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The Fender Bassman 100T thread
- Thread starter Tim1
- Start date
- Status
Heres my reply to some inquires, as well as some other stuff you might like to know about. Pics are included at the end. Whats a thread w/o pics!
1). Tone difference between the 100T & 300 Super Bassman
I dont discern a noticeable difference in tone between the two. One might think that with different power tubes and transformers theyd sound different, but thats not the case, at least from what I hear. Both use two 12AX7 tubes in the preamp. Maybe thats why. The power amp section is different. The 300SB uses the same 12AT7, but has the additional 12AX7, and six 6550 tubes; whereas the 100T uses four 6L6 tubes, a 12AT7, and no 12AX7 (ref owners manual cover pic at end of post).
2). Performance (Clean Volume Potential)
Note: I like my tone clean as a newborn babys conscience 
100T: Does fine with a single 6-10 NEO Cab, or two 1-15 NEO Cabs. Sounds good with all three cabs, but all three arent required. Ive never been one to mix speakers, but these really do sing well together; provides a blended flavor that works well. The 100T WILL NOT (no matter how many cabs its mated to) keep up with a cranked Marshall 100 tube amp thats mated to a single or double 4-12 cab. Hoping it will is wishful thinking. And it wont matter if the channel and master volume are on 10 (which sounds terrible - my opinion of course).
300 Super Bassman: If youre looking for MAX PERFORMNANCE from this head (as loud as itll go and remain clean; and keep up with a cranked Marshall 100 tube amp thats mated to a double 4-12 cab.), the 6-10 NEO is not enough cab. Neither is the two 1-15 NEO Cab combination. I suspect the 8-10 NEO cab wont do the trick either. The 300SB does well with the 6-10 and the two 1-15 NEO Cabs. Need all three. It probably sounds killer with two 8-10 NEO cabs or four 4-10 NEO cabs. Ill never own the 8-10, but two 4-10 cabs might happen some day.
Keep in mind that a cranked Marshall 100 double stack is CRAZY LOUD. But, if thats what youre playing alongside, this is how it is.
The 100T matched to a 6-10 NEO will do the trick for most of us Im guessing. Same goes for the 300 Super Bassman. Either head will perform fine with a 4-10. However, I dont believe youll experience the FULL potential of these heads using a single 4-10 NEO cab (definitely not the 300SB, thats for sure).
3). 4-10 NEO Cab: I got a 20% off coupon from MF several weeks ago and ordered a Fender 4-10 NEO Cab. (Im sick someone please help me.) Got it and returned it the next day. It had one or more defective speakers. I hooked my 100T (set at 25w; 8 ohms) to it and the sound wasnt good. Master and channel volume (vintage) both set at 6, with bass on 3, treble and midrange set at 10. I played a Ric and Gibson (bass set on 1 w/the Gibson). The cab (speakers) was obviously defective.
BTW: I called M/F on 9/14/12 & 9/15/12 to see I could get the 20% off w/o the coupon and they said no. Tried 5 times with different people over the course of two days and got the same NO. I did complain about not receiving the 20% code in the email each time I called. A week later I got an email with the 20% offer, which I applied to this cab.
The 4-10 cab, btw, had spring loaded handles. (Both my 1-15 cabs have deep-wells). Was I sent a cab someone returned (known defect)? I have to wonder. Box was not factory sealed, and it looked like it had been around the block several times under duress.
Got a replacement 4-10 NEO and everything is fine, except for a small dent on the front edge (can see it in attached pic). Great sounding cab. No difference in tone or volume output compared to my 6-10 NEO (master and channel volume both set on 6). This is a great cab for the 100T, although, the 6-10 allows for full utilization of the heads volume potential. Replacement cab also has spring-loaded metal handles.
4). I remember someone asking for a pic of the 6-10 grill cover (a long time ago). Well, theres no pull-tab on my 6-10, but there is on my 4-10. So Ive included a pic of it. Im sure its the same design. Hope this helps whoever wanted it as a reference to build their own.
5). Hey folks, continue enjoying this amazing equipment. The tone potential appears limitless, especially on the overdrive channel (no, I dont use the Gain and Blend, both are set on 1, which is actually 0). The Freq-Mid-Level controls provide a wide spectrum of colors and flavors that wont disappoint (settings for my Gibson Flying-V, Thunderbird, and Les Paul basses are: Freq set on 9, Level set on 7, Bass set on 3, Treble set on 6 and pulled out). Im loving it! Especially when playing any of my Gibson basses. The enhanced definition I get on the overdrive channel is terrific.
6). If anyone from Fender reads these threads, how about issuing an 18 speaker housed in a folded horn sealed enclosure. You did it before, you can do it again! Heres proof (see attached pic).
Also, check out the 400PS Fender bass head with 13 tubes (attached pic)! 440 watts RMS!! Thats 440 TUBE watts. Its a monster that needed its own dolly. The beast mustve been too heavy to lift up and set on top of the cab.
I cant imagine that the single 18 bass enclosure handled the 440 watt tube head very well. You probably needed two of them suckers and a full-grown gorilla to haul the stuff around.
I wonder if John Paul Jones knew about this monster. He couldve out-done his signature, on-stage Zeppelin tone by a mile. Tubs vs. solidstate. The choice is obvious.
Keep on rockn with tubes!
Here are some pics
I want that 18 folded horn cab really bad!
1). Tone difference between the 100T & 300 Super Bassman
I dont discern a noticeable difference in tone between the two. One might think that with different power tubes and transformers theyd sound different, but thats not the case, at least from what I hear. Both use two 12AX7 tubes in the preamp. Maybe thats why. The power amp section is different. The 300SB uses the same 12AT7, but has the additional 12AX7, and six 6550 tubes; whereas the 100T uses four 6L6 tubes, a 12AT7, and no 12AX7 (ref owners manual cover pic at end of post).
2). Performance (Clean Volume Potential)
Note: I like my tone clean as a newborn babys conscience 
100T: Does fine with a single 6-10 NEO Cab, or two 1-15 NEO Cabs. Sounds good with all three cabs, but all three arent required. Ive never been one to mix speakers, but these really do sing well together; provides a blended flavor that works well. The 100T WILL NOT (no matter how many cabs its mated to) keep up with a cranked Marshall 100 tube amp thats mated to a single or double 4-12 cab. Hoping it will is wishful thinking. And it wont matter if the channel and master volume are on 10 (which sounds terrible - my opinion of course).
300 Super Bassman: If youre looking for MAX PERFORMNANCE from this head (as loud as itll go and remain clean; and keep up with a cranked Marshall 100 tube amp thats mated to a double 4-12 cab.), the 6-10 NEO is not enough cab. Neither is the two 1-15 NEO Cab combination. I suspect the 8-10 NEO cab wont do the trick either. The 300SB does well with the 6-10 and the two 1-15 NEO Cabs. Need all three. It probably sounds killer with two 8-10 NEO cabs or four 4-10 NEO cabs. Ill never own the 8-10, but two 4-10 cabs might happen some day.
Keep in mind that a cranked Marshall 100 double stack is CRAZY LOUD. But, if thats what youre playing alongside, this is how it is.
The 100T matched to a 6-10 NEO will do the trick for most of us Im guessing. Same goes for the 300 Super Bassman. Either head will perform fine with a 4-10. However, I dont believe youll experience the FULL potential of these heads using a single 4-10 NEO cab (definitely not the 300SB, thats for sure).
3). 4-10 NEO Cab: I got a 20% off coupon from MF several weeks ago and ordered a Fender 4-10 NEO Cab. (Im sick someone please help me.) Got it and returned it the next day. It had one or more defective speakers. I hooked my 100T (set at 25w; 8 ohms) to it and the sound wasnt good. Master and channel volume (vintage) both set at 6, with bass on 3, treble and midrange set at 10. I played a Ric and Gibson (bass set on 1 w/the Gibson). The cab (speakers) was obviously defective.
BTW: I called M/F on 9/14/12 & 9/15/12 to see I could get the 20% off w/o the coupon and they said no. Tried 5 times with different people over the course of two days and got the same NO. I did complain about not receiving the 20% code in the email each time I called. A week later I got an email with the 20% offer, which I applied to this cab.
The 4-10 cab, btw, had spring loaded handles. (Both my 1-15 cabs have deep-wells). Was I sent a cab someone returned (known defect)? I have to wonder. Box was not factory sealed, and it looked like it had been around the block several times under duress.
Got a replacement 4-10 NEO and everything is fine, except for a small dent on the front edge (can see it in attached pic). Great sounding cab. No difference in tone or volume output compared to my 6-10 NEO (master and channel volume both set on 6). This is a great cab for the 100T, although, the 6-10 allows for full utilization of the heads volume potential. Replacement cab also has spring-loaded metal handles.
4). I remember someone asking for a pic of the 6-10 grill cover (a long time ago). Well, theres no pull-tab on my 6-10, but there is on my 4-10. So Ive included a pic of it. Im sure its the same design. Hope this helps whoever wanted it as a reference to build their own.
5). Hey folks, continue enjoying this amazing equipment. The tone potential appears limitless, especially on the overdrive channel (no, I dont use the Gain and Blend, both are set on 1, which is actually 0). The Freq-Mid-Level controls provide a wide spectrum of colors and flavors that wont disappoint (settings for my Gibson Flying-V, Thunderbird, and Les Paul basses are: Freq set on 9, Level set on 7, Bass set on 3, Treble set on 6 and pulled out). Im loving it! Especially when playing any of my Gibson basses. The enhanced definition I get on the overdrive channel is terrific.
