Updated by Danielle
Updated on July 24th, 2023
Checked product links for availability and added price guide for the Fender Rumble amps. Hope it's helpful!
What is the best bass combo amp?
The Fender Rumble Series
The Fender Rumble series, primarily the 40 and 100 watt Rumble amps, are our top recommendations in this category, checking off all the boxes we want to see (EQ, tone quality, DI, overdrive) for a very manageable price tag.
For combo bass amps, I'm going to recommend you start with the Rumble series.
The Rumble checks off a lot of boxes we want for bass combo amps, and does so at one of the most competitive price ranges you could hope for. At the time of writing this roundup, the 40 watt version of the Rumble was only $230.
Now of course there are better quality options.
But I'm looking for a crossing of quality and price, which would give us the highest value bass amp, and not simply the most expensive.
The Fender Rumble 40 is one of the most popular combo bass amps in the game. Image via Muzzoneby
Aside from the price, here's what I like about the Rumble:
- Onboard gain/overdrive
- Four-band EQ (high and low mid controls)
- Direct out (for recording and/or PA systems)
- Different voicing options (three total)
The Rumble series by Fender has a wide range of prices and wattage to choose from. Image via Fender
The Rumble is more of an upper-beginner to lower-intermediate type of bass amplifier. If you want something a little more advanced, I'll include my honorable mentions in the comparison table below.
Though keep in mind, there are a wide range of models in the Rumble series that get more expensive. These are primarily higher-wattage combo bass amps, but can serve you well beyond the beginner stage. The Rumble series can run the table for most skill levels.
If you still want to level up, I'd recommend looking at the Ampeg and Gallien-Krueger bass amps.
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Compare the Rumble 40 to Other Bass Combo Amps
This table has four other popular bass combo amps and allows you to compare them to the Fender Rumble 40.
Amp | Name | Rate | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fender Rumble 40 | n/a | |
 | Hartke KB12 | n/a | |
 | Gallien-Krueger MB112 | n/a | |
 | Orange Crush Bass 50 | n/a |
In 2012 I started this site, and I still handle most of the writing for both guitar and bass content. We want to make it clear that you're getting real advice from actual musicians, whether myself or those I work with.
A full look at the Fender Rumble 40.
Pricing Tools
As I mentioned previously, the Rumble bass amps are a series with several different wattage variations. These tables update in real time so you're getting the most recent price points.
Pricing from Major Vendors
Price Alert (lowest price among listed vendors)
Price History
Price History for Fender RUMBLE 25 1x8 25W Bass Combo Amp
Statistics
| Current Price | $129.99 | September 25, 2023 |
| Highest Price | $129.99 | July 24, 2023 |
| Lowest Price | $129.99 | July 24, 2023 |
Last price changes
| $129.99 | July 24, 2023 |
Wattage Variations in the Rumble Series
One of the biggest factors when it comes to amplifier prices, guitar or bass, is the wattage. The higher the wattage, the bigger the amp, and the higher the price.
And that's definitely the case with the Rumble series.
But with most bass amps having direct outs, you don't necessarily need a high wattage version. Of course, it's up to you, but I usually recommend going with a lower wattage amp in a high-quality series, and saving some money.
Features we like in the Rumble amps
We've touched on some of the features we like, but here's a completed review card. Note the message about numbered category ratings.
IDEAL FOR: Practice, recording, small to mid-sized venues.
We leave these rating boxes empty if we have not yet done a single-product review
TONE
n/a
VERSATILITY
n/a
CONTROL
n/a
COST/VALUE
n/a
Four-band EQ
Three different amp voicings
Foot-switchable overdrive
XLR direct out
- Would be nice to have two channels
Which wattage is the best "happy medium"?
For basic practice, recording, and small performance settings, the 40 watt version should be plenty and it'll give you the most value. But if you just need something louder, the 100 watt version is a nice upgrade.
For what it's worth, you can also downshift to a 25 watt version.
Though we wouldn't recommend that one for much outside of indoor practice.
What are some other brands to consider?
The brands of the amps listed in the comparison table are our three go-to options, in addition to the Fender Rumble series. Here's a full list:
- Fender
- Gallien-Krueger
- Orange Amps
- Ampeg
The Orange Crush bass series is a great alternative if you're not feeling the Rumble 40. Image via T_Ozukum
Conclusion
So this is my recommendation, but it's always important to put recommendations in your context. My job is to present the highest-value option, that will work best for the largest number of people.
But make sure to do your own research and take all the variables into consideration.
Don't pay for wattage if you don't need wattage, and make sure you get the features you want.
If you have questions, drop them in the comments section below.
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