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Description
Step into the realm of iconic sound with the Fender Bassman AB165 Amp, a timeless choice for musicians seeking classic tone and reliable performance. Designed as part of Fender's revered lineup of guitar amplifier heads, the AB165 model has been a staple for bassists and guitarists alike since its introduction. This amp head is celebrated for its rich, warm tube sound, making it a perfect companion for both stage performances and studio sessions.
The Fender Bassman AB165 Amp features a dual-channel design, offering Normal and Bass Instrument channels to cater to diverse playing styles. This model is equipped with Fender's signature tube circuitry, providing that distinct vintage tone that many musicians desire. With a simple yet effective control layout, the Bassman AB165 delivers a straightforward user experience, allowing you to focus on your music rather than fiddling with knobs and switches.
Enthusiasts appreciate the amp's robust build quality, ensuring it can handle the rigors of touring and frequent use. The Bassman AB165 remains a popular choice for those who value authenticity in their sound, providing a bridge between the classic and the contemporary in music amplification.
Key Features:
- Dual-channel design: Normal and Bass Instrument channels
- Pure tube circuitry for vintage tone
- Simple control layout for ease of use
- Renowned for its warm, rich sound
- Robust construction for durability and reliability
Videos
Psionic Audio
'66 Fender Bassman AB165 Part 3 : Overview of the Completed Amp
'66 Fender Bassman AB165 Part 3 : Overview of the Completed Amp
Psionic Audio
'66 Fender Bassman AB165 Part 4 : The Final Playing Test
Psionic Audio
'67 Fender Bassman AB165/AA864 Hybrid - the Most Versatile Amp Ever?
Psionic Audio
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Bassman AB165 Amp.
Mods and upgrades
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Owners recommend 65 watt Creambacks over 30 watt Greenbacks for better power handling when cranking the amp.
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Features and functionality
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Channel jumping on the AB165 allows use of both channels simultaneously and can enhance drive and preamp breakup at lower volumes.
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Some Bassman amps labeled as AA165 are actually AB165 models, due to a labeling overlap that extended several months after the circuit change.
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Missing rear panel blocks can be replaced with glued wood scraps to restore the back panel's mounting capability.
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Setup and maintenance
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It's suggested to replace the power tubes and install a three-prong power cord for improved performance and safety.
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Ensure the transformers are original Schumachers with numerical codes starting with '606' for optimal tone and value retention.
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If the electrolytic caps have not been replaced, the amp may become noisy, weak, or dull over time due to parts drifting out of spec.
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Use cases and applications
Comparisons
Build quality
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Specific label codes like "OD" can indicate the actual production month and year, helping verify if an amp is mislabelled.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 23 Ratings
One of the best tube amps
It sounds amazing for clean or dirty tones. Works fantastically for both guitar and bass.
162
Sick
Sick. I play this in combination with my Supro guitar and basses. I have it hot-rodded on the second channel and it screams.
Artist usage
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Jimmy's bassman head is actually an earlier circuit than the AB165 that I was able to select above. It's often referred to as a "tuxedo" bassman, because it's a "Blonde" era circuit in the "Blackface" livery.
According to a Guitar Geek rig diagram, Donita Sparks of L7 used a 1965 Fender Bassman head, which is most likely the AB165 model, as it was released in 1965 and is one of the well-known varieties of the Bassman amp.
“I sold one guitar to make ends meet; we’d hit some hard times on the road, it was a Les Paul Custom with a peace sign on it that was hand-painted. But the one that really gets me, my grandfather passed away recently and when I was just starting out he gave me a 1966 Fender Bassman head and the 2×12 matching cabinet. The head got stolen and I’ll never see it again…”
"For most of the songs I used three different amps that we blended together; I didn’t use a direct signal at all this time around. I used an Ampeg SVT Classic with an 8x10 cab for warmth and body, a 100-watt Fender Bassman and 4x10 cabinet for my midrange, and a Marshall JCM800 and 4x12 for my top-end gain." -Hunter
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Gonzalo López uses the Fender Bassman AB165 Amp in his documentary, as shown in the source image.
This piece of equipment appears at 0:01 into the video to the end.
The video on the page Jerome points out a Fender Bassman he uses after speaking of pedals used with his keyboards.
Posted on his IG, says he has it at home with a Marshall 4x10.
"Used in conjunction with a 64 Bassman. One close mic on each and another as far away as possible. Turned up loud-as-fuck with TYM boost pedal, a wah and tons of rack mount delay unit."
Chris used the Fender Bassman. Very fat and clean tone
"What about live, what’s your amp setup?
Two Fender Bassmans with 4x10s running in stereo. Clay shellacs the tweed on these new Bassmans – they look like they’ve been in the business for about 30 years! They don’t look like regular amps (laughs). They sound good for what we are doing."
Album Usage
The Fender Bassman AB165 Amp 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 AB165 Amp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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