It is currently Tue Mar 17, 2020 3:09 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: What small amp has the characteristics of the Bassman?
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:57 am
Offline
Amateur
Amateur

Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2008 11:11 am
Posts: 190
I like the tone of the Bassman, but not its weight and size.
What smaller amp from the Fender arsenal can replicate that elastic gritty tone?


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: What small amp has the characteristics of the Bassman?
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 7:43 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2007 2:19 pm
Posts: 8827
Try a 5e3 Tweed Deluxe or any of its clones.

_________________
Life...... It's sexually transmitted and always fatal


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: What small amp has the characteristics of the Bassman?
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 10:17 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2012 4:25 pm
Posts: 10
The older US Made Blues Deluxe/Deville is not a tweed/Bassman circuit, but it was voiced like a Bassman. I have had three of these amps in the past and to my ears the original US made Blues series had a warmer tone than the new MIM RI's. They have a vintage vibe to them with a modern edge in my opinion.

The tweeds can get pricey, but you can find used MIA Blues amps for a little as $450 nowadays.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: What small amp has the characteristics of the Bassman?
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 7:06 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 13, 2008 11:49 am
Posts: 1153
Location: South Bay, CA
Which Bassman? 59 Tweed? Blackface?

The name has been used on many Fender amps, all of which sounds very different.

If you're looking for a smaller amp that can do the sound of a 59 tweed bassman, I'd submit it's not going to be in any of the Blues Deluxe/Deville, whether made in the US or MIM. Part of the sound is that cabinet and speaker baffle rattling/resonating to create the tone. Smaller cab with less speakers? You lose part of that 59 magic.

Depending on who you talk to, the 59 Reissue doesn't really get you their either unless you get the LTD or swap out tubes and speakers.

You didn't mention a budget, as that will have a bigger impact on your choices.

_________________
Image
'59? Bogen Challenger CHA-33, '65 Bandmaster, '65 Tremolux, 65 Showman;
'74 SF Princeton; '77 SF Princeton Reverb; Dr. Z Mini Z

Our band: http://www.facebook.com/thetoysband


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: What small amp has the characteristics of the Bassman?
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 11:32 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Mon Apr 05, 2010 2:37 pm
Posts: 8708
Location: Natural Bridge, Virginia
One can always buy this:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FBM1/

_________________
Bill

Image


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: What small amp has the characteristics of the Bassman?
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 3:53 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sat Jul 03, 2010 2:18 pm
Posts: 6544
" The tone of the Bassman "

Prolly the most sought after question, since... well Jim Marshall's first days in the guitar amp business. Unfortunately, the size & weight lends a lot to the tone. Esp the OPT & speakers used. It'll be hard to duplicate it with a smaller amp. Not that a smaller amp is bad. But, it'll have it's own unique tone.

Might be better to narrow down what specific things makes you like the Bassman. Like OD. Or harmonics. Or whatever. You may find an amp close to a specific tone. But, not the overall character of the entire amp.

IMHO.


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: