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The Fender Bassman 100T thread

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#1,021
AaronHuff said:
For all of you who are using the 100T in full-band, medium-sized venue situations: Do you find that it has a enough clean headroom to have a decent stage volume (enough to get by if I'm standing next to a drummer and don't have a monitor) without always being on the verge of breaking up?
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I'm not familiar with this particular amp but it does depend on what cab(s) you have. Someone already said that one of other reasons to run a 100w tube amp is BECAUSE you like it on the verge of breaking up :) . I played my V4B once through two V9 cabs (9x10, ported) and it was WAY too loud :D . My Bugera 1960 through a 212MBE cab is kinda on the edge but still clean when playing with a drummer and THREE Marshall half stacks - but those guys are pretty well behaved. You'd probably be OK with a 'fridge or an efficient 4x10...
 
#1,023
AaronHuff said:
I'm sure the answer to this question is buried in here somewhere, but I've been through many pages and not found it yet, so forgive me if I'm rehashing anything. For all of you who are using the 100T in full-band, medium-sized venue situations: Do you find that it has a enough clean headroom to have a decent stage volume (enough to get by if I'm standing next to a drummer and don't have a monitor) without always being on the verge of breaking up?
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Aaron - As Tim said, I went with a 100 watt tube head because I like the sound of distorting power tubes much more than an overdriven preamp tube. But that doesn't mean I like a raggedy sound. I have yet to hear the 100T actually 'break up'. What I am getting is tons of harmonics that add a presence to the bass in an ensemble situation that I've never had before. But it doesn't sound like 'fuzz bass' at all. I don't know if I am just below the 'break up' point, or how much louder it could go before it does actually break up. It gives the impression it'll go a LOT louder, but it could be just on the brink of crapping out - I've just never felt the need to push it to its limits. But let me also say that I don't use any outboard eq, and do not try to generate a lot of sub-lows from my bass - I run things pretty close to flat. I think that may the situation where the 100T would run out of gas quick - if someone is using an eq or subharmonic syth to crank frequencies 50Hz and below.
I still have to use the overdrive to get an actual 'fuzz' sound when I want it. Without the overdrive it sounds beautifully warm and round.
 
#1,026
Hmm, this sounds pretty good to me. Maybe I will go with the 100T instead of the Super. A little less weight and money also sounds good. Might do some tube swapping based on what I've read here on TB, too.

Freight Train said:
Aaron - As Tim said, I went with a 100 watt tube head because I like the sound of distorting power tubes much more than an overdriven preamp tube. But that doesn't mean I like a raggedy sound. I have yet to hear the 100T actually 'break up'. What I am getting is tons of harmonics that add a presence to the bass in an ensemble situation that I've never had before. But it doesn't sound like 'fuzz bass' at all. I don't know if I am just below the 'break up' point, or how much louder it could go before it does actually break up. It gives the impression it'll go a LOT louder, but it could be just on the brink of crapping out - I've just never felt the need to push it to its limits. But let me also say that I don't use any outboard eq, and do not try to generate a lot of sub-lows from my bass - I run things pretty close to flat. I think that may the situation where the 100T would run out of gas quick - if someone is using an eq or subharmonic syth to crank frequencies 50Hz and below.
I still have to use the overdrive to get an actual 'fuzz' sound when I want it. Without the overdrive it sounds beautifully warm and round.
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#1,027
In addition to the fact that I believe the 100T will better suit my needs, the weight is a factor for me. Lugging 48.5 pounds will be challenging enough for me -- the 65 lbs. of the 300W model is just over the line for me personally these days. Plus it's $400 more. To each his/her own -- the 300 is more what some folks want/need.
 
#1,032
I've been looking for a cover myself for this amp as well. I have to say that although I love it, and I think Fender did an amazing job with the design, a cover should be included when shipped for an amp at this price point. At minimum Fender should offer one for sale.
 
#1,033
I'm generally surprised by how many vendors drop the ball on this. Having amp covers or carry bags, cabinet covers, etc. seems an opportunity for more $ (or a nice freebie when you're already spending this much) and it's another customer touch point. Why leave the customer on his/her own to go into the after-market? Just sayin'.... I emailed amplifiercovers.com. Thanks, Freight Train.
 
#1,036
For all the guys looking for one to try out in their area, but can't find one, I'd say if you're interested, just go for it. I bought mine without playing through one previous (I was able to play the 300SB briefly). I'm still blown away with it. If you want that tube sound, this is it. Of every review I've seen, I've yet to read one negative comment regarding the tone. Yeh it's heavier than a micro, and you've got to replace the tubes at some point, but if you can work within the limitations of an all-tube amp, you won't be disappointed if you pick this one!
 
#1,037
TorontoAlex said:
For all the guys looking for one to try out in their area, but can't find one, I'd say if you're interested, just go for it. I bought mine without playing through one previous (I was able to play the 300SB briefly). I'm still blown away with it. If you want that tube sound, this is it. Of every review I've seen, I've yet to read one negative comment regarding the tone. Yeh it's heavier than a micro, and you've got to replace the tubes at some point, but if you can work within the limitations of an all-tube amp, you won't be disappointed if you pick this one!
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I totally agree. I bought mine very early on, and totally took a chance. (Actually, my wife bought the rig for me for my birthday. You can start hating me now.) I was just making assumptions about power tube distortion being what I was really wanting all these years. The only tube amps I've ever used were a Bassman 100 and an SVT that I borrowed briefly back in the mid-70's, and I loved how that Bassman went into distortion. Otherwise I've always had solid state amps and have tried to get the sound I wanted with pedals.
When I first got the rig I was totally overwhelmed with the it using my flatwound bass - so thumpy and full sounding. But the last couple gigs I've found a sweet spot with the overdrive and my roundwound bass (Jack Casady Epiphone) where I'm getting the closest to a John Entwhistle/John Wetton sound I've ever gotten.
 
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