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Average Price: $700

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$200

$801+

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Description

The Fender Bassman 135 is a classic choice for bassists seeking a powerful, reliable amplifier head with a rich heritage in music history. Known for its all-tube circuitry, this amplifier delivers a warm, full-bodied sound that has been a staple in studios and live performances for decades. With 135 watts of power, it offers substantial headroom, making it ideal for larger venues while still maintaining clarity and definition at lower volumes.

The Bassman 135 is equipped with two channels—Normal and Bass—each with its own volume control, allowing for versatile tone shaping. The ultra-linear output stage ensures a clean and dynamic sound, even at high volumes, which is perfect for bassists looking for a consistent tone across all playing styles. Its timeless design, complete with vintage-style knobs and a sturdy chassis, reflects Fender's commitment to quality and durability.

Whether you're playing rock, jazz, or blues, the Fender Bassman 135 provides the tonal flexibility and reliability that professional musicians demand. Its legacy is built on a foundation of robust performance and classic Fender sound, making it a must-have for any serious bass player.

Key Features:

  • 135 watts of all-tube power
  • Two channels: Normal and Bass
  • Independent volume controls for each channel
  • Ultra-linear output stage for clean sound
  • Classic Fender design with vintage-style knobs
  • Ideal for both studio recordings and live performances

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Bassman 135 2-Channel 135-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Silverface
Year 1977 - 1980
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 135
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 135
Power Tube Type 6L6
Reverb None
Series Fender Vintage Silverface Amps

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender Bassman 135?

The Fender Bassman 135 is known for its warm, rich tube tone with a strong low-end response, making it ideal for bass guitars. It offers a clean sound with headroom that suits various music styles, from rock to jazz.

Is the Fender Bassman 135 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Fender Bassman 135, with its 135-watt output, provides ample power for live performances, especially when paired with suitable speaker cabinets. Its robust build and classic tone make it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.

What type of tubes does the Fender Bassman 135 use?

The Fender Bassman 135 uses 6L6 power tubes, which contribute to its signature warm and clean sound, providing excellent headroom and clarity.

How many channels does the Fender Bassman 135 have?

The Fender Bassman 135 features two channels, allowing for versatile tonal options and the ability to switch between different sound settings during performances.

Can the Fender Bassman 135 be used with guitar as well as bass?

Yes, while the Fender Bassman 135 is primarily designed for bass, it is also popular among guitarists for its clean, powerful sound that can enhance guitar tones, especially when seeking a vintage vibe.

guitartutorleeds

guitartutorleeds

Sound Demo: Fender Bassman 135 Silverface series

Video thumbnail for Sound Demo: Fender Bassman 135 Silverface series by guitartutorleeds

Sound Demo: Fender Bassman 135 Silverface series

guitartutorleeds

guitartutorleeds

Video thumbnail for Fender Bassman 135 1981 Tube Guitar Amplifier Serviced & Ready by Sam Lease

Fender Bassman 135 1981 Tube Guitar Amplifier Serviced & Ready

Sam Lease

Sam Lease

Video thumbnail for Fender Bassman 135 FLUXSON Music Marseille Essai by Fluxson Music

Fender Bassman 135 FLUXSON Music Marseille Essai

Fluxson Music

Fluxson Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptionally powerful, fills rooms easily

  • Built like a tank, durable construction

  • Excellent clean pedal platform for nuanced sound

  • Provides deep and dimensional tones

  • Works well for both bass and guitar players

  • Warm, clear, and crisp sound quality

CONS

  • Lacks the punch for some users

  • Can be too loud for small spaces at low settings

  • Not designed for heavy distortion enthusiasts

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Fender Bassman 135

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Hog Hill Mill Blog

Paul McCartney is mentioned in the Hog Hill Mill Blog as using the Fender Bassman 135 amplifier, highlighting its role in his setup.

See how Jeff Buckley uses Fender Bassman 135

Jeff Buckley

Singer, Guitarist

Jeff Buckley(band)

...
Verified via Jeff Buckley

In the FAQ section of Jeff Buckley's official website, his manager states Buckley and his band used a Fender Bassman 135.

See how Wilbur Soot uses Fender Bassman 135

Wilbur Soot

Singer, Guitarist

Lovejoy

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube video by his bandmate, Ash Kabosu, at 3:50 you can see his pedal chain going into a Silverface Fender Bassman with a black grill.

See how Álvaro Henriquez uses Fender Bassman 135

Álvaro Henriquez

Singer, Guitarist

Los Tres

...
Verified via YouTube

Álvaro Henriquez has been using the Fender Bassman 135 amplifier with the Pettinellis since the band's inception in 2003. This is substantiated by his performance at Lollapalooza Chile on March 18, 2023, where the official video footage confirms its use. ( https://youtu.be/VaYNWX-6vGg?t=160) Additionally, the amplifier was seen during the 2004 Viña del Mar Festival performance. The source providing this information is a YouTube video uploaded by Centz_, titled "Pettinellis - Parque Bicentenario (18 de Marzo de 2023 / Lollapalooza Chile)."

G

Gary Tibbs

Bassist

Roxy Music

...
Verified

Listed on page 44 of Musician No. 28 (November 1980), as part of an interview with Bryan Ferry.

Gary Tibbs goes with a 1964 Fender Precision Bass, a 1978 Wal Custom Built Bass through a Bassman 135 Amp and Cabinet and he uses an MXR Flanger.

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 Bassman 135, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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