About This Amp

The Fender Bassman 500 is a hybrid bass amp featuring a tube preamp section and a solid-state power amp, delivering 500 watts of power (at 4 ohms) in a compact head.


No Sound? Check These First

Basic Connections

  • Is the power light on?
  • Is the MUTE switch disengaged? (Check if the MUTE light is off)
  • Is your instrument cable securely connected to the INPUT?
  • Is your speaker cable (not instrument cable) securely connected from the amp to cabinet?
  • Are the MASTER and GAIN controls turned up?
  • Is the cabinet connected to the correct impedance output? (2 OHM, 4 OHM, or 8 OHM)

Still No Sound?

  • Try a different instrument cable
  • Check if headphones are plugged in (this mutes the speaker output)
  • Verify the VOLUME control on your bass is turned up
  • If using multiple cabinets, check all connections
  • Make sure the PROTECT light isn't on (indicates a problem)

Sound Problems

Weak or Thin Sound

  • Check the BASS, MID, and TREBLE EQ settings
  • Make sure DEEP switch isn't disengaged if you want low end
  • Check that the VINTAGE switch is set for your preference
  • Verify GAIN staging (both INPUT GAIN and MASTER)
  • Check if COMPRESS knob is set too high (can reduce dynamics)
  • For active basses, check your bass's battery

Distorted or Fuzzy (When Not Wanted)

  • Reduce INPUT GAIN (preamp distortion)
  • Check if OVERDRIVE is engaged (should be off for clean tones)
  • Look at the CLIP light - if it's lighting up, reduce gain
  • Make sure you're using the proper impedance output for your cabinet
  • Check if bass is active and has a weak battery

Noise, Humming or Buzzing

  • Try a different power outlet
  • Move away from lighting dimmers and electronic equipment
  • Check instrument cables for damage
  • See if noise changes when touching the strings (could be grounding issue)
  • Try another bass if possible

Effects & Features Issues

Overdrive Not Working Properly

  • Make sure OVERDRIVE is engaged (button pressed in)
  • Verify DRIVE and LEVEL controls are turned up
  • Check that INPUT GAIN is set appropriately
  • Note: Overdrive is subtle on bass - it's not meant for heavy distortion

Compressor Problems

  • Adjust COMPRESS control (higher settings = more compression)
  • Make sure INPUT GAIN is set appropriately
  • Note: Subtle compression settings often work best

Headphone Output Issues

  • Check if headphones are fully plugged in
  • Verify MASTER volume is turned up
  • Make sure MUTE is not engaged

Power Issues

Won't Turn On

  • Check if power cable is securely connected
  • Try a different power outlet
  • Check the fuse (access panel on back)
  • Verify power switch is fully engaged

Protect Light Comes On

  • Power off immediately
  • Check speaker connections
  • Verify correct speaker impedance
  • Ensure adequate ventilation
  • Let amp cool down if it's been running hot
  • Power on again after addressing potential issues

Connection Issues

XLR Direct Output Problems

  • Check if cable is properly connected
  • Verify receiving equipment is working (mixer, interface, etc.)
  • Try PRE/POST switch in different positions
  • Check if GROUND LIFT switch resolves any hum issues

FX Loop Issues

  • Check cables connecting to SEND and RETURN jacks
  • Try bypassing effects to isolate the problem
  • Verify effects unit is powered on
  • Check levels on the effects unit

When to Get Professional Help

  • If the PROTECT light comes on repeatedly
  • If it won't power on after checking the basics
  • If it makes unusual noises through the speaker
  • If there's burning smell or visible smoke
  • If it blows fuses repeatedly

Bassman 500 Settings Cheat Sheet

For Clean, Full Tone

  • INPUT GAIN: 10-12 o'clock
  • BASS: 12-2 o'clock
  • MID: 10-12 o'clock
  • TREBLE: 11-1 o'clock
  • MASTER: To taste
  • DEEP: Engaged (pushed in)
  • BRIGHT: Depends on bass type (typically off for fat tone)
  • VINTAGE: Based on preference (provides midrange character)
  • COMPRESS: 9-10 o'clock for subtle dynamics control

For Vintage Growl

  • INPUT GAIN: 1-3 o'clock (push the tube preamp)
  • VINTAGE: Engaged (pushed in)
  • BASS: 11-1 o'clock
  • MID: 1-3 o'clock
  • TREBLE: 10-12 o'clock
  • BRIGHT: Off (out position)
  • COMPRESS: 12-2 o'clock
  • MASTER: Set for desired volume

For Modern Slap Tone

  • INPUT GAIN: 9-11 o'clock (clean headroom)
  • BRIGHT: Engaged (pushed in)
  • BASS: 12-2 o'clock
  • MID: 9-10 o'clock (scooped)
  • TREBLE: 1-3 o'clock
  • DEEP: Engaged (pushed in)
  • COMPRESS: 1-3 o'clock (more compression)
  • MASTER: Set for desired volume

For Overdriven Tone

  • OVERDRIVE: Engaged (pushed in)
  • DRIVE: 12-3 o'clock
  • LEVEL: 12-3 o'clock
  • INPUT GAIN: 12-3 o'clock
  • BASS: Reduce to prevent muddiness (9-11 o'clock)
  • MID: 1-3 o'clock for presence
  • TREBLE: To taste
  • MASTER: Set for desired volume

For Recording Direct

  • Connect XLR output to recording interface
  • Try both PRE and POST positions based on preference
  • Consider engaging GROUND LIFT if you hear hum
  • Use same settings as above based on desired tone
  • Consider using COMPRESS to control dynamics

Do you need more help with this?

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