Up for sale, a 1962 Fender Bassman with the 6G6-A circuit in excellent condition, freshly serviced. This "piggyback" Fender tube amp drives two 5881 (6L6GC) power tubes for 40 powerful watts of pure tube goodness. Like the Tweed amps that preceded it, the Brown Panel circuits respond well to picking dynamics with Fender's hi-fi, glassy clean tones. The EQ controls have a huge sweep, and after around 5 on the Volume dial the amp cascades into rich tube overdrive that compresses noticeably and is particularly roaring and thick. It's the kind of natural tube saturation that only comes from pushing a well-designed Fender circuit to its limit.

A Pre-CBS Fender Blonde Bassman was used on more Beatles recording sessions than the Vox AC30, was a particular favorite of Pete Townshend, and has become the amp forever linked with Brian Setzer's classic Rockabilly tones. It's hard to beat this particular Bassman circuit for a tone that bridges the gap between the dynamic grit of the Tweed circuits and the shimmery cleans of the Black Panel line.

The circuit is extremely original, with Schumacher-made transformers that all date to early '62. All of the blue molded Ajax caps are intact in the preamp (an essential part of the Blonde-era sound), and all of the original CTS and Stackpole pots are present. The smaller electrolytics in the preamp have been upgraded to modern components, and the power supply has also been recapped with high quality Sprague Atoms. A modern three-prong power cable has also been installed.

The speaker cabinet is loaded with the original pair of Oxford 12M6 ceramic magnet drivers, dating to the 14th week of '62. One speaker has been professionally reconed. The tube chart is fully intact inside the head cabinet, noting the 6G6-A circuit and stamped with an "LF" date that translates to June of 1962.

The original rough blonde tolex and oxblood grillcloth are intact, with modest aging and various minor scuffs and marks of wear. Stock hardware includes the original tilt-back legs, piggyback clip bars, thumbscrews, corners, handles and raised Fender logos. The faceplate is very clean, with a full complement of original cream barrel knobs.