Standby Switch on Bassman

[Sir Cuitous]

I have only built 2 low watt SE amps, so I familiar with the operation of the standby switch, but not the theory. I want to know something about the standby switch in a Fender Bassman. I realize this is a basic question, so I'm sure the heavyhitters on this site can help me. On the 5F6, the switch looks the same as the AC switch - SPST, is that right? But there is a cap to ground. Is that so the rectifier does not "see" an open circuit when the switch is OFF? When the standby is ON, does the cap have any effect?

[Bruce / Mission Amps]

Any decent 5a-220v to 10a 120v Spst will work fine.

Yes a cap across the switch to ground helps control the arcing of the switch contacts with respect to point bounce ... snaps, crackles and little spikes.... sort of like a small shock absorber.

[Sir Cuitous]

Thanks, Bruce. I suppose the cap has virtually no effect once the switch is on.