The sound of a Fender Bassman 59 reissue from a smaller amp?

**uburoibob** · 05-18-2015, 08:01 AM

If you can get your hands on a Tone Concept's Distillery, see what you think. Touring guitarists who use a different back line every night are using it to dial in their sound. I have been using mine for about a year to shape tone and love it. You might also check out Voodoo Labs Giggity. Both can help shape an amp sound tremendously.

Bob

**christianm77** · 05-18-2015, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by silverfoxx

Christianm77,
No I'm not Harry, I moved on a Fender Princeton RRI as even changing
the speaker to a Ragin Cajun didn't produce the tone I prefer. I cannot
comment on Acoustic guitars through the Mambo, but reiterate it's
excellent quality for electric Archtops, it has the edge over the ER12 for
tone. If you want more output then you might want to defer back to
the Bassman ;59 RI ,when funds permit. I'm afraid they are too heavy
for old codgers like me. I use an Evans AH200 with an RE Stealth if
I need more output than the Mambo ( the Evans Head weighs nothing ,
the Stealth is approx 30 lbs only) But if you're happy with the PRRI
none of the above is relevant.

Haha no I didn't think you were, but this did seem to be my friend's main topic of conversation for a while, how great Mambos were. (Like I say I think he wanted a free one.) There seems to be a horde of people who are evangelists for the Mambo cause, so either it's a cult, or they in fact really good. I also found it quite irritating to have him go on about it after having just bought an amp (the AER.)

I can't say the tone I heard from it did for me hugely, but obviously they are super practical and reasonably priced....

On the other hand I plugged into a Princeton (an original) with the hemp speaker and had a instant epiphany. Whether or not I can get the exact sound with mine I can't say. I have no money even for a speaker at the moment, so it will have to wait. It sounds lovely at the moment though.

Is it possible we have different tastes in tone? :-)

Bassmans are too heavy for me too. You are not alone. That's why I didn't buy one for my top floor flat.

Anyway on the Mambo front this is going a bit Green Eggs and Ham? 'Try them and you may I say!'

You didn't in fact answer the question, which I am interested in - how does the Mambo compare to the AER on the AER's home turf - amplifiying acoustic guitars? Professionally I am engaged about 75% of the time on acoustic guitar. This is a big consideration for me. I want a light, punchy amp that makes acoustic guitars sound really good. The AER is exceptional at this.

**Jazz_175** · 05-18-2015, 11:29 AM

I think most of the people here bought a Mambo amp for archtop guitar but there should be an option for acoustic guitar as well. Maybe just a different speaker. Have a look on the web site.

**christianm77** · 05-18-2015, 11:59 AM

I think they have one optimised for acoustic, as with Henricksen. I'd need to try it though.

Thinking about it, one of the main reasons I got the AER actually is they are bog standard. IMO if you are a gigging player, it's important to have something reliable and easily replaced above and consistent. Everyone I spoke to regarding the AER said 'it always sounds good and has never missed a beat.' If I go on tour I can't bring an amp, but if I see a Compact 60 at the gig when I turn up, I know I can get my sound.

There's a lot to be said for that.

**Teddyfm** · 05-18-2015, 02:29 PM

Hi Christianm77

You dont find the Princeton too bright with the stock speaker then? Been looking at a PRRI for some time now. Have a Mambo, but for me it just doesnt bring it. Been using it with a tube preamp which really helped to get some of the laser guided exactness softened up. I would really like to get a Frenzel amp, but I am a bit wary having a tubeamp shipped from Texas to Switzerland.

I have to say that the Mambo is a really nice piece of equipment, no doubt about it, but its maybe not for me.

blablabla.....

Cheers
Ted

**christianm77** · 05-18-2015, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by Teddyfm

Hi Christianm77

You dont find the Princeton too bright with the stock speaker then? Been looking at a PRRI for some time now. Have a Mambo, but for me it just doesnt bring it. Been using it with a tube preamp which really helped to get some of the laser guided exactness softened up. I would really like to get a Frenzel amp, but I am a bit wary having a tubeamp shipped from Texas to Switzerland.

I have to say that the Mambo is a really nice piece of equipment, no doubt about it, but its maybe not for me.

blablabla.....

Cheers
Ted

Early days yet. Ask me again when I've gigged it properly.

**silverfoxx** · 05-20-2015, 04:41 AM

Originally Posted by christianm77

I think they have one optimised for acoustic, as with Henricksen. I'd need to try it though.

Thinking about it, one of the main reasons I got the AER actually is they are bog standard. IMO if you are a gigging player, it's important to have something reliable and easily replaced above and consistent. Everyone I spoke to regarding the AER said 'it always sounds good and has never missed a beat.' If I go on tour I can't bring an amp, but if I see a Compact 60 at the gig when I turn up, I know I can get my sound.

There's a lot to be said for that.

