|
|
Failed to execute CGI : Win32 Error Code = 3 |
| Free from a music retailer near you. |
 |
Fender Bassman 100 |
Fender continues the tradition of providing quality instruments and amplifiers with the release of their Bassman 100 amp, aimed at the Bass player looking for a combo style bass amp that’s going to cut it. The Bassman 100 is a small, relatively light (just under 30kg), combo that is the latest offering out of the Mexican plant and sports a new look and design. The Bassman is well constructed and finished in a tough tolex covering with metal corner protectors, ensuring years of road use. The front panel is well laid out and consists of an input that can be switched for passive or active basses, a gain control, 4 band EQ as well as a clip LED, signal LED, and enhance button. Other features include a compressor, mute switch, Power amp clip LED, a limiter switch and master volume. A power switch with indicator and a power amp clip LED, ensures the signal can be set to its optimum without overloading the amp. The back panel on the Bassman 100 has all the connections needed to get you going with an effects loop (send and return), a balanced line out for direct recording or to a P.A. The Bassman 100 comes with it’s own line out level that can be adjusted via a knob. A Pre/Post switch allows the switching between pre or post equalisation. Other features on the back panel include a ground lift switch and a power cord connector that accepts kettle type plugs (supplied).
Having a bass player in the family is handy when testing bass amps so I hooked up all the basses and started with the 1970 P Bass. Setting the EQ flat with no compression or limiting with the pre-gain level set to about 3 o’clock and the master level on 5 gives a very open natural sound and really brings out the sound of the wood. The EQ responds well with the mids having considerable cut/boost available. Utilising the enhance button modifies the contour of the mids allowing for some great slap tones and was useful with the active 6-string bass. For finger style players it’s best left out but otherwise a handy feature on the amp. The Musicman Fretless sounded good through it and the ability to combine compression and limiting ensures the amp runs smooth and delivers the right tone. The 100 watts of power running a custom designed Eminence 15 inch speaker with a Motorola horn is ample for the smaller club/pub gigs and the ability to go straight to a P.A or recording console via the line out means you’ll be right for the bigger gigs. The tuner/out function is handy and works by pushing the mute on the front panel allowing silent tuning between songs. The effects loop allows the connection of any external processors or effects and comes in useful if required. One function Fender could have added is an extension speaker out to allow slaving to active or passive boxes but hey, you can’t ask for everything. Fender does however give you the option of a bigger combo in the Bassman 400, which is an option if you need more onstage power. As with any Fender product, you have the backup of years of experience as well as reliability and high quality components and construction. All Fender products carry a 5 year limited warranty, which is pleasing. The sound of the amp will surprise a number of different players looking for something portable, punchy with plenty of options available. At $1,599.00 it is reasonably priced for a combo of this quality and will compete with a number of sub-$2,000 combos on the market. If you are in the hunt for something small that will cut most gigs then the Bassman 100 could be up your alley. Entry level players should consider the Bassman 25 or 60 as they have the same features but on a smaller scale and very affordable. Definitely worth a check!
Ask your nearest Fender dealer to try one or you can get more information on the Bassman series of bass combos by visiting the website at www.fender.com.au or give Fender Australia a ring on (02) 9666 5077 or fax (02) 9316 7475 and they’ll be happy to assist.