have a Rumble 115 cab, and I do like it. But if you sometimes don’t need the big rig, maybe also consider GK MB112 and the MBP112 powered extension cab. Each one is lighter and smaller than any of the cabs you listed, which could be an easier load in (possibly more trips, but less weight to lift).

 

[coast2coast]

Thank you both for your replies. Much appreciated.

The 500c and a cab is defo a nice light option. Do folks prefer a 2x10 cab to go with it or a 1x15? It was the 500c that got me latterly thinking of gigging. To be honest, I've always fancied gigging but was put off by my perception of breaking my back - until I come across a Rumble v3 thread. I'm getting reassured that it would do gigs no bother. Would it be safe to assume that any venue which a 500c and a cab falls short in would have PA support?

I'm also going to check out those GK recommendations. This will give me some research for tomorrow. I enjoy the research (and associated GAS) as much as the playing.

PotsdamBass8, you're a mind reader. I recalled yesterday that I left a hand truck trolley at my mother's house about 10 years ago when I bought one to move her kitchen appliances for a refitting. She still has it and and I'm claming it back.

Interesting stuff and in relation to the 800HD but also a Disclaimer lol. I just read some posts on here that one Rumble 2x10 cab (350w continuous rating) would most likely be fine hooked up to the 800HD (400w at 8 ohms) and that a pair of 2x10 Rumble cabs hooked up to the 800HD for 800w at 4 ohms would likely be fine also. It was noted that the logic behind this is that the same 2x10s in the regular Rumble extension cabs are most likely the same 2x10s within the 800 Stage which are said by Fender to handle 400w continuous at 8 ohms. It was further noted that with the extension cab (the ones with the black grill to match the 800 Stage - same spec as the silver grill ones) being added to the 800 Stage would be able to manage the full 800w at 4 ohms. Apparently it is thought that Fender gave the Rumble cabs a "conservative" rating prior to the 800 Stage being launched. I'm also made aware that a third cab may be added to the 800HD - I'll need more reading to figure that one out. More to consider I guess.

Thanks again. I really appreciate your help.

C2C

 

[bhendrix]

Do folks prefer a 2x10 cab to go with it or a 1x15?

You'll find plenty of posts from folks preferring either option. Being OCD and a fan of symmetry, I'd go with the 2X10 cab if I needed more. I've yet to had that need though...

Would it be safe to assume that any venue which a 500c and a cab falls short in would have PA support?

Unless you're going on an arena/stadium tour (which no doubt will have PA support), you'll have no trouble being loud and proud with a 500c and ext cab!

 

[coast2coast]

Brilliant bhendrix.

Thanks for that.

 

[G-Dog]

Thank you both for your replies. Much appreciated.

The 500c and a cab is defo a nice light option. Do folks prefer a 2x10 cab to go with it or a 1x15? It was the 500c that got me latterly thinking of gigging. To be honest, I've always fancied gigging but was put off by my perception of breaking my back - until I come across a Rumble v3 thread. I'm getting reassured that it would do gigs no bother. Would it be safe to assume that any venue which a 500c and a cab falls short in would have PA support?

I'm also going to check out those GK recommendations. This will give me some research for tomorrow. I enjoy the research (and associated GAS) as much as the playing.

PotsdamBass8, you're a mind reader. I recalled yesterday that I left a hand truck trolley at my mother's house about 10 years ago when I bought one to move her kitchen appliances for a refitting. She still has it and and I'm claming it back.

Interesting stuff and in relation to the 800HD but also a Disclaimer lol. I just read some posts on here that one Rumble 2x10 cab (350w continuous rating) would most likely be fine hooked up to the 800HD (400w at 8 ohms) and that a pair of 2x10 Rumble cabs hooked up to the 800HD for 800w at 4 ohms would likely be fine also. It was noted that the logic behind this is that the same 2x10s in the regular Rumble extension cabs are most likely the same 2x10s within the 800 Stage which are said by Fender to handle 400w continuous at 8 ohms. It was further noted that with the extension cab (the ones with the black grill to match the 800 Stage - same spec as the silver grill ones) being added to the 800 Stage would be able to manage the full 800w at 4 ohms. Apparently it is thought that Fender gave the Rumble cabs a "conservative" rating prior to the 800 Stage being launched. I'm also made aware that a third cab may be added to the 800HD - I'll need more reading to figure that one out. More to consider I guess.

Thanks again. I really appreciate your help.

C2C

You are correct, sir. Come discuss further in the Fender Rumble Club!
.

 

[EXCAV8]

Here's another vote for the Rumble 500:

Done with Ampeg for good this time.

 

[Linnin]

+99 Rumble 500

 

[coast2coast]

You folks are briliant. Thanks a lot.

I have to pop out shortly but I'll be reading your ampeg thread tomorrow EXCAV8. On reading your first post, I'm so glad I'm in the Rumble camp as I was considering a PF800 too at one point.

Thanks also Linnin.

I'm kinda torn at the moment and have a couple of weeks to think things over. While I'm considering the 500 combo, I'm almost erring on a 800HD and a 2x10 with a further 2x10 down the line.

I'll be sure to take up your kind offer G-Dog, on popping over to the Rumble Club as there'a few more questions I have. Thank you.

C2C

 

[filmtex]

My Ampeg Ba-210 has performed well, both indoors and out, with FOH support and without, and when used with (half) of my 810 SVT cab, really well. It has helped me play a ton of shows in the last couple years I’ve owned. He has, I even use my little BA-108 from time to time for smaller shows with FOH support. Just my two cents YMMV.

 

[coast2coast]

filmtex wrote:

My Ampeg Ba-210 has performed well, both indoors and out, with FOH support and without, and when used with (half) of my 810 SVT cab, really well. It has helped me play a ton of shows in the last couple years I’ve owned. He has, I even use my little BA-108 from time to time for smaller shows with FOH support. Just my two cents YMMV.

Thanks for the info filmtex

I guess every brand of gear has its good 'and' bad user experiences and, in all fairness to the Ampegs, they're popular for good reasons. I've been seeing that big familiar 'a' logo on 8x10s under an SVT (on TV) since I was a kid and tended (and still do) to associate it with bassists who dig quality whilst also causing earthquakes under peoples' feet.

There will doubtless be Fender Rumble users who have gotten Rumbles and considered them not to be as good as they thought they would be, right through to the happiest users who feel their purchase surpassed their expectations. It will likely be like this for most gear brands. I'm just suffering from buyer anxiety having pulled the trigger too soon in the past - on recording equipment. Although I'm leaning in the Rumble direction, I've still got a few weeks to think this over and am considering all options.

That BA-108 sounds like a real back saver. I may be tempted by something this for similar situations.

Thanks again.