Rumble 100 Review

This Papa kicks out 100 watts of power through a Fender Special Design 15 speaker and horn producing more boom for the buck than any other combo.

Features:	9.6
Sound:	8.6
Reliability:	8.9
Impression:	9.6
Overall rating:	9.2
Users rating:	8.2
Comments:	12

overall: 8.8

Featured review by: sebhaque, on may 05, 2006

Purchased from: Gak.co.uk

Features: This amp was made in 2004, so I'd expect its features to be quite up-to-scratch. Being an affordable amp, I wasn't expecting too much out of it, and I thought this true when I saw how it came in a box. However, once I'd taken it out and plugged it in, my views changed immediately. The pulsing red light (it doesn't flash, contrary to popular belief), can keep me entertained for hours, and the EQ settings can really help me change my tone quickly. I play a mix of rock and metal, with some jazz thrown in too, and I can change from a heavy bass tone to a light backing in a couple of minutes. The amp even has an active/passive pickup selector, allowing for emphasis of different settings on the EQ, and a mid scoop button for slapping/popping. The amp only has a single input channel (I found this odd, after having spent time around similar class Peavey amps which have a High Gain and Low Gain input), but makes up for this by having an effects loop. CD in is also present, but I've never really needed to use this - the feature's there, however, for anybody Who does need to use it. A headphone jack's also present as per usual, and it also has a 3-pin XLR line out with its own level, which I found quite surprising. There's a Ground Lift feature which removes contact with one of the pins, I've never had to use this but again, it's there for anybody Who does. This amp's my main practice and jamming amp, and I think it could even hold its own in a gig. 100 Watts of power is plenty enough for me, and it even sounds fine when I play songs through the main input. There's one point worth mentioning, if you live in a small terraced house or a block of flats, don't turn the bass past 5 on the EQ, I live in a semi-detached house and my room's walls are 3 inches thick, but you can feel the bass from the other side of the house when it's up to full. There's not much else to mention, except for the fact that it weighs a fair amount. So, if you're a small person or not very strong, you'll struggle with moving this amp around. A way around this is to fit castors onto the amp. Size-wise, the amp is quite big, but that's mainly to accomodate the speaker, it's not overly large in any way. Other than that, the amp's great. It even has a tweeter, although I'm not sure if I've ever seen it in use. // 10

Sound: I use a Vintage Metal Axxe and a Fender Precision bass through this amp. The Precision's a passive, and the Axxe is an active bass. I don't play slap very often (but I can, and the amp sounds great for pure slap and pop). I've got a hellova lot of tones out of this amp, although when I first got this amp I was frustrated how I'd piddle around with the EQ for hours and only end up with a mock replica of Iron Maiden's 'machinegun' tone. However, now I've got to know my low mids from high mids and familiarised myself with this amp, it's holding up well. I've got different tones out of this, but they're not as diverse as one'd expect - plenty enough for your average bassist though. I even tried playing my guitar (Epiphone Explorer Gothic) through this, and while it doesn't sound great, it certainly doesn't sound horrible. Once I'd plugged my Boss RP200 into the FX loop, it sounded quite good, even though everything was still set to bass settings. Volume. The amp's loud enough for nearly any task (it could probably eat up your average gig, but for larger ones you may want some more power), and even at the highest volume only the most minimal distortion can be heard. // 9

Reliability & Durability: This amp's really hardy. I was transporting it in the back of a van when my buddy's practice 15-watt amp fell off the top shelf after a particularly nasty bump in the road, the Rumble simply suffered a small crack in one of the plastic corners, whereas the other amp (I won't name and shame) suffered a massive gash running down its body. Needless to say, it didn't work afterwards. As for sound, I've had this amp for the best part of 6 months and it hasn't broken down on me once. The only problem I had with it was that its EQ sometimes took a few seconds to respond, but the problem's seemed to iron itself out now. I always have a backup amp at a gig, but I think this amp could hold its own without another amp in stock. However, as someone else said, the EQ knobs feel a bit weak. They certainly do their job well and haven't broken off yet, but I have a feeling that after another year or so, I'll be complaining about how something's fallen off. // 7

