New Fender Bassman TV Amp

Robert Kazee · From: Kentucky, USA

Has anyone tried one of the new Fender Bassman TV amps yet?

Chris Caruso · From: Merrimack, NH USA

I'm also interested. It seems that Guitar Center is not going to stock them. I hate to order the 2 10 version and find out that the single 15 sounds better.
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Robert Kazee · From: Kentucky, USA

I think musicians friend and sweetwater has them, but I would like to hear one or from someone who has tried them out, before I spend the money.

Chris Caruso · From: Merrimack, NH USA

Yes, I know that they're available but I would like to compare one against the other before buying. I don't want to go through the return process if I don't like it.
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Ken Fox · From: Nashville GA USA

I guess I must be out of the loop! I have not been looking at a lot of the new amps coming out. I thought this was a reproduction of the old TV front Bassman. Not at all, this is a very interesting modern bass amp. Here is a review I found on the net:

While guitar players are bombarded with reissued classic amps, we humble bassists are seldom offered such vintage-inspired choices. Our interest was piqued, then, at the news that Fender is revisiting one of the most famous amp models in history: the Bassman.

Designed originally for bass in the early 1950s, it was then hijacked by guitarists later in the decade and, in 1959 narrow-panel guise, has been dubbed by some luminaries as the best electric guitar amp of all time.

Here the TV-style front, lacquered tweed covering and cloth grille are pure nostalgia, but by employing a valve preamp and solid-state power section – upping power by around 300 watts over the original – it now has the clout it needs for modern players.

The control complement is also given a modern twist reflecting that bass amp technology has come a long, long way since the '50s. The bright chrome panel supports a single channel with a second input offering optimum connection for active basses.

"The upgraded power rating cuts it with the big boys."

It's simplicity itself with an input gain control, master volume and three rotary tone controls, enhanced with deep and bright switches for expanded tonal range. With a dog bone handle, chicken head-style control knobs, removable casters to help in transportation and a powerful output, this is definitely built for jobbing bassists – this lacquered tweed is a great deal hardier than you might think.

Gone is the old open-backed design, replaced by a ported rear panel that allows every bit of the bass sound to come into play. Practical additions include a balanced XLR DI out on the back panel and even a mini-sized cooling fan. A slavish reissue this ain't!
Sounds

Fender bass combos have always had a purity of tone that's both clean and dynamic, making them ideal in the studio. The bigger models in the early days were extremely good at projecting the sound, although their power rating was soon overawed by the sheer force of an overdriven guitar combo. But not any more.

This Bassman TV Series may feign a pleasingly ancient personality, but the upgraded power rating cuts it with the big boys. Much of the signature sound and purity remains, however. It's the less-than-perfect nature of the humble valve that gives enhanced depth to any selected tone, providing the fatter and indeed warmer elements that bass players seek.

The solid-state power stage anchors it all well, offering up a classic-voiced tone that'll fit roots, blues and rock tones, reproducing the solid foundation and percussive click of a good Precision Bass, for example, with aplomb.

There's a very reliable, robust delivery throughout the tonal range, with the true Fender bass amp sounds achieved by using just the three tonal rotary controls, so it's lush and warm even at lower volume. With the sensible addition of the bass and top boost switches you can open out the sounds, giving it a more modern edge and greater versatility. The results are huge and dynamic – it certainly lives up to the legendary name.

While the two smaller models in the range are attractive options, it's the Bassman TV Duo Ten and TV Fifteen that are the full-on gigging combos. With a pair of 10-inch speakers the Duo Ten is the most expensive in the range and favours the funkier, modern styles of playing.

For sheer all-round rock versatility, though, this 1 x 15 TV Fifteen is a mighty good friend to own. No external speaker out is surprising, as this powerful beast would feed the extra spread without difficulty. Other than that, this retro-modern belter holds bags of new-old appeal.
Verdict

Eminently practical, yet classically sexy. We bassists may like innovation and progress, but this is true retro love.
MusicRadar rating:

4.5 of 5 stars

Robert Kazee · From: Kentucky, USA

Thanks Ken for the info.

Walter Glockler · From: Northern New Mexico

I may have missed the point, but are you talking about using these amps for steel?

Ken Fox · From: Nashville GA USA

I was wondering that myself. If you are looking for a vintage tube, Bassman type amp for non-pedal steel and guitar try my new amp. So far I all my customers are really pleased with this 1954 style amp!!

Chris Caruso · From: Merrimack, NH USA

No, I would like to try it for bass.It's a brand new BASS amp!
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Walter Glockler · From: Northern New Mexico

I know it's a BASS amp, that's why I'm asking.

Robert Kazee · From: Kentucky, USA

I know its supposed to be a bass amp, but I just went to fender's website, they have about 6 videos playing guitar through the 4-10 amp.

Robert Kazee · From: Kentucky, USA

LOL, sorry about my last post. It wasn't a 4-10 setup in the videos, I still Ken's amp in my brain.

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