The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Bass Amps & Effects => Topic started by: sniper on November 22, 2009, 06:43:03 PM

Title: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: sniper on November 22, 2009, 06:43:03 PM
okay, i got the amp and the home made case was in splinters. so i took it to the local tv repair guy who is an older gent that used to work on tv's when they had tubes. he checked it over, tried it out and pronounced it well, then gave me a demo of how it sounded with his instore stereo. while all the demo's tv's were running, all his test equipment and his puter which had a bigger screen than my dining table top.

the verdict was, no hum, no buzz and it worked.

now i found an old but nice bandmaster reverb cab it fit into and bought a couple of Celestion G12T-75 16 ohm speakers to make me an 8 ohm speaker cab. (you know what i am leading up to here...betcha huh!)

during the demo he showed me how the, we will call it the first speaker jack had to be plugged in order for the secondary jack (marked ext. speaker) to work.

the problem i have is the little line below the jacks says "8 ohms total". this is where the questions start! i plan on using the G12T-75's in parallel for a total load of 8 ohms into one jack. now...if i plug another speaker into the "ext speaker" jack, does the "first speaker" which evidently has a switch on it, center tap into the OT to halve the ohms impedence on both jacks for a total load of 8 ohms because they run in parallel when both jacks are used?  i am under the impression the chassis is relatively unmodified. the OT has been replaced at one time, but the numbers on the OT confirms it is of OEM type and matching part number.

in other words what ohm impedence do i have to have on the second speaker cabinet now that i just bought an 8 ohms JBL 15" speaker for the second cab build? DUH?   :sad: ???

second question: is a Faraday shield in the top of the amp head really needed? i think i can make one out of some aluminum screening and my stapler gun.
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on November 23, 2009, 06:53:43 AM
if i plug another speaker into the "ext speaker" jack, does the "first speaker" which evidently has a switch on it, center tap into the OT to halve the ohms impedence on both jacks for a total load of 8 ohms because they run in parallel when both jacks are used?

No. The jack is NOT a switch for the OT different taps according to the schematic. There are only two leads at all off the OT. Either your OT is from another model Fender, or your repair guy is wrong about the switching jack.
 
Quote
in other words what ohm impedence do i have to have on the second speaker cabinet now that i just bought an 8 ohms JBL 15" speaker for the second cab build? DUH?   :sad: ???

Assuming it's really the Bassman 10 circuit, OT and all, if you want to run the amp at its rated output impedance, you can't add another cab.

Quote
second question: is a Faraday shield in the top of the amp head really needed? i think i can make one out of some aluminum screening and my stapler gun.

You said yourself that the amp had no hum. There's your answer.
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: rahock on November 23, 2009, 07:12:48 AM
For starters, Psycho Bass Guy knows a helluva lot more than than I do about this stuff , so put your faith in what he says.

My question is, why run another cabinet with the 15 JBL? That Bassman head is rated at 100-110 watts peak and about 50 watts RMS. I don't know how many watts those 2 12" Celestions are rated at, but I'm guessing that they are probably putting you at , near or maybe even over the power limits of that bassman head. What is the power rating on the Celestions and the JBL? I'm thinking your throwing too much speaker at your amp.
Rick
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: sniper on November 23, 2009, 08:12:58 AM
"No. The jack is NOT a switch for the OT different taps according to the schematic. There are only two leads at all off the OT. Either your OT is from another model Fender, or your repair guy is wrong about the switching jack."

i made an assumption about the center tap (but i am in the Ben Franklin stage when it comes to electronics) and cannot read a schematic. thanks. i know the jack is a switching jack of some sort because the second jack will not work unless the first jack is used. maybe a simple on/off type switch. BTW the master volume works!

"Assuming it's really the Bassman 10 circuit, OT and all, if you want to run the amp at its rated output impedance, you can't add another cab."

i believe it is a Bassman 10 curcuit. the trannies (OT = 021848  which is the 125A13A equiv and PT = 022798 which is the PT 125P5D equiv) check out parts number wise but i know it has been worked on. the stock curcuit is the diagnosis of Mike ... the repair guy.

thanks about the Faraday shield answer. it is a quiet little amp.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

the 12's are rated at 75 watts each, the JBL is rated at 200 watts @ 8 ohms. both are sensitive speakers at or above 97 db @ 1 watt.

i maybe killing it with too much speaker! hmmm...a rethink to a plan B on the speaker build might be in order!

so bottom line = 8 ohm cab then no other cab and 4 ohm cab then one other 4 ohm cab is okay?

thanks a bunch.

