Fender Super Bassman and Neo 810

[agedhorse]

Never even seen one in person. Given how much promo I've seen from mike dirnt for the fender amp I'm sure he is playing it for the money as much or more than the tone though.
I'm sure it's not garbage, but any amp I've ever played through that is loud enough has been fine to gig with.

You need to play/listen to that rig before making these comments.

 

[crazyBassClown]

You need to play/listen to that rig before making these comments.

Which comments?
That mike dirnt got paid, or that it is good enough to gig with?
Pretty sure both are 100% true and not really arguable.


Edit: These searches pretty much tell the story:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mike+dirnt+fender+amp

 

[CptnOblivious]

it is good enough to gig with

"Gig" means different things to different people

 

[crazyBassClown]

"Gig" means different things to different people

True, but at the levels you are talking about here, they don't even need an amp and are almost certainly using in ears that block the sound of the amp anyway. The monitor system and FOH would completely swamp an amp.

If you think there is some magic in a particular amp that is going to make you sound like a pro or become famous you are going to be massively disappointed. Mike dirnt would sound mostly the same on an ampeg or the fender amp despite any marketing to the contrary.
I can get virtually any amp to sound near enough if it works and is loud enough(if it's as loud as the acoustic drumkit, it's loud enough). The FOH engineer is also likely to change your sound for FOH making the exact sound of the amp even less critical.

 

[CptnOblivious]

Which comments?
That mike dirnt got paid, or that it is good enough to gig with?
Pretty sure both are 100% true and not really arguable.


Edit: These searches pretty much tell the story:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mike+dirnt+fender+amp

True, but at the levels you are talking about here, they don't even need an amp and are almost certainly using in ears that block the sound of the amp anyway. The monitor system and FOH would completely swamp an amp.

If you think there is some magic in a particular amp that is going to make you sound like a pro or become famous you are going to be massively disappointed. Mike dirnt would sound mostly the same on an ampeg or the fender amp despite any marketing to the contrary.
I can get virtually any amp to sound near enough if it works and is loud enough(if it's as loud as the acoustic drumkit, it's loud enough). The FOH engineer is also likely to change your sound for FOH making the exact sound of the amp even less critical.

This is a gear page. We're talking about gear. You made your stupid point, whatever that is, now can you get lost unless you've played this amp, which you haven't. I am full aware that gear don't make you sound a certain way, and I don't even want to sound like any of the artists we're talking about. You don't know anything about my career. Get lost.

 

[crazyBassClown]

You don't know anything about my career. Get lost.

Attitudes like this are WHY fender(and all the other companies) pay people to use that gear.
What are you expecting people to tell you? That it sucks?(it almost certainly doesn't)

Given how few people seem to actually own one that have paid for it I'd say it doesn't offer anything that can't be gotten elsewhere.

How about you just buy it and tell us how good it is?

And i didn't say anything about your career.
You brought this up

I've been seeing some huge names playing them so I'm assuming there's something special there.

If only the huge names are playing it you gotta ask why. And given no one who owns one has joined the thread...

 

[crazyBassClown]

Right now I play an Ampeg Classic (with the SVT 810--older logo single speaker out) and Mesa 400+ (with the powerhouse 810). I only play 810s.

So to be a little more helpful, what do you think the fender will do for you that these amps don't?
Or do you just want a new toy? If you want a toy, buy the thing.

 

[agedhorse]

It’s a very good cabinet, I have listened to it (and know it’s heritage well).

Who cares who plays the cabinet, all that matters is that you like it.

 

[Goatrope]

Just sticking my head back in to comment on the amp itself…

I bought mine in 2018. I was really interested in the two channel setup, where one could be set pretty clean, and the other very dirty. That was a feature that I wanted for my little 3-pc rock band, that does local bars and some 250-person rooms, with some outdoor stages too. I don’t know exact numbers, but over 100 gigs per year.

The amp has been a real workhorse, although I always have my (older) trusty D800 for those tough load-in situations. The SB300 sounds very musical to my ear, and the more it’s pushed, the better it sounds, on either channel.

