Historic Celebrity Used Pre-CBS 1964 Fender Bassman (6g6-b), One-of-a-Kind Amp

This is not just a vintage amp—it’s a centerpiece for collectors, historians, and tone enthusiasts alike.

This is your chance to own a piece of musical history! For sale is a truly unique Pre-CBS 1964 Fender Bassman with an extraordinary backstory. This amp once belonged to John Neff, co-owner of a Maui recording studio in the 1980s and early '90s with none other than Walter Becker of Steely Dan fame. This studio was instrumental in recording Donald Fagan's Kamakiriad album.

The amp’s journey is as fascinating as its sound. John Neff once shared with me in an email (included in the photos):

“I had a ’65 Bassman head that needed work and didn’t sound too good... Then I was working on the Big Island and found this ratty looking ’64 that sounded amazing, but someone had replaced the Tolex or painted it black – it looked like hell. Well, my ’65 had a great cabinet, so I swapped them.”

While the head cabinet likely dates to 1967 based on the "QH" tube chart, the "6g6-b" circuitry and the chassis code "BP10140" indicates an origin in 1964 This piggyback version, complete with the coveted presence knob! The Cabinet has 2x12" Oxford 12T6-1 (455-540 stamped "D101365" Oct1965)

This amp has been used by legends, including Martin Pahinui, who tracked bass for The Pahinui Brothers album, one of the best-selling Hawaiian records of all time. It was also featured on Walter Becker's Eleven Tracks of Whack and Buffy Sainte-Marie's Coincidences and Likely Stories.

Not only does this Bassman sound phenomenal, but it also retains all the components collectors and players crave in a vintage amp, with a few tasteful modifications by Neff himself. For more details, you can read about this amp in the feature article by Dave Hunter in Vintage Guitar Magazine (March 2012). A sealed copy of the magazine will be included in your purchase.

Condition:

• Modified by John Neff (details in the Vintage Guitar article)
• Well-preserved and ready to play

I ship with Reverb Safe Shipping to ensure your purchase arrives securely. Don’t miss out on this exceptional piece of gear!