Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $538

Standard/Professional

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash your musical creativity with the Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head, a versatile guitar amplifier head that bridges the gap between vintage charm and modern innovation. This powerhouse draws inspiration from Fender's legendary '59 Bassman, infusing your sound with a unique blend of American and British tonal flavors. Its EL34 power tubes deliver rich, harmonically complex tones, perfect for players who crave that classic rock grit.

The Bassbreaker 45’s standout feature is its variable wattage control, allowing you to effortlessly transition from a whispering 1 watt to a commanding 45 watts. Whether you're practicing in your living room or rocking out on stage, this amp head offers the flexibility to match your environment. Its three-input design (Normal, Bright, and Both) provides a playground for tone tweaking, letting you craft your sound with precision.

Not just about power, the Bassbreaker 45 is designed for the discerning musician who demands both quality and character. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of touring while delivering consistent, top-notch performance. With a nod to its roots and an eye on innovation, this amp head is a must-have for any serious guitarist looking to make a statement on stage or in the studio.

Key Features:

  • 45-watt tube amplifier head with variable wattage control from 45 watts down to 1 watt
  • Based on the iconic '59 Bassman preamp circuit
  • EL34 power tubes for a distinct blend of American and British tones
  • Three-input design: Normal, Bright, and Both for versatile tonal shaping
  • Rugged construction for reliable performance on stage or in the studio

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Bassbreaker 45 2-Channel 45-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Gray Tweed
Year 2016 - 2018
Made In Mexico
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Grey
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Model Family Fender Bassbreaker 45
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 3 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 45
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb None
Series Fender Bassbreaker

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head?

The Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head is known for its versatile, British-inspired tones. It offers a range of sounds from clean and crisp to warm and overdriven, making it suitable for blues, rock, and other genres.

Is the Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head a tube amplifier?

Yes, the Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head is a tube amplifier, utilizing EL34 power tubes to deliver its rich, dynamic sound.

How many channels does the Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head have?

The Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head features two channels, allowing you to switch between different tonal settings for greater versatility during performances.

Does the Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head have built-in reverb?

No, the Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head does not have built-in reverb, focusing instead on delivering pure tube-driven tones.

What are the impedance options for the Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head?

The Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head offers multiple impedance options, including 16 ohms, 8 ohms, and 4 ohms, providing flexibility in pairing with different speaker cabinets.

Can the Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head be used for gigging?

Yes, with its 45-watt output, the Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head is powerful enough for gigging, providing ample volume and headroom for live performances.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

The 40-Something Watt Amp Showdown! - JTM45 vs. Bassbreaker 45 vs. Sheriff 44

Video thumbnail for The 40-Something Watt Amp Showdown! - JTM45 vs. Bassbreaker 45 vs. Sheriff 44 by Andertons Music Co

The 40-Something Watt Amp Showdown! - JTM45 vs. Bassbreaker 45 vs. Sheriff 44

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Review Demo - Fender Bassbreaker 45 by Premier Guitar

Review Demo - Fender Bassbreaker 45

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head & 18/30 Combo Demo by Guitarist

Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head & 18/30 Combo Demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Fender Bassbreaker 45 by Guitar World

Fender Bassbreaker 45

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Fender Bassbreaker 45 Tube Amp Head Demo by Sweetwater by Sweetwater

Fender Bassbreaker 45 Tube Amp Head Demo by Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Demo Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head by Cutaway Magazine

Demo Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head

Cutaway Magazine

Cutaway Magazine

Video thumbnail for Fender Bassbreaker 45 | Playthrough Demo by ChoptonesOfficial

Fender Bassbreaker 45 | Playthrough Demo

ChoptonesOfficial

ChoptonesOfficial

Reviews

PROS

  • Classic crunchy rock tones and clean sounds

  • Power scaling allows volume adjustments without losing tone

  • Great pedal platform with clean headroom

  • Two channels can be used independently or blended for tonal flexibility

  • Warm, dynamic overdriven sound without mid scooping

  • Punchy twin EL34 output tubes emulate plexi and JCM800 sounds

  • Attractive design and build quality

CONS

  • High volume levels required to achieve certain tones

  • May be too loud for home use even at lower settings

  • Controls are top-mounted, which can be inconvenient

  • No FX loop for external effects integration

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head.

Features and functionality

  • The power scaling feature allows for reducing the output to one watt, which is beneficial for home practice without losing tone quality.

    Source
  • The Bassbreaker 45 lacks an effects loop, as it derives its overdrive from the power tubes, influencing pedal compatibility and setup.

    Source
  • The power scaling acts as a master volume, not a speaker attenuator, reducing plate voltages for lower output and less headroom.

    Source
  • It's essential to max the volume to get desired distortion; lower power scaling can increase distortion while reducing volume.

    Source
  • Rolling off mids and treble can reduce gain and distortion, affecting sound clarity.

    Source
  • The amp's perceived versatility might be attributed to its ability to deliver both high headroom and significant gain, depending on the setup and usage context.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Bassbreaker 45 head, paired with a 2x12 cab, is specifically noted for delivering an ideal rock sound, enhancing volume and presence compared to standalone combos.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Achieving power tube saturation requires cranking the volume controls, then using power scaling to manage output level.

    Source

User experience

  • Cranking preamp gain from noon to 3:00 and adjusting the bass for clarity enhances power amp distortion.

    Source
  • Some users find the amp's headroom and gain levels to be highly variable, with different demonstrations showing contrasting levels of headroom and gain, indicating versatile performance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Bassbreaker 45 is likened to a Model T for its bassy, loud character but offers a crisper sound without the muddiness associated with some Model T amps.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Bassbreaker 45 Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Fender's Bassbreaker 45 Head is a modern nod to classic '60s amp tones. Praised for its stellar sound, clever refinements, and solid build, it excels in delivering loud, clean tones with immense headroom, making it a perfect platform for effects. The amp's standout feature is its attenuator, allowing for a wide range of dynamic tones despite its robust volume. However, the absence of a tremolo circuit and its hefty weight of 55 pounds might be drawbacks for some. Overall, the Bassbreaker 45 offers classic Marshall-inspired tones at a reasonable price, making it a great choice for vintage tone enthusiasts.

positive

Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head impresses with its warm, dynamic EL34-driven overdrive, channeling the essence of the classic tweed heritage. This amp head's clever power-reduction circuit adds versatility, making it suitable for various settings. However, its top-facing controls can be inconvenient, and the lack of effects loops may deter some users. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Bassbreaker 45 stands out as a well-priced, robust option for players seeking a blend of classic Fender tones with the grit of British-inspired designs. Perfect for those who appreciate both vintage flair and modern reliability.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
hawk

Unique looking and sounding

I use the bassbreaker 45 head on top of 2 bassbreaker 2x12 cabinets and the looks are astounding. The master volume Is great and the two Channel build gives you a really wide spectrum of sounds, from very very clean to very very fuzzy, not extremely Easy to set but once you find the spot for your instrument It really gives you the chills.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chelsea Wolfe uses Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head

Chelsea Wolfe

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Studio picture from Chelsea Wolfe's instagram showing her Bassbreaker 45 through matching cabinets. This amp set up was also mentioned in a Premier Guitar interview and can be seen in several live photos since 2016.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Fender Guitar Amplifier Heads

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    koken
    koken

    Gear IQ 2413