Generator output waveform check with cheap o-scope

I want to view the 120VAC waveform output from my generator but only have a DSO-150 Shell o-scope with a max input voltage limit of 50Vpk (100Vpp). How can I reduce the voltage without affecting the original waveform characteristics (shape/cleanliness)? I'm considering two options.
1: Two 60W incandescent bulbs in series as a voltage divider with the scope probes attached across one bulb. Will a resistive load like a light bulb (old school filament type) have any effect on the waveform?
2:Step down transformer- Will the transformer smooth the waveform or clean up any noise in the original signal?
Thanks,
SM

 

I set it up using two light bulbs but got an imbalanced voltage reading that was outside of the scopes range so the waveform was chopped of on the positive peaks. It looks like that was caused by the floating ground as you both mentioned. I switched the input selector from AC to DC (just SWAG since the reading didn't make sense) and got a waveform that was balanced on the vertical origin so I can see the whole waveform. I did a baseline on my 120VAC wall plug and the wave is nice and smooth, the waveform from my inverter generator has a slight ripple in the trace that validates the fact that this is a smoothed out DC generated signal.
The purpose of this experiment is to be able to show the son in law what kind of power his generator is outputting. He is concerned his might be making "dirty" power and now I have a way to actually see the output.
Thanks for your input!

 

Harald, that's the probe I used. Amz special! Here are the waveforms with about 120W load.
1. 120VAC main
2. Inverter gen
3. Homelite 6500 about 8 years old, slip ring I think
Not a perfect setup but good enough for the visual I was after.



SM