(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u275/cathousemouse/mybassmanheaddamage001.jpg)

as recieved

(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u275/cathousemouse/mybassmanhead001.jpg)

as it is now. logo is bought, tube chart is bought, original B10 manuel is bought, and 70's grill cloth is ordered. the wood is actually 41 years old with new tolex and hardware (bought that way), original top bars. i don't mind the extra height as it gives me room to toss the plug cord in without whamming the tubes.


Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: Pilgrim on November 23, 2009, 09:00:02 AM
i don't mind the extra height as it gives me room to toss the plug cord in without whamming the tubes.

Instant flashback: I was just tucking the AC cord into my blackface Bassman head yesterday and noticed that doing so always pushes one of the 6L6 tubes a bit sideways. 

Shared experiences!
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on November 23, 2009, 11:13:59 AM
i made an assumption about the center tap (but i am in the Ben Franklin stage when it comes to electronics) and cannot read a schematic. thanks. i know the jack is a switching jack of some sort because the second jack will not work unless the first jack is used. maybe a simple on/off type switch.


Fender used shorting jacks to protect the amp from no-load situations. Until you insert a plug into the primary output, the amp is dumping its output directly to ground. They're technically not a switching jack like in the original Ampeg SVT's extension jack, which selects between separate OT taps.

Quote
the 12's are rated at 75 watts each, the JBL is rated at 200 watts @ 8 ohms. both are sensitive speakers at or above 97 db @ 1 watt.

Keep in mind that 97 dB is at 1 kHz; at bass frequencies you'll be lucky to have 80 or 85 dB.  

Quote
so bottom line = 8 ohm cab then no other cab and 4 ohm cab then one other 4 ohm cab is okay?

Yes, HOWEVER you could go lower in impedance-eg more speakers, but you will reduce your output power and wear the output tubes faster. Since tubes are relatively low current devices, lower than rated loads aren't the danger to them that they are to transistors. In most cases, you'll lose any volume gained by the extra speakers to the decreased headroom of a lower load, but it depends on the speakers, the OT, the tube quality, their current and the amount of gain you use. IOW, you could try it and see without it really hurting anything. If you see your output tubes' plates start turning colors from overdisappation, then you'll know not to do it, but if your amp is biased fairly conservatively, it might be just fine.  I'd wager it won't be a good idea, though. Where your speakers are paralleled, they will have a greater voltage drop than a series or series/parallel combination.


Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: lowend1 on November 23, 2009, 05:09:32 PM
I'd just like to say that I'm glad PBG has started to frequent the Outpost. The amp section of this forum has had a tendency to lapse from time to time.
Regarding the switching jack on the SVT - is there an intrinsic problem with these? When I hook up a second cab, the main cab shuts off. I think I remember reading somewhere that this was relatively common on the older models...
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on November 24, 2009, 05:07:31 AM
Regarding the switching jack on the SVT - is there an intrinsic problem with these? When I hook up a second cab, the main cab shuts off. I think I remember reading somewhere that this was relatively common on the older models...

It's either gone bad or is really dirty.  Give it a serious cleaning and see if that changes.
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: rahock on November 24, 2009, 06:22:36 AM
Yes indeed , it's good to have you around again Psycho Bass Guy ;D
Rick
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on November 24, 2009, 06:40:54 AM
I appreciate it. It's not that I've been boycotting the internet or anything, there just hasn't been much I've wanted to talk about.  I spent ten years helping Talkbass become what it is now, and the lowdown pieces of shit permanently banned me for telling too much truth to the detriment of some manufacturers and their endorsees who shill there. It tends to take the wind out of one's sails. 
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: Highlander on November 24, 2009, 01:29:39 PM
My '68 Marshall might appreciate that knowledge...  ;D
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: rahock on November 24, 2009, 07:42:02 PM
I appreciate it. It's not that I've been boycotting the internet or anything, there just hasn't been much I've wanted to talk about.  I spent ten years helping Talkbass become what it is now, and the lowdown pieces of shit permanently banned me for telling too much truth to the detriment of some manufacturers and their endorsees who shill there. It tends to take the wind out of one's sails. 

Telling it like it is doesn't often lead you down the path to political correctness. I always had considerable difficulty trying to get down that freakin' path myself ;D
Funk 'em.
Rick
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: lowend1 on November 24, 2009, 08:31:12 PM
Telling it like it is doesn't often lead you down the path to political correctness. I always had considerable difficulty trying to get down that freakin' path myself ;D
Funk 'em.
Rick

Me three.
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: Dave W on November 24, 2009, 11:25:02 PM
Psycho Bass Guy has told us what happened, and it's really too bad, but let's not pile on TB here.

