The Fender Super Bassman 300 thread

[flatwound62p]

More precisely, both channels go through V1b, but V1a is solely for the vintage channel. V2a and V2b is solely for the OD channel.

You're right. And both halves of V2 are only used in the OD path, so with Blend on 0 V2 is completely out of the picture and should not have any effect on the output volume. My bad there.

I didn't have a 5751 to sample unfortunately (expensive suckers these days!) but tried what I had in my box of old tubes which were 12AT7, 12AY7 and 12AU7 which are all lower gain. There was definitely a drop in volume but I'm probably remembering that with the blend set somewhere above 0. I ended up sticking the 12AX7 back in there.

 

[Rocksolid]

Has anyone got their SB300 in a live in case where you remove the front and rear lids? I want to do a lightweight verion of a live in case for mine so that the front face/knobs are protected when it's packed in a van for interstate gigs. It just has a soft cover currently.

I don't want a live in case that adds 10kg to the overall weight though. Just a light weight one with removable front (and rear or the rear could be open backed). It could be made so there are just cut outs for the handles on the SB300, and even secure the SB300 in the case by utilizing the feet of the SB300. Take the feet off and screw them back on through the case to keep it in position.

Has anyone got any recommendations of case manufacturers or have you seen such a case? Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[BrianVengeance]

Has anyone got their SB300 in a live in case where you remove the front and rear lids? I want to do a lightweight verion of a live in case for mine so that the front face/knobs are protected when it's packed in a van for interstate gigs. It just has a soft cover currently.

I don't want a live in case that adds 10kg to the overall weight though. Just a light weight one with removable front (and rear or the rear could be open backed). It could be made so there are just cut outs for the handles on the SB300, and even secure the SB300 in the case by utilizing the feet of the SB300. Take the feet off and screw them back on through the case to keep it in position.

Has anyone got any recommendations of case manufacturers or have you seen such a case? Any thoughts appreciated.

I got Safe Cases to build a custom ATA case for mine based on one they already had for the older Bassman 300 - I’m sure they’d build something for you as well. The one I got is built like a tank and weighs as much, so this may be a question of what compromises you are willing to make.

 

[Rocksolid]

I got Safe Cases to build a custom ATA case for mine based on one they already had for the older Bassman 300 - I’m sure they’d build something for you as well. The one I got is built like a tank and weighs as much, so this may be a question of what compromises you are willing to make.

Have you got some pics you could share please?

 

[BrianVengeance]

Not a live in, but custom dimensions. Tiles are 12“ for reference and the back pocket can fit a Mesa D-800+, IECs, and cables for cabs.

 

[Wasnex]

Not a live in, but custom dimensions. Tiles are 12“ for reference and the back pocket can fit a Mesa D-800+, IECs, and cables for cabs.

View attachment 7390445View attachment 7390446

IME it's a pain to lift a heavy amp out of a case like that. Keep in mind the handles on the SB are on the side, not the top.

What I have seen work is to turn the case over and make a base that the amp sits on. The bottom is lined with thick and hard foam, so the bottom of the amp is not obscured by the edges of the base.

Place the case on the cab, release the latches, and take the lid off. The base of the case stays in place (under the amp). Butterfly latches should be mounted to the lid, or they tend to rattle and catch stuff. Also it's best to use spring-loaded latches that pop out when they are unlatched, or it's a hassle removing and replacing the lid. Not easy to find a case with all of these qualities, especially the latches that pop open.


Something like this

Crappy foam in the bottom and I don't think these latches pop out when they are released.

 

[BrianVengeance]

IME it's a pain to lift a heavy amp out of a case like that. Keep in mind the handles on the SB are on the side, not the top.

Yeah, the annoying thing about this case is that its two people lifting on the inner lip of the headshell with feet holding the case down, or if its just me, I put it on its side and walk it out. On the up side, I have every confidence that it is safe in transit. Definitely not the easiest to work with, and if I were to do it again I'd probably go live style with removable front and back like a standard rack case, but I've got this one and its issues are survivable.

On balance, I am planning to switch over to the 800D for most of the gig work so there's that.

What I have seen work is to turn the case over and make a base that the amp sits on. The bottom is lined with thick and hard foam, so the bottom of the amp is not obscured by the edges of the base.

