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Post subject: Call me crazy (Bassman 10)
Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2014 7:46 am
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Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2007 4:18 pm
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Location: Upstate, NY
So to promote our new Ep that is coming out in a few weeks the band did an Open Mic at a brand new nightclub last night. I was going to bring my rig, but the host a local radio DJ said he had a bass amp there. It was in pretty rough shape. A beat old solid state number.

So that got me thinking about the old late 70's Bassman 10s. The ones with the higher output. Those things had great tone, and were perfect for a small to medium sized venue without high volumes. In reality the only downside to this combo was the fact that it was heavy as heck.

So after we finished some songs I got to thinking. Is it possible to pick one of these up (they can still be had for around 5-600 in good working shape) and simply swap the stock speakers with a modern Neo bass 10's?

I brought the idea of Fender adding an amp like this to their "Vintage Modified" line awhile back in a thread about "What should Fender bring back". Of course, being that it's bass related it was completely ignored. I thought for smaller bands, venues that host open mics, ect a Vintage Modified Bassman 10 with the Bassman Pro level Neo speakers and the modern channel, but skipping the autobias and built in line out would quite honestly set the working bass world on fire, and keep it somewhat affordable.

The reality is that in a well built cab with efficient speaker 75 tubes watts is a lot of power. Coupled with the light weight of the Neo speakers it would give an entire segment of working Fender bassists who don't need the added higher end features or step up in power of the 100T or SuperBassman 300 a rich, reasonably priced, tube tone machine all in one package. It'd be easier on the wallet than the Pro series gear, and the Neo speakers would mitigate the weight of having everything in one unit.

To me this seemed like a great idea. Since we know Fender won't bite. I got to thinking... "Why not do it myself?" Why not scoop up and older late 70's model and simply swap the speakers?

So. Am I crazy? Moreover, is it doable?

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2012 Fender Custom Shop 55 Precision Bass
2012 Fender American Vintage 57 Precision Bass RI
2014 Fender Super Bassman and Bassman 100T/410 Neo


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Post subject: Re: Call me crazy (Bassman 10)
Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2014 2:26 pm
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Yep it is doable. You'll get a weight savings of 20 to 30 lbs. You aren't crazy but I have some ideas on it.

I think a better idea might be using a vintage Bassman tube head with a modern production 410 Neo cab since modern computer designed cabs sound fuller range than vintage ones and have a horn too usually. Bassman 10's are nice for a vintage 410 combo though, I just think cab design itself has come a long way since the Bassman 10. I don't think anyone who knows about the differences in cab design then and now could argue, but probably someone will call me a blasphemer for saying modern anything is better.

Also I'd want some kind of way to XLR out to the front of house PA. I have an XLR out from the Bass Driver Deluxe so that would work with a vintage head but it doesn't feed any of that tube tone I went to a lot of expense to get into the PA, so to get that tubey goodness into the PA direct would require a professional mod to install an XLR out with transformer, ground lift and so forth on the head. Or you could just mic the cab with a decent bass cab mic but that is not as good to me. I don't currently have a tube tech that could do that here, but if you do have a capable tech that XLR out install would be about the only mod I'd need.

Oh yeah, having a solid state backup head is always a good idea with any tube head for a gig. If I was looking for a solid state backup now one of the new Rumble heads would be a natural choice since they both have XLR's out and are small and so light they aren't really a burden on space or weight considerations. It could double as a rehearsal head too.


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Post subject: Re: Call me crazy (Bassman 10)
Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2014 7:59 pm
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Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2007 4:18 pm
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You'll get no argument from me on cab design. The Bassman 410 Neo I use with my 100T puts out a LOT of sound. A vintage cab really just can't compare.

As far as a back up this would actually be the back up for my 100T. Not that it really needs it, but it's always smart to have.

As far as the XLR out. Y'know, I'm torn. I've been lucky enough to have the XLR on both my old SWR 550X and my current 100T. However, I really do miss the tone I used to get micing my cab with my Beta 52A when I ran my old 74 Bassman 100. Sure it's more of a hassle, but there's something to be said for the process. Though probably not if you ask the sound guy. ;) Though to be honest. I always carry my 52, but I never bother to use it when I have the XLR. This would be an excuse more than anything. Then again, if Fender were to make these as part of the Vintage Mod line with the XLR and Neo speakers I bet they wouldn't be able to keep them in stock.

In the end, I was looking for a solid back up for smaller venues, rehearsals and such and a fun project. Something with more power, and cheaper than buying a 59 Reissue Bassman, and with a little bit of work. One that's actually lighter.

Originally what had crossed my mind was just getting an old 100 and throwing on top of my Neo 410. However, since it's not impedance selectable, it would actually have less power than the 10. Though, I suppose that would likely be a wash with the cab design. Hmmm.....

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http://www.reverbnation.com/casanovafrankensteinandthevoodoomachine
https://www.facebook.com/CFandtheVM

2012 Fender Custom Shop 55 Precision Bass
2012 Fender American Vintage 57 Precision Bass RI
2014 Fender Super Bassman and Bassman 100T/410 Neo


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Post subject: Re: Call me crazy (Bassman 10)
Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2015 1:06 am
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Roadie
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Joined: Fri Jun 29, 2007 6:40 pm
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Location: Eugene Or
I have a very early 50 watt unit from around 1972. I paid $135 for it in 1984. Still has the original speakers.....use it on small gigs a couple times a month. Great amp with a p-bass, so so with a jazz


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Post subject: Re: Call me crazy (Bassman 10)
Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2015 11:14 am
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A custom amp maker, called Hovercraft, makes a 50 W bass head. Also, Mojotone sells a 50 W kit, if you are handy with a solder iron and wiring.


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