Vintage Tube Amp

1981 Fender Bassman 135. Electric Guitar/Bass Amplifier Head. I bought this Bassman head brand new from a music store in Honolulu in1982. I used this amp playing bass in a band in Waikiki in the 80′s. This is a very clean amp; it never gave me any trouble, always worked perfectly and other than parts like caps that were updated, it’s completely original. We will include a very clean original Fender Bassman 100 cover. Recently (Feb 2025) I took it to my current amp tech and he replaced the filter caps, powered it for an hour and checked operation. He says it’s now in great shape. Bassman 135 is the first really capable bass amp head that Fender did. It’s basically a Dual Showman with a Bass-voiced preamp on one channel and a Twin/Showman three knob tone stack on the other, but without the vibrato or reverb options. The Fender three-knob tone stack is a classic design for a reason-it sounds AWESOME. Just lush and beautiful cleans that work well with any kind of music, any instrument or any pedals you want to throw in front of them. Even basses and keyboards sound awesome plugged into the normal channel. Loud and clean is what it does. It’s not a high gain amp; it’s not trying to be. It can break up if you crank it beyond 7, but that is stupidly loud. Really it was designed to be clean and tight all the way up with a good amount of headroom the way a bass amp ought to be, instead of how the 50-Watt Bassman amp always was (aka awesome for guitar, shamefully bad for bass). The biggest quirk of any old three tone knob Fender amp is the middle control. It’s not actually a midrange control, but a volume control. Turning up the “middle” knob makes EVERYTHING louder; you only hear the mids more because the human ear focuses on midrange sounds the most. This makes the amp controls VERY interactive, maybe more than you’d want it to be. Try playing the amp with all of the tone knobs turned down and you can’t-your amp will be silent. Put the middle knob on 10, turn the treble off and put the bass control at 1.5, and you’ll have a completely flat frequency response curve, great for amplifying keyboards and other things. Try setting your bass and treble knobs where you want and then set your midrange to fit the room-low for small places and practice, up full for loud rooms and gigs. It sounds stupid, but it works. Original Fender Power Tubes. Matched Set Of 4 6L6 GC’s. Chassis Side Black Ink Stamp. Rev-A (could be Paul Rivera). (17th week of 1981). (43rd week of 1981). It might serve the buyers purpose to bring up the power slowly with a variac since these used amp heads are over 50 years old and have not been used for a few decades. Our amp tech has only replaced the needed parts -(filter caps & power cords as specified) to just get them turned on and running for an hour. Please see a skilled amp tech before extended use. The operation of the amps requires that they be regularly serviced for optimal performance. Please remember these are vintage pieces, we cannot guarantee that they will not need service or more parts in their future; only some obvious parts were changed to get it working. Most of the parts are still the original old parts remaining which will be stated in our listings. We do not have any control on what was done by previous owners, but we try to write in detail any information we have. We cannot guarantee that all our information is 100% correct; it is our humble opinions and own musical knowledge. Please see photos and ask questions to make your own assessment. ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE PURCHASING! This discriminating collector has curated an incredible collection of guitars & amps since 1965. From a collector & player with an extensive musical history and knowledge. This collection has been stored and cared for impeccably for decades. Now, after all these years, he is ready to share his collection with other enthusiasts and wants his prized possessions to go to good homes and get played! Please follow our listings. LOTS MORE TO COME! We only sell to buyers that are established, verified.

