The Fender Bassman 100T thread

[thrasher717]

I appreciate the responses. This is exactly the information I was seeking. I've never played through a tube amp before. Now that I'm 44, I figured it was time.

[dustinfennessey]

Hello 100T'ers! Has anyone experimented with the tube settings on the amp? I see you can run them normal, warmer, or colder but have always kept them right at the default level.

Heck this is the first amp I've owned that gives me the option to run the tubes at a certain temp setting. How does running tubes at various temps effect the sound?

[Freight Train]

Originally Posted by adivin

Bass at 10 on the passive side seems too much to be flat.

Set the overdrive channel to 1-1-3-6-6-6-6, which is flat on the eq.
Set the vintage channel to 4-10-10-7.
No bass or treble boost on either channel of course.
Now use the footswitch and switch between the two while playing. They should be very close in volume and tonal balance. If we take it that the overdrive channel eq is flat in the center detent position, then 10-10-7 is flat on the vintage channel. You're saying with these settings you're hearing more bottom end from the vintage channel? Not on mine at least.

[Tim1]

Freight Train, you seem to be our expert on this. I think you said you were going to test the frequency response with a meter at some stage. I think this is the only way we will know for sure, but I certainly don't doubt your ears. Any chance you can find the time to test it soon?

[Freight Train]

Originally Posted by Tim1

Freight Train, you seem to be our expert on this. I think you said you were going to test the frequency response with a meter at some stage. I think this is the only way we will know for sure, but I certainly don't doubt your ears. Any chance you can find the time to test it soon?

I've been itching to get to the bottom of this, so hopefully I can do it soon. The problem is I'm visually impaired and can't drive. I have to take the train to my mastering room, which is downtown, and I don't like the idea of schlepping the 100T on the train and then having to carry it 2 blocks once I get there. But I'm going to do my best to get it done next week. I'll just highjack my guitar player and make him haul me and the head down there.
After all is said and done of course, it really doesn't matter that much since each player is going to adjust eq to his/her own particular taste. But I think knowing what's flat is a good point of reference - you know that you are hearing exactly what your bass/pickups sound like through the amp/speaker combination. And like I keep preaching, the less processing that is done, the better the sound. That's especially true in recording, but it applies to musical instruments/amps as well. Doesn't mean you shouldn't use as much eq as you need to get the sound you're going for, but if it turns out you like the sound with little or no eq applied, it's going to be all the better.

[alembicbones]

It's been a week now with my 100T and so far I really like the amp. Good tone and plenty loud. I've been running it through an 8 ohm Eden D410XLT at home and a 4 ohm Eden D210XLT at the band's rehearsal studio. Both sound very solid.

I do have a question for you all. When I'm done playing after an extended period of time, I've noticed that the plug on the speaker cable connected to the amp is quite warm. I've never noticed this on the solid state power amps I've used in the past, but since I'm new to the all tube thing, I'm wondering if this is common.

Bones

[TorontoAlex]

So last week I bought Eyeballkid's 100t (thanks Jason). I picked it up yesterday and took it straight to band practice, and fired it up. Wow. Best tone I've had in my 15 years of playing. I feel like this amp was built for me.

I play a P with flats, usually with fingers, and a J with rounds, usually with a pick. I have two different tones that I go after, an old-school thump and a bit more modern cutting sound. Before this amp, I'd been using a few pedals to try and compensate between the sounds. I love the fact that I now have two independent channels that I can dial in, with a separate volume controls to compensate for different basses and playing styles. Plus the tone! this blows away the Markbass heads I've been using in the studios around town.

In terms of volume and hanging with the band, I play in a rock band with two guitars and drums. Unfortunately our drummer didn't make it last night, so both guitarists were taking turns filling in, but going up against either 100w Marshall or 50w Orange half stacks, I had the individual channel volumes between 6-8 and the master on 4, through a Markbass 4x10, and it kept up fine. I'll have to see how it holds up against two guitars and drums, but I felt like I had a fair bit of headroom left to go on the master volume. I think if you're not playing in a super-loud volume metal band or competing against a guitard that needs to 'feel' his amp, you'll do fine with this one through a decent cab.

