I've been surfing info about the Standby switch on my 1967 Fender Bassman and it appears that I've had its function backwards since I got it 50 years ago.
As a radio/TV guy, I always assumed that the proper sequence for turning on this kind of gear was first to turn on the Standby (assuming the meaning is literally "OK boss, I am awake and standing by for orders..."), then to turn the Power switch on when I was ready to make noise.
When taking a break, I have always turned Power off (down) and left the Standby switch in the Up position. In other words, I assumed that Standby On meant "Power is partly engaged, I'm standing by for action."
Now I gather from readings on a variety of websites that I've had it backwards.
It appears that I should have been flipping up the Standby switch first, then turning the Power switch on (upward position) when preparing to play. When taking a break, it appears I should leave the Power switch on/up and flip the Standby switch off/down position for breaks.
There is much lack of clarity in the language and functional definition of Standby switches. It is unclear whether leaving the switch in the Up position is "Standby On" or "standby Off." And given the lack of clarity around what Standby actually DOES, is "Off/down" the Standby engaged position, or is it Standby disengaged?
I figure that aside from the potential of prompting train/tunnel, airplane and tank jokes, I can get better info here than any place I know. So kindly illuminate this poor Padawan, compadres.
- What does the fabled "Standby" switch do?
- Is On/up engaging the function of this switch, or does Down/off engage the function?
- In what sequence should Standby and Power switches be used, (a) turning the amp on, and (b) when taking a break?