The Fender Super Bassman 300 thread

[Goatrope]

I bought a couple pairs of GT 6550s from Tubedepot.com a couple of years ago as back-ups. Paid just under $100/pair as I recall. Still haven't needed them.

Cool. Thank you. I ordered a pair today from Tubedepot. Under $100!

Adorama had them listed as in stock, then my order status showed as “backordered”. Worked out in my favor because I stumbled on to Tubedepot in the mean time. Already shipped.

Thanks again!

 

[rodl2005]

Cool. Thank you. I ordered a pair today from Tubedepot. Under $100!

Adorama had them listed as in stock, then my order status showed as “backordered”. Worked out in my favor because I stumbled on to Tubedepot in the mean time. Already shipped.

Thanks again!

Let us know how it goes once you've swapped them please.

 

[Goatrope]

One thing I was wondering, mainly because the autobias feature is new to me, is whether the presence of a red LED is analogous to the MIL, or “Check Engine” light in my car.

I physically inspected the offending tube, and also swapped it into its partner’s position. No visible damage, and the amp ran/runs asymptomatically. The light was on at the start of the last gig, and I could not perceive any loss of power or change in tone by the end of the gig.

I have the MIL illuminated in my car, and it’s been that way for years. I’ve run the codes, and I know I have a bad O2 sensor, but I’ve been negligent in replacing it.

I also had a Land Rover that turned me into a mechanic. The anti-lock brake system MIL illuminated, and I ended up disconnecting that system and removing the light bulb for the MIL. The vehicle stopped more predictably without ABS, but that’s a whole other, silly chapter in auto maintenance.

I mention this just to help frame why I have these thoughts.

I wish there was a code reader for my Super Bassman, so I really knew what was happening. Anyway, I’m glad to get the early warning, it’s just that I wonder if I’m prematurely replacing a pair of power tubes.

I had an old V4B for decades, and never replaced a power tube. I’m sure they degraded over time, but it’s the only real-world comparative I can call upon. The anecdotal evidence offered via the internet, which suggests the tubes should “last for years”, is a bit worrisome. :/

Any thoughts on this from the Club membership?

 

[Meghans Dad]

One thing I was wondering, mainly because the autobias feature is new to me, is whether the presence of a red LED is analogous to the MIL, or “Check Engine” light in my car.

I physically inspected the offending tube, and also swapped it into its partner’s position. No visible damage, and the amp ran/runs asymptomatically. The light was on at the start of the last gig, and I could not perceive any loss of power or change in tone by the end of the gig.

I have the MIL illuminated in my car, and it’s been that way for years. I’ve run the codes, and I know I have a bad O2 sensor, but I’ve been negligent in replacing it.

I also had a Land Rover that turned me into a mechanic. The anti-lock brake system MIL illuminated, and I ended up disconnecting that system and removing the light bulb for the MIL. The vehicle stopped more predictably without ABS, but that’s a whole other, silly chapter in auto maintenance.

I mention this just to help frame why I have these thoughts.

I wish there was a code reader for my Super Bassman, so I really knew what was happening. Anyway, I’m glad to get the early warning, it’s just that I wonder if I’m prematurely replacing a pair of power tubes.

I had an old V4B for decades, and never replaced a power tube. I’m sure they degraded over time, but it’s the only real-world comparative I can call upon. The anecdotal evidence offered via the internet, which suggests the tubes should “last for years”, is a bit worrisome. :/

Any thoughts on this from the Club membership?

My understanding, based on the manual and the Fender website, is that the six indicator lights are for the power tubes and only the tubes. Just because the tube does not have a burned spot does not mean it did not go bad.
There are other factors that go into longevity other than hours played...I have a Deluxe Reverb that I used to take out all the time, was always changing tubes. Had the same amp in my practice room...no problems. I think the jostling does them in just like the lightbulbs in your garage door opener.

 

[rodl2005]

Have you tried turning it off and on?


Seriously..... have you tried it again since and the same lights, response?

The amp does go thru a diagnostic test when turned on and in Standby.

If they kept showing bad on the same one, and/ or the 'bad ' light followed it if that tune was swapped position I'd be changing em.

 

[Goatrope]

Oh certainly. I thought about that possibility.

I’ve been playing through it for about an hour a day, each day. Same response. Still sounds/seems fine, but the one light is red. Like I said earlier, I swapped positions with the partner tube, and the red light followed the tube.

Edit to add: New pair of tubes arrive tomorrow, so I’ll be swapping them out.