1981 Fender Bassman Ten. Electric Guitar/Bass Amplifier Head. I bought this amp used from a music store in Honolulu. The chassis was in good shape when I bought it and the previous owners amp tech had just changed the filter caps to brand new Sprague’s. It played loud and I added it to my collection as a great bass amp. The cabinet was pretty rough looking so I peeled off the Tolex, thought about re-covering it but never got around to it. When I took it to my cabinet builder we decided to just spray it black instead of. Recovering it with Tolex. I also noticed that the tube chart does not match the tube layout of this chassis and we don’t know why. Recently (Jan 2025) I took it to my current amp tech and he replaced the power cord plug, lubricated the pots and switches, powered it for an hour and checked operation. He also added a matched set of Sovtek 5881′s power tubes and now says it’s in great shape. We had our cabinet builder cut the amp down and preserve the tube chart even though it doesn’t match the tube layout of the chassis. This is now a more reasonable approx. (Without speakers, please see photos). A drawback with this original configuration of 4 10 inch speaker combo cabinets, is it’s rather heavy and impractical for transportation. With it’s 4 speaker’s magnet structure and its excessive weight, the only thing that makes sense to me now is cutting the cabinet down to a head so that you have the flexibility of use with other speaker cabinets and easier transportation. Only the original cabinet has been shortened in height – speakers have been removed – everything else is located where it’s always been. By turning this amp into a head, it can now be used for ANY amplification needs! Public address, bass, electric piano, organ, accordion, guitar, harmonica, steel guitar.. This platform makes an excellent bass amp paired with a suitable cabinet (2 ohm or greater)- complete flexibility and much more convenient with its increased portability. 2 Sovtek 5881′s. Chassis Black Ink Stamp. (32nd week of 1981). (19th week of 1981). It might serve the buyers purpose to bring up the power slowly with a variac since these used amp heads are over 50 years old and have not been used for a few decades. Our amp tech has only replaced the needed parts -(filter caps & power cords as specified) to just get them turned on and running for an hour. Please see a skilled amp tech before extended use. The operation of the amps requires that they be regularly serviced for optimal performance. Please remember these are vintage pieces, we cannot guarantee that they will not need service or more parts in their future; only some obvious parts were changed to get it working. Most of the parts are still the original old parts remaining which will be stated in our listings. We do not have any control on what was done by previous owners, but we try to write in detail any information we have. We cannot guarantee that all our information is 100% correct; it is our humble opinions and own musical knowledge. Please see photos and ask questions to make your own assessment. ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE PURCHASING! This discriminating collector has curated an incredible collection of guitars & amps since 1965. From a collector & player with an extensive musical history and knowledge. This collection has been stored and cared for impeccably for decades. Now, after all these years, he is ready to share his collection with other enthusiasts and wants his prized possessions to go to good homes and get played! Please follow our listings. LOTS MORE TO COME! We only sell to buyers that are established, verified.

Electric Guitar Amplifier Head. This is the absolute cleanest all original Bandmaster that I own. I bought this in 1979 from my neighbor who is the original owner. He told me he played it for only a few days while trying to learn to play guitar. I added it right to my collection and never played it. Recently in August 2024, I took it to my amp tech who replaced the filter caps and checked out the general operation. It is all working and in great condition. All Original with cover. Serial # A 17175. Chassis Bottom Black Ink Stamp. (7th week of 1966). Cabinet Black Ink Stamp. (2nd week of 1966). (47th week of 1965). (4th week of 1966). It might serve the buyers purpose to bring up the power slowly with a variac since these used amp heads are over 50 years old and have not been used for a few decades. Our amp tech has only replaced the needed parts -(filter caps & power cords as specified) to just get them turned on and running for an hour. Please see a skilled amp tech before extended use. The operation of the amps requires that they be regularly serviced for optimal performance. Please remember these are vintage pieces, we cannot guarantee that they will not need service or more parts in their future; only some obvious parts were changed to get it working. Most of the parts are still the original old parts remaining which will be stated in our listings. We do not have any control on what was done by previous owners, but we try to write in detail any information we have. We cannot guarantee that all our information is 100% correct; it is our humble opinions and own musical knowledge. Please see photos and ask questions to make your own assessment. ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE PURCHASING! This discriminating collector has curated an incredible collection of guitars & amps since 1965. From a collector & player with an extensive musical history and knowledge. This collection has been stored and cared for impeccably for decades. Now, after all these years, he is ready to share his collection with other enthusiasts and wants his prized possessions to go to good homes and get played! Please follow our listings. LOTS MORE TO COME! We only sell to buyers that are established, verified.