6). If anyone from Fender reads these threads, how about issuing an 18 speaker housed in a folded horn sealed enclosure. You did it before, you can do it again! Heres proof (see attached pic).
Also, check out the 400PS Fender bass head with 13 tubes (attached pic)! 440 watts RMS!! Thats 440 TUBE watts. Its a monster that needed its own dolly. The beast mustve been too heavy to lift up and set on top of the cab.
I cant imagine that the single 18 bass enclosure handled the 440 watt tube head very well. You probably needed two of them suckers and a full-grown gorilla to haul the stuff around.
I wonder if John Paul Jones knew about this monster. He couldve out-done his signature, on-stage Zeppelin tone by a mile. Tubs vs. solidstate. The choice is obvious.
Keep on rockn with tubes!
Here are some pics
I want that 18 folded horn cab really bad!
- Mar 8, 2011
- 12,232
- 51,187
- Disclosures
- Authorized greenboy designs builder/Owner of BNA Audio
that was me saying about the grill pics. THANKS!
its actually surprising that the grill has so much board to it with just holes for the speakers and Ports. i'm gonna make one for my 215pro. thanks for the help.
its actually surprising that the grill has so much board to it with just holes for the speakers and Ports. i'm gonna make one for my 215pro. thanks for the help.
Thanks FenderLove
That was me about the toneal difference between the amps.
I am order the SB300, however I don't have a Marshall to go up agains, but as you say I like it clean.....
Thanks Again
Jerry
That was me about the toneal difference between the amps.
I am order the SB300, however I don't have a Marshall to go up agains, but as you say I like it clean.....
Thanks Again
Jerry
Hi again... thanks for taking an interest.
So I sent the dealer a mail describing the situation last night. No answer during my workday, so I descided to try and fix it according to the manual myself. Picked up a quartett of sovtek 6l6 tubes, changed tubes and fuses (the two tube fuses inside). Power on result:
Biases as normal for about a minute, then shows two red and two orange lights (just as before). The red light on the front never came on. The tubes are all getting power during biasing, they glow just like they did in standby when the amp worked (five glorious hours....)
Called the shop (which is located a few hours away) described situation. They had talked about my mail at work and asked me if i were capable of changing tubes myself. I replied yes, told them it was allready done with the above described result.
The amp is going back to shop (they are paying for shipment and they seem very serviceminded about this problem) So it looks like I`m back to playing my GK 700 again for a few more weeks... I`ll keep you updated, thanks for inputs so far.
Really looking forward to getting this amp up and running, It sounded heavenly when working.... Here is a pic of the rig the right way...
-Kjetil
So I sent the dealer a mail describing the situation last night. No answer during my workday, so I descided to try and fix it according to the manual myself. Picked up a quartett of sovtek 6l6 tubes, changed tubes and fuses (the two tube fuses inside). Power on result:
Biases as normal for about a minute, then shows two red and two orange lights (just as before). The red light on the front never came on. The tubes are all getting power during biasing, they glow just like they did in standby when the amp worked (five glorious hours....)
Called the shop (which is located a few hours away) described situation. They had talked about my mail at work and asked me if i were capable of changing tubes myself. I replied yes, told them it was allready done with the above described result.
The amp is going back to shop (they are paying for shipment and they seem very serviceminded about this problem) So it looks like I`m back to playing my GK 700 again for a few more weeks... I`ll keep you updated, thanks for inputs so far.
Really looking forward to getting this amp up and running, It sounded heavenly when working.... Here is a pic of the rig the right way...
-Kjetil
Attachments
FenderLove, thanks very much for that excellent and detailed comparison between the two heads. I am hoping to have a Super Bassman 300 in a few weeks to compare with my 100T into the neo 610. Like you I am mainly interested in clean tone. What I am interested to find out is the answer to this question: Is the 300 substantially louder clean into the 610 cabinet than the 100T? In other words does the 610 handle the extra clean headroom of the 300 sufficiently to be significantly louder than the 100 clean, or does it fart out fairly soon with the exra watts?
NorCal Dog said:
Yes, thanks for the support!
If anyone is interested in buying a truly mint condition Super Bassman rig, just PM me and we can discuss.... This is not what I want to do however I need to be conscious of my back issues!
...
Also, check out the 400PS Fender bass head with 13 tubes (attached pic)! 440 watts RMS!! Thats 440 TUBE watts. Its a monster that needed its own dolly. The beast mustve been too heavy to lift up and set on top of the cab.
