Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,997
High-end/Boutique
$300
$701+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Fender '59 Bassman LTD". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Rekindle the spirit of the golden age of rock and roll with the Fender '59 Bassman LTD. This combo amplifier, a faithful reproduction of the iconic 50's original, overflows with a rich, warm tone that has been the heart of countless hits across the decades. Perfect for bass lines and guitar riffs alike, the Bassman was originally created to amplify the Fender Precision Bass, but over time, it has become a favorite amongst guitarists for its simplicity, excellent dispersion, and touch-sensitive dynamics.
This reissue retains the essence of the original while adding some modern enhancements for improved performance. U.S.-made GT-6L6 output tubes and improved 12AX7 preamp tubes deliver a smooth, full-bodied sound, while the internal bias pot makes it easier to experiment with other output tubes. The amplifier is housed in a solid finger-jointed pine cabinet, covered in genuine lacquered tweed, and comes with an original-spec 4AR4 rectifier tube for natural compression when you play hard.
Key Features:
- Faithful reissue of the classic Fender '59 Bassman
- 50W power output suitable for stage and studio use
- U.S.-made GT-6L6 output tubes and improved 12AX7 preamp tubes for superior tone
- Internal bias pot for easy experimentation with different output tubes
- Genuine lacquered tweed covering and solid finger-jointed pine cabinet for authentic '50s aesthetics
- Original-spec 4AR4 rectifier tube for natural compression
- Comes with a fitted cover for protection and easy transportation
Product specs
| Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Total Power | 45W |
| Speaker Size | 4 x 10" |
| Preamp Tubes | 3 x 12AX7 |
| Power Tubes | 2 x 6L6, 1 x 5AR4 (Rectifier) |
| EQ | 3-band |
| Inputs | 2 x Instrument (Channel 1), 2 x Instrument (Channel 2) |
| Bias Type | Adjustable Fixed |
| Construction Material | Solid Pine with Lacquered Tweed |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 22.37" |
| Width | 23.5" |
| Depth | 10.5" |
| Weight | 53 lbs. |
FAQs
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Is the Fender '59 Bassman LTD suitable for both guitar and bass?
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While originally designed as a bass amplifier, the Fender '59 Bassman LTD is highly regarded for its use with electric guitars, offering a classic, warm tube tone ideal for blues and rock genres.
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What type of tubes does the Fender '59 Bassman LTD use?
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The Fender '59 Bassman LTD uses three 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 6L6 power tubes, and one 5AR4 rectifier tube, contributing to its rich and dynamic sound profile.
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How loud is the Fender '59 Bassman LTD, and is it suitable for live performances?
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With a total power output of 45 watts and four 10-inch speakers, the Fender '59 Bassman LTD is loud enough for live performances, providing ample headroom and clarity in band settings.
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What are the key tonal characteristics of the Fender '59 Bassman LTD?
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The Fender '59 Bassman LTD is known for its warm, full-bodied tone with a smooth overdrive, making it a favorite for blues and classic rock guitarists seeking vintage sound.
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Does the Fender '59 Bassman LTD take pedals well?
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Yes, the Fender '59 Bassman LTD is renowned for its ability to handle pedals effectively, offering a great platform for effects like overdrive, reverb, and delay.
Videos
gearwire
Fender '59 Bassman Reissue LTD: Bassist Plays Guitar Through A Real Guitarist's Bass Amp
Fender '59 Bassman Reissue LTD: Bassist Plays Guitar Through A Real Guitarist's Bass Amp
gearwire
Fender 59 Bassman LTD Reissue
N Stuff Music
Fender Vintage Reissue '59 Bassman LTD 4X10 Guitar Combo Amp
Musician's Friend
A '59 Fender Bassman Cranked LOUD Part: II (The Greg Koch Settings)
intheblues
1967 Gibson SG Special and Fender '59 Bassman Ltd
Emerald City Guitars
The Ultimate 59 Bassman LTD Demo
manifestgtr
Reviews
PROS
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Authentic Fender tone, perfect for blues, rock, country, folk, and jazz
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Exceptional clarity, dynamics, and touch sensitivity
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Takes pedals extremely well for varied tones
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Full, rich sound from speakers; deep and loud without early breakup
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Beautiful tweed casing adds vintage appeal
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Surprisingly versatile across instruments (guitar, bass, violin, keys)
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High clean headroom until about 7 on the volume
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Presence control enhances subtle tone improvements
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Durable build and finish, despite concerns about gigging sturdiness
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Unique speaker configuration covers a wide range of sounds
CONS
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Not as suitable for gigging due to concerns about damage and volume for bass
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Heavier than expected, though manageable
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Early breakup when used as a bass amp at higher volumes
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High volume necessary for true valve "punch" may be impractical
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Factory tubes may require upgrading for optimized bass performance
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender '59 Bassman LTD.
