It is currently Tue Mar 17, 2020 3:49 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 18 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
Post subject: Some bassman questions
Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 7:44 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2011 3:01 am
Posts: 14
Location: Lommel (Belgium)
Well as the title says, I have some questions related to the Fender bassman (the '59 Bassman Ltd), this is a re-issue of the old Bassman or so I'm told.

So, here are my questions :
1. I'm told it's best to turn them on with the STANDBY switch set to standby and then wait approx 30 seconds before setting it into the ON position (to increase the lifespan of the tubes). But is this also needed when turning the amp off ? I'm told it's best to set it in standby when taking a short break but what is short ? Would it (for example) be better to turn the whole amp off for a break of 30 minutes or is that considered a "short" break so standby "should" be used ??

2. Do these amps have a serial number (like the guitars) and if so where is it ?

3. Are there some "default" or "example" settings somewhere ? The bassman at the store had a card on top with 3 different setups so I'm wondering if there are more of these available somewhere (for example a good starter setting for rock or for blues)

_________________
PatrickOnBass
2011 Fender American Standard Jazz-Bass Left Handed


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Some bassman questions
Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 9:41 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Mon Apr 05, 2010 2:37 pm
Posts: 8708
Location: Natural Bridge, Virginia
PatrickOnBass wrote:
Well as the title says, I have some questions related to the Fender bassman (the '59 Bassman Ltd), this is a re-issue of the old Bassman or so I'm told.


Nice amp. Do you own it or considering buying it?

PatrickOnBass wrote:
1. I'm told it's best to turn them on with the STANDBY switch set to standby and then wait approx 30 seconds before setting it into the ON position (to increase the lifespan of the tubes). But is this also needed when turning the amp off ? I'm told it's best to set it in standby when taking a short break but what is short ? Would it (for example) be better to turn the whole amp off for a break of 30 minutes or is that considered a "short" break so standby "should" be used ??


I use my standby as you describe. Others may have different opinions.

PatrickOnBass wrote:
2. Do these amps have a serial number (like the guitars) and if so where is it ?


The serial number is on the metal plate on the back of the amp. If you are considering buying the amp and either the serial number or the entire plate are missing, I suggest you back away quickly. It could be stolen or have other issues.

PatrickOnBass wrote:
3. Are there some "default" or "example" settings somewhere ? The bassman at the store had a card on top with 3 different setups so I'm wondering if there are more of these available somewhere (for example a good starter setting for rock or for blues)


Control settings are a personal choice and what works for me may sound like crap to you. I suggest you start with everything on "6" and season to taste.

_________________
Bill

Image


Last edited by bluesky636 on Sun Dec 25, 2011 6:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Some bassman questions
Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 2:34 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 05, 2010 4:31 am
Posts: 14050
Location: Province de Québec, Canada
PatrickOnBass wrote:

So, here are my questions :
1. I'm told it's best to turn them on with the STANDBY switch set to standby and then wait approx 30 seconds before setting it into the ON position (to increase the lifespan of the tubes). But is this also needed when turning the amp off ? I'm told it's best to set it in standby when taking a short break but what is short ? Would it (for example) be better to turn the whole amp off for a break of 30 minutes or is that considered a "short" break so standby "should" be used ??


1- Yes, let the amp on Standby a least 30 sec, 1 to 5 minutes is better, more can't dammage the amp. For power Off the amp, does'nt matter witch swich first, don't need to wait too. Important is both switches must be in down position ( off ) for the next power on.

2-If you take a break for up to one hour leave it on Standby. More than one hour I'd say power OFF and power ON on standby 10 to 15 minutes before playing.
All this his is like a "mater of taste"

More important is what I write at 1 for power on


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Some bassman questions
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 3:33 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2011 3:01 am
Posts: 14
Location: Lommel (Belgium)
Tanks all for the replies.

I'm considering buying it.
The store is a licensed Fender dealer (found them on the Dealers section of the fender website, they also have "premium" mentioned but I don't know what that means exactly). I also got my J-Bass there.

I don't remember seeing a number on the plate on the back (it has some voltage information and some warnings) but I did see something on the chrome plate (under the fuse) that looked like a serial number.

