Guitarnut wrote:The switch is just sitting in there to fill the hole. I wouldn't fool around with a ground lift.
The Fender ground switch is not a ground lift, as the chassis and circuit grounds remain electrically connected to the earth ground.
Its purpose was to provide an AC ground from the chassis to either the line or neutral side of the AC power supply. Connecting the chassis to the neutral would be the same as the modern safety ground, but without the redundancy. Before polarized plugs you couldn't be sure which side was which, so the switch made sense. In fact the ground switch remains on Fender amp schematics from the '80's (Rivera era) after three-wire cords appeared. The problem is that the cap can fail shorted and put line voltage on the chassis and guitar strings.
I had some time this morning to noodle around in the studio with the new amp. Lead and rhythm both played thru the Bassman. No pedals. The lead was full on the norm channel. The tubes are running fairly cold so this is as dirty as it gets...had to place some packing blankets in front to keep from blowing me out of my chair...even with headphones on.
The lead is sketchy because I was concerned with pissing off the neighbors. Only did two takes.
I've been playing the amp for a few weeks now and I really like it. The ceramic speakers are starting to break in and the tone of the amp is smoothing out.
The build was a roller coaster ride but I'm glad I did it. Also very thankful for the help and encouragement I received here in the Garage. Maybe some day I'll know enough to give back. (fingers crossed)
