Very rare 1982 Fender Bassman Compact amplifier, 1 x 15” speaker, 50 watts.

Very rare 1982 Fender Bassman Compact amplifier, 1 x 15” speaker, 50 watts.

Classic amp with a cult following from a very particular time in Fender’s history. Made at the Fullerton factory in California in 1982 by Paul Rivera, in the first year Fender reintroduced the Blackface series and right at the start of the period where Fender amps really got their quality act together.

Black tolex, silver grille, silver logo. 1x15" Fender speaker. Volume, bass, middle, treble, compression and master controls. Built in compression works really well and gives the signal a nice hefty kick.

Hi/lo inputs, 8ohm extension output, preamp out/power amp in sockets.

Great bass amp, but also sounds fab on keyboards or (famously) on guitar. Effectively a dual purpose amp.

Serial number F211478, so dates to 1982.

All original apart from the knobs which are new Fender replacements. (Four of the original knobs will also be supplied).

This particular amp has been well loved and done service over many years at many gigs. Obviously well-used so some visible superficial wear. Some slight tolex wear, some printing wearing away, with some tarnishing and surface rust to the metal. However, this has no effect on the functioning of the amp with all switches, pots and sockets doing what they should. As far as I’m concerned, the wear is all part of the voodoo and shows the story of an amp that’s been making music for 40 plus years. Sound-wise the amp works fine with no issues or nasty surprises. And it does sound fabulous ! Big, big bottom end with loads of space, a really effective EQ section and enough volume to gig with.

It’s 57lbs, so heavy as it’s very solidly-built. An amp that’s lasted 40 years in one piece and feels like it’ll happily see another 40.  

These things really don’t appear very often, and if you’re looking for a top-level amp with loads of history, cool looks and serious build quality, then have a Google and then come back and look at this one.

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A heavy item so shipping is not really practical or cost effective outside the UK or European Union, however I would do it if absolutely necessary. Please get in touch to discuss before buying !!

Ideally, collection from near JCT 27 M5 in Devon or I might be able to deliver or meet up if mutually practical as I often travel around the country. Get in touch to discuss before buying.

Please look at the photos carefully as these form part of the description.

If buying outside the UK, additional customs taxes may apply.

Reverb seller since 2013. Read my 100% feedback rating. Check my other listings for rare recordings, guitars, amps and studio gear. Quality items, decent prices, honest sales, no messing about !

Thanks for looking !

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