ETMusic777
TDPRI Member
So I saw this vintage Bassman head at GCs used section last week, listed as a 65 for $895. I've been looking for a blackface Bassman for under $1000 but they are nowhere to be found online these days. Even local Craigslist in LA, they start listing at least $1200-1500. So I ordered it knowing that I can return it easily to a GC store, and usually I can talk them in to refunding shipping costs (about $35) which will be a net result of 0 spent.
Positives of this amp: Sounds very good and has that raunchy Bassman drive and tone. Its Pretty quiet with no hiss. The Normal channel starts to break up at 6 and goes heavy metal by 10. The Bass channel has a bit less gain. I am running it through a Fryette Attenuator/reamp. Its been recapped and has the 3 prong cord. There is a sticker inside of it dated May 6 from a tech where he lists it as AA864, which are pretty rare.
The Chasis dates to 1964 and the internal chassis stamp and pots are all 1964. The Back panel is a 1964 "Fender Electric Instruments", but the front panel is post CBS "Fender Musical Instruments", so I am guessing that this is a very early Jan or Feb. 1965 model. Unfortunately the tube chart is mostly torn off and stamp is gone. Its pretty cool/unique that the back panel is Pre-CBS and Front Panel is Post-CBS.
Negatives: OT is a replacement. For whatever reason its a 2 Ohm tweed Bassman replacement. Pretty rusty through out the chassis. I do not like that and would give it a go with some naval jelly or polish if I am going to keep it. Handle is chewed up and the grill is a bit stained.
This is a players amp, not a garage queen. Any thoughts on whether I should keep this or return it? I dont think Ill find too many BF Bassman heads sub $1000 that have had the cap work done to them going forward. However I do not ever to expect to sell this for more than what I paid, due to the cosmetics and replacement OT. Photos attached along with technicians note.
Edit: Just played it for awhile tonight. Its a tone machine and is a keeper. Best sounding distorted amp I've ever played and very responsive. If you dont have one find one, they are that good.
Positives of this amp: Sounds very good and has that raunchy Bassman drive and tone. Its Pretty quiet with no hiss. The Normal channel starts to break up at 6 and goes heavy metal by 10. The Bass channel has a bit less gain. I am running it through a Fryette Attenuator/reamp. Its been recapped and has the 3 prong cord. There is a sticker inside of it dated May 6 from a tech where he lists it as AA864, which are pretty rare.
The Chasis dates to 1964 and the internal chassis stamp and pots are all 1964. The Back panel is a 1964 "Fender Electric Instruments", but the front panel is post CBS "Fender Musical Instruments", so I am guessing that this is a very early Jan or Feb. 1965 model. Unfortunately the tube chart is mostly torn off and stamp is gone. Its pretty cool/unique that the back panel is Pre-CBS and Front Panel is Post-CBS.
Negatives: OT is a replacement. For whatever reason its a 2 Ohm tweed Bassman replacement. Pretty rusty through out the chassis. I do not like that and would give it a go with some naval jelly or polish if I am going to keep it. Handle is chewed up and the grill is a bit stained.
This is a players amp, not a garage queen. Any thoughts on whether I should keep this or return it? I dont think Ill find too many BF Bassman heads sub $1000 that have had the cap work done to them going forward. However I do not ever to expect to sell this for more than what I paid, due to the cosmetics and replacement OT. Photos attached along with technicians note.
Edit: Just played it for awhile tonight. Its a tone machine and is a keeper. Best sounding distorted amp I've ever played and very responsive. If you dont have one find one, they are that good.
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