Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster

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$382.10 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (4)

Newer option

Traynor YBA-1A Bass Master Mark II

$550.00

5.0 (1)

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3 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (11)

$382.10 8 available Used

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Average Price: $382

Standard/Professional

$200

$801+

Price Tier

In the Bass Amplifier Heads category, Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Step back in time and experience the vintage charm of the Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster, a classic piece of music gear that has remained a favorite among bassists since its debut. Known for its robust build and powerful tone, the YBA-1 offers a nostalgic yet versatile sound that can adapt to various music styles. This all-tube bass amplifier head is celebrated for its simple, user-friendly design, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned musicians and those new to the world of tube amplification.

Rooted in the golden era of amplification, the Traynor YBA-1 incorporates a pure tube-driven preamp and power section, delivering a rich and warm tone that many modern amplifiers strive to emulate. Its straightforward control panel features essential knobs for volume, bass, treble, and presence, allowing you to easily dial in your desired sound. The durable construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of both studio and live environments, maintaining its reliability gig after gig.

Perfect for those looking to capture the essence of classic rock, blues, or jazz, the Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster is more than just an amplifier head; it's a gateway to authentic, timeless sound.

Key Features:

All-tube preamp and power amp design
Straightforward control panel with volume, bass, treble, and presence knobs
Classic vintage tone, suitable for various music styles
Renowned for its durability and reliability
Ideal for both studio use and live performances

Product specs

Brand	Traynor
Model	YBA-1 Bass Master 40-Watt Guitar / Bass Amp Head
Finish	Black
Year	1960s
Categories	Guitar Heads
Color Family	Black
Electronics	Tube
Impedance	8 ohms
Number of Channels	2 Channels
Number of Inputs	4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts)	40
Power Tube Type	6CA7
Reverb	None

FAQs

What kind of tubes does the Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster use?: The Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster uses 6CA7 power tubes, which are known for their robust tone and reliability in delivering classic tube amplifier sound.
Is the Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster suitable for both guitar and bass?: Yes, the Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster is versatile and can be used for both guitar and bass, offering a rich, vintage tone that appeals to players of both instruments.
How many channels does the Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster have?: The Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster features two channels, allowing for a range of tonal options and flexibility in sound shaping.
Does the Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster include reverb?: No, the Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster does not include a built-in reverb feature, focusing instead on delivering pure tube-driven sound.
What is the output power of the Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster?: The Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster has an output power of 40 watts, making it suitable for small to medium-sized venues and studio use.
What is the impedance of the Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster?: The Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster has an impedance of 8 ohms, which should be considered when matching it with compatible speakers or cabinets.

Videos

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Mark Mitchell

Traynor YBA-1 Bass Master Amp Demo

Mark Mitchell

Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster Gets a Master Volume

Psionic Audio

1971 Traynor YBA-1 Bass Master Demo

Rolling Tones

‘66 Traynor Bass Master YBA-1

Rock Tone Revelry

Modified 1968 Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster Head

Harsh Tones, Inc.

Reviews

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PROS

Built like a tank; extremely durable and reliable over decades
Sweet clean tones; better than some well-known competitors
Versatile: great for both bass and guitar with an EQ pedal
Provides creamy 80's-style distortion with a master volume or attenuator
Loud enough for full band performances at low volume settings
Lighter than expected for its size, easy to transport
Exceptional pedal compatibility; works well as a pedal platform
Unique character with high touch sensitivity
Underpriced vintage gem; offers great value for money
Solid construction; well-suited for road tours

CONS

Inherently loud; requires a master volume or attenuator to manage volume
40+ years old, may require servicing and updates like a 3-prong cord

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Traynor YBA-1 Bassmaster.

Build quality

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Eyelet boards in the YBA-1 can be problematic, with reports of eyelets coming loose from the board.
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Mods and upgrades

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Adding adjustable bias and a London Power power scaling circuit can effectively manage the amp's excessive volume for better power amp saturation.
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Adding a choke is recommended to address noise, but drilling the chassis is necessary, which some users may want to avoid.
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Features and functionality

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The YBA-1's pop-top design and smaller output transformer are distinguishing features that appeal to some owners for specific tonal qualities.
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The built-in fan can add noise; placing it on a separate switch allows for quieter operation during moderate volume recording sessions.
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Value and pricing

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Once considered budget-friendly, the YBA-1's recognition for quality and craftsmanship has driven up its market value.
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User experience

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Owners note that the YBA-1 delivers a loud, punchy sound, often requiring an attenuator for more manageable volume levels in smaller settings.
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The amp's transformer hums immediately upon power-up, a design quirk noticed by some owners.
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Comparisons

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While often compared to a JTM45/Bassman, later versions of the YBA-1 have distinct design differences, impacting their sound character.
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After 80% of Marshall mods, the amp resembles a 1987 Plexi with a master volume, offering a desirable tonal characteristic for some users.
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Setup and maintenance

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A revised grounding scheme, consolidating 20 ground points into a unified ground bus, significantly reduces noise issues but doesn't completely eliminate a persistent 100Hz hum.
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