Official Fender ACB Club

[matbard]

Does anyone know if there something I can buy where I can use both channels on the amp without having to manually plug my instrument cable into each channel input jack? I want to be able to switch between the channels, not combine them.

Thanks

A simple A/B switcher...

 

[ghunter]

Thanks for the response and details. Would you say that's true of both channels, or primarily channel 1?

I'm actually looking two move away from overly precise and extra controls to something with less options, so I definitely want to go try one of these, I just also wanted to be a bit more informed about it than what I found in the manual.

Definitely true of both channels. Although there's a little EQ variation in each, the tones you get out of each channel is pretty different. I haven't tried tweaking the EQ on Channel 1 to match channel 2 because I'm too busy just playing it and enjoying it. Go figure.

If you are looking for a warm vintage sound with minimal tweaking I see this and the Ampeg P-50T as the two you should be looking at closely. I haven't heard the Ampeg yet, but have friends that love theirs.

A few weeks in and we're super-happy with this amp. It can do no wrong with a Precision or Jazz (and a Ric 4003 too, but shhh).

 

[ghunter]

One other note...

I ordered the 30' coiled Fender cable and it arrived today, it looks cool but very little tonal difference with this amp. A very soft effect muting the higher frequencies, but using the tone control on the bass is an easier way to get this result.

I might order one of the Nordstrand foam mutes though soon.

 

[Cory rich40]

How do you think it can handle the low B string on a stingray 5?

 

[MikeBass]

I would like to try the amp with a coiled cable to get that old school sound

Wait…what?
Coiled cable for what??

Uh…..ok then. I think I've heard almost everything now.
"Coiled cable for old school tone"….wow

 

[matbard]

Uh…..ok then. I think I've heard almost everything now.
"Coiled cable for old school tone"….wow

 

[MikeBass]

Any long cable on any passive instrument will have a slight roll off on the top end. has zero to do with being coiled or not.
Its the length that affects the capacitance.

Plug in a 6' cable and then a 20' and then a 30'. you'll hear a difference.

 

[CAILLOUX]

 

[Mastermold]

These are really cool amps. Very tempting.

 

[matbard]

I contacted Fender EMEA asking for istructions how to properly set the bias (want to play with different tube sets). Fender rep replied that they don't give info to owners and suggested to keep the amp stock...

 

[Cory rich40]

I contacted Fender EMEA asking for istructions how to properly set the bias (want to play with different tube sets). Fender rep replied that they don't give info to owners and suggested to keep the amp stock...

It looks like they would have put the self bias feature on it doesn't it?

 

[matbard]

It looks like they would have put the self bias feature on it doesn't it?

The ACB 50 is unlikely a cathode bias amp... Fender put a user adjustable bias on Bassman 300 and 100T, otherwise they sure have a variable resistor inside for adjusting it manually

 

[Hot Rats]

I turned my amp on today and it's spitting and coughing and crackling like a mo-fo. Volumes all down and nothing plugged in. It's probably a tube but I'll be dropping it off at a Fender tech for a warranty once over. Bummed as it was about to go through 9 gigs the next 4 weekends.

 

[Wild_Bill_57]

I feel your pain, my first 1 went belly up right out of the gate and was replaced by MF. I hope this is not a sign of long term reliability.

 

[Hot Rats]

I feel your pain, my first 1 went belly up right out of the gate and was replaced by MF. I hope this is not a sign of long term reliability.

I'm almost positive it's a tube but we'll see.

 

[matbard]

Stock Fender GT tubes are usuale rubbish

 

[MObasshead]

I don't even know if GT is still making tubes. I know you can't get any from Fender

Edit: I know GT doesn't actually make tubes, They're just a brand.

 

[rodl2005]

My local has an ACB ! Now that's tempting!
Is the DI post power tubes etc?

 

[matbard]

Is the DI post power tubes etc?

Yes, it seems so!

 

[stilwel]

My local has an ACB ! Now that's tempting!
Is the DI post power tubes etc?

Yes it is. It even has it's own tap off of the output transformer.