1960 Tweed Bassman-Hendrix Tone Sound Check #1

You can see I turned the Bassman to 5 on this one. I got rid of the OCD so this is pure Bassman until I kick in the wah-wah. I'm always experimenting with the Flip placement but I think I've reached its limits. I wish I had a better recording method. I could do it with the mics I have but I'm just lazy. I'm using my 1964 Black Strat on this tuned down to D. This Strat has fairly weak pickups that match up well with the powerful Bassman.
After ten years of doing this and making basically nothing for my effort, I thought I would make a PayPal.Me link just in case anyone would like to contribute to the cause. I think my wife would be impressed if I showed her I could actually make a little money doing this. Any amount would be appreciated and you know I always try to answer all of your comments and take all of your requests. I don't know of a lot of KZbin channels that do that. Thank you in advance for your kind gift. Just PayPal me at paypal.me/Mill....
bitcoin donations: 3QHM7M7WAjy1cxKtH8uiPNwzLVxEdbwhWJ

[@theworkfromhomeboss]

I´m millstap´s daughter and I agree: my dad´s an artist. But you all should really be applauding my mom who has stuck by his 5 to 8 hour a day practices in his "studio". Growing up was like having a concert everyday. Love you, dad!

[@rienboer185]

it has been nine years ago but what a beautiful reply, we had the same situation here at that time.

[@neoaureus]

…wow ….what a thing to read over and over ….your Dad is a hero ! In the age of fake superheroes…he’s a real one! Lucky ….and yes ! Might have been difficult too …to have such a gifted man around!

[@iforgotthenamemate]

You know Jimi would jam the hell out with your dad.

[@jerrymorganjr]

Cutest comment ever. ❤

[@leoayoroa7217]

Hey man that's just unbelievable

[@AnalogOpher]

7 years later, still arguably the best tone to hit youtube, or anywhere.

[@millstap]

Still crazy after all these years.

[@Dad-Gad]

I agree ! This is the gold standard for guitar tone 👍👍👍👍

[@maarten6303]

Bought a clone almost immediately after hearing this sound. It's like a little holiday for your mind.

[@hansmemling7605]

@@maarten6303 what clone was it?

[@maarten6303]

@@hansmemling7605 A hand made one from the 'Amp Man' in Leiden. He even added a master volume pot for me so i could have some more tube action without annoying the whole area. (Although he was fiercely against tampering with this classic circuit)

[@danielpezzella7458]

This has to be the greatest guitar tone to hit KZbin, Legendary sound.

[@DavidHiemstraMusic]

Same. Most raw good sound I've ever heard on YT

[@crad5476]

I dont agree.

[@michaelcraig9449]

@@crad5476 What do you like Lil Wayne and Justin Bieber, maybe Cardi B? Yes they are the best ever along with Kanye, of course.

[@crad5476]

@@michaelcraig9449 They are all shit.

[@scottchristopher4503]

This amp started an invasion. Amazing.

[@VadArDealen]

I've returned to this video for 10 years now and again, just to refresh my memory. This is the pinnacle of tone on youtube

[@millstap]

Me too.

[@claycohen4330]

@@millstap same here! This tone was IT! Ive rewatched this video over the years. wish we could go back in time and take an impulse response of this amp!

[@millstap]

@@claycohen4330 Unfortunately, components need to be changed out. This amp still sounds great but not exactly like it did here back ten years ago.

[@leandroestradatv]

Agreed!

[@Dizzydre21]

Me too for years and years lol

[@millstap]

You're so kind. When I watch the greats sometimes I just want to hang up my guitar and play golf. Learning an instrument is probably one of the most challenging things one can do in their life. You never really conquer it. Hendrix was a gift from God. He heard everything in his head from a very young age just like Mozart or Beethoven. Thank you for the compliment.

[@JoshLousk]

yeah man you get it

[@waxtin48]

Amen ! I feel the same way

[@doubled5383]

Yeah, because golf is so easy. LOL

[@malcolmadams2105]

I don’t play golf I’ve been here before but I couldn’t quite remember how to look for you.. but I knew 59’ bassman 😉 somehow I got un subbed so let me go hit that button again cheers my guy

[@millstap]

@@malcolmadams2105 Malcolm, thank you for searching. KZbin doesn't make it easy to find the amateurs like me. Thanks for subbing again. I'm still here and the amp is sounding better than ever. I was just given a 1970 Uni-Vibe to borrow for a few weeks and I hope to post a video or two. That thing is the secret ingredient to everything Hendrix. He kept the preamp on anytime his vibe was hooked up which changes the sound of everything. It is a very magical pedal and I am on the hunt for my own now.

