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Post subject: Fender Bassman 5B6 - last ever made??
Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 8:37 am
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Hi there,

Just wanted some friendly advice from people in the know, and this seemed the perfect place to come! I recently stumbled upon an amazing deal for a '53 Fender Bassman, so I jumped at the chance to get it as it's my absolute favourite tone for bass, and I was in need of a bass amp at the time anyway!

When I got it home I discovered not only were all the parts original, but that it was owned by Herb Mickman (Sarah Vaughan's bassist), and also that the serial number is #0599 - am I right in thinking then that this was the last original 5b6 ever made?? I've read that only numbers 1-599 were made of the original 5b6s, and then 600-670 were made with the left over serial numbers/parts to make additional amps. (This seems unclear - does anyone know definitively?)

If so, how much do you think this amp is worth?? I'm absolutely in love with the sounds it makes, but I'm also kinda in need of funds for my band, so if having the last ever 5b6 made could earn me enough to get a different bassman and some money for the band, do you think it's worth looking into?

Thanks very much :)


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Post subject: Re: Fender Bassman 5B6 - last ever made??
Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 10:18 am
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When it comes to Vintage Tweed amps...condition is everything. Now having possibly the last 5B6 will certainly give it some cache, but pics are needed to start estimating prices.

T2

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Post subject: Re: Fender Bassman 5B6 - last ever made??
Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 10:58 am
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bassman5b6 wrote:
Hi there, Just wanted some friendly advice from people in the know, and this seemed the perfect place to come! I recently stumbled upon an amazing deal for a '53 Fender Bassman, so I jumped at the chance to get it as it's my absolute favourite tone for bass, and I was in need of a bass amp at the time anyway! When I got it home I discovered not only were all the parts original, but that it was owned by Herb Mickman (Sarah Vaughan's bassist), and also that the serial number is #0599 - am I right in thinking then that this was the last original 5b6 ever made?? I've read that only numbers 1-599 were made of the original 5b6s, and then 600-670 were made with the left over serial numbers/parts to make additional amps. (This seems unclear - does anyone know definitively?) If so, how much do you think this amp is worth?? I'm absolutely in love with the sounds it makes, but I'm also kinda in need of funds for my band, so if having the last ever 5b6 made could earn me enough to get a different bassman and some money for the band, do you think it's worth looking into? Thanks very much :)


Hi, Bassman 5B6. Welcome! Contraulations!!!
Pictures, please :)


Yes. Fender kept making the 1953 5B6 1x15 Bassmans until approximately April/May 1954
Fender used serial numbers up to approximately 650+ (no furthur than 670, if that far).
IMHO, your amp is approx 12/1953-1/1954.

I did a study on this subject. Fender went into redesign and did not ship any Bassmans
for six months until Novemer 1954 with their first series of 1954 5D6 4x10 Bassmans.
Fender continued with the serial numbers starting at 700-783 during November 1954.
During December 1954, Fender knew they would ship the 5D6 for the 1954/1955
Christmans/New Years/Tradeshow seasons. Fender made some type of modification and
started a SN# chain for the December 5D6 4x10 Bassmans, using 0001-0089 serial numbers.
Starting in 1955, Fender finalized any & all 5D6 changes to become 5D6-A and 5E6.
During early January 1955, Fender using 0100+ serial numbers starting with the 5D6A.

This year, I almost purchased two 5B6 Bassmans, one in decent conditon for $2000
and another for $1600(+). I've a friend who bought one recently for $2000.
He uses the 5B6 as his blues playing club amp.

But, they are hard to find. You will see listings for $5000(+). Having provance
of being owned by Herb Mickman (Sarah Vaughan's bassist) is an added bonus.
But, typically the 1x15 5B6 Bassman's just sit there at that price.
If totally 100% original as you state, then you have a rare jewel.
But, good to get it certified by a pro, because what my look original may not be original.
Let's hope it is the case = ORIGNAL & PLAYING GREAT!!!


Because of the sixty year old age of the 5B6's, and extreme poor condition of most existing
examples, the 5B6 Bassmans tend NOT TO BE player's amps, but more collectors' amps.

ORIGINALITY:
Not necessarily your amp, but in general, most owneres of 1953 5B6 Bassmans
will have to check out their amps to see what parts are original and ARE NOT original.
Many have been re-tweeded, years ago
Many have had the grill replaced, years ago
Many have extreme amounts of rust & corrosion
Many do not have numbers and text remaining on the faceplate
Many do not have their "chicken head" knobs, handle or chrome nail-in feet
Many do not have the original speaker, tubes, capacitors, speaker wiring, etc.

EXTREME IMPORTANTANCE : Many 5B6 Bassmans do not have their original
transformers ~ which is absolutely the most important item(s)
to retain the Bassman's value & tone & sound.

