This is what each of the 4 Fender BASSMAN versions EXCEL AT - Buying Guide!
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- Опубліковано 15 лип 2021
- In this video I compare the 4 principle versions of Fender Bassman, and discuss what each of them excel at. The Amps are:
1968 Fender Bassman AC568 "Silverface"
1966 Fender Bassman AB165 "Blackface"
1963 Fender Bassman 6G6-B "Tuxedo / Brownface"
1959 Fender Bassman 56F-A "Tweed"
I'm playing the through a 1965 Fender 1x15 Tone ring cab (D130F) and a 1971 Marshall 1960A (G12M25 75Hz Greenbacks). The guitars are a 2010 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty and a1973 Fender Stratocaster with Lundgren Monterrey Grey 67 Pickups.
The clip is divided into these sections:
1. How does the amp compare in gain and breakup with a Strat? 00:52, Playing starts at 01:46
2. Riff Comparison with Les Paul and Marshall cab. 05:36, Playing starts at 05:44
3. What is the EQ range for the three amps using a Strat? 06:56 Playing starts at 07:27
4. Solo Comparison with Les Paul and Marshall cab 09:26 Playing starts at 09:34
5. Hendrix Neck tone comparison on a Strat. 11:28 Playing starts at 11:50
6. Riff Comparison with Strat. 14:17, Playing starts at 14:32
7. Riff with lots of Room sound Comparison with Les Paul and Marshall cab. 16:11, Playing starts at 16:25
8. How does a 1959 Fender Bassman (Tweed) compare top these three heads? 17:38, Playing starts at 18:18. More info on this here: • Original Tweed Vs Blac...
9. Riff Comparison with Strat. 20:06
Also check out the version through their individual dedicated cabs: • The 3 Classic Fender E...
This is by far the best video on bassman amps.
Thanks! I’m really glad to hear that!
There's so much talk on the internet about "Fender cleans" especially Blackface and even more so Silverface, but your clips (at serious volume) show that these amps are much more versatile than most give them credit for.
I also noticed the Tweed sounding less like a Marshall than the Blackface with a definite mid-punch I didn't expect. Most wouldn't believe it unless they heard it with their own ears.
You do such a service to the guitar community! I love this deep dive and comparison video and especially like your impressions on the sound. Great, GREAT video!
Thanks! I’m glad to hear that!
gonna be honest, (in my EXTREMELY humble opinion) the only fender amp that doesn't sound like complete crap when not almost completely clean is a tweed champ. "fender cleans" is the real deal. blackface twin set no higher than 2 lol, that's my shit.
(*edit*) i lied, cause the les paul makes the blonde bassman sound pretty decent here. still, not my thing.
@@zhou_sei Blues god SRV and his devine tone disagree. lol
@@Somnospeed it's not bad. i was never a fan of that style of music, tbh. i really prefer either crystal clean giant fenders, or cranked tiny tweeds.
i've been on a 50s country western kick, i might get a tele with some deangelo dynasonic type pickups somehow.
I owned a mid 70's Silverface years ago, and absolutely loved it. A bandmate of mine had a AB165 that was really great as well. Bassman amps, in my opinion, are some of the best amps ever made, both in terms of tone and construction. Each model and update was a bit different from one another, but they're all great in their own way.
Yeah all classics indeed
@@JohanSegeborn Johands!
@@JohanSegeborn I've decided to mod my bandmaster to BF bassman specs. New mercury OT transformer and ab165 circuit change. All done by my amp tech. I like the bandmaster, just looking for a little more umph in the mids and tighter bass. Although, of all of them, the blonde has a lot of nice characteristics as well.
you catch the guitar and amp tones like almost no one on youtube, it's a pleasure to listen
This is a cool video. I like these kinds of comparisons. Amp designs changed in significant ways over the years, and there's so much bad info out there on...everything. Hearing them played back to back even briefly like this helps a lot.
Brilliant video, Johan. As usual, great playing, great amps, great recordings, but with the added bonus of the great video format and your clear, perceptive editorialising. Just perfectly executed. I can (and often do!) come back again and again to your videos to hear these beautiful amps demonstrated so well. You're doing the Lord's work my friend! Please never stop!