[@skaterlife9898]

Closest thing to hendrix I've ever heard

[@millstap]

Not bad for a little 4 x 10" amp. When I made this video, I never thought anyone would ever look at it. Funny.

[@skaterlife9898]

What were the bass treble and mid settings for the amp?

[@millstap]

skaterlife9898 It's been so long I have to look at the top of the amp. Bright channel volume on 5, normal channel 1, treble 8, bass 1-1/2, mid 6, presence 8.

[@stretch90]

millstap What did you use for reverb? It's sounds awesome!

[@alessandroromano7525]

damn right

[@swiftlessons]

Damn, that sounds exactly like Hendrix

[@kodykindhart5644]

Same guitar and amp kinda 🤪

[@millstap]

I think I might be cremated with this amp when I die.

[@bulanugama2973]

🤣🤣🤣

[@bulanugama2973]

Hahaha better make a will 😅😅

[@lmaoyoumadbro.5098]

i keep listening to this because its so good. literally gives me chills

[@neoaureus]

@@lmaoyoumadbro.5098 …half the views are mine ! Haha

[@snowtube6739]

I've literally watched thousands of gear demo videos. This is the only one that gives you chills. Incredible

[@paulyC]

After 10 years, this man is still hearting comments. Bravo sir.

[@milowagon]

Of all the tube clips I have watched, this is the most authentic Jimi sound. All those mountains of pedals and strap ons don't mean squat. The antique amp, guitar and your fingers provide the sound. Great job!

[@GuitarWithJamie]

Tuning down to D makes a huuuuuuge difference... sounds heavy!

[@alfiehenshall688]

Yes it certainly does !

[@RutherfordBcrazy]

I think its D#

[@tomasotreasaigh111]

@@RutherfordBcrazy He quite clearly says he tunes to D in the video description, unless the video is playing a bit sharp?

[@luckylicks3497]

Ladies and Gentlemen, what you're witnessing right here is one of the most beautiful things in the whole world. Please stop for a moment to appreciate it. It will help your soul remain healthy and strong. :)

[@Tonetwisters]

Hmmm. Honestly, not a fan. Plenty of Blonde Trenolux vids that take this down, in my humble opinion ... Here's one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2eqiJKNmceEf9E

[@rafaelpretto292]

@@Tonetwisters Saw that video, the Blonde Tremolux sounds good, but not as good as this Bassman. The player in the video is very good, but should have used a spring reverb unit. I think the Tweed Tremolux 5G9 with Jensen speakers would sound more Hendrix than the blonde one, also the Tweed Tremolux 5G9 has a similar circuit to the Bassman 5F6A and remember Jimi used a Marshall Plexi (it was based on the Bassman 5F6A circuit).

[@rafaelpretto292]

@@Tonetwisters By the way, check this Tweed Tremolux 5G9 amp demo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4PQopSnmpWsbc0

[@stephendre2902]

LuckyLicks It doesn’t sound great. I guess because it brings people some nostalgic feelings maybe. Just sounds like the speaker is about to break and is being overloaded.

[@djbigleg3228]

yeah but your tone deaf obviously this amp sounds more natural than any amp ive ever heard.honestly are you jealous ??? i bet you listen to new bands with cheesy tones probably got a digital amp & digital pedals.so basically if you dont like these tone,s you dont like jimi hendrix full stop.people pay thousands to get vintage amps because new amps cannot match these tones.every reissue amp is inferior.its the components hand wiring blue ajax caps & great speakers that make this amp one of the best guitar amps ever made...

[@randyhase1475]

That looks like Gods amp

[@millstap]

No pedals on this one, I just turned up the amp and then turned on the wah-wah at the end. I'm playing an original, vintage 1964 Strat tuned down to D.

[@secretdaisy6484]

OMG-I saw Hendrix in concert & I don’t remember him sounding that good. This is one of the best sounding pieces I’ve ever heard & I have really good Sennheisers. Not bragging just saying I can hear music very well. Thanks.

[@millstap]

Thanks a bunch. I wish I had some Sennheisers. Which model?

[@Iliveonthesecondfloor]

You saw hendrix in concert?

[@mike8610]

It's 9 years since I heard this for the first time. I've been around the world and this is still some of the best strat/fender amp tones of all time. Delicious.

[@millstap]

It’s still sounding as good as it ever has. I just picked up a 1970 Uni-Vibe and hope to hook it up soon. Everything sounds better on a Tweed Bassman, lol.

[@morganparkman2708]

That first bend you tear into my jaw dropped. Zero exaggerations. my wife looked at me like I went full idiot. You have accomplished something here!!!

[@millstap]

LOL. That is the first time I have heard "full idiot."

[@jessenickerson2333]

Damn….just recently came back to revisit some of these videos and just wanted to thank you for posting all of these. Absolutely incredible playing and tone man!!!