 

[Goatrope]

UPDATE:

New tubes installed. All LEDs green again. Amp sounds same as it did before. The tubes were a matched pair of GT-6550-R mediums (7). All the others are also mediums. So that was good. Got what I ordered.

I’m a little disappointed with GrooveTubes packaging. Tube Depot did a fabulous job with the overpack, and UPS was kind, but the tubes were loose inside the GT package. Glass on glass.

No damage, but you’d think they’d do better.
After all, they ship tubes every day. Oh well.

There was a little weirdness upon startup. Soon as power came on, one of the new tubes made a “pop” and a bit of blue light at the base (inside the glass). Then it settled into normal mode, warming up to a nice orange glow like the others. Coming off standby, nothing unusual. The amp played fine. No new noises or sizzles.

So all is good for now. Two gigs this weekend coming, and I always have my backup D800 ICE.

Life goes on...

 

[west al]

UPDATE:

New tubes installed. All LEDs green again. Amp sounds same as it did before. The tubes were a matched pair of GT-6550-R mediums (7). All the others are also mediums. So that was good. Got what I ordered.

I’m a little disappointed with GrooveTubes packaging. Tube Depot did a fabulous job with the overpack, and UPS was kind, but the tubes were loose inside the GT package. Glass on glass.

No damage, but you’d think they’d do better.
After all, they ship tubes every day. Oh well.

There was a little weirdness upon startup. Soon as power came on, one of the new tubes made a “pop” and a bit of blue light at the base (inside the glass). Then it settled into normal mode, warming up to a nice orange glow like the others. Coming off standby, nothing unusual. The amp played fine. No new noises or sizzles.

So all is good for now. Two gigs this weekend coming, and I always have my backup D800 ICE.

Life goes on...

I'm glad it worked out for you. Great to let us know about how Tube Depot did too.

 

[Goatrope]

I'm glad it worked out for you. Great to let us know about how Tube Depot did too.

Tube Depot did great. Shipped out same day I placed the order. Nice over pack, but as I wrote, GT packaging was sub-par.

 

[west al]

Tube Depot did great. Shipped out same day I placed the order. Nice over pack, but as I wrote, GT packaging was sub-par.

At least they made it to you ok.

 

[greengoblin]

Tube Depot did great. Shipped out same day I placed the order. Nice over pack, but as I wrote, GT packaging was sub-par.

Tube Depot is about the only place I buy new tubes anymore. They always do a great job, fast shipping and nice options of burn in and matching.

 

[rodl2005]

Sound check pics of corporate gig for Rural Health Australia last Monday.
1k ppl and most were dancing.

Can you get a better rig than this? I don't think so. Bigger, yes. But this Super Bassman and Bassman Pro Neo 115 was PLENTY for this night.
Terrific sound guys too

Plus, a HUUUGE shout out to the caterers! how they manage to get 1000 meals out, on time, AND the beans are still crunchy, the steaks perfectly cooked.... amazing!

 

[Tim1]

Oh well, it finally happened. Auto bias playing up and amp is in with the tech for it to be replaced. It was taking longer and longer for green lights to stop flashing, then some flashed randomly and some times different ones would go red although amo sounded fine. Shouldn't be the tubes as there are not that many hours on it since I rotate it with a V4 B, Orange AD200 and Mesa Subway. Mine was one of the very first off the assembly line so I suppose in a way I was expecting it to happen. Tech is waiting for Fender to send a new chip and cable to New Zealand, he said they replaced most of them on arrival in the country but with mine being so early the issue was not known when first imported. Fortunately the importer is down the road from me and they are normally pretty good over these things.

 

[rodl2005]

Oh well, it finally happened. Auto bias playing up and amp is in with the tech for it to be replaced. It was taking longer and longer for green lights to stop flashing, then some flashed randomly and some times different ones would go red although amo sounded fine. Shouldn't be the tubes as there are not that many hours on it since I rotate it with a V4 B, Orange AD200 and Mesa Subway. Mine was one of the very first off the assembly line so I suppose in a way I was expecting it to happen. Tech is waiting for Fender to send a new chip and cable to New Zealand, he said they replaced most of them on arrival in the country but with mine being so early the issue was not known when first imported. Fortunately the importer is down the road from me and they are normally pretty good over these things.

Keep in touch. Hope it turns out inexpensive for you

 

[Tim1]

Just got it back. New auto bias circuitry fitted and everything is sweet, works like it should. Cost me NZ$240 but money well spent so far as I am concerned. Not surprised since it was literally one of the first out the door before they were aware of the bias issue, just happy to have it all sorted. Unsure as to how much use it will get in the near future since I just bought an Aguilar DB751 which sounds pretty good on top of the Fender neo 810 cab.

