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Fender Bassman Silverface Amp Head

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Fender Bassman Silverface Amp Head

^# 6

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$1,146.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (14)

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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3 community setups

35 wishlisted

79 saved

Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (34)

$1,146.00 30 available Used

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Average Price: $1,146

High-end/Boutique

$200

$801+

Price Tier

In the Bass Amplifier Heads category, Fender Bassman Silverface Amp Head is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Step into a world where vintage meets versatility with the Fender Bassman Amp Head—a timeless piece that has transcended its original purpose as a bass guitar amplifier to become a staple in the arsenal of guitarists everywhere. Originally designed in 1952, this amp head has etched its mark in history with its legendary breakup and robust bottom end, making it a beloved choice for both purists and modern musicians.

The mid-'60s "Black Panel" Bassman models, particularly those featuring AA165 and AB165 circuits, have become synonymous with classic rock tones, celebrated for their ability to handle pedals with grace and precision. Whether you're crafting soulful blues or driving rock and roll, the Bassman Amp Head delivers a sonic experience that's both rich and responsive, offering a palette that lets your creativity soar.

Ideal for the musician who values both tradition and adaptability, this amp head perfectly bridges the old with the new. Its ability to integrate seamlessly into any setup—whether as a standalone head or paired in its classic "Piggyback" configuration—ensures that the Fender Bassman remains a versatile and cherished tool in any setup.

Key Features:

Vintage-inspired design with modern playability
Renowned AA165 and AB165 circuits for classic rock tones
Exceptional pedal compatibility
Powerful and dynamic response
Ideal for both bassists and guitarists seeking rich, full sound

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Bassman 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish	Black Panel
Year	1964 - 1967
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 Amp
Number of Channels	2 Channels
Number of Inputs	4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts)	50
Power Tube Type	6L6
Reverb	None
Series	Fender Vintage Black Panel Amps

FAQs

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Fender Bassman Silverface Amp Head?: The Fender Bassman Silverface Amp Head is known for its warm, rich tube tone with a strong midrange presence, making it ideal for both bass and guitar. It delivers classic Fender clean sounds and can produce a smooth overdrive when pushed.
Is the Fender Bassman Silverface Amp Head suitable for gigging?: Yes, with its 50-watt output, the Fender Bassman Silverface Amp Head is powerful enough for small to medium-sized gigs, especially when paired with an efficient speaker cabinet.
Does the Fender Bassman Silverface Amp Head work well with pedals?: The Fender Bassman Silverface Amp Head is renowned for its pedal-friendly nature, providing a solid foundation for effects pedals, especially overdrives and distortions, due to its clean and dynamic response.
How many channels does the Fender Bassman Silverface Amp Head have?: The Fender Bassman Silverface Amp Head features two channels, allowing for versatile sound shaping and the ability to switch between different tonal settings.
What type of power tubes does the Fender Bassman Silverface Amp Head use?: The Fender Bassman Silverface Amp Head uses 6L6 power tubes, which contribute to its distinctive warm and punchy sound.

Videos

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Mike Dirnt On The Fender Bassman 800 Head | Fender

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Reviews

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PROS

Offers iconic vintage Fender tone, both clean and overdriven
Exceptional versatility for various music styles and instruments
Great pedal platform; works well with effects
Hand-wired craftsmanship from the 1960s
Highly responsive to playing dynamics and touch
Known for their warm, bluesy tones
Can emulate classic rock and vintage distortion tones
Takes both single coil and humbucker pickups well
Affordable compared to other vintage amp heads
Rich with musical history and used by famous artists

CONS

Lacks built-in reverb and effects loop
Limited headroom for bass players, leading to overdrive at lower volumes
Requires a separate cabinet for full usage
Not ideal for bass without additional amplification or PA support

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Bassman Silverface Amp Head.

Build quality

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The Fender Bassman Silverface has a transformer placement that causes unbalanced weight distribution, making it awkward to carry.
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Features and functionality

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This amp is known for having high headroom and producing loud, clean tones but lacks the midrange heaviness and gain found in JTM45s or JCM800s.
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The BF Bassman circuit was redesigned for extra gain stages, making it better for cutting through a live mix, with a dirtier tone favored in Rock & Roll and Grunge.
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Setup and maintenance

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It's advisable to have the amp serviced if it's 100% stock, as age can cause components to wear out and need replacement.
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Comparisons

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The '59 Bassman is identified as the inspiration for Marshall's JTM45 and Mesa's Mark 1 Boogie, highlighting its influence on these iconic amplifiers.
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The Fender Studio Bass, a lesser-known alternative to the Bassman, features a 180-200 watt power section, ideal for those seeking more headroom and volume.
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A Bassman 50 head paired with a Hartke 410 cab is noted for delivering a satisfying tone with a slight grind, suitable for cutting through mixes with loud drummers.
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Mods and upgrades

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SF Bassmans can be easily modded to undo tweaks that favor bass use, enhancing their guitar sound quality.
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Converting a Fender Studio Bass or a Super Twin into a head can create a powerful, affordable bass rig with 180+ watts, suitable for loud environments.
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Use cases and applications

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BF Bassmans were popularized in Grunge music, exemplified by Kurt Cobain and Pearl Jam, due to their distinctive dirty tone.
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The Bassman 135 offers enough headroom for higher-volume environments, making it suitable for live gigs with loud drummers when paired with an efficient cab.
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Bassman amps, especially the 50-watt variants, are appreciated for imparting a warm tone in studio settings, though not ideal for overpowering drummers live.
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User experience

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Owners of '64 Blackface Bassmans appreciate their ability to handle pedals well and maintain value, but note their sweet spot volume is uncomfortably loud over extended periods.
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