I mentioned that I've been using a few pedals, and last night I brought out my board as well. My fuzzes (Mammoth and MXR BFD) have never sounded better, there was a real clarity in the tone, and the subtleties were brought out nicely. I did find that my Pork Loin was a bit lacking, not in tone, but I think I need something with a bit more gain, as it didn't really add much when stacked on the 100t's overdrive channel. I also used my Diamond bass comp, mostly on the clean channel with the P, it seemed to add a nice bit of fatness to the tone as well. I wasn't sure if I'd need the comp with the 100t, and I'll need to experiment a bit more, but for now it's staying. The head sounded great alone as well, but overall, I think the 100t brings out the best in pedals, and vice-versa. There's a nice interaction between the gear.

To sum it up, although I've only had it for a day now, I'm extremely happy with the amp so far. It has the features I would have put into an amp if I designed one from the ground up. I've got to grab the matching 4x10 cab for this now as well, and I think I'll do so after Christmas. I'll keep playing this and posting as I go along. I've attached a pic of the amp from last night (I only used one cab) and a pic of the amp with my pedalboard. Enjoy!

[Freight Train]

Originally Posted by TorontoAlex

I love the fact that I now have two independent channels that I can dial in, with a separate volume controls to compensate for different basses and playing styles.

Beauty! And yeah, that's exactly how I use the channel switching; passive channel for G&L/flatwounds, active channel for Epiphone Jack Casady/roundwounds. It's great to just grab the alt bass mid-set, switch channels and go without having to fiddle around with level and eq. Glad you like the 100T, but I predict you'll like it even more once you live with it a while. Keep us posted.
BTW my group's three piece, but last gig we had a second (loud) guitarist sit in with us, and I had no problem keeping up.

[Personatech]

Originally Posted by adivin

This will be my first all tube amp. I can't wait to compare it to my Genz Benz Streamliner 900 which has three tubes in the preamp. It's going to be interesting to see how the Streamliner compares to the all tube power of the 100T. I am also curious about the volume level of a 100 watt tube amp.

+1

Please keep me apprised - I'm considering making a similar swap but I have the same questions (900W vs. 100W tube power).

[adivin]

Originally Posted by Personatech

+1

Please keep me apprised - I'm considering making a similar swap but I have the same questions (900W vs. 100W tube power).

I still have both amps. I've been using the 100t mostly with the band and I can get the same volume levels out of it that I using with SL900 ( I never had the need to push the SL900 close to it's potential however). The overdrive is much nicer with the 100t.

[TorontoAlex]

Freight Train, that would be great if I liked it even more than I do already. I have to say that your review and updates was a big factor in picking this amp up, and I see that we're coming from similar places tone-wise.

My thought in terms of the 100t vs high-watt micro head thing is that it's very hard to compare the two, as they are coming from completely different design philosophies. In my opinion, you want the 100t to start breaking up in the power section, as that's where a lot of the tone is, getting that musical distortion. A 100t is going to sound much better at 8 on the master then a micro (or any solid state) is at eight. So really I think you've got much more usable range in the 100, even though the total range of the 100 might be a fair bit less. Also from what I've read, it takes 10 times the power to get twice as loud, so a 900 watt head MIGHT get twice as loud, but again once it's up there, I'm thinking the tone isn't there. Plus there's so many other factors that could effect headroom that I won't even try to pretend I'm an expert in figuring it out.

There are obviously down sides to the 100t, it's easily six times the weight of some of the micros out there, and I can imagine tubes are fairly pricy to replace. But really I think Fender nailed it out of the park with this one. They've taken a vintage-style tone stack, added a modern channel, plus you've got self-biasing tubes, 100/25/silent modes, a great DI out, etc. if you're willing to accept the limitations and issues inherent with a tube amp, you really can't go wrong with this one.

As for me, like I stated in a previous post, I've been playing mostly Markbass stuff prior to picking up the 100t. If I was an upright player, or maybe playing some jazz or whatnot, I think I'd rather play the MB stuff. But since I'm pretty much an old-school rock type player, this is my amp. That said, I may at some point pick up a micro, just for a backup, and the times I don't want to lug the Fender around. We bass players are really living in a golden age where average bass players with average incomes can rock world class gear.

[joemer]

Originally Posted by Freight Train

Set the overdrive channel to 1-1-3-6-6-6-6, which is flat on the eq.
Set the vintage channel to 4-10-10-7.
No bass or treble boost on either channel of course.
Now use the footswitch and switch between the two while playing. They should be very close in volume and tonal balance. If we take it that the overdrive channel eq is flat in the center detent position, then 10-10-7 is flat on the vintage channel. You're saying with these settings you're hearing more bottom end from the vintage channel? Not on mine at least.