Holy Crapoli, that thing's a Beast-A-Tron!
-James
you would think there should be wouldnt you , but i note on the ampeg site the 610 and 410 have the same sensitivity and db specs.
i think the 400ps came with the "catering stand", as there was a concern over the vibration factor from that cab!
That amp has three 145w outputs, as it was meant to be used with up to three of those folded horns. With the horn design and the very efficient JBL speakers used in the day it must have been a very loud and extremely good sounding rig- but I believe it came out just as people were moving away from big rigs on stage to full-range PA systems.
As such it was a pro rig designed for big acts, and i guess it was considered that the roadies would haul it as they do PA systems nowadays. Back then roadies were within reach financially (or at least practically) for much lesser acts than today as well- there were more people around who would work for drugs and groupies, or to be around the scene, or to get a foot in the door, and gigs were plentiful and actually paid decently.
Plus the 610 has a higher power handling rating which surely means that it will go louder before farting out? (assuming that the amp has the headroom to go louder and stay clean). Plus again I reckon if you want vintage the 610 has that wonderful vintage bling look - reminds me of an old 215 cab. This is why I am going to try a Super Bassman 300 soon with my 610 - will I get more clean grunt for big gigs than the 100T, or is the cab going to fart out at the same level for both? I suspect I will end up with both cabs
Hi Chris, as I recall the SVT into the neo 610 was fine and the neo 610 impressed me sufficiently in a direct comparison with the Bergantino NV610 that I got rid of the Berg! That is one huge vote of recommendation for the Fender cab. However, I didn't really crank the Ampeg into the neo, just took it to the same level as the Berg could handle. It was fine.
I have since sold the SVT so currently am sitting on an Orange AD200 and the 100T. The Orange 200 into my Bergantino NV215 cab is wonderful. I am currently looking for a USA assembled SVT or the Fender Super Bass 300 to replace that gap for loud clean headroom. A plus for the Fender is that it is easily serviced over here and the importers are on my doorstep, while I have owned a few SVTs over the years and had servicing difficulty with all of them.
P.S. I was eyeing your 810 cab but the size thing always puts me off, I think I would rather just run the neo 610 in combination with the NV215 if I needed to - my days of carting fridges are long gone. The Orange is 4 or 8 ohms, doesn't like a 2 ohm load which is another plus for the SB300.
I have since sold the SVT so currently am sitting on an Orange AD200 and the 100T. The Orange 200 into my Bergantino NV215 cab is wonderful. I am currently looking for a USA assembled SVT or the Fender Super Bass 300 to replace that gap for loud clean headroom. A plus for the Fender is that it is easily serviced over here and the importers are on my doorstep, while I have owned a few SVTs over the years and had servicing difficulty with all of them.
P.S. I was eyeing your 810 cab but the size thing always puts me off, I think I would rather just run the neo 610 in combination with the NV215 if I needed to - my days of carting fridges are long gone. The Orange is 4 or 8 ohms, doesn't like a 2 ohm load which is another plus for the SB300.
hi Tim ive just bought a 610 neo from musicmachine, , [very excited] it will be good for 99% of gigs and we do a outdoor festival each summer and that has backline provided plus foh anyway, plus a good point you make , IF the need arose i have access to a ashdown quad that could be added to the rig. if it arrives before you trial the sb ill keep you posted. i concur the size of the 610 is more 60s vintage style and goes with the whole vibe of the blackface head, which i love.
Chris, I think you will love the 610. It is just a much more practical cabinet than the 810 IMO. I will be very interested to hear your thoughts on the combination with the SB300. Did Richie have one in stock, or are you waiting for it to arrive with the next shipment, like me? Frankly, I am absolutely certain I will be keeping the 100T, if only because it is lighter than the 300. But it seems to make sense to have a 300 in the cupboard for when my guitarist puts the combo aside and brings out his Marshall Hendrix 100 watt full stack.
I suppose the other question is do I keep the Orange AD200? This will be answered when I AB it with the SB300 - I want to see if the modern channel of the Fender with its increased EQ flexibility can get me the Orange tone if needed. I can certainly dial in as close as you like to an SVT tone on it, but not sure about the Orange. Again, it amazes me how right Fender have got these amps - I suspect they must have quietly been doing considerable R & D on them for quite a while before they started manufacture.
I suppose the other question is do I keep the Orange AD200? This will be answered when I AB it with the SB300 - I want to see if the modern channel of the Fender with its increased EQ flexibility can get me the Orange tone if needed. I can certainly dial in as close as you like to an SVT tone on it, but not sure about the Orange. Again, it amazes me how right Fender have got these amps - I suspect they must have quietly been doing considerable R & D on them for quite a while before they started manufacture.
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