Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $550

Standard/Professional

$200

$701+

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Description

Dive into the nostalgia of the '70s with the Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier, a compact yet powerful companion for both practice and recording sessions. Its simplicity shines through with straightforward controls, making it an ideal choice for musicians seeking authentic, fuzzy vintage tones without the complexity. Whether you're laying down bass lines or looking for that unique electric guitar texture, this amp delivers. Its vintage charm and versatility make it a must-have for enthusiasts of the era's sound.

Key Features:

  • Vintage 1970s silverface design for that classic look and sound
  • Simple operation with just a volume and tone control, perfect for students and professionals alike
  • Ideal for home practice with a focus on treble frequencies
  • Versatile use for both bass guitars and electric guitars, providing unique recording textures
  • Compact size for easy storage and transport

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Musicmaster Bass 2-Channel 12-Watt 1x12" Bass Combo
Finish Silverface
Year 1970 - 1980
Made In United States
Categories Bass Combo Amps
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Output Power (Watts) 12
Reverb None
Series Fender Vintage Silverface Amps
Speaker Configuration 1x12"

FAQs

What is the wattage of the Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier?

The Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier has an output power of 12 watts.

What type of speaker configuration does the Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier have?

The Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier features a 1x12" speaker configuration.

Is the Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier suitable for gigging with a band?

With its 12-watt output, the Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier is best suited for practice and small venues rather than large gigs.

Does the Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier include reverb?

No, the Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier does not include reverb.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier?

The Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier is known for its warm, vintage tube tone, ideal for classic bass sounds.

Is the Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier a tube amp?

Yes, the Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier uses tube electronics to produce its sound.

Classic Guitar Rock

Classic Guitar Rock

1976 Fender Musicmaster Bass Amp Review

Video thumbnail for 1976 Fender Musicmaster Bass Amp Review by Classic Guitar Rock

1976 Fender Musicmaster Bass Amp Review

Classic Guitar Rock

Classic Guitar Rock

Video thumbnail for FENDER MUSICMASTER BASS AMP DEMO! by realbeal

FENDER MUSICMASTER BASS AMP DEMO!

realbeal

realbeal

Video thumbnail for Fender Musicmaster Bass Amp Tone! by TomoFujitaMusic

Fender Musicmaster Bass Amp Tone!

TomoFujitaMusic

TomoFujitaMusic

Video thumbnail for Demo: 70's Fender Musicmaster Bass Amp + Speaker Swap with Warehouse Green Beret by MTJ Guitars

Demo: 70's Fender Musicmaster Bass Amp + Speaker Swap with Warehouse Green Beret

MTJ Guitars

MTJ Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Music Master Bass amp demo by jack's workshop

Fender Music Master Bass amp demo

jack's workshop

jack's workshop

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent for clean tones and pedal integration

  • Versatile: works well for bass, guitar, and even Rhodes

  • Loud for its 12W, thanks to the 12" speaker

  • Simple design with a focus on sound quality

  • Maintains clarity and brightness at low volumes

  • Unique presence and character from a minimal tube setup

CONS

  • Lacks built-in EQ settings

  • May not be loud enough for band settings without modifications

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier.

Features and functionality

  • Owners appreciate the amp's ability to provide a dynamic and edge-of-breakup tone without excessive volume, making it suitable for bedroom playing.

    Source
  • Uses a simple circuit similar to old Tweed amps, but includes a transformer for the phase inverter, contributing to its distinct sound.

    Source

User experience

  • The MusicMaster Bass Amp is praised for its clean headroom and surprising dynamism, even though it's a vintage model, which challenges the reputation of later Fender amps.

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  • Some find the amp's sound chunky, particularly with 6AQ5 power tubes, though this may be influenced by the speaker choice.

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Value and pricing

  • Current market pricing for the amp hovers around $500, with the potential to find deals below this due to fluctuating vintage gear markets.

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Use cases and applications

  • Though designed for bass, the amp has been noted for its sweet guitar tones and low wattage, offering versatility for different instruments and settings.

    Source
  • The amp is noted to take pedals well, enhancing its versatility for guitar players.

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  • While marketed for bass, it cancels out some low end, making it more suited for lo-fi guitar tones.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's recommended to replace the missing ground prong with a proper grounded cord and add an inline fuse for safety and reliability.

    Source
  • Discharging the capacitors before maintenance is crucial to avoid electrical hazards.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the original speaker with a Jensen and performing a tone stack mod significantly improves sound quality, especially for guitar use.

    Source
  • Installing an IEC cable is suggested for its thin profile, enhancing the amp's aesthetic and functionality.

    Source
  • Removing the "death cap" is advised for improved safety and performance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Often likened to a Fender Champ but with a bassier speaker, making it a unique choice for those seeking a distinct tone profile.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Blues Tools – Budget Vintage: The Fender Musicmaster Bass Amp – American Blues Scene

americanbluesscene.com

The Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier might be a misfit for bassists, but it’s a hidden gem for guitarists seeking vintage tube warmth on a budget. While its bass performance is limited, this 70s relic excels with guitars, delivering clean tones that transform into a gritty crunch when pushed. Its simplicity is its charm, featuring just volume and tone controls. Though some may prefer swapping out its stock speaker, the original still delivers satisfactory tones. At around $250, it's an affordable entry into vintage Fender sound, offering great value for musicians willing to explore its unique character.

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4.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

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See how Tomo Fujita uses Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier

Tomo Fujita

Guitarist

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

I have all these great amps… I have all these vintage Fenders, I have a Two-Rock… but I just love my old Fender Musicmaster bass amp for practice. Now, this is not the greatest amp sound in the world, but it’s very neutral tone-wise, and it’s nice and bright, so you can’t hide anything when you’re practising. I wish that in Berklee we had this amp in every room, because people would probably get 10 times better!

See how Karl Hyde uses Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier

Karl Hyde

Singer, Guitarist

Freur

...
Verified via Photo

In this image from Underworld's Instagram account, Karl has posted a photo that shows his MusicMaster bass amp on the left.

See how Laur Joamet uses Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier

Laur Joamet

...
Verified via Guitarplayer

"When we were playing somewhere in Mississippi, a sound engineer saw me using the Champ and told me about the Musicmaster Bass amp, which is also fairly small. It has 6V6 tubes and a 12" speaker. It’s 12 watts, with just volume and tone. They were meant to be practice amps for bass players. "

See how Matt Stubbs uses Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier

Matt Stubbs

Guitarist

GA‐20

...
Verified

Clearly pictured in this Instagram post.

See how Cyril Havermans uses Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier

Cyril Havermans

Singer, Guitarist

Focus

...
Verified via Discogs

On the back cover of Focus II you can see Cyril using two of these amps

Album Usage

The Fender MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier 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 MusicMaster Bass Combo Amplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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