I tried these settings on my 100t tonight and I would agree that they sound very close to each other. I have never had a Fender with the passive tone stack and I find it interesting that the bass on 10 does not necessarily equate to an overly huge bottom end. It sounded fairly punchy to my ears, sounded good. I know the bass, Mids and Treble interact with each other but I'm not really sure how it works in theory, but I would have to say Freight Train is correct.

[MrCool84]

Originally Posted by TorontoAlex

Freight Train, that would be great if I liked it even more than I do already. I have to say that your review and updates was a big factor in picking this amp up, and I see that we're coming from similar places tone-wise.

My thought in terms of the 100t vs high-watt micro head thing is that it's very hard to compare the two, as they are coming from completely different design philosophies. In my opinion, you want the 100t to start breaking up in the power section, as that's where a lot of the tone is, getting that musical distortion. A 100t is going to sound much better at 8 on the master then a micro (or any solid state) is at eight. So really I think you've got much more usable range in the 100, even though the total range of the 100 might be a fair bit less. Also from what I've read, it takes 10 times the power to get twice as loud, so a 900 watt head MIGHT get twice as loud, but again once it's up there, I'm thinking the tone isn't there. Plus there's so many other factors that could effect headroom that I won't even try to pretend I'm an expert in figuring it out.

There are obviously down sides to the 100t, it's easily six times the weight of some of the micros out there, and I can imagine tubes are fairly pricy to replace. But really I think Fender nailed it out of the park with this one. They've taken a vintage-style tone stack, added a modern channel, plus you've got self-biasing tubes, 100/25/silent modes, a great DI out, etc. if you're willing to accept the limitations and issues inherent with a tube amp, you really can't go wrong with this one.

As for me, like I stated in a previous post, I've been playing mostly Markbass stuff prior to picking up the 100t. If I was an upright player, or maybe playing some jazz or whatnot, I think I'd rather play the MB stuff. But since I'm pretty much an old-school rock type player, this is my amp. That said, I may at some point pick up a micro, just for a backup, and the times I don't want to lug the Fender around. We bass players are really living in a golden age where average bass players with average incomes can rock world class gear.

+1 Im with u there. This head really is amazing in all aspects. And yes Ftrains and tims initial posts/reviews swayed me strongly to the 100t with no regrets. Id love to go see ur band Ftrain. Also gonna pick up a micro head Alex. Im gonna go with (ithink) the Ampeg PF500 then eventually the PF115he cab. I dont have any 15's in my collection.

[Tim1]

I reckon that there are enough of these out there now and for long enough with no reported major problems that those who were holding off to see how they last can start considering a purchase now with more confidence. I can think of a few great sounding amps which have had reliability problems reported from day one, hopefully (other than the odd faulty valve) most people seem to be pretty happy with their 100T.

[TorontoAlex]

I don't doubt that the 100t is a reliable amp. Best part is if a tube fails (which is the most likely thing that would go anyways) the amp has the shutdown feature, so the amp would still work. I certainly didn't mean to say that the 100t isn't reliable, I'm happy to gig without a backup. I would most likely get a micro more for the connivence factor than anything else.

[Tim1]

Hi TorontoAlex, didn't mean to give the wrong impression. I wasn't referring in any way at all to anything you may have written Just that when the 100T first came out a few people said that they would wait to see if there are any teething problems before buying. My point is there don't seem to be any major issues which is a huge +1 to Fender. By the way, I always take along my lightweight Markbass head as a backup - even though I have never needed it . Pleased that you are enjoying the 100T - another convert

[TorontoAlex]

Ok Tim sounds good, I'm glad we're on the same page. I hope Fender is giving you some cash for all the sales I'm sure you've helped to bring them!

[TorontoAlex]

Just came back from my second practice with the 100t, this time with my cover band, and it sounded just as great as the first time. The band has a fairly heavy-hitting drummer, a lead guitarist that plays through a sixty watt Marshall half-stack, and a singer/rhythm guitarist that switches between another Marshall half-stack, an acoustic guitar through the PA, or just signing. Again, the 100t had no problem keeping up through a Markbass 4x10. Had the channel volumes around 6-8, and kept the master at about 4.5 to 5.5.

