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* EDIT: Up-to-date information is available in Yek's Guide to the Fractal Audio Amplifier Models *
59 Bassguy: based on ’59 Fender Tweed Bassman (5F6-A circuit)
With the ’59 Fender Bassman we return to the Tweed era.
This particular model is the holy grail narrow panel Tweed model. This refers to the panels around the speaker grill which are narrower than earlier "wide panel" models which looked like old televisions.
Tweed-era amps are very collectible. In fact, this ’59 Tweed Bassman Amp is listed #4 on Vintage Guitar's list of the 25 most valuable guitar amps, just behind the Tweed Twin.
The Fender Bassman was originally intended to amplify Fender bass guitars, but soon was adopted as a guitar amplifier. It is known for its simple, pure and raw tone. The "grandfather of rock and roll", says Carl Verheyen. The 5F6-A Bassman is the final ‘50s Tweed Bassman, a landmark of amp design. The design was copied by Marshall within their JTM-45 amplifier.
Many famous players use(d) a Bassman. Among them: Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Brian Setzer.
The 5F6-A circuit puts out around 50 watts through two 6L6 tubes. It has a lot of bass. It starts to distort when increasing the volume (Input Drive), and makes a great (but loud!) blues and rock amp.
The original amp has two channels: Normal and Bright. In the Fractal Audio model the Bright channel is selected when the Bright switch is turned on (source). Of the models discussed so far, this is the first one to have the Bright switch turned on by default.
The original amp controls are: Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, Volume Bright and Volume Normal. No Master Volume either, so keep the Master control in the model dimed.
The Bassman provides two inputs per channel: High and Low. Fractal Audio models of Fender amps are always based on the input with the highest input level. To get the equivalent of using the lower input, set Input Trim to 0.500.
The early amp models had four Jensen 10” AlNiCo speakers (P10). Use the stock UltraRes 4x10 Bassguy cab: 032. This is a great cab. Try it with any Fender model which originally came with any number of 10" speakers.
Drive pedals: for some vintage fun, put the Face Fuzz before the amp. Or control the low end of the amp model by engaging a Treble Booster.
Here’s a review by Legendary Tones of the re-issue model: the Fender 59 Bassman LTD.
A selection of videos on YouTube:
59 Bassguy: based on ’59 Fender Tweed Bassman (5F6-A circuit)
With the ’59 Fender Bassman we return to the Tweed era.
Tweed is the early period of Fender amplification (late '40s - early 60s'), before the Blonde, Brownface, Blackface and Silverface models. "Tweed" is based on the cloth covering used at that time, as seen in the picture above. Tweed amplifiers typically break up earlier than later "cleaner" models and are known for their warm tone. More information.
This particular model is the holy grail narrow panel Tweed model. This refers to the panels around the speaker grill which are narrower than earlier "wide panel" models which looked like old televisions.
Tweed-era amps are very collectible. In fact, this ’59 Tweed Bassman Amp is listed #4 on Vintage Guitar's list of the 25 most valuable guitar amps, just behind the Tweed Twin.
The Fender Bassman was originally intended to amplify Fender bass guitars, but soon was adopted as a guitar amplifier. It is known for its simple, pure and raw tone. The "grandfather of rock and roll", says Carl Verheyen. The 5F6-A Bassman is the final ‘50s Tweed Bassman, a landmark of amp design. The design was copied by Marshall within their JTM-45 amplifier.
About the circuit numbers: in general the first number indicates the decennium (5 is ‘50s). The letter indicates the circuit revision, and the last number indicates the amp model (6 = Bassman).
Many famous players use(d) a Bassman. Among them: Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Brian Setzer.
The 5F6-A circuit puts out around 50 watts through two 6L6 tubes. It has a lot of bass. It starts to distort when increasing the volume (Input Drive), and makes a great (but loud!) blues and rock amp.
The original amp has two channels: Normal and Bright. In the Fractal Audio model the Bright channel is selected when the Bright switch is turned on (source). Of the models discussed so far, this is the first one to have the Bright switch turned on by default.
The original amp controls are: Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, Volume Bright and Volume Normal. No Master Volume either, so keep the Master control in the model dimed.
Note that the range of the controls on this amp is 1 to 12, while the model's controls range 0 to 10. Here's a translation table, created by forum member Barhrecords.
The Bassman provides two inputs per channel: High and Low. Fractal Audio models of Fender amps are always based on the input with the highest input level. To get the equivalent of using the lower input, set Input Trim to 0.500.
The early amp models had four Jensen 10” AlNiCo speakers (P10). Use the stock UltraRes 4x10 Bassguy cab: 032. This is a great cab. Try it with any Fender model which originally came with any number of 10" speakers.
A full collection of UltraRes Bassman 4x10” IRs from this amp can be purchased in Cab Pack 10, Universal Noise Storage Vol. 2: http://shop.fractalaudio.com/Cab_Pack_10_UNS_Vol_2_p/fas-801-0010.htm.
Drive pedals: for some vintage fun, put the Face Fuzz before the amp. Or control the low end of the amp model by engaging a Treble Booster.
Here’s a review by Legendary Tones of the re-issue model: the Fender 59 Bassman LTD.
A selection of videos on YouTube:
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