Tubes for Bassman Reissue
Hi Skip,
I just got a used Fender '59 Bassman Reissue. My intentions are to play Punk, Rock, & some Blues with it and I am using a decent crystal element. I have a few questions if you don't mind.
1) First of all, what's the "Ground" switch for? And how do I know if it's on or off?
2) What's the advantage of the Standby switch? Why would you use that as opposed to just switching the amp off?
3) What's the Presence switch for? Where should it be?
4) When I'm practicing at home and don't want the neighbors to call the cops, is it ok to disconnect some of the speakers inside the amp? If so, any tips for this?
5) David suggested adding different tubes to the amp. He suggested a 12AU7 closest to the power tubes, 12AY7 closest to the cabinet, and a 5U4 rectifier (in the middle?). Does the brand I use matter or should I just order the cheapest ones I can find online? How do I switch them out and any precautions I need to take?
6) What would be a preferred mic to use? I have a 520DX and brown biscuit crystal already but I've heard from this site that CR mics are best for fender amps.
7) Finally, I'm assuming I need to be plugged into the Normal input and not the Bright input, right?
Sorry, I know it's A LOT of questions but I thought I would try to get them all out in one post. Any advice would be extremely appreciated.
Thank you,
Taylor
I'll be playing with bands that play a punk rock blues style. I'm finishing up the beginning section of this site so I'm kind of new to the whole thing and don't have any clips (and prob won't for a while). I know Jason Ricci does some punk stuff. He has a Misfits cover on one of his newer albums.
-Taylor
Also, an "amp expert" I talked to said that if the rectifier tube is switched out the bias needs to be tinkered with. Not sure what that means but is it true?
-Taylor
Does anyone have any answers to these questions?
I took my amp to a amp repair specialist yesterday. He put a 12AU7 and 12AY7 EH in it but said the 5U4 wouldn't change it that much and would be harder on the amp without adjusting the bias.
He also gave me a "slow blow fuse" because he wasn't sure it was supposed to have the "fast blow fuse" that's currently in it.
He also soldered the pots, cleaned and tightened the jacks, and checked the 5881's/
It looks like the ground switch isn't even connected to anything.
It sounds quite a bit better now.
-Taylor
Walterjuke,
If you want to here "Punk Blues" check out The Legendary Shack Shakers (Album: Beleive & Cockadoodledon't) or Dragstrip Riot (Album: Damn!)
-Taylor
Hello Taylor- Thanks for writing; that's a lot of questions! Well, first take a deep breath and relax- it took some time to learn to play and it will take just a little bit more time to get the most out of your new amp.
1) The ground switch is a noise-reduction switch that (as you found) is generally not connected on the reissue Bassman.
2) The standby switch is used when you want to take a break from playing. It allows you to silence the amp while keeping it ready-to-go without waiting for it to warm up. Every other "use" for the standby switch that you may hear about on the internet is wrong in my opinion.
3) The presence control is not a switch, but rather a pot that gives an upper-mids and highs boost.
4) You are safe to disconnect one or two speakers, but no more than that.
5) Substituting lower-gain preamp tubes in the amp is very helpful in preventing feedback. You can take any tips from Dave "to the bank" on this subject. I generally suggest leaving the "middle" preamp tube stock, but a 12AY7 or 12AU7 in the other two positions is usually helpful.
6) There is no "preferred" mic. For every "rule" you may read, there is a good player who does the opposite.
7) Most people don't use the bright channel, but give it a whirl! What YOU like is what's best.
8) Based on what you've said in your subsequent posts, I'm not so sure that the repairman you took it to is experienced enough. Feel free to call me any time.
Skip Simmons
Sweet! Thank you for all the great answers Skip. What is the best number to reach you at?
-Taylor
Hello Taylor- Glad I could help. Just Google me or here's a link!
Will you be playing punk harmonica? Awesome. Do you have any clips available?