Fender Bassman 800HD 800-Watt Hybrid Bass Head

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Fender Bassman 800HD 800-Watt Hybrid Bass Head. This amplifier head combines the warmth of a tube preamp with the efficiency of a Class D power amp, delivering powerful and versatile bass tones. This manual provides essential information for safe operation, setup, and maintenance of your new amplifier.

Important Safety Instructions

• Read these instructions thoroughly before operating the unit.
• Keep these instructions for future reference.
• Heed all warnings and follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with a dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

What's in the Box

• Fender Bassman 800HD Bass Head
• 1-Button Footswitch
• Power Cord
• User Manual (this document)

Setup

Unpacking and Placement

Carefully remove the Bassman 800HD from its packaging. Place the amplifier head on a stable, level surface, ensuring adequate ventilation around the unit. Avoid placing it directly on top of other heat-generating equipment.

Figure 1: Fender Bassman 800HD Bass Head showing its approximate dimensions: 30 inches (width), 17 inches (depth), and 16 inches (height).

Connecting to a Speaker Cabinet

Connect the Bassman 800HD to a suitable bass speaker cabinet using a high-quality speaker cable. Ensure the speaker cabinet's impedance matches the amplifier's output impedance requirements. Refer to the specifications section for details.

Power Connection

Connect the supplied power cord to the AC inlet on the rear panel of the amplifier and then to a grounded electrical outlet. Ensure the amplifier's power switch is in the OFF position before connecting to power.

Connecting Your Instrument

Plug your bass guitar into one of the INPUTS jacks on the front panel using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.

Controls and Functions (Front Panel)

Figure 2: Detailed view of the Fender Bassman 800HD front panel controls.

• 1. INPUTS (1 & 2): Two 1/4-inch input jacks for your bass guitar. Input 1 is typically for standard passive instruments, while Input 2 may offer reduced gain for active instruments or higher output passive basses.
• 2. VOLUME (Vintage Channel): Controls the overall output level of the Vintage channel. Pulling this knob activates the "Deep" tone stack modification, adding low-end girth.
• 3. BASS (Vintage Channel): Adjusts the low-frequency response of the Vintage channel.
• 4. MID (Vintage Channel): Adjusts the mid-frequency response of the Vintage channel.
• 5. TREBLE (Vintage Channel): Adjusts the high-frequency response of the Vintage channel. Pulling this knob activates the "Bright" tone stack modification, adding high-end presence.
• 6. GAIN (Overdrive Channel): Controls the input gain and amount of overdrive for the Overdrive channel.
• 7. BLEND (Overdrive Channel): Mixes the clean Vintage channel signal with the Overdrive channel signal. Fully counter-clockwise is 100% Vintage, fully clockwise is 100% Overdrive.
• 8. VOLUME (Overdrive Channel): Controls the output level of the Overdrive channel.
• 9. BASS (Overdrive Channel): Adjusts the low-frequency response of the Overdrive channel.
• 10. FREQ/MID-LEVEL (Overdrive Channel): The FREQ knob selects the center frequency for the MID-LEVEL control. The MID-LEVEL knob then boosts or cuts that selected mid-frequency.
• 11. TREBLE (Overdrive Channel): Adjusts the high-frequency response of the Overdrive channel.
• 12. MASTER: Controls the overall output volume of the amplifier.
• 13. MUTE Switch: Silences the amplifier output for silent tuning or instrument changes.
• 14. PULL VINTAGE/OVERDRIVE Switch: Selects between the Vintage (clean) and Overdrive channels. This can also be controlled by the footswitch.
• 15. POWER Switch: Turns the amplifier ON or OFF.
• 16. JEWEL LIGHT: Illuminates when the amplifier is powered ON.

Operating Instructions

Powering On and Off

1. Ensure all volume controls are set to minimum before powering on.
2. Flip the POWER switch to the ON position. The jewel light will illuminate.
3. Wait a few moments for the amplifier to stabilize before increasing volume.
4. To power off, reduce all volume controls to minimum, then flip the POWER switch to the OFF position.

Using the Vintage (Clean) Channel

Select the Vintage channel using the PULL VINTAGE/OVERDRIVE switch (or footswitch). Adjust the VOLUME, BASS, MID, and TREBLE controls to achieve your desired clean tone. Experiment with the "Deep" (pull VOLUME) and "Bright" (pull TREBLE) functions for additional tonal shaping.

Using the Overdrive Channel

Select the Overdrive channel. Use the GAIN control to set the amount of distortion. The BLEND control allows you to mix the clean and overdriven signals. Adjust the VOLUME, BASS, FREQ/MID-LEVEL, and TREBLE controls for the desired overdriven tone.

Using the Footswitch

Connect the supplied 1-button footswitch to the FOOTSWITCH jack on the rear panel. The footswitch allows you to toggle between the Vintage and Overdrive channels remotely.

XLR Line Out

The XLR Line Out provides a balanced signal for connecting to a mixing console, recording interface, or external power amplifier. This output is useful for live sound reinforcement or studio recording. Consult the rear panel for specific controls related to the XLR output (e.g., Pre/Post EQ switch, Ground Lift).

Maintenance

Cleaning

Clean the exterior of the amplifier with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or waxes, as these can damage the finish. Ensure the amplifier is unplugged before cleaning.

Storage

When not in use for extended periods, store the amplifier in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If possible, use a protective cover to prevent dust accumulation.

Tube Replacement (Preamp Tubes)

The Bassman 800HD uses preamp tubes which may require replacement over time. If you experience a loss of tone, excessive noise, or reduced output, the preamp tubes may need to be replaced. This procedure should ideally be performed by qualified service personnel to avoid electric shock and ensure proper installation.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Warranty Information

The Fender Bassman 800HD Bass Head comes with a 1 Year Limited Warranty from Fender. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. For full terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Fender website.

Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Support and Service

For technical assistance, service, or parts, please contact Fender Customer Support. You can find contact information and additional resources on the official Fender website:

www.fender.com/support

When contacting support, please have your model number (2249700000) and serial number ready.