Vintage Fender Bassman compact speaker rattle?

[rockabillybanger]

I got a great deal on a Fender Bassman compact bass amp. I didn't need it but bought it anyway. It actually sounds pretty good except for a sound that I can only describe as a rattle. It only happens when I put finger to strings. I realize I'll probably need a new speaker and if so, what is a proper speaker to buy as far as ohms and wattage go? Also, on the back of this cab it says 126 watts, but from everything I've read these are 50 watt amps. What gives? Any help, advise or insight greatly appreciated!!

 

[BogeyBass]

126 watts is how much power it draws from the AC line. not total output power. model number? pictures and speaker size would help. usually fenders will have a single tap for the speaker output so yes speaker impedance is important for tube amps. the schematic which will be easily found online will say the impedance of the transformer tap

 

[Oren Hudson]

What BB said ^^

 

[rockabillybanger]

Ok, I'll try and get some pics up when I get home from work. It's a SS amp with a 15" speaker BTW.

 

[zenman]

A rattle could be lots of things. I wouldn't necessarily assume its the speaker that is the problem.

 

[GreaserMatt]

It may just be a loose screw; carefully take the front grill off and tighten the screws holding the speaker in place... : )

 

[Cirk]

Also may want to check the connections on the speaker to make sure they're secure. Most likely to be a loose screw, as GreaserMatt said, but it wouldn't hurt.

 

[GreaserMatt]

I had an old sunn concert bass amp that had a buzz when you played through it until I tightened the screws on the top that held the chassis to the head box... that fixed it; try tightening the screws on the top of your amp... : )