Bridging channels on a Fender Bassman

[umcoo]

Hi folks, I recently picked up a Fender Bassman 135, but am waiting on funds for a cab (but that's another story).

I've heard about patching a cable between the bass and normal channels, but want to know what happens and how it affects the sound and tonez. Any users out there?

[joegarcia]

Just stick a patch lead between the inputs, it just means you are going into both channels so you drive more valves and eq.

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

[quote name='umcoo' post='643748' date='Nov 2 2009, 02:24 PM']Hi folks, I recently picked up a Fender Bassman 135, but am waiting on funds for a cab (but that's another story).

I've heard about patching a cable between the bass and normal channels, but want to know what happens and how it affects the sound and tonez. Any users out there?[/quote]
We used to do that with Fenders in the 60's, it allowed you to use the deep switch on the bass channel and the bright switch on the instrument channel, but it wasn't particularly worthwhile. The EQs on the two channels were identical, so no benefits there. One possible use that would be worthwhile is to run one channel straight and effects through the second, giving the ability to vary the tone and volume mix of straight and effect.

[Basszilla]

I used to do that with my old 135 - gives you a nice overall boost

lovely amps

[umcoo]

Hey Basszilla, does it make it more grindy and gainy, or just a clean boost?

[joegarcia]

Or, you could get a A/B/Y box and switch between the two channels/have both channels on to switch between different eq settings or levels.

[Basszilla]

Umcoo, for me it definitely thickened things up. Made quite a difference, adding a bit more grunt and heft to the overall sound.

Have a try and let us know what you think man

Still miss that amp

[umcoo]

Zilla, cheers, I will do. Give me a month or two for the cab and I'll report back

Cheers Joe, I'll see how I like the different sounds and see if an a/b/y is worth it.

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

[quote name='umcoo' post='645784' date='Nov 4 2009, 05:19 PM']Hey Basszilla, does it make it more grindy and gainy, or just a clean boost?[/quote]It's not going to do a lot, since the two channels are paralleled into a common power amp. You can get a lot more utility if the two channels are cascaded in series, but that takes rewiring by a good techie.

[umcoo]

mnmnnn that's good to know thanks Bill. I'll keep it in mind when I get to fully rock this thing

[umph]

[quote name='Bill Fitzmaurice' post='646620' date='Nov 5 2009, 07:46 PM']It's not going to do a lot, since the two channels are paralleled into a common power amp. You can get a lot more utility if the two channels are cascaded in series, but that takes rewiring by a good techie.[/quote]
paralleling channels reduces noise and increases gain slightly.