Hey all. I’ve seen a lot of Amp talk here recently and I didn’t want to hijack anybody’s thread so I decided to start my own. I have been playing about 18 months and have a Rumble 40. I really love it. But, I have recently joined a band and recently got a multi-effects pedal. So, I am thinking I should upgrade for the ability to play out eventually and for the effects return. I don’t think I would keep the 40 if I upgrade (not enough space). So, is a Rumble 100 enough for small bar gigs, or should I go to 200? And, would I still be able to play at low levels at home? Thanks for any advice.
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the general rule with amps is: it’s much better to have more watts and not need it, then to need more watts and not have it. if you can afford the 200 id go for it. yes you can turn them down low for home play.
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Great advice. Thanks. My local GC has a Rumble 200 used for the same price as a new 100.
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currently using a borrowed rumble 15 and am looking to buy the 100 for my own amp so taking an interest in this thread. been learning for around 9-10 months and no plans or chance even of joining a band, just for fun really in my lounge.
so…… much difference between the 100 and 200 for a plodder? obviously theres 100 amps difference 
but what about size, weight, effects, that sort of thing.
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Bigger is always better, IMO, unless you don’t have room, however, you can always get rid of a piece of furniture if you need to. It’s also a bonus to be able to put the amp where it fits and also be able to hear it well if your chair fits well somewhere else.
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Rumble 500, extension cab too for the full 500 watts. Hey, it’s not my money 
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Will you be playing with a drummer?
Yes. Drummer and two guitars. Crazy thing is that our practice space has a 40 watt Orange amp, which I don’t like at all. But cranked, you can hear the bass just fine.
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Is the Orange a tube amp or solid state? They are measured differently.
Solid State. I didnt know they were measured differently.
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They aren’t technically measured differently; they just sound louder due to tube compression naturally increasing loudness at the same peak volume level.
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Trust @howard . I don’t really understand why it works the way it does.
The Rumble 200 for the price of a Rumble 100 sounds like a good deal.
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You were right that they definitely sound louder!
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The Rumble 100 is a full 100 watts into its 12” speaker. The Rumble 200 is 140 watts into its 15” speaker. You would need to add an 8 ohm extension cab to it to get the full 200 watts. I had a 200. It’s larger than the 100/500/800. If you add a Rumble 210 extension cab, you need to lay it sideways to get the same width as a 200. The 100 and 200 have the same FX loop and DI out, but the 200 is heavier by a few pounds.
If you’re not going to spend the money for a 500, I’d recommend getting a 100 instead of a 200. The 100 and 500 have more tonal clarity. I regretted not getting the 500. I was just stuck on the idea of 15” speakers for basses. I also very stupidly bought a 15” subwoofer for my 7.1 channel home theater system. I’ve learned my lesson. I love my GR Bass AT Cube 500 and 112 cab with their single 12” speakers.
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the 200 is larger than 500 and 800?? thats crazy
thank you, that makes it clearer. even 100 is probably overkill for my needs right now, 200 more so. i cant even think about having 500 or 800 in my living room
thanks for the advice, i’ll keep looking for a 100.
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Skip the 200. Go for 100 or 500.
The problem with the 200, is that it is not a 200 watt combo amp! It requires an extension cab to get the full power. Without one, you’ve got a 140 watt amp. So there is only a marginal power boost. The 500 is similar, but gets you 350 watts.
Here is the wattage, weight, and cost for the 100, 200, and 500. Without adding an extension cab.
100: 100 watts @4ohms4ohms, 22lbs, $350
200: 140 w@8ohmstts @8ohms, 35lbs, $610
500: @8ohms50 watts @8ohms, 37lbs, $670
So if you want something affordable, light, and portable that will be enough to play at a coffee shop, get the 100. If you need more power to be able to keep up with a drummer, get the 500.
Were it me: I’d get the 100 for now. Even if you need a bigger amp later, a 40 or 100 is still very useful to have as a quick grab-and-go.
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Super helpful and good advice. Thanks. We don’t even have a gig yet, but I do like to plan and dream big. I like that I can bring a 100 to our rehearsal space since it is light. I may be wrong, but I imagine IF we ever play a bigger gig, the 100 will be big enough to serve as a monitor and the PA will handle the heavy lifting.
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Yup. I mean 37 lbs for the 500 is not terribly heavy. But 22lbs is real easy.
Or… I’d look at the Boss Katana 210. 300 watts. 2x10. $450. 48 lbs.
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Second this, 1 watt is great for practice quietly and has plenty of power to take on 95% of drummers. Clean tone takes effects very well and has all the connective features you will need. Downsides are its heavier than most in its class, and no option for extension cabs. But you likely wont need one as its easily as loud if not louder than the rumble 500.