The sound of a Fender Bassman 59 reissue from a smaller amp?

**christianm77** · 05-09-2015, 04:33 AM

Hi everyone,

In a thrilling sequel to the 'what amp shall I buy?'

I found a shop with some nice second hand Fender amps - I tried a few and the one that stood out was the Fender Bassman 59 reissue, within my price range, and a great clear sound that was both warm, dark and tubey but also clear and transparent enough to reproduce drop 2 chords on the bottom strings without a hint of mud (I suppose it IS a bass amp :-)).

The guitar I brought can have an element of nasality through some amps - I tried it through a modern Twin and it didn't make a great match. But it sounded great through the Bassman. I think this may have something to do with how the amp is voiced? (If I am using the right terminology.)

Just fell in love with it. It's my sound!

What stopped me from snapping it up right away is the realisation that:
a) I live in a top floor flat.
b) The 'get in' for many London venues is a bit tricky, especially as central London parking is always a pain.
c) I also have to play on many stages sightly smaller than a postage stamp.
d) I live in a small flat. If I buy something big, other things have to go (not necessarily a deal breaker)

So, a 25kg amp might get less use than I would like. Something 15kg ish could be a lot more practical and get much more use even if the sound isn't quite so good.

So, you knowledgable types - is there an amp that has the Bassman sound (ish) but in a smaller package, or is it possible to cunningly mod a smaller amp to give a more transparent, yet warm sound?

PS: I tried the Koch Studiotone - nice amp, but not on a par with the Bassman (for my needs) also just as heavy. I'm still keen to try out the smaller Koch (ahem), but like I say can't find a dealer in London...

Bear in mind I want something that has a valvey, bluesy dimension too, otherwise I'd just get a Henricksen...

Next time - how do I get the moon on a stick?

**christianm77** · 05-09-2015, 04:55 AM

Translations to US English
Valve = Tube
Flat = Apartment... :-)

**Stuart Elliott** · 05-09-2015, 05:50 AM

For more, see this site. There are similar listings.

A wag once said that the UK and the US are two countries separated by a common tongue.

**rpguitar** · 05-09-2015, 07:37 AM

"great clear sound that was both warm, dark and tubey but also clear and transparent"

It comes from the 4x10" speaker arrangement... Kinda hard to reproduce that exact thing in a smaller box. I have an early nineties Fender Super Amp which does it too, but it never moves from its spot against the wall due to its weight. Sorry to not have any suggestions...

**NSJ** · 05-09-2015, 08:19 AM

Thanks for reminding me that I have a Fender Basman 59 profile on my Kemper.

**Alder Statesman** · 05-09-2015, 08:53 AM

Mustang IV V2. For smaller, Mustang III V 2.

**iowa** · 05-09-2015, 10:49 AM

The now discontinued Pignose GV40 has been called a baby bassman. Take a listen to some of the you tube Cali's available and see if it is the sound you are after.

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 05-09-2015, 11:04 AM

Since you're in the UK you owe it to yourself to try the Mambo Amp: Mambo Amp

It's nothing like a Bassman, but it fits your other requirements and you might like its own sound.

**Duotone** · 05-09-2015, 12:34 PM

Very limited (no eq, only 5 watts) but supposed to be based on a Bassman: the Mooer Little Monster BM.

Tiny as can be and might be loud enough for your small venues.

I own the Little Monster AC, which delivers nice Vox sounds.

**David B** · 05-09-2015, 01:56 PM

Hi Christian,
One approach may be to take a lightweight, neutral-sounding amplifier and run a "Bassman-in-a-box" type pedal into it. There are a few on the market - Tech 21 Blonde, Catalinbread Formula No.5, Wampler Tweed '57.

**medblues** · 05-09-2015, 02:39 PM

Bassman 59 RI and Hot Rod Deluxe (George Benson version is only 18.5 kg) are both based on the Fender 5F6-A circuit and use 6L6 power tubes. You might be able to get similar tones from HRDx George Benson if you have access to one.

**marcwhy** · 05-09-2015, 03:03 PM

One of these (you can get it enclosed!) with a 1x12 or 1x10 cab.

frenzeltubeamps.com - Mini Bassman

**christianm77** · 05-09-2015, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by rpguitar

"great clear sound that was both warm, dark and tubey but also clear and transparent"

It comes from the 4x10" speaker arrangement... Kinda hard to reproduce that exact thing in a smaller box. I have an early nineties Fender Super Amp which does it too, but it never moves from its spot against the wall due to its weight. Sorry to not have any suggestions...

Darn! I suspected as much...

