Looking for a bass amplifier that packs a serious punch? Meet the Fender Rumble 15. This little amp is capable of delivering legendary Fender tone, making it perfect for any gig or practice session.Fender Rumble 15 User Manual
Pros & Cons of Fender Rumble 15
The Fender Rumble 15 is a great sounding, lightweight and portable amplifier that is perfect for bass players of all skill levels. It’s easy to use controls and auxiliary input make it perfect for practicing or jamming along with your favorite tracks. And with a 5-year transferable warranty, you can rest assured that this amp is built to last.Buyer’s Guide
What’s an amp?
An amplifier, or “amp” for short, is a device that takes the signal from your guitar and makes it louder. Without an amp, your guitar would be very quiet and would not be able to be heard over the other instruments in a band.
Amps come in all shapes and sizes, from small practice amps that you can keep at home to large onstage rigs that are capable of blasting out thousands of watts of sound.
Fundamentals and formats
When shopping for an amplifier, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, you need to decide what format you want your amp to be in. The two most common formats are combo amps and head/cabinet rigs. Combo amps are all-in-one units that contain both the amplifier and the speakers in one enclosure. Head/cabinet rigs consist of two parts: the “head”, which is the actual amplifier, and the “cabinet”, which houses one or more speakers.
What do the amplifier controls do for your electric guitar?
The controls on an amplifier allow you to adjust the sound of your guitar. The three most common controls are volume, gain, and EQ.
The volume control adjusts the overall loudness of the amp. Turning it up will make the amp louder, and turning it down will make it quieter.
The gain control adjusts the amount of distortion in the sound. Turning it up will make the sound more distorted, and turning it down will make the sound cleaner.
The EQ (equalization) controls allow you to adjust the balance of low, middle, and high frequencies in the sound. For example, if you boost the low frequencies, the sound will be “bassier”; if you boost the high frequencies, the sound will be “sharper” or “brighter”.
Some amps also have additional controls such as reverb, which adds an “echoey” effect to the sound, and boost, which increases the overall volume of the amp. [1]
Volume
When shopping for an amplifier, you’ll see a lot of numbers thrown around. The two most important numbers to pay attention to are volume and wattage.
Volume is measured in watts. The higher the wattage, the louder the amp. However, it’s important to note that not all amps are created equal; a 100-watt amp from one manufacturer might be significantly louder than a 100-watt amp from another manufacturer. In general, though, the rule of thumb is that more watts equal more volume.
Another important number to be aware of is dB (decibels). This is a measure of how loud the amp actually is, rather than how much power it has. The dB rating is usually printed on the back of the amp, and it’s a good idea to check this number before you buy an amp.
In general, you’ll want an amp that has a volume of at least 30 watts and a dB rating of 100 or more. However, if you’re playing smaller venues such as clubs or coffeehouses, you might be able to get away with an amp that has a lower volume and dB rating.
Bass
Bass is an important factor to consider when shopping for an amplifier. Some amps are designed specifically for bass guitars, while others can be used with both electric and bass guitars. When shopping for an amp, you’ll want to make sure that it has enough power to handle the low frequencies of a bass guitar.
Mids
Mids in an amplifier are responsible for the sound of the instrument being amplified. They are what give a guitar its characteristic tone, and they can be adjusted to help the instrument stand out in a mix. Mids can be adjusted by turning the knob on an amplifier that is labeled “mid,” or “MID.”
When adjusting the mids, it is important to remember that they should always be tweaked in conjunction with the other knobs on the amplifier.
Too much midrange can make an instrument sound harsh and brittle, while not enough can make it difficult to hear. It is usually best to start with the mids set in the middle of their range and then adjust them up or down depending on the desired effect. [2]
Contour
The contour knob on an amplifier is similar to the mids knob, but it affects a broader range of frequencies. The contour knob will affect the frequencies between 100 Hz and 3,000 Hz.
This knob can be used to change the overall tone of an amplifier. For example, if you want a “thicker” sound, you would turn the contour knob up; if you want a “ thinner” sound, you would turn it down.
Like the mids knob, the contour knob should always be adjusted in conjunction with the other knobs on the amplifier. Too much contour can make an instrument sound muddy, while not enough can make it sound thin and tinny. As with the mids, it is usually best to start with the contour knob in the middle of its range and then adjust it up or down as needed.
Treble
The treble control on an amplifier allows you to adjust the amount of high-frequency sounds in the sound. This is important because not all guitars are created equal; some guitars are better at producing high-frequency sounds than others. If you have a guitar that doesn’t produce very good treble tones, you can use the treble control on your amp to boost those frequencies and make them sound better.
