Fender bassman 50 through Ampeg pf210 and pf115?

[pebo]

Hi, I am looking for a bit of advice from the very knowledgeable people here at TB.

I've got a Ampeg pf500 which i use through a pf210, or if needed i stack with a pf115. I've been looking at getting a small tube amp to use at rehearsals. I play with 2 guitarists and a drummer that is not a huge hitter. I'd still keep the pf500

I was wondering how a Fender bassman silverface would sound through the pair of portaflex cabs? It would also get the 4ohms needed for the amp. I realize its only a 50w amp, but would it sound good and get a decent volume to play with a band at reasonable levels. I don't mind a bit of grit and normally play with a bit of overdrive. I've been searching this topic for quite a while but can't find anything on using these cabs with a vintage bassmam.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[sharkbait130]

I had a Fender Bassman 50 with a Fender 2 12 cab back in the day. Don't know if the cabs you have will be any better , but with the Fender 2 12 , it was pretty much useless. One guitar , a soft hitting drummer and a three piece un mic'd brass section and I couldn't hear myself at all. Also , it got really farty with the volume only up to about 4. I wasn't impressed at all.

 

[coreyfyfe]

Would probably be okay for rehearsals with a band that keeps decent volume levels. Probably would be a bit into overdrive territory and might not pack as much bottom end as you're used to with the higher power amp, but should be okay. I've been using my 50 watt traynor and sound city amps a lot lately, usually with an 8x10 though. Work well enough for band practice. Definitely can be heard, but not really felt like I would be with a more powerful amp.

 

[JimmyM]

If your idea of decent levels is the PF500 cranked really loud, no. If you're reasonable about your volumes, it's possible. I play in an 8 pc oldies band with horns, not super loud but we'll get up there sometimes, and I'm using the new Ampeg PF50T, which is 50w tube, and it's fine for me with a 115 or 210 and more than fine with two cabs. As for the lack of bottom end when it overdrives, the bass knob makes up for that Bassman Silverface has a much more mid-scoopy EQ than the Ampeg EQ, but you can get good sounds out of them as long as you don't want forward sounding mids.

 

[pebo]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I appreciate your input. Its very rare i get the pf500 cranking and thats only if i play with the covers band i jam with occasionally. And id probably keep bringing the Ampeg to that.

Sounds like I'd be ok if the guitars keep it under control. How does the volume of the pf50 compare to the bassman?