Get us some pictures to help you review and identify parts and originality.
My guess is that if in great condition with most all original parts/components
except for tubes/capacitors/resistors, minor tweed wear, original speaker,
easy to read tube chart or identifying Fender info. All working and sounding great.
Your amp will be maybe a $5000(+) value.

You stated all is original, but is all in good shape??
If the wood is in good shape, the tweed is there but very worn, BOTH transformers
are original and working, and most else is worn or replaced or upgraded or not original;
but the amp plays and has good tone, IMHO you have a $2000+++ amp with the
added "Sarah Vaughn/Herb Mickman" value. But, yours is all original. Have fun :lol:

How it gets from $2000 to $5000(+) is buyer desire, more original parts, nice looking grill,
faceplate lettering quality, tweed level of wear, amount of original tubes/capacitors/resistors, etc etc etc
Yours seems original as you stated, so condition and provance are the last issues to consider.

Congratulations! OK. Hope this helps.
Toppscore 8)

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Post subject: Re: Fender Bassman 5B6 - last ever made??
Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 1:06 pm
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Here are some photos... It's the best condition I've seen for a Bassman from '53 myself, but I don't know what you guys think?

http://bassman5b6.imgur.com/all/#

I have the original handle, but it's broken in the middle and so fragile that I replaced it so I can still move the amp easily, but I've kept it safely and it can be put back on. Apart from some new caps on the amp, and wheels that have been attached, and a couple of screws missing from the back panel, it's ALL original, according to the amp tech on Denmark Street :) Herb Mickman even wrote his name and phone number inside the cab!

Thanks for the replies, and hope the pictures are of interest :)


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Post subject: Re: Fender Bassman 5B6 - last ever made??
Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 1:22 pm
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bassman5b6 wrote:
Here are some photos... It's the best condition I've seen for a Bassman from '53 myself, but I don't know what you guys think?

http://bassman5b6.imgur.com/all/#

I have the original handle, but it's broken in the middle and so fragile that I replaced it so I can still move the amp easily, but I've kept it safely and it can be put back on. Apart from some new caps on the amp, and wheels that have been attached, and a couple of screws missing from the back panel, it's ALL original, according to the amp tech on Denmark Street :) Herb Mickman even wrote his name and phone number inside the cab!

Thanks for the replies, and hope the pictures are of interest :)


Awesome pictures :!: Great. Been certified and reviewed by a pro :!:
The signature is there. Only drilled holes for caster wheels.
Go for the $10,000 value :shock: Maybe a $7,000 amp :D

Really, who cares. It is worth $0 to $10,000 when not for sale.
What did you pay for the amp and the tune-up/check-over?
Keep it for your kids. Play it, or are you going to keep it home
and not gig it?

Look forward to knowing your purchase price. Toppscore :)

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Post subject: Re: Fender Bassman 5B6 - last ever made??
Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 4:30 pm
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Don't make to much of 599 as there are plenty
in the 600s up to 650. We know Fender they made these
past March 1954, so that is why the guess to 670.

I have a friend in Texas who purchased a 5B6 this year.
It is not quite in the condition of yours. He plays blues
in the state of Texas clubs. Great guy. Tell him
Toppscore with the 1954 5D6 Bassman referred you.

Also, he'll share things he did and ideas to think
about regarding "gigging" your 5B6.

I will PM to you his contact info. Toppscore 8)

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Post subject: Re: Fender Bassman 5B6 - last ever made??
Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 5:12 pm
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That's so kind of you for being so helpful! That'd be really great thank you :)


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Post subject: Re: Fender Bassman 5B6 - last ever made??
Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 8:15 pm
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bassman5b6 wrote:
Here are some photos... It's the best condition I've seen for a Bassman from '53 myself, but I don't know what you guys think?

http://bassman5b6.imgur.com/all/#

I have the original handle, but it's broken in the middle and so fragile that I replaced it so I can still move the amp easily, but I've kept it safely and it can be put back on. Apart from some new caps on the amp, and wheels that have been attached, and a couple of screws missing from the back panel, it's ALL original, according to the amp tech on Denmark Street :) Herb Mickman even wrote his name and phone number inside the cab!

Thanks for the replies, and hope the pictures are of interest :)


5b6...Not the cleanest I have ever seen, but dang close. Sweet find, and certainly a part of Fender history regardless of the serial number and date. It's not like there are hundreds of these still around in that condition. Enjoy it, one suggestion though, I would remove the Jensen for future restoration/sale. Here is the speaker I would replace it with.

http://www.kendrick-amplifiers.com/mm5/ ... ry_Code=12

FWIW

T2

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Post subject: Re: Fender Bassman 5B6 - last ever made??
Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2012 11:19 pm
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Thanks so much for the advice! I shall be gigging the amp a lot, so that's a very good idea, thank you :)


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