Fender Bassman Head for Jerry setup

[jmfranc]

Can you use one, or at least a slightly modified one, as a preamp in the Jerry setup? I would assume a bassman was just for bass but someone was just telling me that it is possible and actually sounds pretty good. Is this guy crazy or right?

[tigerstrat]

Can you use one, or at least a slightly modified one, as a preamp in the Jerry setup? I would assume a bassman was just for bass but someone was just telling me that it is possible and actually sounds pretty good. Is this guy crazy or right?

The Bassman was originally designed as a bass amp (in like 1953 or so), but many guitarists tried and liked it's sound. By the early 60's, it may have been as popular for guitar as it was for bass, and the first Marshall amp (for guitars) borrowed heavily from its design to put it lightly. Very early on in The Who ('64-'65), Pete Townshend used a blonde-era Bassman (and Tremoluxes). Did Robbie Robertson possibly play through one too?

I'd say try it, but no spring reverb would be a strike against for me.

[Dwarf Rat]

My bass player has a white tolex Bassman head. I ran it through a MOD 12" at our last practice.
It was cleaner and louder than the Tweed Deluxe. Definitely had the 68-69 vibe. I use the Boss
chocolate reverb pedal.

[ugly rumor]

If it is an original white, not reissue, it would have been from 1961-63, about. Before that they were brown, after, black.

[Dwarf Rat]

Yes. It is from the period you state. The tone was from later.

[barefootdave]

The Fender Bassman is indeed an excellent choice for guitar. The 59 Bassman is one of the most sought after guitar amps in history. Jim Marshall began Marshall Amplification by modifying the Bassman, then went on to design the original Marshall amps around the bassman design.

[zoooombiex]

A bassman is a great option. It will break up a bit earlier than a twin/showman design, but it's a great, versatile amp.

If you want reverb, try this - plug your guitar into input #1 of whichever channel you like better. Run a line from input #2 of that channel to your reverb, then into input #1 of the unused channel. Now the second channel is a reverb control. It's a beautiful sound.

[Deadhead1988]

A bassman is a great option. It will break up a bit earlier than a twin/showman design, but it's a great, versatile amp.

If you want reverb, try this - plug your guitar into input #1 of whichever channel you like better. Run a line from input #2 of that channel to your reverb, then into input #1 of the unused channel. Now the second channel is a reverb control. It's a beautiful sound.

This is the way to run it IMO. I can't live without verb so this is how I run nonverb amps. The bassman is an excellent amp and can still be had for decent prices.