I would expect to see it on the plate so that's why I asked, I don't think it's stolen or anything.

I might have a closer look to see what I can find on it (I did see some stickers that were placed inside the amp (on the wood) and one was a Quality Control sticker and the other one had the Tube information with a p/n at the bottom, maybe that's the serial ? but I would find that odd since it's just a paper sticker).

_________________
PatrickOnBass
2011 Fender American Standard Jazz-Bass Left Handed


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Some bassman questions
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 8:11 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Mon Apr 05, 2010 2:37 pm
Posts: 8708
Location: Natural Bridge, Virginia
PatrickOnBass wrote:
Tanks all for the replies.

I'm considering buying it.
The store is a licensed Fender dealer (found them on the Dealers section of the fender website, they also have "premium" mentioned but I don't know what that means exactly). I also got my J-Bass there.

I don't remember seeing a number on the plate on the back (it has some voltage information and some warnings) but I did see something on the chrome plate (under the fuse) that looked like a serial number.

I would expect to see it on the plate so that's why I asked, I don't think it's stolen or anything.

I might have a closer look to see what I can find on it (I did see some stickers that were placed inside the amp (on the wood) and one was a Quality Control sticker and the other one had the Tube information with a p/n at the bottom, maybe that's the serial ? but I would find that odd since it's just a paper sticker).


Ok. I stand corrected. It is not on the metal name plate on the back of the amp.

http://www.sweetwater.com/images/closeu ... D_back.jpg

Yes, this could be the serial number under the fuse holder:

http://www.sweetwater.com/images/closeu ... _panel.jpg

_________________
Bill

Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Some bassman questions
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 9:45 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2011 3:01 am
Posts: 14
Location: Lommel (Belgium)
Well the picture is exactly the same as the one they have at the store (only they have a flexible rubber cover over the power and standby switch, I guess to protect against moisture ? and it's a european 230 volts version instead of the US 120 Volts).

I think the code under the fuse-holder is similar to what I saw at the store (I remember it starting with AA like it's on the second picture you showed).

_________________
PatrickOnBass
2011 Fender American Standard Jazz-Bass Left Handed


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Some bassman questions
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 4:53 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Mon Apr 05, 2010 2:37 pm
Posts: 8708
Location: Natural Bridge, Virginia
PatrickOnBass wrote:
Well the picture is exactly the same as the one they have at the store (only they have a flexible rubber cover over the power and standby switch, I guess to protect against moisture ? and it's a european 230 volts version instead of the US 120 Volts).

I think the code under the fuse-holder is similar to what I saw at the store (I remember it starting with AA like it's on the second picture you showed).


The rubber cover over the switches is govt mandated to protect your fingers from getting burned in the event that the switches get too hot. Big Brother at work protecting you from yourself. :lol:

_________________
Bill

Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Some bassman questions
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 11:26 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 5:14 pm
Posts: 68
I've thought about buying one also, ever since my days in Tucson in the 90's watching Rich Hopkins of The Sand Rubies playing his strat through one. Never bought one, though, since I figured you had to turn it to 10 to get the great bassman overdrive tone. Is that true?

_________________
Website: http://www.robroper.com
Fender Guitars: Am Std Tele, EC Strat, AVRI '62 Jazzmaster, Lee Ranaldo Jazzmaster, Thurston Moore Jazzmaster.
Fender Amps: '61 Brownface Deluxe, '65 Champ, '59 Bassman Ltd, Tweed Champ clone, Tweed Deluxe clone.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Some bassman questions
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2011 1:55 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2011 3:01 am
Posts: 14
Location: Lommel (Belgium)
bluesky636 wrote:
PatrickOnBass wrote:
Well the picture is exactly the same as the one they have at the store (only they have a flexible rubber cover over the power and standby switch, I guess to protect against moisture ? and it's a european 230 volts version instead of the US 120 Volts).

I think the code under the fuse-holder is similar to what I saw at the store (I remember it starting with AA like it's on the second picture you showed).


The rubber cover over the switches is govt mandated to protect your fingers from getting burned in the event that the switches get too hot. Big Brother at work protecting you from yourself. :lol:


Doesn't the rubber just melt when it gets too hot ?

