looking at a bassman LTD. thoughts and knowledge about these?

I rebuilt my LTD to a point to point. Sonically not worth it at all. A lot of the changes Fender made over the years to that circuit are implemented and it’s gorgeous. Components are just fine.

Absolutely fun to rebuild it though? So much fun. Mines noisier now than before but I’ve also toured the hell out of it so it would have happened either way.

 

Define ‘best’. Just read an interesting article on this the other day.

If we define best from an engineering standpoint, the old tweed amps are horrible. The old Astrons that we’re in this amp back in the 50’s are not particularly fantastic. Modern Nichicons are a better engineered, more consistent product that stand up the circuit requirements just fine. They used better resistors in the modern amps.. Carbon comps tend to be noisier. But the CC resistors react a certain way that ‘better’ resistors don’t do. Using them in certain areas of the amp can make your amp ‘better’.... if ‘better’ is more vintage correct.

Gutting and re-wiring doesn’t drastically change the tone of the amp. Changing transformers might? Changing speakers and tubes will probably do more to alter the tone.

But, honestly, the caps and resistors used in the modern Bassman reissue amps are certainly within spec and of sturdy enough construction, as well as consistent enough, to make a great amp.

When I redid mine (out of necessity and enjoyment for wiring an amp), I used Mallory 150 caps and a mix of resistors, mostly metal film. Nothing crazy or stupid expensive. When I was done the amp sounded great! Maybe slightly different, but, a very subtle difference.

When I swapped out two of the Jensen’s for Eminence 1028’s it made a bigger difference.

Transformers are a whole ‘nuther can of worms. I’d love to try some Classictones or some Mercury Magnetics. But, the stock Schumacher are still working fine and sound great. I think the difference in tone will not be worth the expense or effort.

As a few others have mentioned, Fender has done a really, really good job with these amps!

 

Now that I've got mine built correctly (first draft worked but was wrong) it feels like it did before I gutted it but with slightly less headroom. I think you're absolutely right above. I put two Ragin Cajuns in mine and it made it feel massive and modern but blended with the Jensens.

 

Would advise a master volume however.

 

I have an 1991-92 one. I laquered it myself. It has served me well, but it is true that this amp is scary loud.

 

What’s awesome is that even the quiet level is “loud.” Its thick at any volume but never hyped feeling. A very natural thick tone.


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You are right nathanh, I played mine last night after having plugged my strat into a ´65 Deluxe, a ‘52 Gibson GA20, a VOX AC15 hw and a ‘58 Fender pro, all brilliant amps and the Bassman sounded more full than all of the others.