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Average Price: $599
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$801+
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Description
The Fender Bassman 70 Silverface Head is a classic choice for bassists seeking that vintage warmth with modern reliability. Originally crafted in the 1970s, this amplifier head is revered for its distinctive all-tube tone, making it a staple for those who appreciate rich, full-bodied sound. The Silverface design is iconic, carrying the pedigree of Fender's legendary amplifier craftsmanship.
Perfect for both stage performances and studio sessions, the Bassman 70 delivers 70 watts of pure tube power, ensuring that your bass lines punch through the mix with clarity and warmth. Its straightforward control panel includes volume, treble, bass, and mid knobs, allowing for precise tonal shaping to suit any musical style. The inclusion of both Normal and Bright inputs offers versatility, accommodating a wide range of playing preferences and bass guitars.
Whether you're playing smooth jazz, gritty rock, or soulful blues, this amp head provides the adaptability and sonic quality that professional and amateur musicians alike crave. Its robust construction ensures durability, while the tube configuration delivers a sound that's both classic and timeless.
Key Features:
- 70 watts of all-tube power
- Iconic Silverface design
- Simple yet effective control panel with volume, treble, bass, and mid controls
- Normal and Bright inputs for versatile sound options
- Renowned for its warm and distinctive Fender tone
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Bassman 70 2-Channel 70-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 70 |
| Number of Channels | 2 Channels |
| Number of Inputs | 4 Inputs |
| Output Power (Watts) | 70 |
| Power Tube Type | 6L6 |
| Reverb | None |
| Series | Fender Vintage Silverface Amps |
FAQs
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What are the main tonal characteristics of the Fender Bassman 70 Silverface Head?
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The Fender Bassman 70 Silverface Head is known for its warm, clean tones with a rich low-end response, making it ideal for both bass and guitar. It delivers a classic Fender tube sound with a smooth overdrive when pushed hard.
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Is the Fender Bassman 70 Silverface Head suitable for gigging with a drummer?
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Yes, with its 70-watt output, the Fender Bassman 70 Silverface Head is powerful enough for live performances and can hold its own alongside a drummer in a band setting.
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Does the Fender Bassman 70 Silverface Head work well with effects pedals?
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The Fender Bassman 70 Silverface Head takes pedals well, maintaining clarity and warmth when used with a variety of effects, making it versatile for different playing styles.
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What is the configuration of inputs and channels on the Fender Bassman 70 Silverface Head?
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The Fender Bassman 70 Silverface Head features two channels with a total of four inputs, allowing for flexible connectivity options for different instruments or input sources.
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What type of power tubes does the Fender Bassman 70 Silverface Head use?
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The Fender Bassman 70 Silverface Head utilizes 6L6 power tubes, contributing to its robust and dynamic sound profile.
Videos
Reel Tapes
Fender Bassman 70 Review
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile amp suitable for various music genres
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Ideal for both bassists and guitarists
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Excellent clean headroom due to Ultra Linear transformers
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Warm, clear tone perfect for jazz and blues
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Can achieve great overdriven sound with OD/Distortion pedals
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Simple yet flexible for crafting desired sound
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Highly collectible, appealing to enthusiasts
CONS
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May sound sterile to some, lacking in character
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Requires servicing due to age
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Not designed for bright tones, which might limit its use in certain genres
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Bassman 70 Silverface Head.
Setup and maintenance
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Capacitors may need replacing every 10 years to prevent damage to the output transformer and maintain tone quality.
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Caution advised when cleaning or working on the amp; capacitors can hold a charge for extended periods. Discharge them with a multimeter before handling internals.
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Always ensure a speaker cable, not an instrument cable, connects the amp to the cabinet, and maintain a load to avoid damage.
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Original capacitors can degrade if not regularly used; recapping is advisable.
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Comparisons
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The Bassman 70 needs modding to achieve pre-amp crunch without excessive volume, unlike the 50-watt versions, which achieve output tube distortion naturally as volume increases.
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The Bassman 70 is an ultra-linear version of the 50-watt Bassman; it's cleaner with less natural output tube distortion.
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The Bassman 70 is noted as less efficient volume-wise compared to modern amps like the Rumble 500.
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Use cases and applications
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The Bassman 70's master volume requires a booster for crunch at low volumes, unlike a Marshall where the master volume directly influences gain.
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The amp is favored for blues and rock & roll due to its tonal characteristics and ability to take pedals well.
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The Bassman 70 is appreciated for studio use but considered too heavy for gigs.
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Mods and upgrades
Value and pricing
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A head and cab combo sold for $1000 after being recapped and retubed, with original covers and tags.
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Features and functionality
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Jumping channels allows blending of both the bass and normal channels for a more complex sound profile.
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Input #2 is attenuated by 6db unless both inputs on the same channel are used, which negates the attenuation.
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The ultralinear amp design is disliked by guitarists for its stiff response and less smooth transition to overdrive.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
125
Amazing head for clean tones, takes pedals very well, and can give you a variety of tone.
This is my main head for my Jazz rig. This head takes 6L6 tubes, and is 70 watts. This amp has an amazing, warm tone. The head has always given me a clear, crisp tone. But remember that this head is old, and will not give you a bright tone. I find this amp is made especially for jazz players, or even blues players. I used to pedal all my overdrives through it to play Pop/Punk, but later found out that this amp sounds the best when just played straight. I use this for my cleans in my studio, because this amp hits my ideal tone right on the money. I recommend this amp to anyone looking for a straight, warm clean amplifier. The only thing I would get done to this amp is get it serviced, It's had some miles put on it.
392
I have one.What cab do you have?
Artist usage
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