Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,850

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Fender Silverface Super Bassman takes vintage tone and power and elevates it for the modern stage. Crafted for the discerning bassist who demands versatility, this 300-watt all-tube bass amplifier head is a beast of sonic glory. With its retro-cool silverface aesthetic, the Super Bassman delivers both style and substance. Dive into its dual-channel design, where you can seamlessly switch between the clean, classic Fender sound and a more aggressive overdrive, ideal for cutting through the mix.

Packing six 6550 power tubes, it’s engineered to provide a robust, warm sound that can fill any venue. The built-in XLR line output, complete with a pre/post EQ switch, offers flexibility for live or studio settings, allowing you to tailor your sound with precision. The thoughtful inclusion of a master volume control with a push/pull mute function ensures that your performance is always at your command, whether you’re laying down a soft groove or roaring through a rock anthem.

Key Features:

  • 300-watt all-tube bass amplifier head
  • Six 6550 power tubes for powerful, warm tones
  • Two channels with switchable overdrive for versatile sound sculpting
  • XLR line output with pre/post EQ switch for live and studio use
  • Master volume control with push/pull mute function for convenient sound management

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Super Bassman 300-Watt Bass Amp Head
Year 2012 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Bass Heads
Color Family Black, Tan
Electronics Tube
Impedance 2 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Model Family Fender Bassman
Model Sub-Family Fender Super Bassman
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 300
Power Tube Type 6L6
Powered Unpowered
Reverb None
Series Fender Bassman Pro

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Fender Super Bassman Silverface amp?

The Fender Super Bassman delivers a powerful 300-watt output with a classic Fender bass sound, characterized by its rich, full tones and sparkling clarity, making it ideal for large venues and stage performances.

Is the Fender Super Bassman suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Fender Super Bassman is designed for stadium-level performances, offering 300 watts of tube-driven power that can handle large venues and provide ample volume and presence on stage.

How many channels does the Fender Super Bassman have?

The Fender Super Bassman features two channels, allowing for versatile tonal options and easy switching between different sound settings during performances.

What type of power tubes does the Fender Super Bassman use?

The Fender Super Bassman uses 6L6 power tubes, which contribute to its robust and dynamic sound, providing both warmth and clarity suitable for various musical styles.

Can the Fender Super Bassman handle different speaker impedances?

Yes, the Fender Super Bassman is compatible with 2, 4, and 8-ohm speaker impedances, offering flexibility in pairing with different speaker cabinets.

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Traynor YBA300 vs Fender Super Bassman

Video thumbnail for Traynor YBA300 vs Fender Super Bassman by jo choui

Traynor YBA300 vs Fender Super Bassman

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Video thumbnail for Fender Super Bassman Samples by jo choui

Fender Super Bassman Samples

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Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile with bone-crunching lows and shattering highs

  • Superior tone quality, enhancing live and recorded music

  • Accurate transient response with excellent headroom

  • Tube drive offers a wide sound range with a 3-band EQ

  • Variable overdrive from mild to heavy distortion

  • Multiple output options for various gigs

  • Loud, powerful output suitable for large venues

CONS

  • Lacks the compressed sound of high-watt non-tube heads

  • Less portable compared to modern amp heads

  • Significantly heavier than many competitors

  • High purchase price

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • Unlike the Bassman 50, the Bassman 100 breaks up less easily, making it ideal for those who prioritize clean tones.

    Source
  • The '59 Bassman was the blueprint for Marshall's JTM45 and Plexi, maintaining a warm, midrange-rich tone ideal for Delta blues and roots rock.

    Source
  • Bassman 135 offers significantly less gain than Marshall models like JCM800, lacking the fizziness or saturation when cranked.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners report challenges with the weight of Blackface and Silverface models, impacting portability for gigs.

    Source
  • Owners find the Blackface Bassman excels with pedals and retains value well, though its ideal volume can be uncomfortably loud for extended use.

    Source
  • Silverface Bassmans are noted for being reliable gigging amps if regularly serviced, although older models may require frequent maintenance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The '59 Tweed Bassman is noted for its early top-end roll-off and ease of overdrive, contrasting the clean headroom of Blackface and Silverface models.

    Source
  • The Bassman 135's ultralinear design tends to produce a colder, stiffer sound compared to other similar designs, like those from Sunn.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Blackface Bassman circuit, especially the AB165, became iconic for its dirty tone, making it a staple for grunge, as used by Kurt Cobain and Pearl Jam.

    Source
  • The Bassman 100 excels as a clean pedal platform, providing ample headroom for effects without unwanted breakup.

    Source
  • The amp's high headroom makes it an excellent platform for pedals, suitable for achieving varied tones when used with effects.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Builders suggest using Mojotone kits for '59 Bassman replicas, emphasizing tight chassis fit and careful checking of resistor and capacitor values to avoid shorts.

    Source
  • Owners recommend using a high-quality attenuator to manage volume levels effectively during gigs.

    Source

Build quality

  • The original 4x12 cabinet with pyramid baffle is poorly regarded; many prefer using alternative cabinets like a Laney 4x12 for better sound.

    Source
  • The placement of transformers causes imbalance when carrying, which is notably problematic in the larger 135W models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • €1250 is considered high for a Bassman 100, with US prices typically around $600-$800.

    Source
  • Despite being less desirable than older Bassman models, a mint condition unit can still fetch $700-$800 or more if held for future value.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend servicing stock models to replace aging components, ensuring reliability and performance.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jean F. uses Fender Super Bassman - Amp (Silverface)

Jean F.

Singer, Guitarist

SLIFT

...
Verified via YouTube

At 6:11 in the video a Silverface Super Bassman is visible behind Jean.

See how Rick Danko uses Fender Super Bassman - Amp (Silverface)

Rick Danko

Singer, Bassist

The Band

...
Verified via YouTube

At minute 2:20 you can see Rick Danko playing his Fender Jazz bass through a fender bassman amp. The cabinet is behind him and the head (fender super bassman silverface) is placed behind the drums. He used that amp during Pink House sessions in Woodstock

See how Ian Farmer uses Fender Super Bassman - Amp (Silverface)

Ian Farmer

Bassist, Music Producer

Modern Baseball

...
Verified via ianfarmer

Ian Farmer sites the Fender Silverface Super Bassman on his official website.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Super Bassman - Amp (Silverface), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Shure KSM27
Shure KSM27 Condenser Microphones
1
Focal CMS 65
Focal CMS 65 Active & Passive Monitors
1
True Systems Precision 8
True Systems Precision 8 Preamps & Channel Strips
1
Daguet SG
Daguet SG Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Ampeg Jet J-12-D
Ampeg Jet J-12-D Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
Ampeg V4 4x12 Cabinet
Ampeg V4 4x12 Cabinet Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
1
Shure KSM44
Shure KSM44 Condenser Microphones
1
Boss DM-2W Delay Waza Craft
Boss DM-2W Delay Waza Craft Delay Effects Pedals
1

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