Fender 100T Question

[backin82]

I'm looking for a relatively small, relatively "light" all-tube head, and the Fender 100T seems to fit that bill. However, I have not been able to track down a 100T locally.

For reference, I've played the following all-tube heads:
Ampeg SVT
Ampeg PF-50t
Mesa Strategy
Mesa Prodigy

I realize that's not a lot to go on, but I'm mainly interested in where the 100T might compare tonally to the amps listed above. Ampeg always feel too "fluffy" or wooly to me. The Mesa stuff sounds sterile and harsh. Of the two, I'd prefer the Ampeg. What I'd love is a tube head that gets close to a GK growl, but has the tube compression sound/feel.

How does the 100T compare? Alternatively, what other options might get me closer to what I want?

 

[coreyfyfe]

The 100T gives you the option of the vintage style passive/scooped fender tube EQ on one channel and an active solid state EQ on the modern channel with a blendable tube drive stage. If you liked the classic ampeg bax/active mid flat-at-noon style EQ voicing the modern channel on the fender can get you there with some added dirt/compression from the overdrive stage. The power amp has the 100/25 watt switching capability too.

I'd also throw in there if you haven't tried the new ampeg V4B reissue you should. The V4 in general is a cleaner amp than the SVT in my opinion, but with gain/master options on the new amps you can dial in some preamp dirt/compression and control the volume with the master.

 

[Alexander]

I like the V4B far more than the 100T, which I found to be a little bland. Agree the V4B is less wooly than the SVT - not quite as big sounding as its big brother, but a sweeter tone overall. Simple operation, dead quiet and great tone.

 

[backin82]

I like the V4B far more than the 100T, which I found to be a little bland. Agree the V4B is less wooly than the SVT - not quite as big sounding as its big brother, but a sweeter tone overall. Simple operation, dead quiet and great tone.

The 100T gives you the option of the vintage style passive/scooped fender tube EQ on one channel and an active solid state EQ on the modern channel with a blendable tube drive stage. If you liked the classic ampeg bax/active mid flat-at-noon style EQ voicing the modern channel on the fender can get you there with some added dirt/compression from the overdrive stage. The power amp has the 100/25 watt switching capability too.

I'd also throw in there if you haven't tried the new ampeg V4B reissue you should. The V4 in general is a cleaner amp than the SVT in my opinion, but with gain/master options on the new amps you can dial in some preamp dirt/compression and control the volume with the master.

Haven't tried the V4B yet. I'll see if I can find one locally. I'll bet GC has them from time to time, though our local store is woefully under-stocked with bass gear.

 

[Tim1]

FWIW I went from the 100T to a V4B and couldn't be happier. Both great amps and the 100T certainly has huge bells and whistles that make it very attractive. I just prefer the clean tone of the V4B a little more.

 

[P-oddz]

V4B.
Just to add to everyone above me's sentiments.

 

[313]

I can't comment on the V4B or the PF-50T. However, I had a Mesa Prodigy a while ago and I currently use a Fender 100T. They are like night and day comparatively. The Prodigy is very clean sounding to my ears, and doesn't have nearly as much of that tube overdrive that I wanted. It sounds great, but not the amp for those wanting anything more than a very mild tube overdrive. On the other hand, the 100T is like a swiss army knife. I can dial in anything from relatively clean sound (up to moderate volume) or it can get very wooly and severely overdriven if that's what you want. The 100T works much better for my needs than the Mesa, but they are both excellent amps. I do miss the form factor and light weight of the Prodigy.

 

[rodl2005]

I've not REALLY played the 100T. ..but own the Super Bassman- It's big bro.
Also own a V4B. If. ..IF the 100T is anything like the Super Bassman. ..it sure is a Swiss army knife. .. you CAN use it like a regular old Bassman. .in the Vintage channel. But. ..like the other night for me. ... if you've got a stage/room with sound problems the Modern channel let's you sculpt a good amount of tone and I was able to fine tune it to be easily capable. ..something of a rarity in this particular room. ..that I've played many times.
It's a superb pre amp in the Super Bassman and 100T.
That said. ...I love my V4B too.
Suck it n see . ...as my Dad used to say ... eg... try em out as much as possible

 

[Tim1]

I've not REALLY played the 100T. ..but own the Super Bassman- It's big bro.
Also own a V4B. If. ..IF the 100T is anything like the Super Bassman. ..it sure is a Swiss army knife. .. you CAN use it like a regular old Bassman. .in the Vintage channel. But. ..like the other night for me. ... if you've got a stage/room with sound problems the Modern channel let's you sculpt a good amount of tone and I was able to fine tune it to be easily capable. ..something of a rarity in this particular room. ..that I've played many times.
It's a superb pre amp in the Super Bassman and 100T.
That said. ...I love my V4B too.
Suck it n see . ...as my Dad used to say ... eg... try em out as much as possible

Rod, as someone who has owned/does own all of these I have always felt that the SB300 is superior and different in tone to the 100T - even at lower volume. I put it down to the difference between the SL6 power tubes in the 100T and the 6550s in the SB300 (which again I have always assumed is why the SB300 can get near as dammit to sounding like an SVT).
Heading off now for a midweek jam with the V4B on top of a Barefaced Four 10