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  • Bassman 300 PRO

    I had a chance to see this monster on display in the music store this past week. The place was rather busy with customers so I couldn't get anyone to fire it up for me, but it sure looks like it could shake the rafters.

    (click on the images to see full-sized)





    From the Fender Website:

    The Bassman® 300 PRO captures the all-tube vibe and combines it with modern features. Six 6550 power tubes deliver a world tour-ready 300 watts (into 2, 4, or 8 ohms). Other features include two 12AX7 preamp tubes, two channels (clean, dirty with blend), 10-band graphic EQ with on-off switch, low- and high-frequency boost switches, mid-notch switch (great for slap playing), line out switch (for selecting pre or post EQ), two-band compressor with EQ balance and gain trim, effects loop, power amp pass-through output jack (for chaining multiple units together), balanced XLR and ¼” output jacks (post EQ and effects loop), tuner out jack with mute switch, and three-function footswitch.



    Model Name: Bassman® 300 PRO
    Series: Pro Series Bass Amps
    Amplifier Type: Tube
    Color: Black

    Electronics

    Effects Loop: Yes
    Inputs: 6dB Input Pad
    Line Out: Balanced XLR Line Output, 1/4" Phone Line Output, Tuner Output
    Extension Speaker Jack: 2 Speaker Output Jacks
    Channels: Two Channels
    Power Handling: 300 Watts @ 8, 4 or 2 Ohms
    Controls: Channel 1 Vol, Channel 2 Gain, Channel 2 Vol, Channel Select Switch, Channel Mix, Low, High, 10 Band Graphic EQ, Low/High Enhance, Mid Notch, Low/High Comp, Comp EQ Balance/Gain Trim, Master Volume

    Hardware

    Cabinet Material: 13-Ply Baltic Birch/Maple Plywood Cabinet
    Handle: 2 Screw Mount Molded Handle
    Input Impedance: 470k Input Impedance
    Output Impedance: Switchable (8, 4 or 2 Ohms)
    Sensitivity: 1V RMS (0dBV)
    Amplifier Length: 16" (40.6 cm)
    Amplifier Width: 26" (66 cm)
    Amplifier Height: 11" (27.9 cm)
    Amplifier Weight: 75 lbs. (34 kg)

    Tubes

    Preamp Tubes: 3 x 12AX7 and 1 x 12AT7
    Power Tubes: 6 X 6550

    Miscellaneous

    Unique Features: 300 watt All Tube Head, 2 Channel Tube Preamp, Split Band Compression, High/Low Compression Level Controls, Compressor EG Balance, Selectable 10 Band Graphic EQ, EQ In/Out Switch, Balanced XLR Line Output, 1/4" Phone Line Output, Tuner Output, System Mute (Tuner Only) Switch, Master Volume, Input Pad For Active or Passive Instruments, High and Low Enhancement, Mid Notch Filter, Effects Loop, Gain, Mix Control, 2 Speaker Output Jacks, Switchable Impedance.

    Accessories

    Footswitch: Uses 3-Button Footswitch for switching Graphic EQ, Compressor and Channels, p/n 0057745000
    Knobs: Skirted Amp Knobs

    Visit the Fender Website for more info on their products.



    Since I'm not a pro when it comes to amps, let me ask our beloved gearheads a question. It says you can switch this amp between 2, 4, or 8 ohms. What does this mean, and what is the effect on performance?

    Also, the Fender website says the suggested price on this is $2349.99, but the one I saw in the store was only $2100.00 (new). I also found them online (brand new) for as low as $1600.00. If you have a pocket fulla cash, and would consider this head, watch where you buy. Bargains are out there!
    Comments 6 Comments
    1. DaveB's Avatar
      DaveB -
      Elmeaux,

      Ohms are the unit of measurement for electrical impedance in alternating current (ac) circuits. The omega symbol is often used to specify ohms on spec sheets instead of spelling out the word "ohms." In order to operate at peak efficiency, the output impedance of the source (bass amp) must match the impedance of the load (speakers). You may have noticed that speaker cabinets are generally either 4 ohms or 8 ohms. If you hooked up two 8 ohm cabinets to the amp you would have a total impedance of 4 ohms. Likewise, two 4 ohm cabinets would be a 2 ohm total impedance load. The reason that the total impedance is less than the individual impedances of the individual cabinets is that they are connected in parallel. Think of it as if the amp is a bucket of water. If you punch a hole in the bucket the size of the hole will determine the amount of impedance to the flow of water. Bigger holes equals less impedance. Likewise, multiple holes of the same size will also decrease the impedance to the flow.

      The switch on this particular amp allows you to match the output impedance of the amp to the total impedance of the connected speakers.

      I hope this explanation helps.

      Cheers,

      DaveB
    1. Elmeaux's Avatar
      Elmeaux -
      It does. It makes sense that you want the cab and head to match. Thankees!!

    1. TobiasMan's Avatar
      TobiasMan -
      One seldom pays the manufacturers list price for gear. The street price is almost always less.
    1. Elmeaux's Avatar
      Elmeaux -
      Quote Originally Posted by TobiasMan View Post
      One seldom pays the manufacturers list price for gear. The street price is almost always less.
      This was so wacky. The prices online varied from $1600.00 all the way up to $2900.00. It's the same piece of gear, consarnit!
    1. Mark Andrews's Avatar
      Mark Andrews -
      Wow: 26 inches wide and 75 pounds? Yeah, that's tour ready.... if you can afford 2 roadies to hoist it up on your stack.
      Mark
    1. Elmeaux's Avatar
      Elmeaux -
      Quote Originally Posted by Mark Andrews View Post
      Wow: 26 inches wide and 75 pounds? Yeah, that's tour ready.... if you can afford 2 roadies to hoist it up on your stack.
      Mark

      Yeppers. That's why I called her a monster. This thing was massive! Grrrowwwwwl
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