Place the case on the cab, release the latches, and take the lid off. The base of the case stays in place (under the amp). Butterfly latches should be mounted to the lid, or they tend to rattle and catch stuff. Also it's best to use spring-loaded latches that pop out when they are unlatched, or it's a hassle removing and replacing the lid. Not easy to find a case with all of these qualities, especially the latches that pop open.

Something like this

View attachment 7390481

Crappy foam in the bottom and I don't think these latches pop out when they are released.

That's another option for sure. A couple of guitarists I've played with have cases like that and they seem to like them well enough.

 

[Rocksolid]

I want something like this, but all panels like the panel underneath the amp. 6mm ply with 5mm hard foam on all sides. Take the feet off the SB and then screw them back on through the case, clearance cut in the foam on the sides to clear the handles. The case could have handles or clearance holes cut to use the existing SB handles to save weight.

I might just buy the materials and have a go. What could go wrong??

 

[MojoPin]

I get around with my SB300 and cabs using Tuki covers and a dolly with giant wheels. That case will add more weight and probably be more trouble than it's worth imo, especially with the ventilation it needs.

 

[Angry Mob With Pitchfork]

My SB is currently paired with Mesa PH410. It’s a beast of a cab weighing at 96lbs. It’s built like tank and sounds mighty aggressive which sounds great with the OD channel of the SB. Some folks might find the baked-in tone a bit too scooped but I find it an excellent choice for rock gig except for… the weight!

As glorious as the rig sounds together I’m starting to dread at the idea of moving the cab out of home when a situation calls for it (which admittedly only happens couple of times a year but still…).

So, I’m considering moving on from the Mesa cab and acquire either a Bassman 115 or Berg Ref115 to pair with SB (sadly Mesa Subway is too expensive in OZland).

Bassman 115 sounds pretty popular around this parts but what about the Berg Ref115? What to expect? Ref115 is a bit lighter but the Bassman 115 has castors… And how good are those castors? Mesa’s castors were the best I’ve seen but you would certainly need them to be if the cab weighs that much!

My other cabs are Berg CN112 & EA NL210 both of which I like but they are sitting under other amps I own already. For reference I like BOTH vintage and modern tone palette and use my EA iamp pro if I was going for the crystal clear tone…

 

[rodl2005]

My SB is currently paired with Mesa PH410. It’s a beast of a cab weighing at 96lbs. It’s built like tank and sounds mighty aggressive which sounds great with the OD channel of the SB. Some folks might find the baked-in tone a bit too scooped but I find it an excellent choice for rock gig except for… the weight!

As glorious as the rig sounds together I’m starting to dread at the idea of moving the cab out of home when a situation calls for it (which admittedly only happens couple of times a year but still…).

So, I’m considering moving on from the Mesa cab and acquire either a Bassman 115 or Berg Ref115 to pair with SB (sadly Mesa Subway is too expensive in OZland).

Bassman 115 sounds pretty popular around this parts but what about the Berg Ref115? What to expect? Ref115 is a bit lighter but the Bassman 115 has castors… And how good are those castors? Mesa’s castors were the best I’ve seen but you would certainly need them to be if the cab weighs that much!

My other cabs are Berg CN112 & EA NL210 both of which I like but they are sitting under other amps I own already. For reference I like BOTH vintage and modern tone palette and use my EA iamp pro if I was going for the crystal clear tone…

The Bassman 115s are imo, a pretty typical 115. Not overly low and plenty of mids. Suits the SB300 beautifully.
The castors are the li'l Penn and Elcomm removable ones. Mine have done a decent job for over 10 yrs.
The only Berg 15s I've tried are in my NV215. Sealed 215... It's great.
Possibly punchier but less 'tubby'.

Id say they're just different. Neither "better" generally than the other.

 

[Angry Mob With Pitchfork]

The Bassman 115s are imo, a pretty typical 115. Not overly low and plenty of mids. Suits the SB300 beautifully.
The castors are the li'l Penn and Elcomm removable ones. Mine have done a decent job for over 10 yrs.
The only Berg 15s I've tried are in my NV215. Sealed 215... It's great.
Possibly punchier but less 'tubby'.

Id say they're just different. Neither "better" generally than the other.

Thanks uncle Rod!

Whichever the option I go for, it will be the single cab solution for the time being. The advantage I see with the Bassman115 is the fact that the castors put it off the floor a little. With the Berg ref115, I would have to lay it on its side (SB head would still be bigger even then) and consider resting it on a riser.