Impression: I'm primarily a bassist in a metal band, but I've covered for someone in a punk band before with this amp and it fit perfectly, even though their bassist assured me I'd need his amp (which was a 200W). I've been a bassist for about a year and a half now, but I've been playing guitar for about two years, and I have a half-stack for that. Back to the Rumble, I don't think there's anything which surprised me about the amp, I'd researched it quite thoroughly before buying it. If someone stole this amp, I'd definetely buy it again, but not without trying to recover my current one and mutilating the thief while I was at it. The only gripe I really have about this amp are the plastic input jacks, but at this price it's pretty much inevitable. Those 6 little pulsating LEDs really make up for it though, I've seen a clip of my band rehearsing in dark light and the pulsing reds really stand out and look good. I was comparing this amp to a Peavey Max 115 and a Laney HCM160B, and I even placed an order for the Peavey, but then decided I'd rather have the lights in place of the HyperVent (and the Rumble's 100 Watts over the Max's 60), and switched orders. Being a Fender, I don't really expect it to go wrong at all, except for the knob issues I mentioned earlier. Nonetheless, it's a great amp, and I highly recommend it to anybody looking for a cheap but sound amp. // 9

overall: 9.5

Reviewed by: unregistered, on september 09, 2004

Purchased from: B&B

Features: 2003 model. Very versatile. It's a solid state with good tone, beauitufl range, from bomming low bass, to poppy high ends. I play mostly blues, and rock, but also do lots of punk, jazz, funk, and used this amp for the band playing for the plays Gypsy and Annie. It has a head phone jack, effects loop, but only one channel. There aren't any real features I wish it had. It comes equipted with a midscoop, and active/passive pick up switch. There is also a jack to play CD's through the amp, so you can play along to a CD. One feature I'm not too keen on are the lights. There are a string of lights at the bottom of the amp that brighten and dull depending on how loud you're playing.

I use this amp for gigs and for practise with my band. It's loud enough for the gigs, though I have been having problems with the output jack, which is most troubling. Luckily, for the size of venues we've been doing, the amp has plenty of punch on its own, without needing to be routed through a PA. I also use it for home practise, even though that much sound isn't really neccecary. // 10

Sound: I use a Fender Aerodine Jazz Bass with single coil jazz pick ups. This isn't very good because with high ends, the pick ups tend to buzz. Also if near lights, computer screens, pretty much anyhting hta tlets off radiation in the form of EMF it will buzz. Great variety of sounds. This amp works well with distortion pedals, but prefer a clean tone. It's great for just about any style you would want to play. No distortion built in though. // 10

Reliability & Durability: No real problems with this baby. // 8

Impression: I play a wide variety of music (rock, blues, jazz, punk) and this amp really delivers. I've played bass for three years, guitar for six, and cello for four, I have a broad spectrum of play. The only real complaint I have about this amp is its friggen heavy! Good thing my drummer is strong and carries it for me! But then again, I'm a dainty weakling. Guess most bass players aren't girls, so they expect the players should be able to carry their own amps. // 10

overall: 9.5

Reviewed by: unregistered, on august 08, 2005

Price paid: $ 532

Purchased from: Music Force

Features: Built in 2004, I'm used to playing with much more poweful amps, I haven't owned a anything below 300 Watts in about 15 years. I moved to Oz and got into a duo so it looked ideal for that application and of course for practising. I am now still using it to play in a rock/alternative covers and originals band and have found that despite its relatively small power it keeps up and produces a great sound for all applications, using the DI out to the PA and just using the amp as stage sound has worked well for me. It only has one channel but that's all I use. The input has an active/passive switch that suits me as I use both. It has an effects loop which I use and a Headphone jack (useful for practising when the baby's sleeping) big plus for use as practise amp is the phono inputs allowing you to plug in a CD/MP3/tape player or drum box. It ways about eighty pounds (guess) so is quite manageable and small enough to fit into even the smallest of car trunks or even back seat. // 10

