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Average Price: $1,600
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$200
$801+
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Description
The Fender Bassman 500 is a masterful blend of vintage charm and modern innovation, designed for bassists who crave that iconic Blackface tone with a contemporary twist. At its core is a powerful 500-watt Class D power amp, making it a lightweight yet formidable companion for any gig. This hybrid bass head features a classic tube preamp, channeling the revered warmth and richness of Fender's 1960s Blackface amps while adding a splash of modern flair.
The Bassman 500 isn't just about nostalgic allure; it's about versatility and control. With a footswitchable dual-channel design, you can switch between the vintage channel with its passive tone stack and an overdrive channel boasting an aggressive, active tone stack. Whether you're laying down smooth bass lines or driving the sound with punchy overdrive, this amp has got you covered. Its front and rear panels are adorned with a wealth of innovative features, including an XLR line-out for seamless integration into larger sound systems and a blend control, allowing you to tailor your sound with precision.
This amp head's sleek Blackface styling is more than just an aesthetic choice—it's a nod to Fender's rich legacy, making it a striking addition to your setup. Weighing in at a manageable 16 lbs, it's the perfect blend of portability and power, ensuring you get the best of both worlds without the back strain.
Key Features:
- 500-watt Class D power amp for lightweight portability
- Tube preamp with vintage Blackface tone
- Dual-channel design with footswitchable clean and overdrive channels
- XLR line-out with level control for easy FOH integration
- Blend control for tailored sound customization
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Bassman 500 Tube 500-Watt Bass Amp Head |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | Mexico |
| Categories | Bass Heads |
| Color Family | Black |
| Electronics | Hybrid |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Model Family | Fender Bassman |
| Model Sub-Family | Fender Bassman 500 |
| Number of Channels | 2 Channels |
| Number of Inputs | 2 Inputs |
| Output Power (Watts) | 500 |
| Power Tube Type | None |
| Reverb | None |
| Series | Fender Bassman Pro |
FAQs
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What type of tubes does the Fender Bassman 500 use?
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The Fender Bassman 500 uses two 12AX7 tubes in the preamp section, with a solid-state power amp for delivering its 500 watts of power.
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How many channels does the Fender Bassman 500 have?
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The Fender Bassman 500 features two channels, allowing you to switch between different tonal settings for varied sound options.
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What are the connectivity options on the Fender Bassman 500?
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The Fender Bassman 500 includes two 1/4" outputs, a balanced XLR output, and an FX loop, providing versatile connectivity for live performance and recording.
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Is the Fender Bassman 500 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, with 500 watts of power, the Fender Bassman 500 is well-suited for live performances, providing ample volume and headroom for various venues.
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Does the Fender Bassman 500 come with any accessories?
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The Fender Bassman 500 comes with a fitted cover and a one-button footswitch, enhancing its usability and protection during transport.
Videos
Bruno Tauzin - Votre Prof de Basse
Fender Bassman 500 🎸 Test Complet
Reviews
PROS
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Classic Fender tone with warm, clean, and tubey sound
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Versatile vintage and overdrive channels for a range of tonal options
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Lightweight design at only 16lbs, easy for transport
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Active channel allows for fine EQ tuning to suit different environments
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Unique rounded tone appealing to guitar and keyboard players
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Capable of delivering powerful sound through large cabinets
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Warm sound preferred over more clinical alternatives
CONS
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Lacks an AUX port for additional connectivity options
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Bassman 500.
User experience
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Some players experience occasional electric shocks with the Bassman 500, suggesting a potential grounding issue.
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The Fender tone stack on Bassman amps, characterized by its interactive treble-mid-bass controls, requires users to understand its unique EQ setup for optimal sound.
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Bassman amps from the 60s and 70s are appreciated for their classic tone but are noted for being heavy, affecting portability.
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Comparisons
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Bassman 500 paired with an Ampeg SVT 4x10 is praised for epic sound, offering a different tonal experience than the Rumble 4x10.
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The Bassman 500, a hybrid of tube and solid-state, is praised for versatility and performance, contrasting with older, purely tube models like the Bassman 100T and 1970s Bassman 100.
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Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
Other
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Markbass Little Mark III is noted for tonal versatility, especially beneficial for musicians switching between electric and upright bass.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Alex Dean is associated with the Fender Bassman 500, as a photo on Instagram by aliarchitects captures him with the amplifier before a show in Stockholm.
a great amp, for a great bassist. used in the recording of Dropped Milk and live gigs
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Bassman 500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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