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Average Price: $1,600

High-end/Boutique

$200

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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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

What type of tubes does the Fender Bassman 500 use?

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.

How many channels does the Fender Bassman 500 have?

The Fender Bassman 500 features two channels, allowing you to switch between different tonal settings for varied sound options.

What are the connectivity options on the Fender Bassman 500?

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.

Is the Fender Bassman 500 suitable for live performances?

Yes, with 500 watts of power, the Fender Bassman 500 is well-suited for live performances, providing ample volume and headroom for various venues.

Does the Fender Bassman 500 come with any accessories?

The Fender Bassman 500 comes with a fitted cover and a one-button footswitch, enhancing its usability and protection during transport.

Bruno Tauzin - Votre Prof de Basse

Bruno Tauzin - Votre Prof de Basse

Fender Bassman 500 🎸 Test Complet

Video thumbnail for Fender Bassman 500 🎸 Test Complet by Bruno Tauzin - Votre Prof de Basse

Fender Bassman 500 🎸 Test Complet

Bruno Tauzin - Votre Prof de Basse

Bruno Tauzin - Votre Prof de Basse

Video thumbnail for Fender Bassman 500 by accordoTV

Fender Bassman 500

accordoTV

accordoTV

Video thumbnail for Fender Mike Dirnt P-bass trough a Fender Bassman 500 by A.A.

Fender Mike Dirnt P-bass trough a Fender Bassman 500

A.A.

A.A.

Video thumbnail for American Idiot - Fender Bassman 500 promo by A.A.

American Idiot - Fender Bassman 500 promo

A.A.

A.A.

Reviews

PROS

  • Classic Fender tone with warm, clean, and tubey sound

  • Versatile vintage and overdrive channels for a range of tonal options

  • Lightweight design at only 16lbs, easy for transport

  • Active channel allows for fine EQ tuning to suit different environments

  • Unique rounded tone appealing to guitar and keyboard players

  • Capable of delivering powerful sound through large cabinets

  • Warm sound preferred over more clinical alternatives

CONS

  • 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

  • Some players experience occasional electric shocks with the Bassman 500, suggesting a potential grounding issue.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • Bassman amps from the 60s and 70s are appreciated for their classic tone but are noted for being heavy, affecting portability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Bassman 500 paired with an Ampeg SVT 4x10 is praised for epic sound, offering a different tonal experience than the Rumble 4x10.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Bassman 500's aesthetic appeal is highlighted, with its vintage look adding visual value to its sonic versatility.

    Source
  • The Bassman series originally intended for bass use, but its design has become popular for guitarists due to its adaptable features.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Bassman 500 is favored for players who don't frequently gig, prioritizing sound and appearance over portability.

    Source
  • A 70s Bassman is noted for practice and small gigs, providing adequate performance when paired with efficient speakers.

    Source

Other

  • Markbass Little Mark III is noted for tonal versatility, especially beneficial for musicians switching between electric and upright bass.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners of 70s Bassman models report significant tone improvement after tube replacement, suggesting maintenance can greatly enhance sound quality.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Bassman 500 review - Amps and Cabs - Basschat

basschat.co.uk

The Fender Bassman 500 impresses with its lightweight design and robust 500-watt power, making it a versatile choice for gigs and practices. Its vintage channel delivers warm, mix-sitting tones, though it lacks the depth of a full tube amp. While it's a solid, lightweight option with ample clean headroom, those devoted to all-tube warmth may not find it a perfect replacement. It's a reliable backup or primary choice when weight is a concern. However, some users report volume issues in loud band settings, suggesting it may not suit all environments. Overall, a well-designed amp with room for improvement.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
dterrero

Great for big events outdoors

Mainly used it for outdoor events. Sadly I had to see it go due to downsizing and lack of performing opportunities.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alex Dean uses Fender Bassman 500

Alex Dean

Bassist

The Architects

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Fer Vidriales uses Fender Bassman 500

Fer Vidriales

Bassist, Composer

Tiedraw

...
Verified via Facebook

a great amp, for a great bassist. used in the recording of Dropped Milk and live gigs

I

Isa Holliday

Singer, Bassist

Slow Crush

...
Verified via YouTube

in this youtube video, Isa Hoilday can be seen using and talking about the Fender Bassman 500. It can be seen at 4:08.

See how Astrid Garmo uses Fender Bassman 500

Astrid Garmo

Bassist

Future Nostalgia

...
Verified via Photo

Astrid Garmo is seen using a Fender Bassman 500 in a photo shared by Future Nostalgia on Instagram. The post, dated August 30, 2025, features Astrid and others tagged, confirming her use of this specific bass amplifier head.

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 500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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