Do you notice a noticeable difference tone wise? Could you describe what it is you prefer about the 25 watt mode?
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Fender Bassman 100T Chapter 3
- Thread starter Chef
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Do you notice a noticeable difference tone wise? Could you describe what it is you prefer about the 25 watt mode?
I'm sure many here are tired of hearing this from me as I've been repeating it for over three years.
First of all as the power tubes begin to approach saturation, they begin generating an enormous amount of harmonics. Those harmonics create a "halo", if you will, of presence around the bass. To my ear it makes it extremely defined in the mix without having to be overly loud. That's how the original Aphex Aural Exciters worked - they were harmonics generators. That's also a main component of what people like about the sound of analog tape. As the tape saturates all kinds of harmonic distortion is being generated, and it gives a feeling of warmth and presence (until you go too far). Also as the power tubes approach max output they go into a self-compression which is beautiful and creamy. You'll not match it with any pedal compressor, it sounds more like a studio-grade tube compressor. This combined with the "presence halo" of the power tube distortion makes the bass sit right where it belongs in the mix and again be very defined without having to be dominantly loud. It's a little scary because if you get your volume set to match the drums, and then play the bass by itself, it will sound very distorted. But when you play in ensemble somehow it has a big round sound. Go figure.
To get the power tubes to that state, where they are just on the verge of breakup, is so easy on the 100T at 25 watts. And it is still PLENTY loud. To get to that point on an SB300 or SVT you had better be outdoors or you'll be exploding people's heads. Even the 100T in 100 watt mode will get incredibly loud before you get there.
So what I'm saying is what I love about the 100T is 25 watt mode is the LACK of headroom. Getting those power tubes to grunt and bark.
All of this is dependent on a good tube amp design. If you try to push some tube amps to this point they will go mushy and dull.
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All true. I do it with my V4B into just a 115 or even the Super Bassman into a single 115. It's a beautiful thing
A 25w setting on the V4B would be great too!!!!
A 25w setting on the V4B would be great too!!!!
Yep. I sold my 100T for a V4b as I found the breakup on the V4B a little more harmonious and later than the 100T, but then I strongly prefer a cleaner tone. But if you are a fan of grind the 100T has it in spades, my Ric has never sounded better than with the 100T I must confess.
My Ric sounds best I've heard it thru my Super Bassman. .. wish I could try a 100T but. ... not in my backwater
Agreed I was hoping the same thing years ago, even posted it on TB but the feedback was that the 100t with the 25w mode made this the direct competition.
I loved my 100t but got tired of carrying it to practice every week. So I got the bassman 500 which I really liked but of course I ultimately missed the power tubes. I never gave the 25w mode much of a chance on the 100t back then but reading this discussion I'm regretting it now, and kinda missing the 100t in general now....man silent record mode and the auto bias! Great amp!
I have a 100w valve head and am unlikely to get another as it is capable of handling all my needs and more.
But I fantasise about a sub 50w head for uses when the 100w is just too much of everything. Maybe one day.
Yeah I hear you, I've owned the pf50t twice because of the same need. Both times I let it go because of my issues with its form factor. I've also never had good luck with ampegs, I always get the ones that end up needing repairs that cost more than it's worth when it's working(strictly talking modern ampegs).
I've got a 73' Sunn 190b that is 60w feels like it's in the 35lb range and sounds great, I absolutely love it but I still find myself missing the tone and features of the 100t
Gig report! I used the 100T on my gigs this weekend in 25watt mode. This is the perfect amp for me and the perfect set up. I play in two bands and sub in another. All three have different tonal and volume needs. With the 25/100 watt option and the vintage and modern channels I can cover all three gigs with a consistent professional tube generated bass tone. Love it!
Played the main stage at the Rock and Roll Marathon here in Dallas today. 100T/410Neo, 100T @ 100 watts for this. '68 Tele strung with flats. All of the guys with the sound company, and the bassist for the headliner, were nuts for the sound of the rig. Once again had an FOH engineer say it was the best DI he's worked with (post position of course).
My 100T just came in. Absolutely killer sounding head! I've played through the SB300 a few times so I knew what I was looking for. Having the 25 watt option is great and really gives a big harmonically rich sound when you push the amp. Currently playing it through two Ampeg SVT210AV cabs which are a great match(if you like that vintage sealed cabinet sound). Might grab a Bergantino NV115 to pair with it soon...
Congrats. Pics? Don't discount the Fender Bassman Pro Neo 115 cab I love mine. .. especially with the Super Bassman
If you like to get a bit of early dirt/overdrive into your sound the 100T with the Berg NV115 is a magic combination. The NV115 takes a bit of driving and the 100T breaks up reasonably early with it. While I do not have my 100T any more (changed to a SB300), that combination was the best my Ric 4003 has ever sounded.
Here is a quick pic. I was looking at the Bassman Neo115 as well, but I'd rather stick to a sealed cab.
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The Bassman Pro Neo 115 ain't tuned real low and -to me at least .. sounds 'sealed' I LOVE Berg NV cabs and have a a NV215 and no doubt you won't go wrong there. But, if you can, try out the 115 Bassman cab. If ya haven't already
I'll check one out when I get the chance! I know how the Berg sounds though and its a bit more a long the lines of what I'm looking for. The Ampeg cabs sound terrific with it right now!