Oh well the bass will get lost in a band context probably anyway. On to the Princeton Reverb 65 on Monday... That's a pretty popular amp in London, lots of good players using that one....

**christianm77** · 05-09-2015, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by medblues

Bassman 59 RI and Hot Rod Deluxe (George Benson version is only 18.5 kg) are both based on the Fender 5F6-A circuit and use 6L6 power tubes. You might be able to get similar tones from HRDx George Benson if you have access to one.

I'll try the GB amp too.

**christianm77** · 05-09-2015, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by David B

Hi Christian,
One approach may be to take a lightweight, neutral-sounding amplifier and run a "Bassman-in-a-box" type pedal into it. There are a few on the market - Tech 21 Blonde, Catalinbread Formula No.5, Wampler Tweed '57.

It occurred to me. I rate the Tech 21 stuff... Practical for touring too. The BluGuitar Amp1 looks interesting for similar reasons.

I think my Alpha gets a bit mid-heavy when I push it too loud (it's still fine for most jazz gigs) and I think I do want something with more headroom. I suppose I could get a PA speaker and a SansAmp if it sounds good....

Or a Henricksen and a SansAmp? I do really like Henriksens for jazz, but I do kind of want the tube vibe on the embarrassing occasions when I whip my Strat out... Hmmmmm

**christianm77** · 05-09-2015, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by BigDaddyLoveHandles

Since you're in the UK you owe it to yourself to try the Mambo Amp: Mambo Amp

It's nothing like a Bassman, but it fits your other requirements and you might like its own sound.

Haha, oh god, the Mambo Amp. :-) Seriously I had a friend (who I think wanted a free one) extolling it's virtues at me. Incidentally, he now plays a Henriksen, which sounds great.

TBH if I wasn't an acoustic player as well, and didn't have an AER already, the Mambo amp would be of interest. I think I'm keen to get something rather different....

Speaking of the AER.... People expect you to have an spare input these days - anyone noticed? :-)

**Encinitastubes** · 05-10-2015, 12:46 AM

I always found the '59 Bassman RI to be relatively light; certainly there are smaller amps that are heavier. You can do cool things to lower the volume; like jumpering the channels. I would stick to the sound you like. If your state is too small, sit on it.

**christianm77** · 05-10-2015, 04:29 AM

Originally Posted by Encinitastubes

I always found the '59 Bassman RI to be relatively light; certainly there are smaller amps that are heavier. You can do cool things to lower the volume; like jumpering the channels. I would stick to the sound you like. If your state is too small, sit on it.

Well yes it's lighter than a twin.

**boatheelmusic** · 05-10-2015, 05:51 AM

Originally Posted by medblues

Bassman 59 RI and Hot Rod Deluxe (George Benson version is only 18.5 kg) are both based on the Fender 5F6-A circuit and use 6L6 power tubes. You might be able to get similar tones from HRDx George Benson if you have access to one.

Not just the GB model, the standard is the same circuit.

**christianm77** · 05-10-2015, 07:05 AM

Originally Posted by boatheelmusic

Not just the GB model, the standard is the same circuit.

I understand the GB amp is tweaked to deliver more clean headroom, though?

**boatheelmusic** · 05-10-2015, 07:42 AM

All they did was to replace the first tube from a 12ax7 to a lower gain 12at7, creating more apparent headroom.

they also changed the speaker.

Preowned HRDs are quite reasonable!

**medblues** · 05-10-2015, 09:40 AM

GB also has a 2 pounds lighter pine cabinet. You can increase headroom and decrease weight further if you can get a lighter and louder neodymium speaker

**christianm77** · 05-10-2015, 09:00 PM

Worth knowing - thanks... 2lbs isn't a massive issue if I can mod myself a HRD

**boatheelmusic** · 05-10-2015, 09:16 PM

Check other HRD threads here for easy and useful mods.

I put a 12au7 in the v1 position and a 12at7 in the v3, as well as an Eminence Cannabis Rex speaker in.

Sounds wonderful with my ES175, at much less cost than a new GB.

A used HRD in great shape can be found easily for $400, check Craigslist.

**monkmiles** · 05-10-2015, 11:05 PM

Originally Posted by marcwhy

One of these (you can get it enclosed!) with a 1x12 or 1x10 cab.

frenzeltubeamps.com - Mini Bassman

I suggest a Frenzel too if you can find one. Not only ghat bassman model, but otherwise the high wattage version of their fm5e3 model is more like a baseman than a 5e3 contrary to what you'd probably think. The heads are very portable for tube heads. I carry mine in a carrying bag over my should without difficulty as its about 15lbs. Then match it up with appropriate cabs.