Can someone explain the Dumble phenomenon

Rockstar216

Rockstar216

New member
I've been looking at different clips and reviews on Dumble amps and different Dumble style clones from different builders and such and keep wondering what is it that is so special about them? How would one describe the tone of a Dumble since he made some of the amps to different specs for different players.
 
Re: Can someone explain the Dumble phenomenon

I think its hype.

I do own a Fuchs ODS. I think of it as a nice Fender type amp (albeit a bit darker sounding) with Overdrive, Gain boost and mid boost.
 
Re: Can someone explain the Dumble phenomenon

I actually got the bug from the Weber forum, did not act on it until about 2006.
 
Re: Can someone explain the Dumble phenomenon

expensive hand made and rare amps played and enjoyed by some high profile players.
It was inevitable.
 
Re: Can someone explain the Dumble phenomenon

Haven't played the real thing but the D-style amps I've played all had outstanding response to playing dynamics. The nature of their overdrive was pretty distinctive in that even when cranked, they didn't sound saturated or gained out. The list of players and their unobtanium status is probably the biggest driver of lust for them, though.
 
Re: Can someone explain the Dumble phenomenon

They are rare and cost a lot so a bunch of people assume that makes them some kind of holy grail amp.

I played through a real ODS some years ago and was left really questioning the price tag...and at that time they were FAR less than they are today.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Re: Can someone explain the Dumble phenomenon

Same reason Orange amps and the 68 Bassman rose in value... I must've said I liked it on a forum somewhere. Don't remember playing one but who can remember every single piece of gear?
 
Re: Can someone explain the Dumble phenomenon

Dumbles are voiced to the player. I recently saw a video of robin ford talking about his gear and he said that during sound check one night when he was playing with Larry Carlton they switched rigs and in his words it just didn't work. Alexander Dumble has some incredible ears

Now when I listen to Carlos Santana I think his tone was better when he was playing a Les Paul through abFender Twin. In his case I think it's more about the guitar then the amps
 
Re: Can someone explain the Dumble phenomenon

I've briefly played on two--many, many years ago. I thought they were great. They have a sound that I can only describe as "liquid-y". Excellent sustain; compressed but dynamic, even at low volume. I've never heard that in another amp, except my old BF Tremolux on about 7.

And for these pros that use them, it's a deductible business expense, so why not?

Bill
 
Re: Can someone explain the Dumble phenomenon

They sound real purdy. I dunno if they sound 5-digit good though.

I've never played one. I will if I get the opportunity to, but these things are pretty rare. I've played some other rare amps and guitars though... who knows?

The thing that trips me out is that all the weird things I've heard surrounding the guy, most of which can be found in this thread: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-many-guitars-so-little-time/716837-dumble-amps.html
 
Re: Can someone explain the Dumble phenomenon

Powdered Toast Man said:
Dumble Amps customer base: people with more money than brains.
Click to expand...

Its the used ones.

Those in the business that he agrees to build amps for, I'm not so sure about that. I've read Mike Landau got a new Dumble in the last couple of years.
 
Re: Can someone explain the Dumble phenomenon

I wouldn't call Dumble owners stupid. It's kind of like my cousin paying $35K for a restored 65 Ford Galaxy off ebay. Seems stupid to me but he was in love. Years ago, I had an awesome Two Rock head and 2x12 cab. Loved it but couldn't justify the price tag and sold it.


I've never played a Dumble. Would love to one day.
 
Re: Can someone explain the Dumble phenomenon





Sounds cool but you'd think someone with an amp like that could at least record it in 1080p. ;)
 
Re: Can someone explain the Dumble phenomenon

I got to spend a few minutes with my Fuchs OD Supreme OD functions today - usually I just use it clean.

There's a lot of rolloff going into OD mode. You've got 1 level of overdrive which gets a little louder, the mid boost mode (yep, even louder) then gain boost (now its getting to a huge volume jump. That's why I use it clean and typically use a pedal when I want dirt.

Its much like the video above.
 
Re: Can someone explain the Dumble phenomenon

I've plugged into some Dumbles like an Overdrive Special and Six String Stinger, and also a ton of boutique variants like Two Rock, Fuchs, and Bludotone.

I'm also a big fan of Robben Ford.

What I found is that I'm so used to other tones, like the holy trinity of Marshall, Fender, Vox, that I don't feel like the Dumble tone is what I like. I can sound just fine plugged into "the Dumble sound" but I don't feel as inspired as I do when plugged into a hotrodded vintage Marshall or blackface Fender. I also love my Matchless Chieftain with an OD more than the Dumble lead tone.

To me, the Dumble tone sounds like a high wattage Fender with a Compressor on it. I prefer more dynamic range and a bit of crunch when laying into it. A Dumble compresses more, and the gain is too buttery for my taste.
 
Re: Can someone explain the Dumble phenomenon

Many people are quick to deride if they can't see the value in someone elses choice. But like all things some will find it magic, others not at all - there is no prototype for good tone.
 
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