Leatherlips
212 posts
Aug 19, 2013
3:17 PM
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Well I thought there is no way I was going to ever own a 59 Bassman reissue.
I was having a discussion on another forum regarding sound, so obviously mics and amps were in that discussion.
The Bassman was up for special mention and I'd lusted after one for some time but could not justify the expense as I don't gig enough. Following said verbal exchange, I took a look on ebay ( Australia ) and saw one for sale.
Well these things are very rarely on offer at all, especially second hand. So I saw the guys name and where the item was located. Holy cow. I know this man and he lives just 15 minutes away.
The same man, to whom I had sold my Fender twin reverb to about 15 years earlier.
Anyway, I have made the deal and pick up my honey drippin' Bassman today.
Bugger the expense, I just had to have it.
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Harp2swing
107 posts
Aug 19, 2013
4:28 PM
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"Bugger the expense, I just had to have it". Good call!
Same feeling I had when I purchased my HG50
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Rick Davis
2249 posts
Aug 19, 2013
7:39 PM
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Welcome to the club! Great amp.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
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LSC
486 posts
Aug 19, 2013
11:09 PM
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Hell, it's only money and you can't take it with you. Memories and moments on the other hand....
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LSC
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FMWoodeye
775 posts
Aug 20, 2013
3:09 AM
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Well, I don't get an opportunity to use the Bassman very often. But when I do, I feel it was certainly worth the expense.
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Rick Davis
2252 posts
Aug 20, 2013
9:15 AM
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My Bassman RI is fondly known as The Beast.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
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HawkeyeKane
1947 posts
Aug 20, 2013
9:42 AM
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"What does the Copper Cap rectifer do for ya?"
It's a solid state substitute for a rectifier tube. Weber makes them for pretty much any rectifier...and I think Yellowjacket makes them for most octal rectifier tubes. SS rectifier will create less sag in your current than a tube will, but that factor is really a matter of taste.
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Hawkeye Kane
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rainman
102 posts
Aug 21, 2013
3:58 AM
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Thanks for that explanation.
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rainman
103 posts
Aug 21, 2013
1:42 PM
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Arnenym, That's interesting and would think that this would be a nice harp amp with this setup. I'm trying to figure out what I have to sell. ;)
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Rick Davis
2253 posts
Aug 21, 2013
7:01 PM
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Actually, the Weber Copper cap is pretty much an ordinary two-diode full-wave rectifier, with the addition of a resistor to emulate the sag of a tube rectifier. It can easily be substituted in the tube socket. Very clever.
Some players love them, claiming the copper cap recto makes their amp louder. They also say it is superior because it will last many times longer than a tube rectifier. I'm not sure I agree with that. If the copper cap gets too hot it can melt the solder connections inside and possibly short to the copper shroud, giving you a very nasty shock if you touch it.
And tube rectifiers tend to last quite a long time. There was a tube recto failure for a forum member recently but I think that is pretty rare.
Those who prefer tube rectifiers say the sag from the Copper Cap is not as organic as the resistance that builds up in the interior of a tube recto as it works. The sag of the copper cap is thought to be more linear.
Here is the bottom line for your Bassman: Don't worry about it for now. You are not likely to hear any difference at first. Wait until you are really familiar with the sound of your amp before fiddling with the recto. There are so many "moving parts" that impact the sound of a Bassman that it can be very confusing. The rectifier is the last thing you should focus on, in my humble opinion.
I tried both copper cap and tube rectos in my Bassman, and I settled on a vintage JAN GE 5R4 brown base tube. The difference I hear is a slightly more pronounced sag and crunch when I hit the amp with a sharp transient lick.
I also liked the sound of the copper cap. It made the amp feel slightly crisper. Both effects are, as I say, very slight.
I suggest you leave the copper cap in there until you have the amp sorted to your taste and then try something different.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
Last Edited by Rick Davis on Aug 21, 2013 7:37 PM
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