Fender Bassman?

[andrizzle]

What do you think of this?

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/msg/464371644.html

Tonally?

Is it better as a bass head? (I'd be using it for guitar primarily)

Is that price worth it?

If I were to get it, what should I do with it (i.e. mods / upgraded maintenance).

Thanks guys!

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Fender Bassman?

The Bassman 135's are an ultra linear design just like the 135 watt Dual Showmans and Twins as well as the 70 watt Pro's and Supers...they are LOUD and CLEAN and IMO a little on the harsh side...the only way you'd get it to crunch would be to add pedals and such. FWIW, there are LOTS better guitar amps out there...

 

[andrizzle]

Re: Fender Bassman?

duly noted Christian... thanks! I just happen to see it and thought it looked like a great deal... figured I'd offer up $200-$225 cash the next day and see if he bit the line... was more interested in possibly turning a profit after putting a bit of work into it... i don't need anything that loud in reality

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Fender Bassman?

duly noted Christian... thanks! I just happen to see it and thought it looked like a great deal... figured I'd offer up $200-$225 cash the next day and see if he bit the line... was more interested in possibly turning a profit after putting a bit of work into it... i don't need anything that loud in reality

The Fender UL stuff is REALLY clean and REALLY loud...truth is thats one of the only amps Fender ever built called Bassman that woudl be a good bass amp!:scratchch

If ya know anybody thats looking for a tube bass amp and doesn't need 300+ watts thats a great options and the price is for sure right...I've seen bassman 135's go for lots more!

 

[jeremy]

Re: Fender Bassman?

for $200 if it works well thats not a bad deal but not a great guitar amp

 

[Snottyboy]

Re: Fender Bassman?

I picked up a 1978 Bassman 70 for cheap a while back. This is the 70-watt version of the same amp. Run in through a 2 x 12 open-back with G12H's. As Christian noted, you won't get breakup out of it, but it is super clean, and in a good way. The biggest plus is that it takes pedals as well as any amp I've used, which makes it very useful for classic rock, blues and jazz. Loud and thick. It has been a great addition for me.

 

[Dirt123]

Re: Fender Bassman?

I used to have the same amp. A tech cascaded the inputs, & it turned into a cheap Boogie. It was nice for that. It is a hand wired Fender, easy to mod. Go for it, if you want to play with amp mods, it's a good platform.

 

[Stratman]

Re: Fender Bassman?

You need to look for a AB165 circuit or better yet, go (Original) tweed circuit.

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: Fender Bassman?

the 100's are better for guitar, even if you just want clean headroom

i'm considering letting mine go, it's been modded for more wattage & more clean headroom

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: Fender Bassman?

I had the 70 version too. Very very loud and clean, and positively roared with a Big Muff in front of it...

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Fender Bassman?

SF Bassmans (-men?) do very well with pedals. They don't exactly sparkle, but they're loud and thick.

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: Fender Bassman?

SF Bassmans (-men?) do very well with pedals. They don't exactly sparkle, but they're loud and thick.

Yeah, they're a good solid base to build your sound from.