 

[rodl2005]

Just got it back. New auto bias circuitry fitted and everything is sweet, works like it should. Cost me NZ$240 but money well spent so far as I am concerned. Not surprised since it was literally one of the first out the door before they were aware of the bias issue, just happy to have it all sorted. Unsure as to how much use it will get in the near future since I just bought an Aguilar DB751 which sounds pretty good on top of the Fender neo 810 cab.

Glad it wasn't too painful for you. And thanx for the update.
While I sure do like the DB750 I've got, it doesn't have the bloom, whatever ya call it.... that I find with the SB and AD200B
It sure is a good amp tho. I've never played a 751, so, can't comment on any difference in the 750 and it.
Great amps tho. I love it with the NV215!

 

[bassjam]

Well....Thanks you you guys and gals, I pulled the trigger and ordered a Super Bassman and 410 neo cab. I shouldn’t be talking to any of you as I may be eating soup for a couple weeks until I can pay it off!

Totally Kidding!

I’ve been wanting to go back to tubes as I’ve been though about every Class D amp out there. Had some I liked, but I was always tryin different pedals to get closer to a tube vibe. I recently picked up a Fender Rumble 210 combo and have really liked it for what it is. So I started looking into the Fender tube offerings.

I was pretty much down to an Ashdown CTM 300 and the Super Bassman. Personally I love the Ashdown stuff and have gigged an ABM 600 for a few years with great luck. But I seemed to find a good bit more info on the SB and I really have no way of trying the Ashdown. Plus I really like the fact that the SB has 2 channels( I know everyone here already knows this.... it’s just my own thought process). I’d ruled out the Ampeg V4 b as The one I tried didn’t have the clean headroom that I like- sounded great, but got dirty too early for me. Ruled out the other Ampeg offerings (at least at first) due to the weight. The ones I’ve had as backline sounded great, but I’d hoped for something a bit lighter.

So I started reading this thread and other SB reviews. Sounds like a winner for sure.... time will tell. But I’m goin in!

 

[Tim1]

Glad it wasn't too painful for you. And thanx for the update.
While I sure do like the DB750 I've got, it doesn't have the bloom, whatever ya call it.... that I find with the SB and AD200B
It sure is a good amp tho. I've never played a 751, so, can't comment on any difference in the 750 and it.
Great amps tho. I love it with the NV215!

I know what you mean, Rod. Plus, it is always tempting to favour something that is new to you. Got to say, though, that having shifted to Barefaced 10 cabinets the 751 is a pretty good match for them. It also pumps nicely with the Fender neo 810, should I need to go over the top. I don't think there is a big difference between the 750 and 751, the major one being a shift in the mid eq from 400 to 800 and making the eq more sensitive. The Barefaced 10 cabs are deliberately voiced to have a vintage character built in, which may be why the aggie works so well with them.

 

[G-Dog]

Well....Thanks you you guys and gals, I pulled the trigger and ordered a Super Bassman and 410 neo cab. I shouldn’t be talking to any of you as I may be eating soup for a couple weeks until I can pay it off!

Totally Kidding!

I’ve been wanting to go back to tubes as I’ve been though about every Class D amp out there. Had some I liked, but I was always tryin different pedals to get closer to a tube vibe. I recently picked up a Fender Rumble 210 combo and have really liked it for what it is. So I started looking into the Fender tube offerings.

I was pretty much down to an Ashdown CRM 300 and the Super Bassman. Personally I love the Ashdown stuff and have gigged an ABM 600 for a few years with great luck. But I seemed to find a good bit more info on the SB and I really have no way of trying the Ashdown. Plus I really like the fact that the SB has 2 channels( I know everyone here already knows this.... it’s just my own thought process). I’d ruled out the Ampeg V4 b as The one I tried didn’t have the clean headroom that I like- sounded great, but got dirty too early for me. Ruled out the other Ampeg offerings (at least at first) due to the weight. The ones I’ve had as backline sounded great, but I’d hoped for something a bit lighter.

So I started reading this thread and other SB reviews. Sounds like a winner for sure.... time will tell. But I’m goin in!

That's great, jammy! When you get it, how about sharing a photo at the Official Fender Bassman Club Pt II?
.

 

[bassjam]

That's great, jammy! When you get it, how about sharing a photo at the Official Fender Bassman Club Pt II?
.

You bet- I’ll post some over there! I’m gigging all week just outside of Vegas. I’m hoping the rig will be waiting on me when I get back home!