In terms of reliability, I had one autobias LED turn oranger, indicating something was up, but never heard a difference while playing. This was during its first year. I replaced a pair of 6550s and that LED, and all of the others, has been green ever since.

Aside from that, it’s been flawless.

I’ve got a bit of a non-traditional setup in that I’ve been using a pair of Berg CN212 cabs for years longer than I’ve owned the amp. They just have a form factor, and deliver the clarity and punch that works for me. I’ve rarely used both, so they’re rotated into service each quarter.

I can’t comment on the Neo cab you’re asking about, but I’ve had many opportunities to play through the SVT and 810 pairing, and it’s my opinion that the SB300 gives up nothing performance wise. The tone stacks are apples and oranges, as are the 810 vs my Bergs, but I believe the SB300 can do a close SVT impersonation.

I don’t think it’s possible to be disappointed by the SB300 paired with any cab that will deliver your form/ db needs. They’re certainly not as ubiquitous as the mighty SVT, but every bit as capable.

 

[ArenW]

If only the huge names are playing it you gotta ask why. And given no one who owns one has joined the thread...

I own one. I paid for it. I've toured with it. It's the most baddass amp on the planet. I'd do it all over again if given the chance. Unless all your gigs are with killer FOH, Monitoring and Soundman, having a great amp on stage is actually enjoyable...maybe you should try it out sometime.

 

[crazyBassClown]

having a great amp on stage is actually enjoyable...maybe you should try it out sometime.

If I ever get one as a backline I will. Far too much for me to get my own though.
My personal experience is if there isn't a killer PA and soundman then I don't need that much amp either as it simply drowns out the drums if you are that loud unless they are amplified as well. Then I just use that PA as well.
An in my world if the pro PA is there then an 810 and probably a head of some sort is backlined as well. Sometimes a 410 + 15.

 

[ArenW]

If I ever get one as a backline I will. Far too much for me to get my own though.
My personal experience is if there isn't a killer PA and soundman then I don't need that much amp either as it simply drowns out the drums if you are that loud unless they are amplified as well. Then I just use that PA as well.

When you are on the road, you will encounter all levels of sound/capability/engineering skill. I've had plenty gigs where I could have gotten away with a 150 watt, 1x15 combo. I've also had plenty of gigs where having an amp with the power and girth that the SB300 provides was a life saver. It's a major bummer when you show up and find out that the "Soundman" is only running the kick, snare and vocal through the "pa" and you brought your 100 watt combo (because you are counting on monitors). You realize real quick that you are underpowered and not moving nearly enough air cover the stage, let alone the room.

Sure, in a perfect world, every venue has killer FOH and monitors galore and/or the band has IEMs and is running ampless. But that's just not a realistic expectation for most of us gigging musicians, especially those of us who play with multiple bands in multiple genres.

For me, the SB300 with 6x10 is perfect for any big stage and touring that I do. The 8x10 is amazing, but the 6x10 has never left me wanting sonically, takes up a little less space in the trailer and is a little easier to maneuver. If i'm playing a small, local gig, I'll take the SB300 and Neo 1x15. If its an exceptionally small gig, that's when I reach for the micro+cab or combo.

Lastly, it's not all about volume with this rig. It sounds effing killer, at any volume. If given the choice to play through an amp that allows me to hear myself or an amp that allows me to hear myself and makes the hairs on my arm stand up, I'll take the latter every time!

 

[kesslari]

Folks, once you've made a point with whom people generally disagree (and it is an opinion or tangential to the topic), leave it be. Coming back repeatedly to argue your point absolutely fits the definition of "trolling".

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Played through one at a store, so I couldn't really attest to gig-level volumes, but I liked what I heard. The demos all seem to be great too.

If for nothing else, the two-channel feature is great (if dirt and grit is your thing.....definitely is mine) and there's about zero chance of it being a bad (tonally) amp. If you've got the scratch for it, why not? I know I would.

Might wanna hand out some rubber pants to the bandmates, in case you accidentally hit he brown note at full volume

 

[rodl2005]

Super Bassman feet only just fit on top of the SVT810E cab..... just. One or two of its feet might not be fully "on". But I've not had a problem with it being unstable.
Afaik the Bassman 810 cab is wider and the Super Bassman is built for it.