Mods and upgrades
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A NOS black plate short plate 12AX7 in V1 and RCA 6L6 black plate tubes can significantly elevate tonal quality for extended reliability.
Source -
Replacing the tube rectifier with a Tube Depot solid-state drop-in tightens response and improves pedal compatibility.
Source -
Swapping a 12AT7 into the phase inverter enhances gain smoothness and headroom, beneficial for balancing tone in Marshall/Fender amps.
Source -
Swapping two Jensens for G10 Greenbacks is considered a downgrade by some, despite Celestion's reputation.
Source
Other
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The amp can become overdriven easily with bass guitar, causing a lack of definition and making it unsuitable for loud band settings.
Source
Comparisons
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Despite its name, the Bassman '59 LTD lacks the low-end clarity and power needed for bass guitar compared to modern solid-state bass amps, which are better suited for clean bass tones.
Source -
The Bassman '59 LTD is not ideal for modern bass sounds, especially compared to amps like the Ampeg B-15, which offers a more relevant bass tone for post-1960s music.
Source -
The Bassman 5F6-A circuit can be modded to closely resemble an early JTM45 by swapping a 12AY7 for a 12AX7 in V1.
Source
Features and functionality
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The open-back cabinet design of the Bassman '59 LTD can lead to speaker damage when used with bass guitar at high volumes, as it is not suited for low frequencies.
Source -
The Jensen P10R speakers offer clarity but can become raspy under strain; mixing with P10Q could balance warmth and treble halo.
Source -
The Bassman '59 LTD requires high volume to achieve its signature crunch, as it's a non-master volume amp.
Source
User experience
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Owners report that the amp can be ear-numbingly loud, even when tested with wireless systems and set to mid-level volume (around 5).
Source -
New Jensen Alnico models require extended break-in time to achieve optimal tone, contrasting with vintage USA models.
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Owners highlight the amp's significant weight and the need to crank it for desired tones.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The Bassman '59 LTD is often used in recording studios with bass guitar for its character, commonly mixed with DI and another amp for more punch and definition.
Source -
The Bassman '59 LTD provides ample clean headroom and remains sonically pleasing at low volumes, suitable for pedal-driven setups.
Source -
This amp is praised as an excellent pedal platform but noted for its extremely loud output.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Using an attenuator is recommended to manage the amp's high volume in smaller settings.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 37 Ratings
160
127
Simple, Iconic and sounds amazing
My first Fender amp, and it has left a lasting impression! Has been my main amp for nearly 2 years now and hasn't gone wrong once. Surprised the amount of clean headroom it has until about 7! Takes pedals really well, that's what I use it for, I have a few different drive pedals to vary it up a bit. But in summary Great Amp, Great Tones, a real workhorse!
41
It's a do job amp
41029
they're okay, need a rebias... I'm more of a medium tweed guy... been down the deluxe route, used a lot of bassmans, clones and these reissues, tried the twin reissue, but the 30 watts-ish ones that sit between a deluxe type amp and a bassman/twin seem to have the ebst balance between both camps, super/pro/bandmaster all the way in tweed
Artist usage
Add artist
For amps, I can’t deny I really liked those old 4 X 10 Bassmans. That was all I ever needed.
"I used a reissue Fender Bassman that’s a couple years old, a 1988 red knob Fender Twin Reverb, and some Fender Custom Shop amp that a local guitar player lent to me. We ran them all together."
At 5:54, to the right of his fender twin reverb, you can see Eoin's Bassman used during his reading 2015 set.
Vigilante says his favorite studio amp is his ‘57 Tweed Bassman. I know this is the ‘59 reissue. Close enough.
Mac McCaughan of Superchunk has been using the Fender '59 Bassman LTD, a powerful yet portable combo guitar amplifier, as shown in a user-uploaded image on Ytimg.
Behind David's new bass, we can see this Fender Bassman '59 4x10 LTD
Lindsey Troy uses the Fender '59 Bassman LTD amplifier, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Twimg.
As the band plays bigger and bigger venues, Eric has had to get bigger and bigger Fender combos. He's currently rocking a '59 Bassman with a quartet of 10" Jensen P10R Speakers.
"My studio in Portugal has a lot of stuff. For amps, I used a vintage Fender Champ a lot, a reissue Fender Bassman combo, and I have a big box of effects in there—really too many to list or recall."
The Fender '59 Bassman serves as Jessicas main electric guitar amplifier during their Glastonbury 2015 set and you can see it stage right, next to her.
Album Usage
The Fender '59 Bassman LTD has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender '59 Bassman LTD, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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