Electric Guitar / Steel Guitar. Rumor has it that the Motor City Madman himself, Ted Nugent, challenged CBS’s amp designer, Ed Jahns to increase the power of a Twin Reverb using a typical 2 12 inch speaker cabinet. This is at a time when competition from other manufacturers such as Marshall, Hiwatt, and Mesa Boogie were building more and more powerful amps, and Ed wanted to top them all. He also developed the most comprehensive equalizer tone section that’s been in any Fender amp. This amp has power to spare and was so powerful that Ted Nugent only needed six of them (with Dual Showman speaker cabinets for a concert). This amp is serious business because it is so loud and clean at 180 watts. Steel guitar players are very fond of this amp design. The one and only drawback of the. The compact amp in a typical Twin Reverb cabinet, is the ridiculous heavy weight added by it’s speakers with oversized magnet structure. The only thing that makes sense to me now is cutting the cabinet down to a head so you have the flexibility of use with other speaker cabinets and transportation. We had our cabinet builder cut the amp down and we preserved the reverb spring unit, footswitch, and the tube chart. This amp is still complete with out speakers. This amp is now a more reasonable approx. Recently (July 2024) I took it to my current amp tech and he replaced the filter caps, pilot light, powered it for an hour and checked operation. He says it’s now in great shape. The reverb “tray” or “tank” or “spring unit” is located where Fender originally had it installed – on the inside bottom of the cabinet. Our cabinet builder has left enough space for it to fit. The reason why we don’t “install” the reverb tank (screw it down inside the cabinet) is so the user can position it how they want it, to the right side of the cabinet away from the tubes or even outside of the cabinet itself since it has about 18inches of cable connecting to the back of the amp chassis. Only the original cabinet has been shortened in height – speakers have been removed – everything else is located where it’s always been including the foot-switch. By turning these amps to heads, they can now be used for ANY amplification needs! Public address, bass, electric piano, organ, accordion, guitar, harmonica, steel guitar.. This platform makes an excellent bass amp paired with a suitable cabinet (4 ohm or greater)- complete flexibility and much more convenient with its increased portability. Chassis Black Ink Side Stamp. (19th week of 1976). (10th week of 1977). (34th week of 1976). It might serve the buyers purpose to bring up the power slowly with a variac since these used amp heads are over 50 years old and have not been used for a few decades. Our amp tech has only replaced the needed parts -(filter caps & power cords as specified) to just get them turned on and running for an hour. Please see a skilled amp tech before extended use. The operation of the amps requires that they be regularly serviced for optimal performance. Please remember these are vintage pieces, we cannot guarantee that they will not need service or more parts in their future; only some obvious parts were changed to get it working. Most of the parts are still the original old parts remaining which will be stated in our listings. We do not have any control on what was done by previous owners, but we try to write in detail any information we have. We cannot guarantee that all our information is 100% correct; it is our humble opinions and own musical knowledge. Please see photos and ask questions to make your own assessment. ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE PURCHASING! This discriminating collector has curated an incredible collection of guitars & amps since 1965. From a collector & player with an extensive musical history and knowledge. This collection has been stored and cared for impeccably for decades. Now, after all these years, he is ready to share his collection with other enthusiasts and wants his prized possessions to go to good homes and get played! Please follow our listings. LOTS MORE TO COME! We only sell to buyers that are established, verified.

VINTAGE 1965 BLACKFACE FENDER BASSMAN AMP & 1965 PIGGYBACK CABINET WITH ORIGINAL OXFORD SPEAKERS. SERIAL # A 10080. HAS BEEN PLAY TESTED AT FAIRLY HIGH VOLUME FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, AND HAS CLEAR SOUND. (I HAD THE VOLUME SETTING AT ABOUT 3-4) LOW HUM, BUT NOTHING EXCESSIVE. HAS SOME LOW SNOWY STATIC UNTIL IT WARMS UP FOR A FEW MINUTES. DELIVERS THAT GREAT FENDER PUNCH AND SPARKLE. HAS “10 O’CLOCK” SET SCREW CONTROL KNOBS. POTS, TRANSFORMERS, CHASSIS AND OXFORD SPEAKERS ARE ALL DATED 1965. I HAVE DONE NO SERVICING I DID NOTICE THE DEEP SWITCH DOESN’T SEEM TO ADD BOTTOM WHEN IN THE ON POSITION. POWER CABLE IS FUNCTIONAL, BUT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. JEWEL INDICATOR LAMP DOES NOT LIGHT UP. SHOWS SOME GIG / AGE WEAR, BUT IN OVERALL GOOD SOLID CONDITION FOR IT’S AGE. SEE ALL 24 PICS. WILL BE VERY SECURELY PACKAGED.

Super nice mid 60s blackface Bassman head and 2 x 12 cab. The amp head has been serviced by our local repair shop and everything is functioning as it should. The speaker cab is very nice and clean. The grill cloth appears to have been replaced. The speakers are mid 60s VOX Bulldogs (date code matches up with the age of the amp).

