Traynor TB100 used or Fender Rumble V3 new

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Bassometer

Mar 3, 2010
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#1
Traynor TB 100 used or Fender Rumble 40 V3 new:

I am looking to purchase a low cost practice amp that I can also use on acoustic gigs, low volume writing sessions, porch jams etc. One is used, 5 years old but in excellent condition (Traynor), the other is new (Fender). The Traynor is a rugged build and has a reputation for reliability and durability. The Fender is the latest rave. They both sound good but I'll give the Fender a slight advantage in this area (it does sound very good for a small amp). The difference in weight does not bother me and is not an issue, the fact that the Traynor has a tilt back cab gives it bonus points - I like that feature. I'd like to hear your opinions on each. Please refrain from "Only you can tell what's best for you type statements". I do realize that this is an apples to orange comparison. Thanks for reading my post.



Traynor TB 100: ($200 used $CDN)
• Tilt-back Cabinet Design
• Power - 100 watts @ 4 ohms
• Speaker - 15 inch, 200 Wpgm,4 Ohms
• Amplifier Frequency Response (Hz +/-3dB) - 50 - 15k
• Active and Passive Instrument Inputs
• RCA Auxillary Line Input for CD / MP3 player
• 3-band EQ - Bass, Mid, Treble
• Variable Scoop Control
• XLR Balanced D.I. Output (Pre/Post Switchable)
• 1/4-inch Headphone Output
• EFX send/return loop
• Dimensions (DWH, inches) - 13 x 17 x 21
• Weight 30 lbs
• Designed in Canada, made in China



Fender Rumble 40 V3 ($300 new with tax $CDN)
-Power: 40W
-Speaker: 1x10" Fender special design
-Single channel
-Aux. input
-Headphone output
-XLR output
-Dimensions: 16.5" x 16.5" x 12"
-Weight: 18 lb.

I am leaning towards the Traynor simply because I feel confident that it will be reliable for many years to come.

tra-tb100_1.jpg
FEN 2370300 000-Large.jpg
 
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#2
Traynor.
A much better sounding amp compared to the Fender 40.
Not that the 40 dosent sound good but having the 15inch and extra headroom instead of the 10inch makes a big difference.
At least In my experience.
 
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#4
beardedclam said:
my only concern is a 15" without a tweeter might lack some top end luster
Click to expand...
Luster you say? How about no top end at all. Most 15"woofers go up to around 3kHz. Most 10's go to 4kHz. With the Traynor you have some jam ability with a drummer. The Fender Rumble 40 shines as a personal practice amp. Many bass players use them for that very reason alone and own a gig-rig of some other brand. For two hundred Loonies and one bass amp only, yeah - Traynor.
 
#6
beardedclam said:
I have two gig rigs: 1) GK RB700ii & 2 x NEO GK112ii's, 2) GK MB800Fusion & Genz Benz Uber 410.
My two rigs are not always at home, this is why I want a small practice/jam amp. In regards to upper end, will the Rumble 40 be noticably better than the Traynor (3,000 hz vs 4,000 hz)?
Click to expand...
Oh! In that case the Fender Rumble 40 is the hands down winning choice. And yes the Rumble 40 will be noticeably better across the board especially in the high mids and top end.
 
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#8
beardedclam said:
Thanks Linnin. Can I ask, what is your experience with both of these amps?
Click to expand...
He is the Fender Rumble God around here.
;)
To OP
Yes the Traynor may not give you the highs you want for playback.
I never used the aux so I don't know.
As long as your other rigs are holding the fort down for you I hate to say it but, the Rumble will be more for you.
If the aux in sound is a deal breaker that is.
 
#10
I have played an acoustic gig similar to what you describe with a Rumble 25. The 40 will be fine. As far a reliability, the Rumble v3 hasn't been around long enough to establish a reputation there; however, there is one point to consider. The Rumble will be new and have a warranty.
In 50 years of playing, I have blown 3 amps, a Traynor, a Fender, and a Marshall.
 
#11
Contrary to the good advice here, I bought the Traynor TB100. The price was right and it is well constructed. Unfortunately that's where my praise ends. Actually it's not a bad amp for what it is, you can get a nice vintage tone out of it and the 15" thumps pretty good. It sounded better to my ears with a brighter bass (Stingray) than a P-bass. I think this would be a winning combination if it had a bit more top end. The wedge feature is nice and it's easy to carry. I just wish it had better top end response that's all. I ended up trading it in for what I paid for it on a Traynor SB110, which is smaller, lighter, more powerful and has almost too much sizzle on top but sounds very nice.
 
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