68 Fender Bassman value?

Axis29 · January 9th, 2007, 07:51 PM

I was in my local GC the other day and saw what was labelled as a 1968 Fender Bassman Head unit and 4x12 Fender Cabinet. They were bit beat up and dusty looking, but I kinda dug 'em.

They had 899 as the price. I didn't have time to try it out, but if it worked okay, is that a decent price?

Is there anything I should look ofr on this thing?

Thanks guys,

John F.

Brick · January 9th, 2007, 10:10 PM

It wasn't that long ago you could pick these amps up for $250 or $300. Not having seen or heard the cab, it is hard to say, but if it is a bit ratty, and needs a cap job and new tubes, I'd pass, or maybe try to do a deal for just the head. If it was a matching cab from 68, maybe I'd go for it.

A silverface Bassman made healthy can be a great sounding amp.

I've never seen a good deal at any GC on any vintage Fender stuff.

I'd either shop for a private party amp with enough budgeted for an overhaul, or a reputable dealer like Guitar Showcase in San Jose, Ca who has a tech go through everything before it hits the floor. Top dollar for sure, but good to go for a decade or so.

4mal · January 10th, 2007, 02:47 AM

I sold a 66 head, recapped and re-tubed at $600 last fall. Frankly I was amazed that someone would pay that for a Bassman head. Even a BF.

Awkirk · January 10th, 2007, 03:38 AM

i was really dying for a bassman head for a little while back, but GC has them way too overpriced i think, they wanted something like 750 for just the head! Check gbase to see what the going rates are, Id say 450 for a clean one sounds good. Silverfaces are nice, they have more headroom than the blackfaces-something i like, and are cheaper!

Axis29 · January 10th, 2007, 07:09 AM

Great info. I think I'm gonna not even plug into it... Might fall in love with the sound too much!

January 9th, 2007, 07:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
Axis29 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Virginia, USA Age: 40 Posts: 1,052 1 Photos	68 Fender Bassman value? I was in my local GC the other day and saw what was labelled as a 1968 Fender Bassman Head unit and 4x12 Fender Cabinet. They were bit beat up and dusty looking, but I kinda dug 'em. They had 899 as the price. I didn't have time to try it out, but if it worked okay, is that a decent price? Is there anything I should look ofr on this thing? Thanks guys, John F.

January 9th, 2007, 10:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
Brick Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Jose Age: 57 Posts: 781	Yikes It wasn't that long ago you could pick these amps up for $250 or $300. Not having seen or heard the cab, it is hard to say, but if it is a bit ratty, and needs a cap job and new tubes, I'd pass, or maybe try to do a deal for just the head. If it was a matching cab from 68, maybe I'd go for it. A silverface Bassman made healthy can be a great sounding amp. I've never seen a good deal at any GC on any vintage Fender stuff. I'd either shop for a private party amp with enough budgeted for an overhaul, or a reputable dealer like Guitar Showcase in San Jose, Ca who has a tech go through everything before it hits the floor. Top dollar for sure, but good to go for a decade or so.

January 10th, 2007, 03:38 AM	#4 (permalink)
Awkirk TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 14	i was really dying for a bassman head for a little while back, but GC has them way too overpriced i think, they wanted something like 750 for just the head! Check gbase to see what the going rates are, Id say 450 for a clean one sounds good. Silverfaces are nice, they have more headroom than the blackfaces-something i like, and are cheaper! __________________ -A.W.

January 10th, 2007, 07:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
Axis29 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Virginia, USA Age: 40 Posts: 1,052 1 Photos	Thanks Everyone Great info. I think I'm gonna not even plug into it... Might fall in love with the sound too much! __________________ John F. TDPRI # 1764

January 10th, 2007, 02:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
4mal Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: The Gorge Posts: 2,043	I sold a 66 head, recapped and re-tubed at $600 last fall. Frankly I was amazed that someone would pay that for a Bassman head. Even a BF.