Showman running at 50watts vs Bass

Bunky · #1 07-12-2011, 07:47 AM

Hey,
I've got a Fender Showman w/ a Dual Showman OT (4 ohms). I've got a 1x15 speaker in a fender cab 8 ohms. I'm running the fender at 50 watts, as opposed to 85 or whatever to match the cab. The speaker isn't specifically a bass speaker.

Would I be able to play a bass guitar through this safely?

nashvillebill · #2 07-12-2011, 07:50 AM

You risk damaging the speaker if it is not designed for bass. The amp will be fine.

Bunky · #3 07-12-2011, 10:32 AM

Is it just a matter of how loud i turn it up?

onosson · #4 07-12-2011, 10:35 AM

I have a small 50W (all tube) guitar combo with a 12" speaker in it. I play bass through it for small rehearsals and recording, and have never had any problems. Just be careful pushing the volume, especially the low end.

BassmanPaul · #5 07-12-2011, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bunky

Hey,
I've got a Fender Showman w/ a Dual Showman OT (4 ohms). I've got a 1x15 speaker in a fender cab 8 ohms. I'm running the fender at 50 watts, as opposed to 85 or whatever to match the cab. The speaker isn't specifically a bass speaker.

Would I be able to play a bass guitar through this safely?

How are you running the Showman at 50W???

Bunky · #6 07-12-2011, 06:11 PM

I run it at 50 watts by pulling two tubes. Perfectly safe.

Bunky · #7 07-12-2011, 06:58 PM

When you pull two of the two tubes I believe it runs at 8ohms as opposed to 4, that way i can match the speaker ohms.

I'm not a tech guy, but i've been told this is perfectly safe by my amp tech, who asked some electrical genius or something along those lines.

BassmanPaul · #8 07-12-2011, 10:50 PM

As long as you pulled the outside pair OR the inside pair you are indeed safe. If you pulled any other combination you are not.