Fender Bassman Ten

The Bassman 10, made in the 1970s, is a 50-watt tube combo amp with 4 10' speakers (probably Jensens or Celestions) in a sealed cabinet. Standard black Tolex covering, silver control plate with standard Fender-style knobs. Two channels, one 'Normal,' one 'Studio.' Normal channel has two inputs, a bright switch and Volume, Bass and Treble. Studio channel has two inputs, a Deep switch, and Volume, Bass, Mid and Treble controls. Master volume controls both channels. Fender jewel pilot light. Rear panel ON/OFF, Standby and Ground toggles plus speaker out and fuse cap. Powered by two 6L6s, two 7025's and one 12AT7. Weight: ~75 pounds. Comes with casters. Silver grillecloth. I've been playing bass professionally for 45 years.

Ran into this amp in a studio. No longer made, they sell for around $500 on Ebay.

Simply put, the amp sounds great, especially with a passive bass. Controls are boost only, typical of the era. It's clean and quiet, as it should be for studio use. With a standrad four-string bass like a Fender Precision or Jazz, it delivers a very Motown sound with minimal adjustment.

Doesn't handle a low B string well, but when these were made, basses with B strings didn't exist or were very rare. Despite this, I used a Lakland Joe Osborn 5 with Fralin pickups and, at studio volume, the amp didn't break up even on a low C.

Built solidly as are all Fender products of this era.

For the studio, the Bassman 10 is does a great job. Sound is clean and clear, especially with Passive basses like the Fender Precision or Jazz, With flatwound strings on either of these basses, it's pure Motown. This would be a good amp for small groups that play at low volume and provide PA support, but you're not going to compete with today's modern amps for volume or massive low end.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com