Thanks my friend, it really makes my day to hear that!
Johan, this in depth comparison videos are amazing! I would love to see more of those! Thank you
Thanks, I’m glad to hear that. I’m trying this format and it seems to work really well. Cheers
I have a silverface bassman and thanks to your past demos just added a 65 blackface ab165. I just finished servicing the ab165 and am powering it up for the first time as I watch your video. Keep it up
Glad to hear it! Hope you like it! Cheers
Although the 6G6-B doesn't have a ton of gain, it is such a glorious sound. I am so glad I finally pinned one down.
Congrats!
I built my own ‘59 Basman clone and it’s by far my favorite amp in this wattage range and I’ve owned several black and silver panel fenders. I agree with your description that the ‘59 design is more even or has more definition vs. frequency. Additionally I find the ‘59 tone vs. volume musical at ANY setting and has the smoothest transition into breakup vs. the others which I need to find a “sweet spot” with. So glad the ‘59 circuit design one can only assume was intended for use as a bass amp is the best design mistake ever made for a guitarist - ha!
I’m vintage dealer since ‘78 and Professional player since ‘76 … Have owned multiples of these bassmans every iteration of fender from tweeds to modern -every vintage marshall heads and combos-reissues..Vox’s vintage to the HW2 series a couple dozen Boogies all MK’s and a few lonestar( no rectifiers ) Matchless -65-Legend-THD -Top Hat -Divided by 13 -HK’s -traynors -Sunn Ceriatone -dozens of custom boutique builders and yes even two Dumbles - many more that I’ve forgotten .. Your demo was excellent.
Today 3/3/24 I bought another a ‘62 blonde bassman with the matching 212 cabinet today in Fullerton California..Tuesday I’m driving to San Diego Ca to buy a transition 64 blonde black face witchhat knobs with 2x12 cabinet and an additional single 15” cabinet loaded with aD140 jbl.
i’m definitely a blonde and brown Fender proponent.
At the moment my back line I’m using it’s a ‘66 virbroluxe reverb and a Suhr Hombre w his 2x12 cab..I have a very large collection of Vintage guitars and amp..My all time favorites amps ( most often used) are my fender 6G3 brown deluxe my ‘67 50 watt marshall tremolo hd my original Boogie ’78 60 watt w EV -‘82 Legend rock n roll 50 combo. -(‘83 Dumble ODS just because I have It )..
I just got a silverface with original cab for $650 right now in Anaheim.
I am stoked writing this in my car with it in the backseat smiling at me.
I love the new format you're using on this and the last video, it really highlights the differences for an easier comparison! The Brownface amps seem to consistently be coming into this great sweet spot as my favourite Fenders, just a bit more refined than the Tweeds but with more mids and more familiar to my British-attuned ears than the later amps.
Thanks Anthony, I’m glad you like the new format! I think it will be easier to follow the videos this way. Cheers
Fantastic as always Johan! Love you demo's!
Awesome comparison! I love the Bassman series of amps. I've been building my own 60s Bassman from the ground up: a hybrid of the AB165 and AA864 circuit with some tweaks for stabilize the overdrive and lower the noise floor. Final plan is to put it in a 1x12 pine cabinet with a Warehouse speaker.
Thanks Matt! That sounds like an interesting project! Cheers
I have a 62 Blonde Oxblood head and 2x12, and out of all the other Fenders I've owned or played the this head comes out on top! It almost doesn't sound like a Fender at certain higher levels, which is understandable because it's a different circuit. I love this amp! Fantastic video Johan, thanks!
The videos has really got improved! This type of videos is much better than before.
Thanks, I’m glad to hear that! I realized the complexity of many of these topics needs sone commentary to be able to follow. Cheers
Great work! I am learning a lot! Thanks for your work❤
That was great presentation, as always, great stuff.
I liked all the amps.
I tend to agree with your observations here. I also highly agree with your statement that, with many riffs, the tuxedo/brownface amps can be "harder to play" but sound better when you nail the take.
Great video as always Johan! These are great amps!
Bassman amplifiers are great sounding, fun to do reversible mods on and swap output tubes.