Sound: Of course for outside big gigs the lack of power may present a problem but I'll leave that to the sound man. Personally I like it and I won't be getting rid of it as it has become very useful, even if I decide to go bigger this baby stays with me. I use all my Bass's through it the main axe of choice is my Alembic Epic 5 String but use a fretless Carvin LB70F, a 1976 Fender Precision and a 1978 Fender Jazz with active EMG's. All of which cover just about every bass sound you could ever ask for, the Rumble 100, produces clear, quality sounds for every occasion. No noises or unwanted humms, pops or crackles. // 8

Reliability & Durability: It has never failed or indicated that it might. I don't want to have to think about carrying a backup to gigs and sessions. I need one amp. For one job, "getting my sound out properly." If I had wanted a bigger sound I would have spent three times the money, and got better medical insurance, a back brace or maybe two more roadies. // 10

Impression: It's working great for me right now. Will I change it? I won't sell it as it has too many uses, will I buy something else?. Yes. The day when I will need more power and headroom isn't too far away. I think I've said it all. Begginer or even gigging pro, there's a space for the Rumble 100 in your arsenal. // 10

overall: 8

Reviewed by: callingknopfler, on march 02, 2005

Purchased from: Trevor Davies Guitar Shop

Features: It was first introduced in july 2003. It has great sound and plenty of volume when playing in large groups. If you're playing in a group with a drummer get the 100 watt version, you'll need the power. It has an effects loop and a power amplifier in jack. It also has a headphones and CD phono socket too. Theres a line out three pin socket wich I've never used (because I can't find the connector anywhere! ) I use this amp at folk music gigs and in a band. It has a red pulsing light at the bottom which falshes with the beat you play. // 10

Sound: I use a standard Fender P-Bass with standard pickups. I'll have to say it suits my playing style 'cause I can't play slap bass yet. It can get very loud but it does not distort on loud settings (it's a real endurance amp). It can only make one particular type of sound but of course there is the cahngeable EQ (bass, treble, low mid and high mid). Like I said before there is no distortion it's a bass amp. // 8

Reliability & Durability: I can depend on it for volume I wouldn't need a support amp for it. The only grumble I have with it is that the EQ knobs are pathetic. The treble has snapped off and so the only way to make it bright is to use the high mid. when I went to a shop they said they would contact Fender which they did and Fender4 said that they would not create spare parts 'cause they were too embarassed at how many people were complaining over the problem. // 4

Impression: The amp overall is good I don't think I'll change it for a while unless of course I go to bigger pastures! // 10

overall: 10

Reviewed by: unregistered, on june 27, 2005

Price paid: $ 325

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Features: I'm not 100% sure when the amp was made but I know it's not old at all. It is great for punk-rock, pop-punk, emo (just what I play) and most rock. It's got a headphone jack, effect loops, stufff like that. It has a red light on the bottom and it lights up when you hit a note (I love it, it kept me intertained for hours). I use all the features on it depending on what song I'm playing and I dont think it really needs much more than it already has. I use it in my garage and my best friends garage, it is loud enough for me and too loud for neighbors, I can turn it down to were I wouldnt anoy my neighbors, but I choose not to, its to fun. // 10

Sound: I just use a Fender Squire P-Bass with whatever kind of pickups it came with. It suits my music style (punk, pop-punk, and emo) very well and I'm sure I could do almost any music style you wanted it to. It's loud but best played with the tone turned up almost all the way, don't turn it all the way up with any amp you get because it could blowout if you always play on max. It can make a very wide veriety of sounds. I doesn't distort that much at all, only I you go to loud, so if your aiming for destortoin get a pedal (phaser pedals sound awesome on it). // 10

Reliability & Durability: I can definitly depend on this freakin sweet amp. I go to play in a church band every sunday and I have never needed a backup amp. I've never broken it and plan on keeping it that way. // 10