No sponsors or their endorsers to tiptoe around here, thank goodness.
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: rahock on November 25, 2009, 06:08:32 AM
Yeah, I agree. Trash talking doen't take you down a very nice path either. 'Nuff said.
This place has been a refreshing break from all that......even the Fender haters are pretty polite ;)
Rick
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: sniper on November 25, 2009, 10:27:20 AM
shhhhhhhhhhh

don't push it or the Gibby police will cosmic zap you!!!

and welcome PBG
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on November 25, 2009, 01:32:08 PM
Like Dave said, I was just informing of why my internet posting has been so sparse. TB doesn't need me to bash it; that forum speaks for itself. I appreciate the words of support and comraderie. Believe me, I have no desire to re-live in any fashion, the situations I encountered in that forum.

 My only caution is to be VERY careful of those you put your trust in on any internet forum, myself included. Anybody worth talking to should have no problem proving their legitimacy and discoursing passionately without it being an issue. IOW, people who have nothing to hide don't have to keep secrets.

That's why I like the openess and laid-back nature of this place, including the clear limits on discussions and the lack of mob mentaility-pandering. That stuff is human nature, and it's only through discipline and respect that it is avoided. Especially since this also a sort of an indirect offshoot of another once popular forum that crashed and burned and hurt alot of people in the process.

Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: patman on November 25, 2009, 02:29:16 PM
Welcome...
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: sniper on November 26, 2009, 06:36:20 PM
Like Dave said.....Especially since this also a sort of an indirect offshoot of another once popular forum that crashed and burned and hurt alot of people in the process.



i really liked the old crashed and burnt forum but i guess i loved both my ex's at one time also....still do in some ways....but it don't mean i want to be married again....nuff said. anyways, welcome again PBG...been a long time bro and a great big Mcthanks for the enlightenment about the speaker loading. BTW, got all my goodies for it now and am busy trying to get it all attached and looking good. hope u had a Happy Thanksgiving along with every other player here. i sure did.
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: rahock on December 01, 2009, 05:41:53 AM
Well.............Did you get this thing together yet?  I'm curious :P
Rick
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: sniper on December 01, 2009, 02:32:41 PM
still looking for a great deal on the bay for a cab. have decided to look for a Fender Bassman 212 cab or a Marshall 212 cab like the one from Avatar. there are presently a few cabs on the bay but no one is offering a "deal". i have sold my Mr Mojo (a Peavey 30 classic in a Vox Berkeley head case) and the guy loves it, and i sold the TB Plus pup set for an SGRI last night.

i have been doing a lot of research into cab designs and have listened to countless clips of speakers in different cabs online. the old BF Fender design seems almost as good as any and i think a repo 212 BF Bassman cab would do these G12T-75 speakers very well.

i have got my goodies for the head now, manuel, logo (70's tail less type), tube sticker and new 70's type blue, sliver and white grill cloth (1 yard) to make it look almost like a Bassman 10 cab even though it is a Bandmaster (taller) head cab. the g/f gave me an old Jensen P12R 8 ohm 25 watt (a 50's era that her father made a speaker cab for, and the speaker looks like new!) that i have been doing a little practice through it with the volume turned WAY down in the mean time. i don't have any idea of what to do with that speaker in the long run unless i can sell it on the bay! meanwhile the 15" JBL is setting in the box and looks like it will remain so for a long time.

i'll post a shot of it all done in the "post a pic" topic section here when it gets done. thanks for asking.

hmmm... wonder what kind of speakers and tubes i could tear out of the old Curtis-Mathes stereo setting in the living room?
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: sniper on December 05, 2009, 09:02:00 AM
Well.............Did you get this thing together yet?  I'm curious :P
Rick

got a cab Rick, an old but goody mid 60's showman bassman cab that has been rebuilt and recovered about 15 years ago with the hold down bushings respaced to fit a bandmaster/showman head. i'll be posting a pic as soon as it arrives. those celestions are going in as soon as it gets here!!! ;D ;)
Title: Re: bassman 10 speaker load
Post by: rahock on December 06, 2009, 06:20:34 AM
Sounds good. I really am curious as to how those Celestions work out in that cab.  Like I said earlier, for some reason they seem to work better in a fairly basic cab than they do in a fancy design. I want to see if this proves true again :)
Rick