Fender 5F6-A Bassman (1958)

Despite some aesthetic changes and replaced speakers, this 1958 Fender 5F6-A Bassman still puts out monster tone that remains a benchmark in its class.

Why We Love This

We often discuss the concept of the player-grade vintage guitar, but player-grade vintage amps don't get discussed quite the same way. The good news is - player-grade vintage amps can be a huge value if all the good stuff still remains. That's where this Bassman comes in...

Just in on consignment is this stellar sounding 1958 Fender Bassman has certainly seen its share of stage time and work throughout the years. The original tweed covering is long gone and replaced by more of a Gibson-style tweed cloth that we can only guess is decades old at this point. The cabinet handle was likely replaced during that time as well, as it's more in line with a Blackface Fender style handle design.

However, the circuit itself remains largely intact, complete with all of the original transformers and no invasive circuit modifications to be found. Pushing out a lively 40 watts, it's got that unmistakably punchy, throaty, yet clear and harmonically rich tone with a top end power that'll cut through the most dense mix (live or in studio). Big chimey cleans early on in the volume sweep to absolutely blistering overdrive that still retains all of that note definition and clarity - it's all there.

The amp is loaded with a quartet of aftermarket 10" speakers, including some late 70s Eminence ceramic speakers up top and a pair of '72 Utah ceramic speakers on the bottom. You'll hear no complaints from us on the tone, either. No, they're not a prized set of original Jensens, but they definitely get the job done, and they've been doing it for a while.

All this to be said - if you can live with some aesthetic abnormalities and non-original speakers, you'll find yourself with an unrivaled level of tonal bliss that these circuits are known to deliver.