Impression: I like punk, pop punk, and emo. its a really good match. I've been playing for a little over a year. I also have a Fender acoustic and another Fener amp (Frontman 15 B, don't get it), and a few other accessories. I had everything I needed when I bought it. I would probably get it again if it got stolen or lost because it is a awesome amp. I like the red lights on the bottom. I don't hate anything it has on it. I did compare it to a few others but this 1 had the red lights and was the most affordable for its wattage and good brand name. I love this amp and I cant really think of anything else I wish it had except more watts because you can nvr have enough watts. // 10

overall: 8.8

Reviewed by: ccmetz2020, on june 23, 2008

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Features: I found this amp to be very versatile. I could get a lot of sounds out of it from punk and funk to metal. It comes with a 4-band EQ, headphone jack, a mid scoop switch, effects loop jacks, and a passive/active switch. I find myself using the mid scoop feature the most because it makes for a pretty good slap and pop funk sound. I use this amp sometimes for band practice and it can hold it's own against a drummer and two guitarists! I wish it was 150 watts instead of only 100 but that doesn't mean it's bad. // 8

Sound: I use my Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass with this amp and usually I will solo the bridge pickup for rock/funk sound. If I'm playing slap and pop though, then I will turn on the neck pickup as well. This amp definetly suits my music style, as I've already mentioned, it is very versatile. Not very noisy at all and it does a good job with keeping the sound clean at higher volumes. // 8

Reliability & Durability: This amp is very reliable, it comes with a five year warranty and I would definetly trust it at a gig with no backup. The amp has never let me down and I don't think it ever will. Without a doubt, this amp is tough and I'm sure it could stand up to whatever day to day things that you will put it through. // 10

Impression: This amp suits my rock/funk/metal style and my favorite part is probably the versatility that goes along with buying this amp. I can get many different sounds out of it and my favorite feature would probably be the mid scoop. Overall, this amp is reliable, versatile, and has a great sound. It is a good buy. // 9

overall: 9.8

Reviewed by: unregistered, on february 19, 2008

Price paid: $ 237

Purchased from: Avenue Guitars

Features: The amp is pretty basic, but that's really a blessing in disguise. It features a 4 band eq to easily dial in almost any sound on most basses. It also features a push-button Switch for passive or active pickups and a mid-cut feature for slapping. Additionally, the amp has a full effects loops, a CD input and an XLR output (very rare at this price, or any price really) which allows the amp to play far bigger venues than the 100 watt power rating should allow. // 9

Sound: I play in a Ukrainian covers band (gotta pay the bills) and a punk band using a Yamaha RBX bass (the crazy light one, sorry I don't now the name), a Hamer Chapparel and a Fender Mark Hoppus and the amp handles it all with ease. The single channel and simple eq innitially seems like a restraint (I'm usually a guitar player using a mesa rectifier) but after some serious use, it becomes apparent that it's much easier to dial in 1 perfect sound and stick with it. The built in compression circuitry sucks, so do use a compressor pedal. The amp has one of the better sounds I've ever heard on a combo bass amp period. it's just a little "hairy" sounding, keeping it from being sterile and flat. Additionally, it stays clean till you push the volume up to 10 (I'm sure it would stay clean further) and sounds good regardless of how you play (though I'm not totally sure about slap, don't really use it). // 10

Reliability & Durability: I really do trust this amp. I don't play with a backup ever, even at weddings with over 750 people. I don't fear anything going wrong with the amp because it's well made and simple, there's really nothing that can go too wrong with it. Even after a 6 hour set, the amp is cold to the touch, that's just impressive. I have changed the speaker to a JBL after a car crash lightly damaged the original. The sound did not change and everything else in the amp did not need repairs! // 10

Impression: As an all-around solid amp for anybody from a begginer getting a first real amp to a semi-pro player looking for something a little lighter than a full stack, this is a good amp to audition. It might be a little shy on features, but it makes up for it by being intuitive and just plain bulletproof! And, to top it all off, it sounds pretty damn nice! // 10

overall: 9.5

Reviewed by: Greenday389, on november 20, 2006

Purchased from: Eckroth Music

Features: My style is mostly classic rock and metal. This amp does meet my needs almost perfectly. It has one channe, and effects loop, a headphone jack, it has one input, but it has a little button that if you have it out it's for passive and when pushed in is for active basses. This amp is solid state and has a button for mid scoop(which I have on all the time). The inputs and outputs for the effects loop can be used for the power amp in and out also. This amp has a line out output and a line level knob. It also has a ground lift button. Also the amp as a CD in jack and a master volume knob. This amp has 4-band EQ (low, low mid, high mid, high). Which is asome. I use this amp in my house, but boy does it get loud! I have to turn the knob almost all the way down. I can't wait to gig with this amp. This thing has power! I also like the cool red flashing light on the bottom. Which you can turn off if you wanted to. This amp also has handles and caster wheels for moving. // 10