I used to run a SF Bassman into a Marshall 4-10 cab and it really rocked. 👍
Stock speakers in the 4x10”?
My favorite was the Brownface then Silverface in the first section. Through the Marshall cabs with the Les Paul, my favorite was the Silverface for the rhythm overdrive, but the Brownface for lead soloing. And then there's the Tweed....My God
Thanks! ;-)
Great comparison video, Johan. Descriptions are good, but hearing them one after the other really helps. My favorite was the blackface through a Marshall cab. I borrowed a Bassman 70 for a gig one time, through a Marshall 2x12 cab, and it sounded heavenly. I should have bought that amp!
Thanks Dan!
Awesome video Johan! Thank you for demonstrating the tonal differences. The Tuxedo sounded the best, but for my type of playing, the Blacface seems a better fit. I also agree that Strat tones sounded the best on the SF.
I’ve been jonesing for a Bassman like crazy lately. This surely will add to my obsession.
Well done Brother! " Kinda like judging a bikini contest, How do you pick just One?" Love them All!
Thanks for using the Strat!
Enjoy your Weekend and Be Well All!
Hahaha! Have a great weekend my friend!
Very interesting test - thank you Johan !
all great amps, the Tuxedo did sound great for the neck pickup Hendrix style. To me nothing beats the Blackface head through a Marshall 4x12, all the tones of each amp are useable and great. I am pleasantly surprised by the Silverface. Appreciate the time and effort on this video, Johan, great guide for which one suits the best for anyone. Thanks for sharing, have a great weekend
Thanks my friend, you have a great one too! Cheers!
Thnks you for your work mr Sweden... appreciated.. Greetings from Finlandia
I'd love to see a decibel meter placed in the room for these videos. Just to get a sense of how insanely loud these amps must be.
JTM45 is my favourite bassman version
Bassman through Celestions is hard to beat indeed
@@JohanSegeborn ;)
I'm kinda partial to the YBA Bassman!, lol
@@cchavez248 traynor bassmaster
@@kosmicwizard yes, but I was trying to stick to the acronyms! lol
you make the best demo's true comparisons you have great ears and great player and GEARHEAD with the goods thank you always great unbiased references BRAVO JOHAN
Owned a ‘67 silverface for a while. Phenomenal sounding amp.
I use a tweed 5f6-a Bassman clone as my stage amp and it’s a amazing amp and will do either a beautiful, warm clean or a vintage Marshall crunch. I played through a early Silverface Bassman 50 that had the tone stack modded to more guitar friendly values and a mids control added to the back panel that was a amazing amp. I’ve wanted to pick up a pre Ultra Linear silverface Bassman and mod it ever since.
Now where have I seen an SB 50 that matches that very description. Hmmmmm...I wonder? lol
Thanks for a very informative video
Fascinating
As a seasoned bassist it’s opener my eyes up
Thanks! Glad to hear that!
As always, great stuff!
Thanks Dan! Great to hear that!
Really cool demo
Absolutely cool amps
Great sounds
Just got a 68’ Silverface from an estate. Original Sylvania tubes and very clean. Needed a grounded plug and I had the original caps replaced with F&T’s. Sounds amazing.
I didn't have time to watch this one before now. What a great comparison Johan. You can certainly hear the lineage in each even though they each have differences between them. I am lucky to have a '65 blackface Bassman and do love that sound. I still am shocked how it compares to the 59, though it does record with a bit more presence or air than the 59 (to my ears). The tweed and blonde Bassman's are just amazing amps, I can only hope that Fender does some reissues of the blonde amps sometime. I bought the Suhr Hombre because it is a clone of the 6G3 Deluxe and it sounds glorious!
I have a '67ish Silverface Bassman, ab165 circuit, just love it!
Same here. Silverface cosmetics, ‘67 transformers, AB165 circuit.
GREAT THANKS JOHAN ! I love these Fender amps, but I'm not abble to choose the one I do prefer....I keep this video in fav so I will look at many times!
Thanks Kjeld! Great to hear that!
Bought one these in the 70s and used as guitar amp and was amazed at what came out of it...
I most certainly agree with your Tuxedo comment, that amplifier being more difficult to play. Many times I’ve found a tighter amp while not as forgiving does in most instances record a little better. Like most things a person can overcome that characteristic if it’s providing the sonic profile they are looking for.
