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Fender Bassman 100T - chapter 2

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#821
Here's a positive story about the 100T. Last night I was breaking down to carry the 100T and 410 Neo out to my truck. I grabbed the handle on the side of the 410 to pull both the cab and head, one of the casters grabbed the carpet it was on, the cab tipped and the 100T fell off onto the floor. Hit the ground on one of the corners. I did manage to get my hand under the other end of the 100T so it didn't slam the ground, but that first corner sure did.

Now, I counted to 10 to control my anger at myself for doing that. I picked the head up, reconnected it to the cab, turned everything back on, everything is good. Tubes look great, 4 solid green lights for the power tubes, sounds perfect. Phew!

So this thing can take a bit of a beating. The plural of anecdote is not data, but this is at least one positive anecdote!
 
#822
Glad to know it can take a blow. As general info: As I mentioned in a previous post, do not rely on the single handle on top to carry it! Mine snapped while loading up the other night. Luckily, I was supporting it with my other hand underneath it and it was up against my stomach so I caught it before it fell. The side handles are much more sturdy.
 
#824
arock said:
Yes, I was using the "zero handle" method to try to move both it and the cab. That also doesn't work sometimes. :) This incident does make me want to invest in a case for the head though.
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Just as a general warning to new owners - be careful when moving the 100T on top of the 410 Neo. I'm still not used to such a light cab, and twice now have almost dumped the 100T off when having someone help me lift the cab with the head on top. The head weighs more than the cab, so obviously it's way top heavy. As arock experienced, you gotta be careful when rolling it as well, as being top heavy it will tump right over if given the chance.
Nice to know it's pretty robust, as arock's survived a fall, and mine survived being cranked up with no load.
 
#825
I recorded the only full band practice i have had with the 100T last sat. It was running only on two power tubes. I listen to it over and over in my truck to and from work and at lunch just to hear the tone. It was that good (the tone, not my playing lol). Maybe I should have been playing Fender amps this whole time?? Do they all sound that good.. The bassmans and showmans?? :). Maybe it was the $200 I spent on premo preamp tubes??

Whatever it is, I am officially done with my amp search. Hopefully my replacement head (which is arriving tomorrow morning via UPS air) is fully functional and has no issues. I have 5 gigs in 15 days, and I HAVE to have that tone!

Both channels are awesome. I used the vintage channel for most songs, but flipped to overdrive for Funk 49, whole lotta love, stranglehold, etc. just for fun. What fun it was. I've never used a pedal for overdrive.. I've always plugged in and just played. Now, I'm seeing things all differently. I may even get a wah pedal or something and start soloing :)
 
#826
Freight Train said:
Just as a general warning to new owners - be careful when moving the 100T on top of the 410 Neo. I'm still not used to such a light cab, and twice now have almost dumped the 100T off when having someone help me lift the cab with the head on top. The head weighs more than the cab, so obviously it's way top heavy. As arock experienced, you gotta be careful when rolling it as well, as being top heavy it will tump right over if given the chance.
Nice to know it's pretty robust, as arock's survived a fall, and mine survived being cranked up with no load.
Click to expand...

+1 to all of that. Wish I didn't have to find the center of gravity the hard way, but it will add caution to my future efforts to move these around.
 
#830
Ask Eyeballkid.
He did until his massive amp and cab sell off.


I mainly use mine for blues and R&B now but I have used it for hard rock (older metal) playing my Spector or Ray and my 2 15's.
The OD channel is very versatile. I think you will like it.
 
#831
I've played mine all the way up to full on fuzz. You have to really watch the mid frequency selector, as that really changes the timbre and character of the distortion. However, you won't need a distortion pedal! This thing is sweet!
 
#832
You guys are killing me. I want one soooo bad. Finally back in a band situation again but at this point were early stages so I'm using the ipad and Apogee throgh the PA. Need to get a rig built up though for future full gigs. We have a short set going live next weekend and would be the first time I have to use somone elses live rig.
 
#833
kzr750r1 said:
You guys are killing me. I want one soooo bad. Finally back in a band situation again but at this point were early stages so I'm using the ipad and Apogee throgh the PA. Need to get a rig built up though for future full gigs. We have a short set going live next weekend and would be the first time I have to use somone elses live rig.
Click to expand...

Save up for it, it's worth it!
 
#836
Not sure. Did you replace the fuse?

1B is where mine had issues. I had a tube arc there and then it seemed the bias was shot as it red plated every tube I put in that slot afterwards. I pulled the two inner tubes and played for hours on the outer pair with no issue until I sent it back. My rubber handle snapped as well..

I received my replacement head last night. Checked it out with the GT tubes, then replaced them all. So far, no bias or power tube issues.
 
#837
I guess it's official now, I am in a mixed family:

Bassman100t.jpg


This beauty arrived Thursday, and I haven't been able to stop playing since. There is such a variety of tones available from this head that I just can't stop fiddling.
 
#838
I know this is a can of worms, but I gotta ask.....
I was an owner of a 100t, absolutely loved it, and had no problems. I believe the TB member I sold it to is still enjoying it problem free.....but, with so many guys having problems with these, when is everyone gonna start decrying fender over these issues the way people did ampeg over the svt7? it seems this isn't a limited or rare experience.

and while my experience was incredible with one of these AND when my funds permitted I planned on picking up another, or a super 300, all these reports are making me seriously question it. reliability is tied with tone for most important aspect of an amp to me.

sorry, but I had to ask about that gorilla sitting over there.
 
#839
eyeballkid said:
I know this is a can of worms, but I gotta ask.....
I was an owner of a 100t, absolutely loved it, and had no problems. I believe the TB member I sold it to is still enjoying it problem free.....but, with so many guys having problems with these, when is everyone gonna start decrying fender over these issues the way people did ampeg over the svt7? it seems this isn't a limited or rare experience.
Click to expand...

I believe there is only a few that have had problems.
The odd thing is it seems to be the newer runs.
The people that bought then the first year they came out have not had any problems including myself.
I have played the heck out of mine.
 
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