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Fender Bassman 100 Silverface Head

Fender Bassman 100 Silverface Head

^# 53

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$720.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (6)

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Fender Bassman 100, 1972

4 wishlisted

25 saved

Page last updated Jun 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 6, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (8)

$720.00 24 available Used

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Average Price: $720

Standard/Professional

$200

$801+

Price Tier

In the Bass Amplifier Heads category, Fender Bassman 100 Silverface Head is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Fender Bassman 100, 1972 is a timeless classic that offers an authentic vintage tone. This bass amplifier head represents a significant step in Fender's evolution during the early '70s. With its 100-watt power output, it was designed to drive a 4 x 12-inch cabinet, delivering a robust sound that resonates with intensity and richness. This solid-state amplifier head has been a staple among professional bassists for its unmatched reliability and consistent performance. An integral part of Fender's Bassman series, this amp head is an embodiment of their commitment to quality and innovation.

Key Features:

100-watt power output
Solid-state design
Part of Fender's Bassman series
Designed to drive a 4 x 12-inch cabinet
Delivers robust sound with intensity and richness
Unmatched reliability and consistent performance
Authentic vintage tone

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Bassman 100 2-Channel 100-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish	Silverface
Year	1972 - 1976
Made In	United States
Categories	Guitar Heads
Color Family	Black
Direct Output	No Direct Output
Electronics	Tube
Impedance	4 ohms
Model Family	Fender Bassman
Model Sub-Family	Fender Bassman 100
Number of Channels	2 Channels
Number of Inputs	4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts)	100
Power Tube Type	6L6
Reverb	None
Series	Fender Vintage Silverface Amps

FAQs

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Fender Bassman 100 Silverface Head?: The Fender Bassman 100 Silverface Head is known for its warm, rich tones with a smooth overdrive. It offers a classic tube-driven sound that's ideal for rock, blues, and jazz, providing a balanced low-end and clear highs.
Is the Fender Bassman 100 Silverface Head suitable for live performances?: Yes, with 100 watts of power, the Fender Bassman 100 Silverface Head is suitable for live performances, especially in medium-sized venues. Its robust tube-driven output ensures it can hold its own against other instruments on stage.
What type of power tubes does the Fender Bassman 100 Silverface Head use?: The Fender Bassman 100 Silverface Head uses 6L6 power tubes, which contribute to its warm, full-bodied tone and dynamic response, making it a favorite among bassists and guitarists alike.
Does the Fender Bassman 100 Silverface Head have built-in reverb?: No, the Fender Bassman 100 Silverface Head does not have built-in reverb. It focuses on delivering pure, unadulterated tube tone without additional onboard effects.
How many channels does the Fender Bassman 100 Silverface Head have?: The Fender Bassman 100 Silverface Head features two channels, allowing musicians to switch between different tonal settings and optimize their sound for various playing styles.

Videos

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addiengr1

49 years old fender bassman 100 amazing restoration that last 21 years

addiengr1

Reviews

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PROS

Capable of good low frequency output, designed for bass
Two channels can be bridged and blended together
Modification can bring back treble frequencies for a brighter sound
Handles pedals well, from high gain distortion to wah and chorus
Provides super crisp Fender cleans and punchy outputs
Exceptionally clean sound, suitable for acoustic/electric guitars
Offers a vintage tone for bass guitars
Fuzz pedals sound particularly good, enhancing bluesy and thick tones
100 watts of all-tube power for loud, clear performance

CONS

May require modification to achieve optimal treble response
Extremely loud, potentially requiring ear protection during use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Bassman 100 Silverface Head.

Features and functionality

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The Bassman 100 is known for its loud and clean sound, ideal for use as a pedal platform and for genres requiring clear tones without distortion.
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The Bassman 100 is not part of the ultra-linear designs, suggesting a warmer, more traditional sound compared to later models.
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Mods and upgrades

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Pulling two of the power tubes can decrease headroom, enabling more overdrive tones at lower volumes. Adjusting the bias is recommended to prevent tube failure.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners suggest using a power soak to manage the amp's intense volume, allowing for breakup at more reasonable levels.
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Owners advise getting the amp serviced immediately to check the ground selection switch and possibly remove the "death cap" for safety.
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Running a 4-ohm head with a 16-ohm cabinet is deemed risky for tube heads; it can cause issues like redplating output tubes.
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Regular servicing is required to replace caps and other worn parts due to the amp's vintage nature, which can become costly.
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User experience

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The amp is heavy and lacks an effects loop, which some users may find limiting. Bridging channels with a patch cable can enhance sound fullness.
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Comparisons

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Described as not achieving the "Fender clean" like AB763 circuits, but remains a usable option for those who prioritize pedal compatibility over breakup tones.
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The Bassman 100 is preferred by some over the Bassman 50 for its increased headroom, making it more suitable for pedal users.
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Value and pricing

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The head alone is valued around $700, while the matching cabinet can add several hundred dollars to the overall value.
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European pricing for a serviced unit with new tubes is around €1250, which is considered high; similar models in the US sell for $600-800.
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Use cases and applications

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The stock cabinet with 15" speakers is perceived as not fully showcasing the head's potential; a cabinet with 12" or 10" speakers is recommended for better clarity.
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The amp doubles as a bass amplifier, offering versatility for musicians who play both guitar and bass.
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Build quality

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The stock 4x12 cabinet with a pyramid baffle arrangement often results in a muddy sound, suggesting a need for speaker upgrades.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

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1 star

ethandk11

113

almost 9 years ago

Is great for blues tones/fuzz.

I use this amp all the time for thick, bluesy stuff. Works well with anything though, and I've noticed that fuzz pedals sound ridiculous on this amp.

Artist usage

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Zach Abels

Guitarist

The Neighbourhood

Verified via YouTube

see video at 0:38 and he later talks about it.

Glen Matlock

Bassist

Sex Pistols

Verified via YouTube

In this video glen matlock can be seen with his bassman 100 Amp and pyramid cab

Tomomi Ogawa

Bassist

SCANDAL

Verified via Imgur

A classic (and powerful) bass amp Tomo bought in 2016, Fender Silverface Bassman 100

TotorRo

Guitarist, Bassist

Verified via Photo

In the user-uploaded photo, TotorRo is seen using a Fender Bassman 100 amplifier head from 1972, positioned above an Orange amplifier head.

Ben Ellis

Bassist, Audio Engineer

Swervedriver

Verified via Photo

In this instagram post you can spot his Bassman 100

Tim Jim Smith

Bassist

Verified via Fecking Bahamas

Tim Jim Smith uses a Fender Bassman 100, 1972, as mentioned in the article "FOCUS // MATH ROCK DESERT ISLAND PEDALS VOL. 1" by Michael Whiteside on Fecking Bahamas.