The Fender Super Bassman 300 thread

[rodl2005]

We're nearly even then Tim. Tho I don't know I really wanna hear how nice the NV115 is with the SB300. I can't afford any GAS for a while.

 

[greengoblin]

I have been watching a lot of review vids lately for the Super Bassman, 100T and the new Ampeg V4B.. One thing I found odd is that with the video of Matt Freeman and the super bassman is that he had the bass control at 10 while playing the vintage channel and it did not sound muddy until he pulled the deep control. On the Ampegs if you were to run bass on 10 it would be really deep and muddy.

Is the bass tone control on these a bit weak? The amp sound great just thought that was a bit odd.

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*Edit - bass club Chicago's review has his set at 10 as well in their review...

 

[azwhofan]

I wouldn't say it's weak. I generally run my bass knob about 7 or 8 with it pushed in. I'll turn it down to around 6 when I get into much higher volume ranges, i.e. pre and MV both at 7 or above.
If I do pull out the bass knob, I have rarely used it above 5.
FWIW, I run the SB300 through a NEO 610.

 

[Tim1]

Agreed, plenty of bass through a neo 610 - never had to run it over five on the vintage channel.

 

[greengoblin]

Guess I need to find somewhere local to try one out..

 

[rodl2005]

Vintage channel is passive eq tho. Ain't it? Channel 2 (overdrive) is active or like the Ampeg eq.
Overdrive channel can be run totally clean to remember.

 

[azwhofan]

I spent some time last night running my guitars throught the SB300/Neo610. I will say that that rig likes single coils as opposed to HB equipped guitars.

Regardless of guitar used, I still found it tough to dial in the midrange correctly on all of them except for the Bakersfield Tele and Collings 290. I suspect that might have something to do with the cab choice tho ....

Also, didn't use pedals at all, nor did I dial in any grit from the OD channel. I was trying to determine what sounded best clean.

 

[rodl2005]

Had a pub gig last nite. Was gonna use my two AE112'S but circumstances meant taking my two (3015 modded) PF115HE'S was easier.
So used just one last nite. So Super Bassman at 8 ohms. Very handy.

I've a corporate gig tonight where I'm taking the 2 115 cabs so I'll get s couple more pics & post them later.

 

[Tim1]

My NV115 is in the country and I should receive it on Monday. I will report back on it soon. I originally purchased it with the idea of using it with the 100T but to be honest after reading Rod's comments I will probably stick with the SB300. Plus the 300 is my favourite amp anyway. Ended up costing me a little more than I had planned as George at Bass Gear Direct in Sydney offered me such a good price on a Sadowsky mv4 bass that I ended up buying one of those as well .

 

[rodl2005]

I await you're NV115 review with great trepidation.
Doing the gig now. On a break. Using the 2 115s. GREAT FUN pushing this rig. Just a bit mind you. But Yep with the 115 it's great pushing it -a bit more
it's such a thick tone, even with the Ric

 

[rodl2005]

Feck!!! This thing hammers when ya crank it. Turned it up to 7 or 8 earlier. ... MAN!

 

[ScottSmail]

I put this new rig next to my 1973 Ampeg V4-B and matching 1973 SVT 8x10 cabinet for about a month. I got to try both heads with either cabinet (no huge difference) and, I got to check playing a pair of 8x10's off my bucket list. I wasn't letting go of the Ampeg rig unless I was happy with the Fender. I did finally let the Ampeg go, interestingly, it loaded onto the Jason Bonham Led Zepplin Experience truck and I got to check out Dorian's John Paul Jones Acoustic set-up.

I think familiarity from years of using the Ampeg controls made it a little hard to adjust to the Fender knob configuration but I'm having fun twisting. It's got good tones and plenty of power, like the lightweight cab and the tube biasing scheme. I really love the look and will be using this rig as a backdrop for my bass builds.

As the owner of a 65 Bassman I was curious to see what the Super Bassman did with a guitar. It was a big grin affair, and I'm going to be experimenting more.

The only issue is a little tolex lift at a seam on top of the head. I'll have to fix that before it catches on something and tears.

 

[Linnin]

I've been trying to get Fender to make "Super Bassman" t-shirts ever since the Fender Super Bassman reappeared.

Please call Fender's Customer Relations to request your Fender Super Bassman t-shirt @ 480-596-7195

 

[Tim1]

I actually have a" Super Bassman "black Fender shirt which they gave me, so button up type shirts are around. I must agree with you, I have never missed my SVT VR since getting the SB300. That VB4 reissue does look interesting though.

 

[rodl2005]

Last night's gig.

 

[Tim1]

Great rig. I wonder what JimmyM would say if he sees that pic

 

[rodl2005]

Probly what all the girls say to me.
' get a new head '
Couple more.

With the li'l Korg micro I use for some bass sounds.

 

[edwinhurwitz]

I wonder how this would sound with a Sunn 200S cabinet. I'm using a '67 Showman (with Mercury Magnetics OT) now and it sounds great, but it would be nice to have the extra power.

 

[DJJazzV]

I want to try one of these. The specs look great. Perhaps an excellent replacement for the monster Trace Elliot V8 I sold. The self biasing looks to be a great feature as well.

 

[rodl2005]

It's a seriously good amp. I love it. Huge power. I hadn't really mine turned up until yesterday's sound check where I turned both pre & master volumes up to about 7 or 8, thru my 2 115 cabs. Seems louder than a few other 300w tube heads I've had. But of course the cabs would've made a big difference, so not a fair comparison at all.
All I can say is- I can get it nice n furry thru a single 8 ohm 115. But by adjusting the master vol etc & a make amount of clean headroom is available too. Which is what I like., & why I got the 300w over the 100T.