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Description

The Fender '59 Bassman Reissue (Blonde) is a legendary combo guitar amplifier that captures the essence of the original 1959 Bassman, a staple in rock, blues, and country music since its inception. This reissue remains true to its roots while incorporating modern reliability for today's musicians. With its four 10-inch Jensen P10R speakers, the amp delivers that iconic warm, full-bodied sound that made the original famous.

Designed to offer both power and clarity, the '59 Bassman Reissue is equipped with a 45-watt all-tube power amp, featuring a pair of 6L6 Groove Tube output tubes for that unmistakable vintage tone. The preamp section includes three 12AX7 tubes, providing a rich harmonic character and dynamic range. The amplifier's straightforward controls consist of Presence, Bass, Mid, Treble, and Volume knobs, offering players the flexibility to shape their sound with precision.

Whether you're seeking the classic punchy cleans or the smooth overdrive that the Bassman is renowned for, this reissue stays faithful to the original circuitry and layout, ensuring an authentic playing experience. Its durable construction and period-correct cosmetics, including a lacquered tweed covering, add to the nostalgic appeal, making it a perfect choice for purists and modern players alike.

Key Features:

  • 45-watt all-tube power amp
  • Four 10-inch Jensen P10R speakers
  • Two 6L6 Groove Tube output tubes
  • Three 12AX7 preamp tubes
  • Presence, Bass, Mid, Treble, and Volume controls
  • Original circuit design for authentic vintage tone
  • Durable lacquered tweed covering
  • Ideal for rock, blues, and country music genres

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model '59 Bassman LTD "Blondeman" FSR Limited Edition 45-Watt 4x10" Guitar Combo
Finish Blonde
Year 2015 - 2016
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Color Family Tan
Electronics Tube
Model Family Fender Bassman
Model Sub-Family Fender '59 Bassman Reissue, Fender Bassman Amp
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 45
Power Tube Type 6L6
Reverb None
Series Fender American Vintage Reissue Amp, Fender FSR Limited Edition
Speaker Configuration 4x10"

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender '59 Bassman Reissue (Blonde)?

The Fender '59 Bassman Reissue (Blonde) is known for its rich, warm tones with a classic tweed sound. It offers a full-bodied clean tone that breaks into a smooth, creamy overdrive when pushed, making it ideal for blues and rock genres.

Is the Fender '59 Bassman Reissue (Blonde) suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its 45-watt output and 4x10" speaker configuration, the Fender '59 Bassman Reissue (Blonde) provides ample volume and headroom for live performances, ensuring your sound carries well in a band setting.

Can you use both channels simultaneously on the Fender '59 Bassman Reissue (Blonde)?

Yes, you can use a technique called "jumpering" to combine the amp's normal and bright channels, allowing you to blend them for a customized tone.

Does the Fender '59 Bassman Reissue (Blonde) include a reverb feature?

No, the Fender '59 Bassman Reissue (Blonde) does not have a built-in reverb feature, staying true to its vintage design.

What type of power tubes does the Fender '59 Bassman Reissue (Blonde) use?

The Fender '59 Bassman Reissue (Blonde) uses 6L6 power tubes, contributing to its powerful, warm tone and robust performance.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender '59 Bassman Reissue (Blonde).

User experience

  • Some regard the Celestion G10 Greenbacks as a downgrade compared to the original Jensen speakers, highlighting a preference for the latter's tonal qualities.

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  • Owners of Blackface Bassmans with 2x12 cabinets report excellent pedal compatibility and easy maintenance by skilled amp techs.

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Features and functionality

  • The compact chassis design of the Mojotone '59 Bassman kit can make component installation challenging, requiring careful planning and verification.

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  • The 6G6 circuit has phases that make channel chaining ineffective due to phase cancellation unless modified.

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  • The amp produces a well-balanced low end reminiscent of the "dumble" tone, characterized by highs with lows and lows with highs.

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Use cases and applications

  • Blackface Bassmans are prized in rock and grunge genres, with artists like Kurt Cobain and Pearl Jam using them for iconic albums.

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  • The amp is described as a self-contained ~40W half-stack, requiring high volume to achieve a desired crunch due to its non-master volume design.

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  • The Bassman is noted for its volume, making it ideal for live settings but challenging for bedroom use without attenuators.

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Comparisons

  • The Silverface Bassman heads are noted for being easily modifiable to restore better guitar tones, despite initially being optimized for bass.

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  • The '59 Bassman is warmer with more midrange compared to Blackface/Silverface models, making it suited for Delta blues and roots rock.

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  • The EHX Mig50 reissue is mentioned as an alternative, with the normal channel mimicking the '59 Bassman and the bright channel resembling a Marshall Plexi.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners building from kits recommend ensuring the eyelet board's back wires do not contact leads to prevent shorts, as seen in 5E3 builds.

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  • Swapping the stock 12AY7 tube in V1 for a 12AX7 can bring the amp closer to an early JTM45 sound for those interested in a Marshall-like tone.

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  • Fryette PS-2 Power Station is recommended for those needing an attenuator that preserves tone quality.

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Value and pricing

  • Purchase prices around $600-$700 are considered good deals, with potential for resale at a higher value if the amp is in working condition.

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  • Comparable amps have sold for $3500-$4000, suggesting a high market value for well-maintained models.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners emphasize the importance of replacing electrolytic caps and switching to a three-prong power cord for safety and reliability.

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  • It is crucial to avoid powering the amp without speakers connected, as this can damage the output transformer.

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