This is a rare 1967 transition-era Bassman that bridges the gap between Blackface internals and Silverface aesthetics. It still carries a full board of Ajax Blue Molded capacitors, the "Holy Grail" components that were more or less extinct soon after, as Fender found the components too expensive to continue after the CBS takeover.

The internal pre-CBS style lead dress is exceptionally tidy, suggesting it was hand-wired by a veteran Fullerton builder before the hurried production habits of the 70s took over.

As a pure AB165, it lacks the tone-choking suppression capacitors found on later models, making it the most aggressive and harmonically rich version of the circuit Fender ever produced.

Its lifelong Saris provenance documents a transatlantic traveler that has been a "European Native" since the day it left California.

• Serial number: A38740, indicating production in late 1967.
• Chassis: Features the period-correct Fender factory part number stamp F055107 (50W Large Chassis).
• Cosmetics: Rare "Blackline" faceplate with original aluminum "Drip Edge" trim.
• Note: The original red pilot light jewel is currently missing.

Transformer codes (All-Original Schumacher Iron) The "Triple Crown" of original iron is intact and dated to the final weeks of 1967:

• Power Transformer: 606-7-45 (Week 45, 1967).
• Output Transformer: 606-7-47 (Week 47, 1967).
• Choke: 606-7-45.

Born as a factory export model, this unit features the original 022723 multi-tap transformer and the red voltage selector on the rear panel. It offers factory-original 240V capability (along with 117V, 200V, 210V, 220V, and 230V), making it a plug-and-play solution for European studios without the need for external step-down transformers. The unit carries the original Saris Muziekinstrumenten (Rotterdam) dealer badge.

Internal condition & tone

• Circuit: The desirable AB165 circuit - the more aggressive, gain-stage variant.
• Purity: True to its '67 build, this chassis does not have the parasitic suppression capacitors on the power tube sockets found in later Silverface models, preserving the full frequency response.
• Capacitors: The signal path is unmolested and centered around the original Ajax "Blue Molded" capacitors.
• Maintenance: Professionally serviced. The electrolytic filter capacitors (doghouse) have been replaced with high-quality modern equivalents to protect the vintage transformers.
• Tubes: Power section updated with a matched pair of 6L6WGC tubes; preamp tubes have also been refreshed.

This isn't a museum piece - it has honest battle scars from decades of use and it’s meant to be played. It is, however, a functionally straight example of the 1967 transition, offering the rare combination of Blackline hardware, AB165 tone, and factory-original European power compatibility. There are not many of these around.

A generic aluminum hardcase is included (no extra cost) for safe transport.

Classified as "Very Good" due to honest cosmetic wear, the missing pilot light jewel, and the replaced filter caps - though the latter is a mandatory reliability upgrade for vintage iron.