_________________
PatrickOnBass
2011 Fender American Standard Jazz-Bass Left Handed


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Some bassman questions
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2011 2:07 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2011 3:01 am
Posts: 14
Location: Lommel (Belgium)
IceTre wrote:
I've thought about buying one also, ever since my days in Tucson in the 90's watching Rich Hopkins of The Sand Rubies playing his strat through one. Never bought one, though, since I figured you had to turn it to 10 to get the great bassman overdrive tone. Is that true?


Well the guy at the store played some stuff with various settings, but I don't think he put it in overdrive. I think he maxed it to 6.

He did show that you can connect input 2 (bright) to input 1 (normal) and put your bass on input 1 (bright) to use one of the volume knobs as a "gain" one (after I mentioned that there was no gain knob on this amp). So I guess when you use that you don't need to go all the way to 10 but I don't actually know to be honest.

Maybe someone who owns one can better answer your question ?
I'm gonna buy this amp but since the neighbors have two young children I doubt it will go above 6.

_________________
PatrickOnBass
2011 Fender American Standard Jazz-Bass Left Handed


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Some bassman questions
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2011 3:40 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 05, 2010 4:31 am
Posts: 14050
Location: Province de Québec, Canada
About the rubber boot over the switches, usualy they are use to prevent moisture and dust. In the case of this amp I don't know if there for an another use.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Some bassman questions
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2011 7:57 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Mon Apr 05, 2010 2:37 pm
Posts: 8708
Location: Natural Bridge, Virginia
PatrickOnBass wrote:
Doesn't the rubber just melt when it gets too hot ?


If the switch gets so hot that the rubber melts you have bigger problems to worry about. :lol:

_________________
Bill

Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Some bassman questions
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2011 8:02 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Mon Apr 05, 2010 2:37 pm
Posts: 8708
Location: Natural Bridge, Virginia
stratele52 wrote:
About the rubber boot over the switches, usualy they are use to prevent moisture and dust. In the case of this amp I don't know if there for an another use.


The rubber boot is there for exactly the purpose I stated. In Tom Wheeler's book, The Soul of Tone: Celebrating 60 Years of Fender Amps, he quotes Fender management (I forget who, but it was a knowledgable one) about governements requiring rubber boots on switches, cages around tubes, etc. as safety measures to prevent the owner from doing something stupid like licking the switches or tubes and burning their tongues. :lol: :lol: :lol:

_________________
Bill

Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Some bassman questions
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2011 4:16 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 05, 2010 4:31 am
Posts: 14050
Location: Province de Québec, Canada
bluesky636 wrote:
stratele52 wrote:
About the rubber boot over the switches, usualy they are use to prevent moisture and dust. In the case of this amp I don't know if there for an another use.


The rubber boot is there for exactly the purpose I stated. In Tom Wheeler's book, The Soul of Tone: Celebrating 60 Years of Fender Amps, he quotes Fender management (I forget who, but it was a knowledgable one) about governements requiring rubber boots on switches, cages around tubes, etc. as safety measures to prevent the owner from doing something stupid like licking the switches or tubes and burning their tongues. :lol: :lol: :lol:


I thought you were not really serious about governments requiring.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Some bassman questions
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2011 4:25 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Mon Apr 05, 2010 2:37 pm
Posts: 8708
Location: Natural Bridge, Virginia
stratele52 wrote:
bluesky636 wrote:
stratele52 wrote:
About the rubber boot over the switches, usualy they are use to prevent moisture and dust. In the case of this amp I don't know if there for an another use.


The rubber boot is there for exactly the purpose I stated. In Tom Wheeler's book, The Soul of Tone: Celebrating 60 Years of Fender Amps, he quotes Fender management (I forget who, but it was a knowledgable one) about governements requiring rubber boots on switches, cages around tubes, etc. as safety measures to prevent the owner from doing something stupid like licking the switches or tubes and burning their tongues. :lol: :lol: :lol:


I thought you were not really serious about governments requiring.


I was very serious.

_________________
Bill

Image


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 18 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: