Legendary Fender 1960 Narrow Panel Bassman 5F6-A
There are few amplifiers in the world as revered as the Fender Bassman. Originally designed as a bass amplifier, it quickly became the heartbeat of rock and roll, its unmistakable tone shaping the sound of countless guitar legends. The Fender Bassman is such an iconic amplifier that its legendary 5F6-A circuit served as the blueprint for Jim Marshall’s first amplifiers, laying the foundation for the Marshall sound.
This particular Bassman, dated to March 1960, has been lovingly preserved in great original condition, offering a window into the sound of the past. Its original transformers, speakers, and even Astron capacitors (still fully functional) testify to its authenticity.
It has its original Jensen P12R speakers, still fitted with their original cones. The speakers, dated to the 7th week of 1960, are in very good working order.
At the heart of the sound is the legendary 5F6-A circuit, widely regarded as one of the most important amplifier designs in history. The expertly matched vintage tubes—including a Mullard GZ34 rectifier, Tung-Sol 5881 power tubes, and RCA and General Electric preamp tubes, all NOS or barely used—help bring out the very best this amp has to offer.
The amp’s Triad transformers (power and output) and Schumacher choke are original and fully intact, ensuring reliability while staying true to its roots. Even the small details, like the CTS pots dated to the 50th week of 1959 and the faint but charming signature of the original assembler on the chassis (possibly “Lily”, “Lupe”, "Susy"), connect this amp to its Fender factory origins.
It’s clear that this Bassman has lived a life, and it tells its story through its components and history. While it may have undergone a possible retweed long ago, it remains a stunning and iconic piece, ready to shine on stage or in your collection. It even has a repro cover that matches the amp perfectly.
This amp isn’t just for collectors—it’s for those who truly appreciate the essence of vintage tone. Whether you’re dialing in the creamy breakup that defined the blues, recreating the unmistakable drive of early rock, or simply savoring the clean tones that gave Fender its name, this Bassman delivers in spades.
Having been recently serviced, it’s not just a museum piece—it’s ready to play. Its performance is as reliable as the day it left the factory.
You can find a tweed Bassman online, but rarely with so many original components!