I know you own a pair of Bassman 115’s, how does the single 115 vs 2x115 compare in terms of tube saturation? Are you still happy to push single 115 unless of course you need to move that extra amount of air?

 

[rodl2005]

Thanks uncle Rod!

Whichever the option I go for, it will be the single cab solution for the time being. The advantage I see with the Bassman115 is the fact that the castors put it off the floor a little. With the Berg ref115, I would have to lay it on its side (SB head would still be bigger even then) and consider resting it on a riser.

I know you own a pair of Bassman 115’s, how does the single 115 vs 2x115 compare in terms of tube saturation? Are you still happy to push single 115 unless of course you need to move that extra amount of air?

Definitely able to push the amp more with just a single 15. Great fun. TBH due to me having the NV215, I've only used the 2 single Bassman 115s a couple of times.

But one is terrific fun.

 

[Angry Mob With Pitchfork]

Definitely able to push the amp more with just a single 15. Great fun. TBH due to me having the NV215, I've only used the 2 single Bassman 115s a couple of times.

But one is terrific fun.

Does that mean you prefer the tone profile of NV215 as opposed to Bassman 115’s? I suppose ‘tubby’ tone of the Bassman cab describes good amount of low mid content but not muddy right? I’m imagining that’s quite vintagey and warm sounding which I’d be happy with.

At any rate, considering all the appraisals it does seem like different kind of awesomeness scenario between the two

 

[rodl2005]

Does that mean you prefer the tone profile of NV215 as opposed to Bassman 115’s? I suppose ‘tubby’ tone of the Bassman cab describes good amount of low mid content but not muddy right? I’m imagining that’s quite vintagey and warm sounding which I’d be happy with.

At any rate, considering all the appraisals it does seem like different kind of awesomeness scenario between the two

No. Just that the NV215 is a 'single cab solution' and therefore easier to schlep
They're BOTH great.

You're pretty right with your perception of my TUBBY.

The Bassman 115s were, I suppose, designed in line with the the Super Bassman.
They do sound great with this amp.
Lately I've been using my V4B with the single Bassman 115 mostly, coz I'm Di'd.
It's effin great too.

 

[Angry Mob With Pitchfork]

No. Just that the NV215 is a 'single cab solution' and therefore easier to schlep
They're BOTH great.

You're pretty right with your perception of my TUBBY.

The Bassman 115s were, I suppose, designed in line with the the Super Bassman.
They do sound great with this amp.
Lately I've been using my V4B with the single Bassman 115 mostly, coz I'm Di'd.
It's effin great too.

I’ll take my Bassman 500 (light!) down to the shop & try out the cab in person after the Boxing Day. I’ll be reporting back

 

[Angry Mob With Pitchfork]

As busy as a family of four gets on Christmas Eve, I was surprisingly organized this year and by noon wrapped up all the house chores in time for tomorrow’s festivities (I am in OZ). I carved out a small window mid-afternoon, dashed down to my local shop, and came home grinning.

I offloaded my Mesa cab as planned and picked up a used Bassman neo 115—pure joy. After wrestling with a 96-lb beast, the Bassman felt practically weightless.

And the sound… wow. Warm, vintage goodness with a generous low-mid pillow, yet never dull or muddy. It’s a lively cab that feels absolutely made for the SB300. I was a little worried about lack of high-mid punch and snappy highs but this thing delivers!

My Jazz bass sounded fantastic, my six-strings shone, and my U-bass was ridiculous with massive low end.

I’m not sure how an NV215 would pair with the SB300, maybe one day I’ll take the plunge. For now though, I’m a very happy camper

 

[RobertAuCoin]

With 2 x 115 neos, I can just fit them in the back seat of my car. (Each of them rides like a passenger would do.) Plus, they are light in weight. That all makes them very schlepp-able for me.

 

[BowserGriff]

Oh god. . . . I stumbled across this thread thinking I was going to get a v4b. . . I tried a super bassman and really liked it but thought 300W would be too loud for the house (and it is!). . . But I guess it does have a volume control!

 

[Angry Mob With Pitchfork]

Oh god. . . . I stumbled across this thread thinking I was going to get a v4b. . . I tried a super bassman and really liked it but thought 300W would be too loud for the house (and it is!). . . But I guess it does have a volume control!

It sure does! You can enjoy all that SB300 can offer at every volume level. I never take mine out of the house but boy do I enjoy its tones at all times of the day