Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,263
High-end/Boutique
$200
$801+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Fender Bassman 800 Hybrid 800W Bass Amp Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The Fender Bassman 800 Hybrid 800W Bass Amp Head is a meticulously engineered powerhouse that blends the authentic Fender bass sound with modern power. Its lightweight (17 lbs) yet sturdy design is easily portable and pairs seamlessly with Bassman Pro Neo speaker cabinets, paving the way for a truly dynamic sound experience.
The heart of the Bassman 800's sound is the twin-channel tube preamp, underpinned by a pair of premium 12AX7 tubes. The Vintage channel delivers the classic Fender bass tone, cutting frequencies rather than boosting them. This results in a distinctive thickness to each note, void of high-end fizz. The Overdrive channel produces genuine tube-driven overdrive, and its active 3-band tone circuit with variable mid frequency and blend control allows for a spectrum of sonic flavors.
The Bassman 800 is equally adept for stage shows and studio sessions. The rear panel features a tuner output, effects loop, and a professional-grade XLR line output with level control, pre/post EQ switch, and Silent Recording capability. The output jacks support both speakON and 1/4-inch connections, facilitating a smooth connection with almost any speaker cabinet. The included footswitch enhances the amplifier's flexibility by enabling effortless switching between preamp channels on stage.
Key Features:
- Two-channel tube preamp powered by 12AX7 tubes
- Vintage and Overdrive voicings for versatile sound
- Ultra-lightweight design (17 lbs) for easy portability
- Features tuner output, effects loop, and XLR line output
- Supports both speakON and 1/4-inch speaker cabinet connections
- Comes with a footswitch for seamless on-stage channel switching
- Cool-running solid-state Class D power amp delivering 800 watts of power
Product specs
| Available since | August 2016 |
| Power | 800 W |
| Equalizer | 3-Band, 4-Band |
| Compressor | No |
| Limiter | No |
| Effects Processor | No |
| External Effect Loop | Yes |
| Connector for external speakers | Speakon |
| Headphone connection | No |
| Di Output | Yes |
| Tuner Output | No |
| Rack mount | No |
FAQs
-
What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender Bassman 800 Hybrid 800W Bass Amp Head?
-
The Fender Bassman 800 offers a blend of classic tube warmth and modern power, delivering rich, full bass tones. It features two channels—one for vintage tones and another for overdrive—providing versatile sound options suitable for various music styles.
-
Is the Fender Bassman 800 suitable for live performances?
-
Yes, with 800 watts of power, the Fender Bassman 800 is designed to handle live performances, offering enough volume and headroom for large venues while maintaining clarity and punch.
-
Does the Fender Bassman 800 have an effects loop?
-
Yes, the Fender Bassman 800 includes an external effects loop, allowing you to integrate additional effects pedals into your signal chain for enhanced sound customization.
-
Can the Fender Bassman 800 be used with external speaker cabinets?
-
Yes, the Fender Bassman 800 features a Speakon connector for external speakers, enabling you to pair it with various speaker cabinets to suit your performance needs.
-
How portable is the Fender Bassman 800 Hybrid 800W Bass Amp Head?
-
Weighing only 17 lbs, the Fender Bassman 800 is relatively lightweight for an amp head, making it easier to transport to gigs and rehearsals.
Videos
Fender
Mike Dirnt On The Fender Bassman 800 Head | Fender
Reviews
PROS
-
Hybrid design combines tube warmth with lightweight portability
-
Offers both vintage and modern sound channels
-
Capable of producing a wide range of tones
-
Impressive power output at 800W; doesn't falter at high volumes
-
Lightweight for easy transport without sacrificing sound quality
-
Retro appearance with a modern performance twist
-
Overdrive channel adds versatile distortion options
-
Compliments from other musicians, indicating professional approval
-
Compatible with various speaker setups for flexible sound customization
-
Performs well across different musical styles and instruments
CONS
-
Footprint may be larger than some prefer
-
Some users might prefer even lighter options for ultra-portability
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Bassman 800 Hybrid 800W Bass Amp Head.