Everyone of my band mates said it was the best they've ever heard me sound. Again I brought both my p with flats, and my j with rounds. I love being able to press one foot switch, and go from the nice, woolly low-mids of the p, then back the the cutting, top end bite of the J. Works perfect for what I do.

I mentioned in a previous post that I use some pedals in conjunction with my amp. I brought the board out again. The Diamond comp is staying for sure, the clean channel sounds great without it, but the Diamond just adds this hint of fastnesses to the tone that is clearly evident when a/b'd with it switched on/off. Also used the Pork Loin, again I don't think it has enough gain to hang as an OD, but this time I used it as a slight boast for the one song I use fingers on the J (Alive by Pearl Jam), and it worked great. I may still keep it as a boast, but I'm on the lookout for an OD as well.

About halfway through the jam, I turned on the Markbass LMIII that was in the studio, took the pre out from the 100t, put it into the front of the MB, and used it to drive a MB 1x15. Pretty much kept the EQ on the MB flat, and had the volume on about 2. Then I backed off the bass a bit on the 100t, and turned the master down to about 4. It sounded really nice, and the MB added a nice touch of low-end grunt to the sound. I wouldn't hesitate at all to run the 100t alone at a gig, but adding a second amp doesn't hurt either. I'd love to have the 100t pushing a 4x10, then adding a 1x15 combo, kept clean. It would be a pain taking all of that to the gig though!

So so far I'm loving this amp, I don't regret for a second spending the cash to pick this up. Both my bands will be gigging in the new year, I'm looking forward to bringing it in a live setting.

[tombowlus]

I just did another gig with the Super Bassman and 610 Neo this past weekend. Deciding to make it an all Fender rig, I brought my trusty '74 P-bass along. This rig has previously impressed me, both live and in comparison to some of my other gear, but I think after this weekend, I am a full-out convert.

Both opening bands played through my rig, and the other bass players both used the Vintage channel, with some mid-scoop going on. Big, round, full tone that sounded great in their one-guitar bands (they played a mix of classic rock, prog rock, and some alternative rock).

This was once again my AC/DC cover band, and for our set, I switched to the overdrive channel, and dialed in some more mids. This head (and the 100T) is (are) just so incredibly versatile. They do just about everything that you'd want a tube bass head to do, and do it all well, to boot! Very impressed... And that cab is just wonderful! It sounds so darned big, but is so easy to move!

Here are a couple of videos a friend of mine shot with his camera in video mode. Not the best audio quality, but it gives you somewhat of an idea of how it sounds in a rock mix:

Have a Drink On Me
High Voltage
Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be

And get this! The whole rig, plus basses and extraneous gear, fit in my Veloster Turbo, and still left room for a passenger in the front seat!

[adivin]

I tried two 115s and just wasn't that blown away compared to my Uber 410. I may just prefer 10s. This was my fist run at 15s in a very long time. I know the Fender cabs aren't too efficient and the build quality on the 115 seemed so so.

Tom do you think the 610 could really hang with the likes of a NV610 or something of that quality? I know Tim does, but that's just one opinion. I love the head but still not sold on the cabs.

Originally Posted by tombowlus

I just did another gig with the Super Bassman and 610 Neo this past weekend. Deciding to make it an all Fender rig, I brought my trusty '74 P-bass along. This rig has previously impressed me, both live and in comparison to some of my other gear, but I think after this weekend, I am a full-out convert.

Both opening bands played through my rig, and the other bass players both used the Vintage channel, with some mid-scoop going on. Big, round, full tone that sounded great in their one-guitar bands (they played a mix of classic rock, prog rock, and some alternative rock).

This was once again my AC/DC cover band, and for our set, I switched to the overdrive channel, and dialed in some more mids. This head (and the 100T) is (are) just so incredibly versatile. They do just about everything that you'd want a tube bass head to do, and do it all well, to boot! Very impressed... And that cab is just wonderful! It sounds so darned big, but is so easy to move!

Here are a couple of videos a friend of mine shot with his camera in video mode. Not the best audio quality, but it gives you somewhat of an idea of how it sounds in a rock mix:

Have a Drink On Me
High Voltage
Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be

And get this! The whole rig, plus basses and extraneous gear, fit in my Veloster Turbo, and still left room for a passenger in the front seat!