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Average Price: $655

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$200

$701+

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High-end

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Description

The Fender Bassman 20 is a versatile bass combo amplifier that brings the legendary Fender tone to the forefront, perfect for both practice and small gigs. A modern tribute to the classic Bassman series, this amp combines vintage aesthetics with contemporary performance, making it a staple for bassists seeking rich, warm tones with plenty of headroom. Featuring a single 10-inch speaker and an all-tube preamp, the Bassman 20 delivers a dynamic range that captures every nuance of your playing, from thumping lows to crisp highs.

Its straightforward control panel includes a 3-band EQ, allowing you to tailor your sound to any style or genre with precision. The built-in overdrive circuit offers the flexibility to add grit and growl to your tone, making it ideal for rock and blues enthusiasts. With a lightweight yet robust construction, this amp is designed for portability without sacrificing sound quality.

Whether you're jamming in the garage or taking the stage, the Fender Bassman 20 provides a reliable and powerful performance. Its classic design pays homage to its iconic predecessors, ensuring that your rig looks as good as it sounds.

Key Features:

  • 20-watt bass combo amplifier
  • Single 10-inch speaker
  • All-tube preamp for authentic vintage tone
  • Built-in overdrive circuit for added versatility
  • 3-band EQ for precise tone shaping
  • Lightweight design for easy transport
  • Durable construction with classic Fender styling

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Bassman 20 18-Watt 1x15" Guitar Combo
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Model Family Fender Bassman
Model Sub-Family Fender Bassman 20
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 18
Power Tube Type 6L6
Reverb None
Series Fender Vintage Rivera Era Amps
Speaker Configuration 1x15"

FAQs

Is the Fender Bassman 20 suitable for live performances?

The Fender Bassman 20, with its 18-watt output and 1x15" speaker, is best suited for small venues or practice sessions. It may not provide enough volume for larger gigs without additional amplification.

What type of power tubes does the Fender Bassman 20 use?

The Fender Bassman 20 uses 6L6 power tubes, which are known for providing a warm and clean tone with plenty of headroom.

Does the Fender Bassman 20 have built-in reverb?

No, the Fender Bassman 20 does not feature built-in reverb. It is a straightforward amp focused on delivering a classic, clean bass sound.

How many channels does the Fender Bassman 20 have?

The Fender Bassman 20 has a single channel, designed to deliver a pure and clear bass tone without additional effects or channel switching.

Can the Fender Bassman 20 be used for guitar as well as bass?

Yes, while the Fender Bassman 20 is primarily designed for bass, it can also be used with electric guitars, offering a clean and warm tone favored by many guitarists.

Brad

Brad

Vintage Fender Bassman 20 Tube Bass Amplifier Combo Amp Demo!

Video thumbnail for Vintage Fender Bassman 20 Tube Bass Amplifier Combo Amp Demo! by Brad

Vintage Fender Bassman 20 Tube Bass Amplifier Combo Amp Demo!

Brad

Brad

Video thumbnail for Loudest 20 watt bass amp? by BC & The Big Rig

Loudest 20 watt bass amp?

BC & The Big Rig

BC & The Big Rig

Video thumbnail for Review of Fender Bassman 20 and Raven PRS Copy Hollowbody RP-450 by Paradigm Production

Review of Fender Bassman 20 and Raven PRS Copy Hollowbody RP-450

Paradigm Production

Paradigm Production

Video thumbnail for Fender Bassman 20 all tube amp demo with Bruce Nasmith by Bruce Nasmith

Fender Bassman 20 all tube amp demo with Bruce Nasmith

Bruce Nasmith

Bruce Nasmith

Video thumbnail for 【GRUN SOUND商品紹介No.17】Fender bassman 20 【真空管】 by GrunSound -グランサウンド-

【GRUN SOUND商品紹介No.17】Fender bassman 20 【真空管】

GrunSound -グランサウンド-

GrunSound -グランサウンド-

Video thumbnail for Gibson 1962 ES-330 & Fender Bassman 20 amp by ジナパパチャンネル

Gibson 1962 ES-330 & Fender Bassman 20 amp

ジナパパチャンネル

ジナパパチャンネル

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional clean and overdriven tones

  • Reliable performance over decades

  • Versatile for both bass and guitar

  • Ideal for achieving a vintage tube sound

  • Great at lower volumes, especially with modifications

  • Quieter operation compared to other amps

CONS

  • May require modifications for optimal overdrive at lower volumes

  • Heavy, making it less portable

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Bassman 20.

Features and functionality

  • The Bassman 20 is essentially a Deluxe with a bass-voiced preamp, intended primarily for studio or practice use due to its 20-watt output.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Bassman 20, noted for its scarcity, was only produced for one year, making it rare among the pre-modern Bassman designs.

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  • The Bassman 20 shares its power transformer with the Super Champ and Deluxe Reverb II, indicating interchangeable parts across these models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite being designed for bass, the Bassman 20 is often praised for guitar use, similar to many other Bassman models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The Mercury Magnetics FSCP-2 power transformer is recommended for replacing the Bassman 20's PT, though mounting may differ.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • To achieve a 400V B+ with a solid-state rectifier, a 600-650VCT HV secondary transformer with a 70-150mA DC current rating is advised.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners note potential challenges in sourcing original parts due to the limited production and the era's lack of reproduction offerings.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Trash or Treasure: Fender Bassman 20 - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Fender Bassman 20 is a vintage gem from the CBS era, known for its rarity with fewer than 600 units produced. It's praised for its clean sound, making it a favorite among guitarists rather than bassists, despite its name. Its 18-watt, 1x15 design is ideal for home recording and practice, but it struggles in a live band setting due to limited volume. While it may not be a powerhouse, its affordability and historical significance make it a "treasure" for collectors and bedroom players alike.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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streetdrummer

Awesome guitar Amp!!

I use this amp all the time, and it is totally awesome. They're old, but they get you the vintage tube sound.

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