Overall just a really great deep-dive comparing the different Era Bassman amplifiers.
Again, just can’t thank you enough Johan.
Thanks man, I’m glad you like it! Cheers
I paid $100 dollars for my 1969 Bassman head in 1988. For years, I only used it for bass guitar, but it does great on guitar as well. Recently re-capped it as one of the doghouse caps failed after sitting idle for 6 years, so I decided to change all the electrolytics and the resistors in the Doghouse.
Very interesting and detailed explanation of what each one of these amps can do. I quite preferred the sound through the Marshall cab than the Fender cab. I think all of these heads with overdrives, compressors and other effects pedals would sound amazing. I also agree with you that the tuxedo had the best and most punchy sound, but all of them sounded great in their own right. God bless and rock on 👍😎🎸
Thanks my friend, rock on!
Thank you. I love the video. I play a Mesa Mark 1, which is a modified Blackface Bassman.
Thank you. Great video! All of them shine at times in their own way, but the 59 Tweed thru the Marshall cab just kills. The Tuxedo is the second most useable IMO … tho they’re all fantastic heads.
Thanks Michael!
Massive video Johan. Quite excellent. I do wish fender would make a 59 Bassman Tone Master!
I had a silverface and it was a beautiful clean and crunch pedal platform.
This is their beauty.
Omg thank you for actually using a cab and not a sim!
Splendid video! I see you have the drip-edge export model. I have an export model too but not the drip-edge one and it's in need of some repairs. Feeling very excited after watching this video as it gives me an idea of the tones that I can get out of that amp :) Then again, that 1x15 cab is equally as important and I don't have it haha. Thank you, Johan.
Thanks Jevin, great to hear that!
Hi, Johan!
I was very impressed with the Brown one, good thing, but the Black is really the best. Have a nice weekend! See you!
Zigfrid
Have a nice weekend brother!
brown face has that 1.5khz pultec style magic to it. tighter in the low end, less flubby low mids. black face is great through Marshall cab with overdrive pedal ala Social D. That 59 bassman sound with LP was the best I've ever heard! Wow!
PRESENCE circuit comes off the output transformer. I once bought a tuxedo Bassman and a pre-CBS blackface for $75 total for both. The power transformer was bad in the tux and the output transformer was bad in the blackface. So I put the tux OT on the blackface and for the hell of it I put the presence circuit on the blackface, knob on back. Sitting on a 2-12" Utah filled Fender tiltback cab. My double cutaway '62 Gibson all natural mahogany finish Les Paul Jr. single P90 pickup guitar sounded PERRRRFECT!
I really liked the silverface at the lower gain levels during that part of the test. But at higher gains it was too loose for me and the brownface won out. Overall its hard to choose, because at each step of the tests, I could relate them to different classic rock sounds -- even if I can't really relate them to specific songs. I think, if I had to pick an overall winner, it would be the brownface.
Also just want to say that this is exactly the kind of content that makes you stand out from other channels. The variety of classic gear and classic comparisons you show is amazing.
Thanks, really good to hear that!
Excellent comment!!!
Spot-on - was thinking the same thing when I heard the amps. I like the drive on the brownface best. The silverface produced a nice clean tone, but I liked the drive of the silverface the least of the three. I thought the blackface was in between the brown and the silver.
Everyone says that the AC568 is one of the worst circuits, but every time I pull out my 69 Bassman drip edge, I forget what "they" say. It's a lot of amp for a little money.
It’s a killer amp indeed
Johan I played thru a Silverface Combo amp back in the 70s. I believe it had 4 10s in it...There was magic in that amp.. Used to ride it down a hill to band practice... 😆
Cheers Guy! ;-)
I own a 1961 bassman brown face with the 2-12” cabinet love the video where you calling the brown face tuxedo in the vid
great comparison! keep up the good work...
Thanks, glad to hear it!
I currently have an '80 Twin 135 on my healing bench. Its getting some extensive but reversible mods. Besides a recap, putting the bias circuit back to being fixed adjustable instead of balancing, repurpose the ground switch to give 3 nfb modes, give both channels access to reverb and trem, change normal channel eq to 5f6a...