Many amps also have a “treble boost” function, which increases the level of treble tones even more. This is a great feature to use if you’re playing in a band and need to fill out the high end of your sound.
Just like the other knobs on an amplifier, the treble knob should always be adjusted in conjunction with the other knobs on the amp. Too much treble can make an instrument sound shrill and piercing, while not enough can make it sound dull and lifeless. As with the other frequency knobs, it is usually best to start with the treble knob in the middle of its range and then adjust it up or down as needed.
Presence
Presence is an important aspect of amplifier sound. It gives your guitar tone a sense of clarity and power, making it stand out in a mix.
Many budget amplifiers lack presence, resulting in a muddy or lackluster tone. But the Fender Rumble 15 has plenty of it. Its tone is punchy and articulate, making it perfect for gigging and recording.
Tone or EQ
Guitar amplifiers can be a tricky thing to purchase. You want to make sure that you are getting the best sound for your money, and that can be a challenge when you are looking at budget amplifiers. One of the things that you need to consider when looking at an amplifier is the tone or EQ.
Budget amplifiers often have less flexibility when it comes to tone, so you need to make sure that you are happy with the sound that they produce. You also need to think about how you will be using the amplifier.
The Fender Rumble 15 is a great budget amplifier that has a lot of flexibility when it comes to tone. It has four different channels: clean, drive, bass and treble. This means that you can easily customize the sound to match your style of music. The Rumble 15 also has an effects loop, which allows you to add pedals to your signal chain. This is a great feature for those who want more control over their tone. [3]
Types of amps
There are two main types of amplifiers: tube amps and solid-state amps. Tube amps are the original type of amplifier, and they use vacuum tubes to amplify the signal. Solid-state amps were introduced in the 1960s and they use transistors to amplify the signal.
Both types of amplifiers have their own strengths and weaknesses. Tube amps produce a warmer, more robust sound than their less expensive solid-state counterparts, but they require greater maintenance. Solid-state amps are less expensive and easier to maintain, but they often lack the warmth and fullness of sound that tube amps provide.
The Fender Rumble 15 is a more affordable and easier-to-maintain solid-state amplifier as opposed to a tube amp. However, it still has a very full and rich sound. If you’re looking for an amplifier that doesn’t skimp on quality but want to stay within a budget, this is the one for you. [4]
Tube (valve)
Tube amps are the original type of amplifier, and they use vacuum tubes to amplify the signal. Tube amps tend to have a warmer, fuller sound, but they are also more expensive and require more maintenance than solid-state amps.
Solid-state
Solid-state amplifiers are those that use transistors to amplify the signal from the guitar. They are considered by many musicians to be the best type of amplifier for a number of reasons.
The first is that they are very reliable. They are not as susceptible to damage from heat or humidity as valve amplifiers, and they tend to last longer. They also require less maintenance, which is a plus for gigging musicians.
Another advantage of solid-state amps is that they are lighter and smaller than valve amps, making them more portable. They also generate less noise, which is important for gigging musicians who need to be able to hear themselves play.
Finally, solid-state amps tend to be cheaper than valve amps, making them a good option for budget-minded musicians.
Hybrid
Hybrid amplifiers are a combination of tube and solid-state amplifiers. They use tubes for the preamp stage and solid-state components for the power amp stage.
Hybrid amps offer the best of both worlds. They have the warmth and fullness of sound that tube amps provide, but they are also lighter and more portable. They also tend to be cheaper than all-tube amps.
Modelling
Modelling amplifiers use digital technology to recreate the sound of classic amps.
Modelling amps are a great option for those who want the flexibility to switch between different sounds. They often have built-in effects, which can be handy for those who want to experiment with their sound.
Modelling amps are also a good choice for those who are on a budget, as they tend to be less expensive than all-tube or all-solid-state amps.
Others
There are other types of amplifiers, such as acoustic amps and bass amps. Acoustic amps are designed specifically for acoustic guitars, while bass amps are designed specifically for bass guitars.
The Fender Rumble 15 is a great choice for those who want a budget amplifier that doesn’t compromise on sound quality. It is a solid-state amplifier, so it is less expensive and easier to maintain than a tube amp.
Sound
The sound of an amplifier is one of its most important features. After all, if the amplifier doesn’t produce a good sound, then it’s not going to be very useful. When looking for a guitar amplifier, it’s important to consider what type of sound you want it to produce.
