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The Fender Super Bassman 300 thread
- Thread starter Tim1
- Start date
I've no doubt said it many times, but I've had my SB300 since 2012. It's been 'Super' reliable. Only a couple of times in that 10 yrs has it had a 'whining ' noise upon start up.
1st time I (don't think) I checked the bias lights, but this last time I did, and one power tube bias light was lit orange. As I had had this noise issue a few years previously- the first time, I turned amp off and then back on and noise was gone - I remembered the 1st time, and I checked the bias lights.
As I said, one tube light was orange. So I'm thinking one of my power tubes is on its way out. I turned amp off, left for a minute, turned back on, left in standby a minute, turned on with mute engaged, checked lights :- all green, no noise.
So.... either a tube IS on its way out and the bias system is doing its job, or the bias system is flunky.
I lean towards the previous... even tho my SB300 is an early model and some of the bias systems are known to be flunky, all SEEMS to be functioning properly.
It's still on its original set of power tubes btw.
Bottom line is, I've had all tube amps all my life and I'm not gonna be treating this amp any differently than any others I've had.... and that's basically...
If it sounds good, go for it.
I usually turn it on to standby, and leave to warm up, as any tube amp, then I'll give the bias lights a cursory check, if they're in a position allowing me to see em easily, then turn outta standby, leaving mute on for about 30 secs
Then play.
I might've made all this sound convoluted, but really it's as simple as any all tube amp. And, it sounds better than most.
It's a win for me
1st time I (don't think) I checked the bias lights, but this last time I did, and one power tube bias light was lit orange. As I had had this noise issue a few years previously- the first time, I turned amp off and then back on and noise was gone - I remembered the 1st time, and I checked the bias lights.
As I said, one tube light was orange. So I'm thinking one of my power tubes is on its way out. I turned amp off, left for a minute, turned back on, left in standby a minute, turned on with mute engaged, checked lights :- all green, no noise.
So.... either a tube IS on its way out and the bias system is doing its job, or the bias system is flunky.
I lean towards the previous... even tho my SB300 is an early model and some of the bias systems are known to be flunky, all SEEMS to be functioning properly.
It's still on its original set of power tubes btw.
Bottom line is, I've had all tube amps all my life and I'm not gonna be treating this amp any differently than any others I've had.... and that's basically...
If it sounds good, go for it.
I usually turn it on to standby, and leave to warm up, as any tube amp, then I'll give the bias lights a cursory check, if they're in a position allowing me to see em easily, then turn outta standby, leaving mute on for about 30 secs
Then play.
I might've made all this sound convoluted, but really it's as simple as any all tube amp. And, it sounds better than most.
It's a win for me
And yet here you are throwing grenades over the wall for fun.
I must admit, this could indeed be fun.
We used to shoot skyrockets up at a mate's window too
I just got mine today. I have to work a double in a few hours so I don’t have much time to play with it, but initial impressions are favorable.
Greetings from the North,
Congrats on the Super Bassman and may it serve you well. The Traynor YBA300 is a great head too just a different flavour. I traded one in for the versatility of the 2 Channels of the Fender. Enjoy!
Rezdog
Congrats on the Super Bassman and may it serve you well. The Traynor YBA300 is a great head too just a different flavour. I traded one in for the versatility of the 2 Channels of the Fender. Enjoy!
Rezdog
Cabs ain't bad neither !
SO GOOD. I'm actually considering selling the pair of NV115s to the left to fund another pair of OBC-115s... but I know I'd miss the lighter weight setup.
.
Happy 7inal 7ender 7riday of 2022!
It's been another wonderful year,
And all the numerous questions, discussions, gig reports &
Super Bassman pix, with civil language and respect for others!
Thank you, for having this great thread!!
And, as always, let us all, safely and joyously, ... ... ...
Play On!
into 2023!!!
.
It's been another wonderful year,
And all the numerous questions, discussions, gig reports &
Super Bassman pix, with civil language and respect for others!
Thank you, for having this great thread!!
And, as always, let us all, safely and joyously, ... ... ...
Play On!
into 2023!!!
.
So I just got a 2012 sb along with a pair of the bassman 115 cabs thanks to @Erik herman
I’m taking it to a local tech on Monday to give it a once over as it’s been years since I’ve owned an all tube amp.
I would love to see some awesome knob settings from others using 15” cabs. Also debating about moving over to one or two cabs with tens, as I’ve been using a rumble 500c for the last 3 years and have really enjoyed it.
I’m taking it to a local tech on Monday to give it a once over as it’s been years since I’ve owned an all tube amp.
I would love to see some awesome knob settings from others using 15” cabs. Also debating about moving over to one or two cabs with tens, as I’ve been using a rumble 500c for the last 3 years and have really enjoyed it.
Attachments
I've been running mine into the single Bassman 115 Neo. I really only use the vintage channel. I get a great saturated tone by running the pre volume up around 7-8 with the bass and treble both around 7-8 and the mids around 5-6. Then I use the master volume to control the actual volume (which is often down around 2). Once it's had 45 minutes or so to warm up those settings give me that full, saturated tube tone that I'm looking for.
I've fiddled with the overdrive channel but don't use it much. The warm, round tone of the vintage channel is more what I'm after.
B
I do too. Mostly.
Sometimes I'll dial in the OD channel, with a mostly clean tone. Then I end up using it all gig.
I mostly use the GAIN and MASTER VOLUME opposite tho. Depending on the gig. Max out the master volume and use channel gain for my volume.
With my Orange AD200B I almost ALWAYS max the master volume control and use gain for actual volume.
Similar amps in my Experience
Thanks B! Once I get it back (bad bias module) I will drop down to 115 and see what difference it makes. Thank you for taking the time to write that up.
Add my +1 vote for a single 115 Neo. Lately I've been using the OD channel with eq set dead flat, blend on 5 and gain on 1 or 2. Turn the master up a fair way and control the volume with the channel volume. And add an Fdeck hpf in the loop to get more of a sealed cab vibe.
Bassman 115s for me too.
Altho it sits nice on a Bergantino NV215, 610 and 412 also.
I use it with my Bergantino HG410 but ther HG410 is on its side. DI'd to f.o.h mostly with this cab.
The Orange 115OBC is basically an EV TL606 cab... and these fit nicely, on its side....
I just ordered a Bassman 410 neo because GC had a good (at least good enough) deal on a used one. (About $750 after shipping.) I'll be curious to see how I like it. I absolutely love my 115 but without trying the 410 who knows, maybe I'll like it better? I figure I'll keep the shipping box and being GC I can always send it back.
In truth that 115 is plenty for my current gigs but I could envision a stage where one of them won't be enough. If I end up preferring the 115 to the 410 I'll probably ditch the 410 and look for a second 115.
Any way you cut it that Bassman 115 Neo is a wonderful cab.
B
Let me know! I’m in the market for a neo 410 and have the 115’s.
I actually just bought a rumble 410, buddy of mine was selling it for $200 so I couldn’t pass that up. Just waiting to get the SB back and test it out. But yea man I’m planning a trip up to southern VT next month, so if you’re feeling the itch send me a pm after you get a chance to try it out.
I played a gig about a year ago with my Super Bassman into one Bassman 115. Thought it'd be enough as it was DI'd to f.o.h anyway.
Anyway, the gig got super crowded and loud and I drove that single 15 within an inch of its life. I was careful and kept a close ear on it. It's fine, but I won't be doing that again.
I have 2 Bassman Pro Neo 115s so both or my NV215 will be on hand next time.
I sure do love the sound of the Bassman 115s, especially with the Super Bassman. But they sound great with my V4B and AD200B also