It is amazing, especially with negative feedback reduced or switched off. And that master vol makes it very useable
Hello Johan, thanks for this interesting comparison video.
Just to cut hair in four, as we say in french : I think a Tuxedo is a 6G6-B circuit with a black faceplate and white buttons, but also with all other Blackface cosmetics (black Tolex, silver grill cloth, embossed logo and flat handle). Very beautiful and quite rare amps.
The last batches of 6G6-B in 1964 were full Tuxedo, but the cosmetic transition started earlier, quite randomly, with the black faceplate, flat handle, and embossed logo.
Mine is a 1964 6G6-B with Blonde rough Tolex, wheat grill cloth, black dogbone handle, black flat logo, black faceplate and white buttons.
Thanks Florian!
Absolutely correct, I have a last production 6G6-B Full Tuxedo livery, my favorite look. They also made a Princeton, and a a Champ in that combo.
If there’s one thing that was solidified to me from watching your shootout of the Bassman is that I don’t like the bassman with single coils. It sounds great with a humbucker though. I’ve been thinking about trying one for years but I’ve always played teles and Strats. I recently got an uptown strat with the two humbuckers and it would probably make a perfect companion for it. I was sold on not buying a vintage Bassman but once again, I’m glad I saw YOUR video on them. I see the silver face Bassman’s pop up for sale a lot and this video showed me that I don’t really care for them. I’ll go for a blackface, thanks Johan.
Awesome hearing that LP paired with the '59 Bassman.
This is an. excellent review!
First off, great video. There’s so many factors involved with amp EQ. Tube bias is the first factor that comes to mind. I think all these amps sound excellent, my guess is that if you spent time with each EQ you could get each amp to sound nearly identical.
About four years ago I accumulated a large collection of vintage Fender amps from a guy. Among them were two Bassman heads, a '63 "rough" Blonde (rough Blonde = deep-textured blonde Tolex) with a solid-state rectifier, and a '64 Tuxedo with a presence control, wherein the output and power transformers of the '64 Tuxedo were replaced with Bassman transformers from the 70's, while still maintaining the original caps and resistors. While the '63 "rough" Blonde sounded great, the '64 Tuxedo absolutely killed the '63. My friend still has the '64, and to this day we shake our heads when we talk about it.
Great video as always Johan. My preference has always been the brown amps. However, the b/f has my interest. If I see a b/f, I may pursue it. Cheers 😀
Thanks Ken!
You can rock n roll with any of em. They sound pretty great when hit with an od, too.
My god the dynamics and definition on that 59 are insane.
This is an excellent introduction to Fender amps and sound, for us who "only" play Marshall. Really good starting point, to explore new territory (hope it won't be expensive).
Really well made demo, and you got great sound out of all amps (both with Strat and LP)!
Thanks Bengt! Yeah this is indeed the intersection between Marshall and Fender! Have a great weekend!
Fender and Marshall are both awesome
excellent and comphrehensive as usual
Thanks Joel!
Great demo Johan! I really like the warm punchy tone of the brownface but definitely still prefer the overall tones of the blackface amps.
Thanks Andrew!
proud owner of a blackface batsman and I gotta say my favorite was the tweed through the Marshall cab. Love the punch and clarity.
Bassman*
Thanks!
I'd take any of the heads with the marshall cab. That close back sound has always been my preference!
Best amp comparison video on youtube
Thanks! Glad you like it!
I like the Tweed and the Brown the best. Both sound amazing through the Marshall cab. That Black really does have a lot of mids though, and Blackface amps are known for being scooped...thus the reason why a TS sounds so good into them. Bassman is a different circuit and beast altogether.
Thanks Michael!
I usually run my late ‘67/early ‘68 Bassman (silver front panel, ‘67 transformers and serial number) at ~4 on the Normal channel, treble ~6, bass just over 3, Bright switch off. It breaks up some with most guitars at full vol but cleans up nicely by rolling off the vol a little. I use dirt pedals at fairly low gain to push it into more serious breakup. The amp never oversaturates when used this way and has all the volume I can use and then some.
