1966 Fender Bassman

rob · Post by **rob** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 4:32 pm

I used to own a Fender BXR 200 solid state head that I regretfully sold on Ebay. So, now I call up a local guitar store to inquire about what Fender bass amps he has in store. So far, the only bass amp he has is a 1966 Fender Bassman modified with a master volume. As I remember it, one of the input jacks from the Normal channell has been removed to install the master volume knob. Obviously done by an ametuer. So, this guy tells me he wouldn't accept anything lower that $425 for it. I'm wondering if I should go for it.....Then I still need a speaker cabinet. Anyone have any comments?

jps · Post by **jps** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 4:50 pm

If everything else is okay with the amp and can be restored, for that price I'd go for it.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 4:56 pm

Yeah that's not a bad price at all for a black faced Fender even with the mod. They're not very loud though but have a great tone, although early CBS Fender amps have a bad rep for sounding lifeless. They can be un-CBS'ed easily though by a good tech.

lowendbob · Post by **lowendbob** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 3:47 am

I just saw this yesterday on GBase.
1965 Bassman blackface for $550.

http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=806749

icabod · Post by **icabod** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 5:49 am

If those speakers are JBL, then that is a great deal!

lowendbob · Post by **lowendbob** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 5:51 am

Richard, the price is just for the head. If the cab was included I would have went for it.

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 12:17 pm

Gruhns has this one for $1100.00

icabod · Post by **icabod** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 12:27 pm

Wow; I paid 600. cdn for a 66 bf showman brain..great fender tone, I call it my folk bass amp.

milo · Post by **milo** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 1:12 pm

At least the guy didn't drill any new holes to install the master volume. If the mod was done without new holes or anything I agree that the price isn't too bad. Just remember that you may need to put another $100-150 into the amp to have a cap job done on it if nobody ever changed them yet. I would guess that a tech could remove that master volume at the same time for little or no extra fee since you probably have to pay an hour's bench time regardless.

If you happen to have a guitar, try plugging that into the Bassman too. They're loud guitar amps but not real powerful for a bass depending on where you need to use it. I've got a 1964 Blonde Bassman and it's great for guitar.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 1:50 pm

What's that hippie sidewalk chalk on Gruhn's Bassman?

Must be a leftover from the Summer of Love...

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:55 pm

A guitarist I play with uses all blonde bassmans and cabs, they are really loud for guitar. That 65 is worth at least 1000.00 and would sound better for guitar with Fender speakers, JBL's are too bright for guitar for most people, nice for bass though. Looks like JBL's too, probably D-140's or 130's. I had a 67 Showman head and cab at one time, the last year of the black face amps. Bassmans make good practise heads. Showmans or Showman 100's can be used live with good efficient speakers.

jps · Post by **jps** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 2:06 am

A good friend of mine is giving me his early silverface Showman head! It is an AB763 circuit so it will sound great once I restore it!!!

admin · Post by **admin** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 2:10 am

Here is my 1967 Bassman 50 and Rickenbacker Model 480. I got the amplifier for $785 US.

This amplifier is killer for guitar and has a bass tonality that is outstanding. In my view it is not loud enough for live bass performances.

shinynewtoy · Post by **shinynewtoy** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 2:48 am

Mic it! If she sounds that good, find a good mic that won't color the sound and holds up well to bass frequencies... and pray the sound guy knows what he's doing!

admin · Post by **admin** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 3:47 am

Point well made Bob.