Vintage Head/Cab Bassmans

Greg

I'm looking at a 1963 Blonde Bassman that's come up for sale locally at what I think is a decent price and was wondering what wisdom you fine ladies and gentlemen have to offer on this subject:

Here are a few pics of condition:

I'm going to go play it on Monday if I can.

billionairebum

Sorry I cant see the pics...

Greg

billionairebum wrote: Sorry I cant see the pics...

Fixed them!

billionairebum

Really nice thick sound...but then again I dig bluesy type stuff...

makepeace

you should ask for some better ones!

if its all original, it looks like it might be a transitional model. seems its got the black control panel of a 63/64 and the maroon cloth of a 62/63. you should try and find out if its the 6G6 or the 6G6-A circuit (should say so at the back).

don't know if his asking price is reasonable or not.

AlanRatcliffe

The Blonde is a bluesier amp than the BF version - breaks up sooner and has more pushed mids (not as much as the tweed though). Blondes generally fall tonally between the Tweed and the BF amps - a bit more skewed to the Tweed side IMO. Very, very nice amp though...

I would think a '63 will be the later circuit with a solid-state rectifier (like a Twin), but both circuits are good and each has their fans.

Pics are very yellow I suspect (looks almost like a tweed). There seems to be a fair bit of rust on the chassis, so make sure the transformers are still in good nick.

Greg

I'm going to play it on Sunday, I'll try and get as much research done before then as possible.

I was really looking for a BF Super/Twin/Deluxe, but this one seems more affordable. So I'll have to have a think, a read and a play before I decide.

makepeace

yep, on closer look at those pics, it seems it will either be the 6G6-A or B. no tubey where the rectifier is supposed to be. an interesting thing though from what i've read, there are very few fenders of this era who's actual circuits match up to the published schematics ???.

not sure if you've seen the fender amp field guide, but here are some links to info on the blonde bassmans.

http://www.thevintagesound.com/ffg/bassman_blonde_6G6.html

http://www.thevintagesound.com/ffg/bassman_blonde_6G6-A.html

billionairebum

Saw this for sale just now..

Greg

billionairebum wrote:

Saw this for sale just now..

Where is it?

Norman86

looks like joburg somewhere from his location!

Greg

I'm going up to JHB on tour near the end of November, my folks live there... coming home with a Twin Reverb doesn't sound bad?

?

billionairebum

I assume I cant mention the price but its in joburg near mellville.

Norman86

billionaire... why not pm greg if he hasnt already contacted you? ?

AlanRatcliffe

billionairebum wrote: I assume I cant mention the price but its in joburg near mellville.

If you're selling it, then PM hom. If it's not you then you can share the details.

billionairebum

I am not selling it. I saw it today at a sic store close to me. I think they wanted R12000 for it....

Greg

billionairebum wrote: I am not selling it. I saw it today at a sic store close to me. I think they wanted R12000 for it....

Add me on Facebook: Greg Abrahams

So I can chat to you about where it is!

Greg

makepeace wrote: yep, on closer look at those pics, it seems it will either be the 6G6-A or B. no tubey where the rectifier is supposed to be. an interesting thing though from what i've read, there are very few fenders of this era who's actual circuits match up to the published schematics ???.

not sure if you've seen the fender amp field guide, but here are some links to info on the blonde bassmans.

http://www.thevintagesound.com/ffg/bassman_blonde_6G6.html

http://www.thevintagesound.com/ffg/bassman_blonde_6G6-A.html

Thanks, will check it out!