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Post subject: Bassman 10 resto/mod
Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:57 am
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I just picked up a Bassman 10 yesterday and it needs some work, which perfect because this is going to be my first attempt at modding an amp.

I've found a really good deal on some vintage celestion 10's. Problem is they are 4 ohm.

The amps were wired at 8 ohm until 1976, then from 1977 on they were wired to 4 ohms with the heads being 70 watts, correct?

So would wiring a 50 watt 8 ohm until tp 4 ohms cause any problems in the long run?

Also, I realize its not a popular amp, but does anyone have any particular suggestions for mods to this amp.

Thanks.


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Post subject: Re: Bassman 10 resto/mod
Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 9:00 am
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Just to be clear the amp is a 1976 Bassman 10 with a 50 watt head and I'm wondering if it is a bad idea to wire it at 4 ohms.

Thanks.


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Post subject: Re: Bassman 10 resto/mod
Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 9:41 am
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Wiring your Celestions in a series-parallel arrangement (for a total load of 4 ohms) should be perfectly fine, assuming no extant problems with the amp's output stage. As for actual chassis mods, give the amp a chance in stock trim to establish a sonic datum point. You may find that it sounds great as is once the new speakers are installed and fully broken-in. Here's the schem for it......

http://web.archive.org/web/200709071123 ... _schem.pdf

The "normal" channel looks to be voiced similar to a Super Reverb (upon which chassis the Bassman 10 is derived).

Best of luck, HTH

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: Bassman 10 resto/mod
Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 2:09 pm
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Thanks for the help.

It didn't seem like running it at 4 ohms would be too hard on it but I just wanted to check and make sure.

As I said, I know it's not the most popular amp Fender ever made, but I just wanted something to mod and tweak a little bit that wasn't really expensive or rare.

That way if things don't sound exactly how I want them to I won't be terribly brokenhearted


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Post subject: Re: Bassman 10 resto/mod
Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2011 5:35 pm
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I'd be tempted to build a custom 2 x 10 cab for it to make for a more portable grab-and-go combo.

JMO

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: Bassman 10 resto/mod
Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 8:06 am
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I kinda like the 4x10 combo. I'm not gonna be dragging it around very often anyway. Plus I already ordered a new set of Celestions. Gonna start by plugging the ports and see how that sounds.

I've noticed that just about everyone that uses this for a guitar amp has modded it fairly heavily.

Anyone have any favorite or popularhot rodding/mod tips out there for getting the most out of this little beauty?

I've cleaned the pots and sockets and its actually in good working order. Maybe a re-cap once I figure out which mods I'm gonna try.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help so far.

As I said, I know its not the most popular or sexy amp Fender ever made, but it seems like a great amp to hot rod from what I've read.


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