This vintage Fender Blackface Concert Amp is a true gem for any guitar enthusiast. With its powerful 165 W output and classic Tube amplifier technology, it’s sure to provide a premium sound experience for both electric and bass guitars. Made in the United States, this Deluxe Reverb model is a must-have for any Fender collector. Featuring a sleek black design and high-quality construction, this combo amp is perfect for small to medium-sized gigs. The product line is Fender, and it’s suitable for use with both electric and bass guitars. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own this incredible piece of musical history.

Electric Guitar / Steel Guitar. Rumor has it that the Motor City Madman himself, Ted Nugent, challenged CBS’s amp designer, Ed Jahns to increase the power of a Twin Reverb using a typical 2 12 inch speaker cabinet. This is at a time when competition from other manufacturers such as Marshall, Hiwatt, and Mesa Boogie were building more and more powerful amps, and Ed wanted to top them all. He also developed the most comprehensive equalizer tone section that’s been in any Fender amp. This amp has power to spare and was so powerful that Ted Nugent only needed six of them (with Dual Showman speaker cabinets for a concert). This amp is serious business because it is so loud and clean at 180 watts. Steel guitar players are very fond of this amp design. The one and only drawback of the. The compact amp in a typical Twin Reverb cabinet, is the ridiculous heavy weight added by it’s speakers with oversized magnet structure. The only thing that makes sense to me now is cutting the cabinet down to a head so you have the flexibility of use with other speaker cabinets and transportation. We had our cabinet builder cut the amp down and we preserved the reverb spring unit, footswitch, and the tube chart. This amp is still complete with out speakers. This amp is now a more reasonable approx. Recently (July 2024) I took it to my current amp tech and he replaced the filter caps, pilot light, powered it for an hour and checked operation. He says it’s now in great shape. The reverb “tray” or “tank” or “spring unit” is located where Fender originally had it installed – on the inside bottom of the cabinet. Our cabinet builder has left enough space for it to fit. The reason why we don’t “install” the reverb tank (screw it down inside the cabinet) is so the user can position it how they want it, to the right side of the cabinet away from the tubes or even outside of the cabinet itself since it has about 18inches of cable connecting to the back of the amp chassis. Only the original cabinet has been shortened in height – speakers have been removed – everything else is located where it’s always been including the foot-switch. Chassis Black Ink Side Stamp. (19th week of 1976). (10th week of 1977). (34th week of 1976). It might serve the buyers purpose to bring up the power slowly with a variac since these used amp heads are over 50 years old and have not been used for a few decades. Our Amp tech has only replaced the needed parts (filter caps) to just get them working! The operation of the amps requires that they be regularly serviced for optimal performance. Please remember these are vintage pieces, we cannot guarantee that they will not need service or more parts in their future, only some obvious parts were changed to get it working, most are still the original old parts remaining. Your item will be packed with great care rest assured. This discriminating collector has curated an incredible collection of guitars and amps since 1965. From a collector & player with an extensive musical history and knowledge. This collection has been stored and cared for impeccably for decades. Now, after all these years, he is ready to share his collection with other enthusiasts and wants his prized possessions to go to good homes and get played! Please follow our listings. LOTS MORE TO COME! We only sell to buyers that are established, verified.

I’ve had this head sitting around in my garage for years, it’s a Vintage Fender BlackFace Showman Amp Head circa 1966-67; I don’t know much about this is.. It lights up when plugged in, I remember it worked before being put away. Looks to be all original, including the “widow-maker” two-prong cord.. Tolex looks good, there is a small 1 circle repair behind the handle, all else looks pretty good.. Back panel is fine, tubes may be original? Has “AB763″ model number at the top of inside label, and “PK” date code stamped.. Sorry I’m being lazy by not taking it apart for more pictures but will answer any and all questions if I can. I would recommend having this inspected/tuned up by an amp tech before using, and change that cord to a three-prong! Update 8/20: 4 added pics per member request- All power tubes are RCA, 3 6L6 & 1 7581.. Plus, all covers for rectifier tubes included, no footswitch..

1965 Fender Blackface Champ Amp 5 Watts ORIGINAL – tested with good tubes and good speaker. #2775 made 4th production run. Please SEE Photos and ASK Questions! Original Speaker damage – deteriorated. Original Two prong AC cord (stiff from age – not cracked). No tears in tolex or grill cloth. Faceplate NOT MINT some small blemishes (hard to photograph).