Sound: I am currently using a Squier Affintiy P-Bass through this amp. This setup works good for my style of music(classic rock and metal). This amp isn't noisy (probobly if you turn it up a lot but then you can't hear it anyways). This amp is pretty versitile. You can get the low beat, the muddy waters, the high mid clanking, and that nice scooped mid funk sound. I'm pretty sure this amp would get distorted at 3/4 up if not a at 2/3 up. With my experience with the Rumble 15 I bet the distortion is probobly that ugle broken up shattered kinda of distortion. // 8

Reliability & Durability: I'd totaly depend on this. It has the power, the sound, and the duribility I'd probobly want. I'd use it without a backup for sure. Plus if I could afford a backup I'd probobly get a nice head with a 4x10 cab and a 1x15 cab. This amp hasn't broken down yet. It has a metal grill which in pretty durible. I'll never neglect this thing so I don't have to worry about that. // 10

Impression: I play classic rock and metal. This is deffinatly a good match with all of it's power. I've been playing for a year and a half. I own a Squier Affinity P-bass and a Fender Rumble 15. If this was stolen I'd kill the person you did! I'd probobly then get a head and cab since and upgrade always cheers me up. I love how it is so reliable and versitile with all it's brutle power. My favorite feature is probobly the red light on the bottom. It is totally cool. I've compared it to the Rumble 60. I chose this one because it had so many features and had asome power ect. I wish it could carry it's self, because god it's heavy. They say it's 60 lbs. and I'm not that strong. // 10

overall: 8.3

Reviewed by: unregistered, on august 08, 2007

Price paid: $ 325

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Features: Very versatile little amp packed with features such as an active/passive switch, mid scoop, 4 band EQ, effects loop, headphone jack, CD inputs, single 15 in woofer and a peizio horn, ported cab decked out with cool little LED lights that pulse to your sound. You can also turn the LEDs off with a switch in the back. Single carrying strap on top (no side handles which is very inconvienent). Removable casters are nice. // 9

Sound: This amp kicks out a lot of low end from the single 15 and will deffinately rumble in a living room or basement. This is a great practice amp and can perform with a small ensamble. I tried to keep up with a drummer and guitar on a 50 watt Marshall half stack, playing rock and I had to turn it almost all the way up. I struggled to hear myself in a small room with these musicians. It might have worked if we could have utilized the XLR out into a PA. I don't recommend this amp in this type of setting. The amp distorts at about 9 on the master vol. You'll get a low rumble from this baby but it won't "growl" like a higher end amp. The horn in this amp is very noisy, especialy with an instrument with active pickups. If your near something like a ceiling fan it's even worse. // 6

Reliability & Durability: This amp has been very reliable for the 3 years that I've owned it. I never had to worry about it or any of it's features working. Very solid rig. Built tough and takes a beating. Solid metal speaker grill keeps that massive 15 safe. // 10

Impression: This amp is a great starter amp. It's features allow it to aspire to more than many comparably priced amps. Not recommended for performances unless you can use the line out to the PA or mic it. It's perfect for at home practice or jamming with others as long as they don't get too loud. I've owned it and pushed it for 3 years and I'm not sorry that I bought it. I've moved up to an Ampeg 450 watt to keep up with louder band mates, but I won't let go of my Fender Rumble. This is my main "home alone" practice amp to this day. I do wish Fender would have included side carry handles as the top carry strap is a bit awkward. At $350. it's a great deal and a great amp. // 8

