Fender Bassman 6G6-A Model Tube Bass Amplifier (1962), made in Fullerton, California, serial # BP-01295, blonde Tolex finish.
The early '60s saw a number of changes to Fender's legendary Bassman line, just re-imagined as a separate head and cabinet design from the old 4X10 tweed combo configuration. The early examples were built with the now iconic maroon grille cloth with cream Tolex covering, brown control panel with ivory cylinder knobs and brown handle in 1961. The design was changed yet again in 1962 to a wheat-colored grille cloth and as a result Bassmans from this year are especially coveted. Considered by many to be objects d'art as well as working amps, they have served as the aesthetic basis for Fender's Custom Amp Shop models.
The 1961 Bassman (circuit 6G6) was essentially a brand new design, with two channels (Bass and Normal) each with Volume, Treble, and Bass controls and a master Presence control. The GZ34 rectifier and 5881 power tubes were holdovers from the tweed era, the phase inverter, bias, and power sections remained virtually unchanged. The four 7025 tubes in the preamp were a new design, with the Bass channel having two of the twin-triode 7025s giving it functionally four preamp stages. The first 7025 had its two triodes direct-coupled, with the second acting as a cathode follower. Fender's narrow-panel tweed amps also used this arrangement in front of the tone circuitry, but the white-knobbed Bassmans were the only amps of the Tolex era to retain it.
Beyond the standard negative feedback loop including the Presence control, a second feedback loop was added around the fourth preamp stage which gives this amp slightly less gain on account of the un-bypassed cathode resistor in exchange for more even frequency response and less distortion. Paradoxically, this has made this iteration of the Bassman a particular favorite with guitarists, just as the 4X10 tweed model has always been. In contrast, the Normal channel features a conventional Fender circuit with two gain stages from one 7025. In today's lower volume world it once again makes a lovely all-tube bass amp for low/medium-volume applications where a truly authentic sound is desired, while alternately offering a massive guitar sound when pushed!
Height is 28 1/2 in. (72.4 cm.), 32 in. (81.3 cm.) width, and 11 in. (27.9 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this amp is in good working condition. The cream Tolex covering shows general wear and tear, but no major rips or missing sections. The Tolex does show some general discoloration including a handful of red spots on the upper panel. The grille cloth covering is clean and taut with no rips or tears and only minor fraying on the upper edge where the cloth meets the control panel. The silver Fender badge is original and in excellent condition. The front panel is clean with crisp lettering, showing only a few dings and scratches and all the knobs appear original and are nicely intact save for a couple of small chips on the Presence knob. The handle is original as is the hardware, which shows some corrosion typical of amps of this era. The amp comes complete with a modern Tuki padded black cover.
Electrically, the amp is mostly original. The Schumacher power, choke and output transformers are original and marked 606-144, 606-120 and 606-125, dating them to the 44th, 20th, and 25th weeks of week of 1961 respectively. The amp had been modified with a phase inverter coupling cap which has since been removed to return the circuit to its original configuration and intended sound, as well as a bias pot which despite not being original to the circuit has been left in place for ease of future maintenance. The amp has received our typical professional servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, a grounded 3-prong power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and power tubes biased to spec.
This remains an excellent player's example of a beloved workhorse amp. Very Good + Condition.