Thanks David
i had a silverface.. powerful..super duper clean.. took a lot of volume to breakup and didn't sound fantastic then..but with a good treble booster type pedal it was magic
I like the blackface the best. Great video Johan!
If you carry out this type of test in the future might I suggest a small piece of day-glo green tape on each knob’s “5” position.
That’s a great idea!! Thanks’
awesome video !!!!
I have two 1966 Heads and both are wonderful. One is in showroom condition and the other is in very good to excellent condition. The "slightly worn" one is magic! The mint one is very good sounding too (could be tubes as the mint one has new Sovtek (Personally I love Sovtek tubes) and the other still has the old GE tubes. I also have a 1969 (ac568) drip edge and it sounds exactly like the guitar on Rush'a Xanadu when cranked. Mu current fav is my 1972 Bassman 4x10. It is similar to the '69 head but a little tighter in the bass so it doesn't get too "farty" too soon on the dial.
Thank you Johann! I prefer the brown face through the marshall cab.
I would consider any of these my dream amp.
Greattt Demo!! Thanks
I’m digging the brown/ blonde…there all like fine wine.👍
Thanks!
Great idea for a video!
I need to find a 4x10 cab for my 67, something magic in those cabs.
My initial favorite set up was the Tuxedo with the Marshall 412 with the LP but then that 59 Bassman came in at the end my eyes got big. I think with a Proco Rat punching it in the face it could be something really special.
Yeah the 59 is the greatest amp ever especially through its own cab: ua-cam.com/video/vgqrOCUQzH0/v-deo.html
@@JohanSegeborn I modded the useless bass channel on my 67 AB165 to 59 5F6-A tweed specs, now I get the best of both worlds!
Blackface for me - great comparison Johan !!!!
Thanks David!
thanks for this video. this is how amp demos should be. all amps sound great, it is hard to say I like one more, anyway, they all sound better with the marshall cab for me. don't know how old the tubes are in these amps, but I guess they will sound even better with a fresh & well-biased set of good tubes. so sorry you live in sweden, if you would be closer to me, I could send or borrow you my amps for some more great videos. keep doing what you do, we can learn so much... :o)
Thanks Frank, glad to hear that! I think most of the amps have had a recent service.
They all sounded awesome through that Marshall cab to my neophyte ears; Otherwise the Blackface was pretty nice. But that '59 tweed sounds killer everytime you feature it.
I have a 1963 Fender Bassman so naturally I thought it wins. I run the '63 stereo with a 1994 Matchless DC-30. Those are the easiest amps I've ever owned to make sound good. Very loud and heavy rig though.
Great demo! However the volume knob is not the gain knob it just pushes the power amp distortion the higher you get it. I have a 64 bassman, the trick is dial in a great clean then use some pedals to drive it to the desired distortion and they scream. The original guvnor and the carl martin heavy drive work great and the danelectro breakdown as well. Also try it through a high wattage 1x12 with an open back and it really shines. Changing the power tubes to el34 will make it sound more marshall like. I currently have 6550s in mine and until they failed recently they sounded even better. The sweet spot is around 4.5 to 6 depending on what pickups you are using. You are also correct when using the power amp distortion it fights you but it's worth effort. The 59 unadorned is this best with no mods and cranked. The others are great pedal platforms if you dont need an effects loop. You can also run both channels at the same time for some added grind.
Thanks, interesting feedback!
There is quite a bit of preamp distortion going on too though. In these amps, the volume knob controls the preamp gain. Right after the first gain stage. It's the only knob, though, so cranking it will yield more power (volume), preamp distortion, and power amp distortion eventually.
All gain/volume/master knobs simply reduce the signal level of the guitar before it hits later stages. Just depends on the amp where the knob is in the circuit.
I've had both blackface ('67) and transition blackface/black tolex/white knobs ('64 I think) in my time and both were monsters.
Cool more videos like this please!
Thanks! More is coming up!
I try myself an fender bassman export amp like that. And cranked. It was tone heaven, i didnt know fender amp can do that.
EXCELLENT!
Thanks Chris!
I prefer the ivory knobs with the more bass personally. Thank you for the video.
Very nice johan
Thanks!
I really like the tweed.. but the black bassman sounded great with the marshall cab to me.