I didn't make a comment on the suitability of the Mambo with acoustic guitars because I now
use only Archtops to which it is eminently suited. I reiterate that the same applies to the
Henriksen and Evans amplifiers. I concur with you on the features of the AER ,I had mine for
years and kept it because of its portability ,ease of use and reliability. But I had too many amps
and it had to go. If you are in a position to think about a Mambo i suggest that you may like to
talk directly to the builder, Jon Shaw, an extremely nice bloke,who is very approachable with any
questions on your particular requirements. I had an extension speaker jack added to mine also
an alternative speaker, an "Eighteen" which has similar qualities to an EV but lighter in weight,
Having said that there is nothing wrong with the standard Beta 12" which has a darker tone. If
you ask Franz 1997 here on this forum he can you greater insight on the subject. I merely
follow the very good advice I get here.

Regards
Silverfoxx

**snoskier63** · 05-20-2015, 09:37 AM

One option might be to get something like a Henriksen JazzAmp 112 and a Fender Bassman pedal (FBM-1). The Henriksen will give you a flat response similar to a PA, and the pedal will then sound much more authentic. I run my Pod HD through my Henriksen 112, and the Bassman setting is incredible! A used Henriksen in mint condition will run $600 - $700, and the pedal is $89 at places like Sweetwater. For around $200 you can get a Pod HD for more amp and effects options, but you may not need more.

**christianm77** · 05-20-2015, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by silverfoxx

I didn't make a comment on the suitability of the Mambo with acoustic guitars because I now
use only Archtops to which it is eminently suited.

Then it is useless to me, USELESSSS, USELESSSS!!!! :-)

*ahem* well not quite. I'm sure they could do a good acoustic amp. The technology is pretty similar as I understand it, the main difference would be the high end response from the speaker.

I have been in contact with Jon Shaw before, and yes he is super helpful. :-)

**christianm77** · 05-20-2015, 09:44 AM

Well, I tried the PPRI with a drummer yesterday running through some Fusion and Postbop stuff, and while it sounded immense for overdriven lead sounds, the breakup was apparent on the clean stuff. We were playing quite a bit louder than I usually do, but I'm thinking it's definitely time for a new speaker, try and squeeze some more headroom out of it.

**christianm77** · 05-20-2015, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by Teddyfm

Hi Christianm77

You dont find the Princeton too bright with the stock speaker then? Been looking at a PRRI for some time now. Have a Mambo, but for me it just doesnt bring it. Been using it with a tube preamp which really helped to get some of the laser guided exactness softened up. I would really like to get a Frenzel amp, but I am a bit wary having a tubeamp shipped from Texas to Switzerland.

I have to say that the Mambo is a really nice piece of equipment, no doubt about it, but its maybe not for me.

blablabla.....

Cheers
Ted

Actually I don't find it too bad. The prevalence of bass is more of a problem.

I'm aware that most do find it a bit trebly. I likes a bit of treble - I generally run everything wide open on the tone controls - I don't even have a tone control on one of my boxes.

That said, I admit I do have to roll off a bit on the PPRI, but it's liveable with, and I don't find I need to this nearly so much on stage. I did prefer the sound of my mates hemp speaker though, so that's what I'll get.

**silverfoxx** · 05-20-2015, 10:49 AM

Snosier
Good suggestion I've a little used BCB pedalboard with Eq, FBM-1 Fender Reverb pedal & RC30 Looper collectively cover most requirements. But what do I know?
Christanm 77 uniimpressed with the suggestions offered so I'll bow out before this becomes tiresome

**Teddyfm** · 05-20-2015, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by christianm77

Actually I don't find it too bad. The prevalence of bass is more of a problem.

I'm aware that most do find it a bit trebly. I likes a bit of treble - I generally run everything wide open on the tone controls - I don't even have a tone control on one of my boxes.

That said, I admit I do have to roll off a bit on the PPRI, but it's liveable with, and I don't find I need to this nearly so much on stage. I did prefer the sound of my mates hemp speaker though, so that's what I'll get.

Thanks for your reply. I got to try it out at a friends place. PRRI with stock speaker. Tried it with a Telecaster.Was´nt that bright. Liked it so much that I bought one. Should be here tomorrow.

Should be wearing a GAS mask when I browse this forum.....

**christianm77** · 05-20-2015, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by silverfoxx

Snosier
Good suggestion I've a little used BCB pedalboard with Eq, FBM-1 Fender Reverb pedal & RC30 Looper collectively cover most requirements. But what do I know?
Christanm 77 uniimpressed with the suggestions offered so I'll bow out before this becomes tiresome

It may have something to do with the fact that have already bought the amp. :-)

I'll bear in mind your suggestions next time the amp buying mood comes along....

**christianm77** · 05-20-2015, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by snoskier63

One option might be to get something like a Henriksen JazzAmp 112 and a Fender Bassman pedal (FBM-1). The Henriksen will give you a flat response similar to a PA, and the pedal will then sound much more authentic. I run my Pod HD through my Henriksen 112, and the Bassman setting is incredible! A used Henriksen in mint condition will run $600 - $700, and the pedal is $89 at places like Sweetwater. For around $200 you can get a Pod HD for more amp and effects options, but you may not need more.

