Skybone Posted May 26, 2015 Share Posted May 26, 2015 So I'm still GAS-ing for an amp, and I'm currently between the GK MB212-ii OR the Fender Rumble 500 (or the GK MB210-ii as well), though I do keep coming back to look at the Ashdown Rootmaster 420 210 combo too. They're both light weight combo's that pack some punch (or so I am led to believe from what I've heard on here & other sites), pretty reliable, loud enough for rehearsals & gigs, and all importantly, relatively affordable... The thing is now to decide which one would be best for me. Both amps "tick all the boxes" of spec, but unfortunately, I'm unable to try either out, so I'd have to take a punt at getting one from an online retailer. Sound/style wise, I'm playing in a rock-y/punk-y style band, so would like something that sounds good and rock-y & punchy sounding, but also relatively small & light. The Fender is the front runner just now, because it's the cheapest, but also one of the local music shops can get one in for me (but don't seem too willing to get one in to try out). Benefit: shop backup if things go wrong. Also, with adding a suitable (and reasonably priced) cab, you can access the full 500w. The GK's sound ideal as well, the 212 uses the full 500w with the internal speakers, where the 210 needs a powered cab (according to the GK blurb). Can the MB210 be used with a suitably rated passive cab to get the 500w? How does the Rumble compare to the MB sonically? Has anyone tried them side by side? Does anyone know if the Ashdown Rootmaster 420 210 combo gets the full 420w through the internal speakers? Confused? Certainly! Still need to sell my G&L L2000 Tribute to fund it too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CamdenRob Posted May 26, 2015 Share Posted May 26, 2015 (edited) I've not played the Fender but GK and Ashdown are vastly different beasts... GK is modern, punchy and clean whereas the Ashdown is a much warmer more vintage sound (AKA Orange etc). They are at opposite ends of the spectrum really. Edited May 26, 2015 by CamdenRob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skybone Posted May 26, 2015 Author Share Posted May 26, 2015 OK, so that puts the Ashdown back in the running then! I would prefer a more "Vintage-y" sound, would like to consider the Orange Terror Bass 500 combo, but it's too expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No lust in Jazz Posted May 26, 2015 Share Posted May 26, 2015 I've been using the Fender Rumble 100 combo in our rehearsal rooms over the last few weeks and I've been impressed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norris Posted May 26, 2015 Share Posted May 26, 2015 The Rumble has a Vintage tone shaping switch that sounds very convincing. The overdrive switch is pretty good too. You can combine them for extra dirt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machinehead Posted May 26, 2015 Share Posted May 26, 2015 The 500w Rumble combo is under £400.00 at Thomann just now which includes delivery and a 3 year guarantee. Hard to beat deal on a good sounding combo. Frank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Dean Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 I have a Ashdown ABM RH400 digital & it can can get any sound you like Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skybone Posted May 27, 2015 Author Share Posted May 27, 2015 I noticed that the Rumble 500 was under £400 at Thomann, very tempted indeed! It's looking like the serious front runner just now, just need to scrape some pennies together! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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