Some amplifiers are designed to produce a heavy metal sound, while others are designed for classic rock or country music. It’s important to find an amplifier that will produce the type of sound that you’re looking for. If you’re not sure what type of sound you want, then you can always take the amp in for a test drive first.
Effects
Effects in amplifiers can add a variety of different sounds to your playing. Some amplifiers have built-in effects, while others allow you to add external pedals. Effects can be used to create new sounds, or to emulate the sound of other instruments.
When choosing an amplifier, be sure to consider what type of effects you want it to include. If you’re not sure, ask a salesperson for help. They can recommend amplifiers that will suit your needs and budget. [5]
Power and volume
The power and volume of an amplifier are two important factors to consider. The power is measured in watts, and the higher the wattage, the louder the amplifier can be. If you’re planning on gigging with your amplifier, then you’ll need one that has a high wattage.
The volume is measured in decibels, and it indicates how loud the amplifier can get before it starts to distort the sound. If you’re looking for an amp that can produce a lot of volume without distorting, then you’ll need one with a high dB rating.
Recording capability
Some amplifiers are designed specifically for recording. They have built-in microphones and recording software, which make it easy to record your music. They also often have a USB port, which allows you to connect the amplifier to your computer. This can be handy for those who want to edit their recordings or create music videos.
If you’re looking for an amplifier that is designed for recording, then be sure to consider these features. If you’re not sure if an amplifier has these features, then ask the salesperson for help.
Size and weight
The size and weight of an amplifier are important factors to consider, especially if you’re planning on gigging with it. The larger the amplifier, the more space it will take up. And the heavier it is, the more difficult it will be to transport.
If you’re looking for a portable amplifier that is easy to transport, then you’ll need to find one that is small and light. On the other hand, if you’re not planning on gigging with your amplifier, then size and weight won’t be as important.
The size of an amplifier impacts its productivity and the ability to produce more and ”bigger” sound. If you are looking for a powerful sound, then you will want to find a large amplifier. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more mellow and ”quiet” sound, then you will want to find a small amplifier. The weight of an amplifier also affects its productivity. The heavier the amplifier, the more it will vibrate, which can impact the quality of sound it produces.
FAQ
How loud is a 60-watt guitar amp?
A 60-watt amplifier is typically loud enough for small gigs and rehearsals. However, if you’re looking to use the amp for larger gigs or arenas, then you’ll need an amplifier with a higher wattage. [6]
Can you gig with a 50-watt amp?
The Fender Rumble 50 is a great option for gigging guitarists who need something more powerful than a practice amp. It has plenty of features and a great tone that will cut through any mix.
How long can you leave an amp on standby?
It’s generally safe to leave an amplifier on standby for extended periods of time. However, if you’re planning on leaving it on for more than a few days, then it’s a good idea to unplug it from the power source. This will help prevent any damage from overloading the amplifier.
Is a higher watt guitar amp better?
Not necessarily. The wattage of an amplifier only indicates how loud it can be. It doesn’t necessarily mean that it will sound better than a lower wattage amplifier.
Does higher watts mean better sound?
No, not necessarily. The wattage of an amplifier only tells you how loud it can get. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the sound quality is any better. In fact, sometimes lower wattage amplifiers can actually produce a better sound quality because they’re not being pushed as hard to create volume.
Why are guitar amps so loud?
Guitar amps are designed to be loud so that they can be heard over the rest of the band. If an amplifier wasn’t loud enough, then it would be difficult for the guitarist to be heard.
Related Video: Squier Jaguar Bass and Fender Rumble 15 Pack Review
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Fender Rumble 15 is a great amplifier for those who are looking for their first amp or an upgrade from a practice/beginner amp. It has plenty of features and power for most gigging applications and is very affordable. If you have any questions about guitar amplifiers or need help choosing one, please leave a comment below or contact us today! We’d be happy to assist you in finding the perfect amp for your needs.
References:
- https://learnguitarpdx.com/guitar-amp-controls/
- https://www.musicianauthority.com/bass-treble-and-mid/
- https://www.anatomyofguitartone.com/home/a-brief-but-complete-guide-to-guitar-eq
- https://guitargearfinder.com/guides/different-types-of-guitar-amps-explained/
- https://www.soundsationmusic.com/en/blog/amplifiers-and-effects-how-to-get-the-best-interactions
- http://www.wiredguitarist.com/2018/12/18/guitar-amp-wattage-how-loud-is-loud-enough/