Hmmm, it did cross my mind. I'm thinking I may try something similar with my AER, and if it works that's a thought for the future (maybe a year or two down the line), because the Henriksen is a great piece of kit. I might even try a Mambo with that set up - silverfoxx will be the first to know haha.

I've never liked Line 6 products but I have yet to try the Line 6. I'm sure it's probably good enough for gigs.

I think I was pretty set on a real deal valve amp TBH. I may live to regret this...

**christianm77** · 05-20-2015, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by snoskier63

One option might be to get something like a Henriksen JazzAmp 112 and a Fender Bassman pedal (FBM-1). The Henriksen will give you a flat response similar to a PA, and the pedal will then sound much more authentic. I run my Pod HD through my Henriksen 112, and the Bassman setting is incredible! A used Henriksen in mint condition will run $600 - $700, and the pedal is $89 at places like Sweetwater. For around $200 you can get a Pod HD for more amp and effects options, but you may not need more.

BTW have you tried this set up? The only demos of a FBM-1 are basically of it being used as a drive in front of another amp. It sounds good, but I'm wondering how it would sound DI'd into a PA or a flat response amp.

The product I naturally think of is the SansAmp pedals, which I think are pretty good. Unlike the Joyo I believe they have speaker simulation FWIW.

On the other hand if I can find a pedal that'll double as a nice overdrive and a DI amp simulator, that would be great.

**snoskier63** · 05-20-2015, 10:18 PM

I haven't tried the FBM-1 pedal, but I use the '59 Bassman setting on my Pod HD running into my Henriksen, and it sounds great! I am looking to pick up a Fender Passport Event portable PA, and will be able to comment on how that works shortly thereafter.

**christianm77** · 05-21-2015, 05:20 AM

Actually I did a bit of DI recording of my Joyo American Sound, which has been sitting in the drawer for a while, and was impressed by how it sounded - I may post something - maybe a cheesy 'A/B' type video.

I'm going to take the Joyo with me to Amsterdam this weekend. I think one of those into a PA active speaker or a Henriksen would probably work pretty well, and it sounds good with the AER as discussed elsewhere.

Part of me wants to get a proper sansamp just for professional musician 'I want the good quality gear' type reasons ;-) But I've used the Joyo on quite a few gigs and it's never had problems. I might consider getting the more expensive (£50!!!! what a rip off...) JF 307 Ironman Clean Glass (love the name!) at some point. Who knows it may even make a .44 caliber pedal sound good...

In the final analysis though, there is something about the way my PPRI fills the room that my AER/amp sim jalopy can't compete with - sure a bigger speaker might do it, but I will leave that to others for now. There's also serious mojo to using an amp with luverly tubes in it...

Interestingly, the Joyo sounds awful when used as a drive for the PPRI.

@snoskier63 I would seriously suggest trying a Joyo through your Passport when you get it. And then posting the result on youtube ;-)

**christianm77** · 05-21-2015, 05:26 AM

Oh incidentally, I tried the BluGuitar Amp1, and while the gain sounds were very creditable, the clean sound was dead and clinical (jazzers clearly not the main target market). I found myself wondering what it would sound like with the Joyo plugged into it haha.

**EarthGoat** · 05-21-2015, 05:28 AM

The sound of a Fender Bassman 59 reissue from a smaller amp?-150217000000000-00-500x500-jpg

**Teddyfm** · 05-21-2015, 06:53 AM

Got it. Like it. Stupid question coming.
Looking from behind, are the 2 rightmost tubes for the preamp?

EDIT:Worked it out....

**Duotone** · 05-21-2015, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by christianm77

Actually I did a bit of DI recording of my Joyo American Sound, which has been sitting in the drawer for a while, and was impressed by how it sounded - I may post something - maybe a cheesy 'A/B' type video.

I have the Joyo as well. How do you set your knobs? I'm a beginner in Jazz guitar and I tend to get somewhat "lost" in the different parameters.

**silverfoxx** · 05-21-2015, 08:25 AM

I'm sure that we are all grateful for the privilege of your condescending response . Do let us know when you return to Earth we are agog in-anticipation of the next proclamation which is eagerly awaited with bated breath . by the rest of the serfs here .

**christianm77** · 05-21-2015, 09:29 AM

Originally Posted by silverfoxx

I'm sure that we are all grateful for the privilege of your condescending response . Do let us know when you return to Earth we are agog in-anticipation of the next proclamation which is eagerly awaited with bated breath . by the rest of the serfs here .

Crikey, I didn't mean to cause offense, and sorry if I did. Everything I said was intended to be light hearted, but it didn't have that effect, and I apologise. I should have responded differently. You are trying to offer advice and help and I have come over as rude.

Please bear in mind I have just spent £1000 on an amp. I am somewhat emotionally invested in this purchase.

I hope you can accept my apology.

**GuyBoden** · 05-21-2015, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by christianm77

Interestingly, the Joyo sounds awful when used as a drive for the PPRI.

I agree, I also had a Joyo American and it didn't sound good with my old Fender Deluxe Reverb, the amp sounded better without the Joyo.

Personally, I think that the Joyo American pedal sounds better going into a Solid state amp. Just my ears.