Features and functionality
-
The Bassman 800 can potentially send up to 400W into a Rumble 115 cab, which could damage the speaker if not carefully managed.
Source -
The Bassman 800's versatility suits both electric and acoustic basses, making it a convenient choice for varied gig settings.
Source -
The Bassman 800's preamp section includes tubes, which generally require less frequent replacement compared to power amp tubes.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
The output of the Bassman 800 isn't linear across the volume knob; maximum wattage could be reached before hitting 100% on the dial.
Source
Use cases and applications
User experience
-
Using a Rumble 115 with a Bassman 800 may lead to unused wattage potential and risk of accidental overdriving if volume levels aren't monitored.
Source -
Owners find the Bassman 800 head lightweight and easy to transport, especially when paired with two 2x10 Fender cabs.
Source -
Some users describe the Rumble series as having a boomy, bass-heavy sound, which may not suit all tonal preferences.
Source -
Users report that maintaining a tube preamp in hybrids like the Bassman 800 is manageable, with preamp tubes being more durable than power amp tubes.
Source
Comparisons
-
The Bassman 800 head is considered more neutral compared to the colorful tones of the Darkglass Exponent 500 and Ampeg Venture 700.
Source -
Compared to the Mesa Subway D800+, the Bassman 800 head is appreciated but not as highly favored by some users.
Source -
The Mesa Subway D800+ is praised for its clean tone, contrasting with the dry and lifeless clean channel of the Darkglass Microtubes 500.
Source -
The Mesa Subway D800+ retains value well, appealing to users who might consider resale options.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
"Now I am actually using the latest Fender Bassman 800. I worked and collaborated with Fender in order to design this amp."
In an interview with Reverb, Duff McKagan explains that he uses the Fender Bassman 800 Hybrid 800W Bass Amp Head for his live performances.
Matt Freeman has consistently used the Fender Bassman 800 Hybrid 800W Bass Amp Head during live performances with Rancid. This is confirmed in the video "Matt Freeman - My Rancid Stage Rig [Equipment]" on the YouTube channel Matt Freeman's Bass Bunker.
In the Premier Guitar's "Phantogram Rig Rundown with Josh Carter & Sarah Barthel," at the 25:56 mark, Sarah Barthel is observed showcasing the Fender Bassman 800 Hybrid 800W Bass Amp Head positioned behind her on the stage.
Mauricio Durán used the Fender Bassman 800 Hybrid 800W Bass Amp Head for his bass during the Lanza Internacional performance, as seen in their presentation at Lollapalooza Chile 2018, documented in the video by Comunidad Lanza Internacional Oficial.
Using the head live with baroness. There’s no mic on the cab so he’s going direct, either from a pedal or the back of this amp. Who knows‽
In the video "Blondie - Atomic (Glastonbury 2023)" by BBC Music, Fred Smith can be seen using a Fender Bassman 800 Hybrid 800W Bass Amp Head.
Jeremy Pritchard uses a Fender Bassman 800 Hybrid 800W Bass Amp Head, as shown in a user-uploaded photo where it is positioned above his AD200 amps.
In a YouTube video titled "The Distillers - City of Angels - Shaky Knees - Atlanta 5/5/18," Ryan Sinn mentions that Fender provided him with a Bassman 800 Hybrid 800W Bass Amp Head, which he expresses great enthusiasm for. This amp can also be seen in use during the performance.
According to Premier Guitar's Rig Rundown with Citizen, Eric uses a Fender Bassman 800 as his main amp.
Album Usage
The Fender Bassman 800 Hybrid 800W Bass Amp Head has been featured on the following albums:
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 800 Hybrid 800W Bass Amp Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Fender Bassman 800 Hybrid 800W Bass Amp Head, curated by the Equipboard community.
$2,707.49
More Fender Bass Amplifier Heads
Accessories & Related Items
Most Popular Bass Amplifier Heads
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
gchiarenGear IQ 37552
-