overall: 9.8

Reviewed by: unregistered, on january 18, 2008

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Features: I believe mine is a 2005 or 2006 model, I got it for Christmas 2006 from my parents about a year ago. I love playing the amp with any style that I play (I.e. thrash, grunge, funk, progressive, punk, etc.) The passive/active and mid-scoop controls make it very versatile to play with. The only cannel it has is clean, which kinda bummed me out because I want to find a bass amp with a distortion channel built right in. I use it in my bedroom, and it rattles the entire house. I actually think it's pretty awesome. It definitely has enough power that I can use it at practice as the bottom end, or so I can turn it down low enough to use in my home. My friends and I love the LED lights on the bottom of the thing. We often turn all the lights out at practice just so they can see the thing. The lights also help sense the vibrations in the note differences, which makes it easy to tune in a loud area. Also, the wheels on the bottom are a nice touch as well, they make it easy to move it around at practice. I don't really use the effects loop, line in, ground lift, or CD input, but it does have those features. Overall, the features on this combo are great. Just the thing I need for the things I want to do. // 10

Sound: Right now I'm playing an Ibanez Soundgear Gio GSR 200, stock pickups. The sound is amazing for what I have. My uncle, Who owns a Schecter Stilletto Elite 4 (EMG HZ pickups), has plugged his bass in, and the sound was phenomenal. Like I said before, it's really versatile when it comes to what genre you want to play; you just need to toggle the settings a wee bit. If you have the treble settings up too high, you might get a buzz out of the amp because of the high freq. of the treble setting. I have a Metal Muff w/ Top Boost, and a Dunlop Crybaby Classic Wah Wah. THe distorion on it is pretty br00tul, haha. I like the sound out of it, if that's what the question is. Like the features, this amp has an amazing sound. // 9

Reliability & Durability: I would definitely use this amp at a gig without a backup, It's very dependable. THe amp has never broken down, and I hope will never break down. I try to be very careful with it when I transport it, but I know if I bump it on something, say a wall, it'll be fine.It's a solid state, so the tube service isn't needed. I would definitely recomend it to a friend, and I already have in the past. // 10

Impression: I play, like I've said above, anything I like to listen to. It's versatile as well as dependable, and just a down-right amazing amp. I would most likely buy a different amp, because I don't have 330 dollars just lying around, haha. My favorite feature it the mid-scoop. It just makes the amp sound so much more like a bottom end amp. LIke I said above, I wish it had an analog distortion channel. I don't like digital. the only thing I don't like about it is that I wouldn't be able to use it as a head and cab, and just add another cab on the bottom. That would be pretty awesome if I do say so myself. This amp is amazing, and I reffer it to all bassists who need something powerful, but easy to transport. // 10

Comments

[synyster.punk]

emo player i hope u die

[snakeyes9510]

punk, i hope u choke on your pick.... haha

[yankee128]

Ouch..
Great reviews!
Jeez, dont insult the emo player,
Hes doing what he likes..
Just like we do..
He might be really good too..
Ive seen great punk bassists..
Man.. Take It Easy..

[m.o.d.---]

i love mine

[VALISICUS]

this amp's alright.
i played a behringer 60watt
that pushed just as much,
with better tone quality.

[eddienolan89]

its a class amp,but i ting i blew it cos if i put the volume up full on it,its not as loud as it used to be and i have it only 3 months!

[bassbizzle]

i think if your gonna spend money on an amp like this get the rumble 100/210 it sounds better, and can get louder without blurring

[tasmo]

i've had mine for a month or so. i'm really loving it at the moment. i heard the 2x10 is better - but i got this so i can use this amp's 15 inch bass as part of a stack if i ever need to.

[ersatz]

i got it used and bought it on a whim and i really liike, i live in an old house and the whole house shakes, defenitely worth the money i think a great intro amp. ampeg for me one day

[Left_hander_nz]

VALISICUS :
this amp's alright.
i played a behringer 60watt
that pushed just as much,
with better tone quality.

dude i had that 60watt behringer and i upgraded to this...

[dc sharby]

I agree about the issues concerning the sturdiness
of the plastic input jacks and knobs.
One would think that there'd be more attention to detail placed upon them, as they also go through the rigors of daily use.
After only three times using the amp,
and I might add with kit' gloved hands...
the main input jack fell completely off.
Other than that, this amp simply rocks!

[Omnipahnt]

100watts, plenty of features, entertaining red light. what more could you need?