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Description
The Fender Bassman AA864 is a legendary bass amplifier head that has cemented its place in the annals of music history. Revered for its iconic tube-driven warmth, this classic model delivers a rich, full-bodied sound that has influenced generations of bassists. Originally introduced in the 1960s, the AA864 circuit is celebrated for its versatility, making it a favorite not only for bass players but also for guitarists seeking a clean yet powerful tone.
The Bassman AA864 is equipped with a quartet of 6L6 power tubes and a trio of 12AX7 preamp tubes, delivering a robust 50 watts of pure tube power. Its simple, intuitive design features separate channels for bass and normal inputs, each with its own volume control, along with a shared 3-band EQ that allows for fine-tuning to suit any playing style. The vintage-inspired design retains the classic aesthetic that Fender is known for, while its rugged construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of touring and studio use alike.
Whether you're playing in a small club or a large venue, the Fender Bassman AA864 provides the power and tone needed to stand out. Its legendary reputation is well-earned, making it a must-have for any serious musician.
Key Features:
- 50 watts of power driven by 6L6 power tubes
- Classic AA864 circuit for vintage tone
- Dual channels with separate volume controls
- Shared 3-band EQ for versatile sound shaping
- Rugged construction for reliability
- Iconic Fender design with a vintage aesthetic
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Bassman AA864.
Setup and maintenance
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Use a multimeter to check cab impedance; readings below 4 ohms indicate 4 ohm wiring, critical for avoiding damage to the 1964 output transformer.
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Ensure the amp is converted to a 3-prong power cord to avoid potential shocks and grounding issues, crucial for safe operation.
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It's essential to measure carbon comp resistors, as they're prone to drift over time, affecting performance.
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Documenting each component's condition during maintenance aids in future troubleshooting and preserves historical data of modifications.
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Features and functionality
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The Bassman AA864 prefers a 4 ohm load for optimal performance, and improperly matching impedance can risk damaging components.
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Original design includes two parallel 1/4" jacks intended for two 8 ohm speakers, ensuring the amp sees a total 4 ohm load.
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The AA864 circuit uses two gain stages on the normal channel and three on the bass channel, which can cause phase issues if channels are jumpered.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistUsed on Engines of Creation, as mentioned in Strange Beautiful Music: A Musical Memoir. A photo of the amp, taken by Satriani himself, is featured.
We had Neve preamps, a GML mic pre, and a ’64 Fender Bassman head that wound up being used 50 percent of the time. My guitar went into an amp, which would then go into a Palmer speaker simulator, and from there into a Neve mic pre, and from there right into Pro Tools. Sometimes we’d use a Hafler Triple Giant, which was a 4-channel guitar preamp. You hear a lot of that on “Borg Sex” in the intensity of the distortion.
Album Usage
The Fender Bassman AA864 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Bassman AA864, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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