Bought my Super Bassman when they 1st came out. It's been nothing but terrific since. Everything from jazz and blues to hard rock covers.
Unreal amp

 

[jastacey]

I had the Fender 810 speaker cabinet and the Super Bassman ( Still have the Super Bassman ), the Fender 810 Neo, is a really nice sounding cabinet, it is ported ( 4 separate chambers ), it can sound like a Ampeg sealed 810, ( since I don't own a Ampeg 810 anymore, my comparison, is using a Berg NV610, as the sound, is very close approximation of a Ampeg 810 ). A nice thing about the Fender 810, is that they have handles on the bottom, so 2 people can lift the cabinet up, stairs/ tall stages, as to the volume, it can get loud, and I mean louder, than what you'll ever need, I also used, when I owned, a SVT Classic, with the Fender 810 cabinet, the cab sounded nice with the SVT, also used a Fender Bassman 800, with the Fender 810, that amp, also sounded great with that cab, also used my Mesa Boogie Subway 800+, again, it sounded good, the cab has a certian tightnes to it, can't explain it, but that tightness, has a good quality to it,
I no longer own the 810, as my needs don't require, that big of a speaker cabinet, and it sat, more than, i used it, sold it to a local Backline company, along with the SVT-CL & the Bassman 800, kept the Super Bassman, as it can cop the SVT sound, and it is a really good amp, still have the Berg 610, I will say, the Fender 610, most likely sounds like the 810, but I can't say, as I haven't played throught one yet
If you have the need for a big rig, get it, you won't be disappointed, just make sure you have the ability to transport it, and get a road case for the Bassman head ... just my opinion

 

[HOOLIGAN]

Forgot to say I have the Super Bassman head as well as a Fender 610 Neo.
I’ve had it going on 8 years, original tubes, and have had no issues.
Bought the rig brand new, never hearing it other than the Fender Matt Freeman video.
No regrets buying this rig sight unseen, sound unheard. Both channels are great, and also a great platform for pedals.
Construction is excellent. The Tolex and speaker screens still in great shape after much road use, and in my opinion is the best looking head/cab combination out there.

 

[agedhorse]

The tightness is in large part due to being close to critically damped.

 

[Cory rich40]

When you are on the road, you will encounter all levels of sound/capability/engineering skill. I've had plenty gigs where I could have gotten away with a 150 watt, 1x15 combo. I've also had plenty of gigs where having an amp with the power and girth that the SB300 provides was a life saver. It's a major bummer when you show up and find out that the "Soundman" is only running the kick, snare and vocal through the "pa" and you brought your 100 watt combo (because you are counting on monitors). You realize real quick that you are underpowered and not moving nearly enough air cover the stage, let alone the room.

Sure, in a perfect world, every venue has killer FOH and monitors galore and/or the band has IEMs and is running ampless. But that's just not a realistic expectation for most of us gigging musicians, especially those of us who play with multiple bands in multiple genres.

For me, the SB300 with 6x10 is perfect for any big stage and touring that I do. The 8x10 is amazing, but the 6x10 has never left me wanting sonically, takes up a little less space in the trailer and is a little easier to maneuver. If i'm playing a small, local gig, I'll take the SB300 and Neo 1x15. If its an exceptionally small gig, that's when I reach for the micro+cab or combo.

Lastly, it's not all about volume with this rig. It sounds effing killer, at any volume. If given the choice to play through an amp that allows me to hear myself or an amp that allows me to hear myself and makes the hairs on my arm stand up, I'll take the latter every time!

I own the 610 as well and it’s awesome. How come the neo 115 and 410 are close in price range but when you start getting into the 610 range the price jumps tremendously? Is it partially because of the 610’s back sliding rails?

 

[ArenW]

I own the 610 as well and it’s awesome. How come the neo 115 and 410 are close in price range but when you start getting into the 610 range the price jumps tremendously? Is it partially because of the 610’s back sliding rails?

More speakers, wood, glue, shipping cost etc....not to mention, they make a lot fewer of them. It all adds up.