[@millstap]

Thanks Jesse. I'm also glad I have these videos as references on my tonal evolution.

[@millstap]

Age. The old pine cabinet resonates like nothing else today. It gives it a woody character like a fine oak barrel aged bourbon. I've heard that the old growth pine they used in the 50's is much superior to the new growth pine they use today. Plus, the components drift differently in each amp. This one actually had a couple of leaky Astron .02 uF capacitors in it which I replaced later. I should put them back in and see what happens.

[@jensk4140]

Ten years ago i found your channel and was blown away from the sounds you get from your rig. To this day i still am!

[@millstap]

Yeah, this seems to be one of those magic moments that I captured.

[@Gerrr38]

I first saw this video in 2011 when I first picked up the guitar and for almost 10 years now I’ve been doing my best to recreate this sound. My point is: after I heard this, it became the holy grail for the sound I’ve been trying to achieve. Thank you for such glorious playing. I listen to it multiple times per year just to keep me on track so that I can get as close to this a possible. Thank you!!!

[@millstap]

You're welcome Gerardo. I hope your quest has proven fruitful. It is a never ending quest. I'm not sure if I could re-create this same sound today. The amp finally had to have its old capacitors replaced. It still sounds great, just not exactly like this now.

[@samatkinsphotography]

The best 2 1/2 mins I've spent in a long time!! Great sound and great playing...

[@millstap]

Thanks. I get a kick out of the life this video has taken.

[@JobyP]

11 Years... still the best fuggin tone I've ever heard....

[@fattirevsbud]

I'm happy to see that this amp is in good hands!

[@kevsnyder]

This man understands the hendrix guitar sound more than most.

[@RyansCustomShopandGearOutlet]

When I heard you start playing I could hear Jimi singing, "Well, I wish... I was a catfish... swimming in... the deep blue sea." Holy moly! Your tone sounds so awesome! Like and subscribed!

[@millstap]

That is a perfect amp to work on. At first, I bought several of Gerald Weber's books and DVD's. He is coming out with a new book soon. He has a lot of info in them and if you get in a pinch, he usually answers emails quickly. I also went to one of his Amp Camps in Texas which was a lot of fun. You can take your own amps to work on. It was a necessity to work on my amps since I had so many and it would have been too difficult and expensive to take them to someone. It's very rewarding.

[@ninteyninenightmares1564]

Omg😮 holy Grail of amps! Sounds amazing brother! Tone for days! You got something special right there!

[@grantoniang7535]

Never get tired of this. Stunning tone.

[@millstap]

Thanks Grant. This is the video that jump started my channel.

[@acealvarez1038]

Here in 2023, and this is still the gold standard of Hendrix tone. I already have a Mesa Mark V that can cover 95% of my needs, and this video alone still makes me want a bassman....

[@LetThereBeLoud]

One of my favorite videos on KZbin! You absolutely nail this tone!

[@greglee2785]

Superb sound and fantastic Jimi tones... I closed my eyes and for a few minutes and it seemed I was there.

[@millstap]

Thanks. This combo is starting to gain some traction around here. We are getting booked every weekend. Must be a tone addiction. People haven't heard the old tone in a long time.

[@Niloy63]

Holy hot shit... it took me a little more than 8 years, but I found it, God. I've found the Holy Grail tone you've always wanted me to find! Dayum. Great player as well. He's the one making that amp sound so damn expressive and soulful.

[@pantoum]

When I hear this man's awesome playing, I realize that some amps just have the secret sauce. I have a Blues Deluxe and I'll be damned if I could ever get it to sound like this.

[@MM-rr1kp]

pantoum how lomg have you had your blues deluxe? Im looking at one now, close to getting it

[@ologylabs2374]

Try a Peavey Classic 30 with a Celestion Blue set up of some kind.

[@weenote]

A blues deluxe is an entirely different amp. You need either a bassman or a jtm to do this. There are lots of clones out there, but that circuit is a big part of the tone.

[@Loagz_Beatz]

I'm working at guitar center at the moment, just put this on and blasted it in the store. thanks this is great!

[@millstap]

Very cool! I wish I could have heard it. I was just playing my latest video in my truck because the stereo sounds better than my computer speakers. What town is the GC in? I bought quite a few things at the GC in CA back in the 80's. But I think it moved years ago. I think it was in Santa Ana. Here is my SRV rig that I was playing in my truck: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rICmiqaXnLSUhNE. You can't really play it in the store with all of my talking but the blackface Super Reverb and Vibroverb sound great. Also, I was just watching Rory Gallagher playing with his old beat up Strat and Tweed Bassman. Thanks for playing that video.

[@roba1899]

I told a kid in the GC in Gainesville, FL about this clip and he went to actually play it on the store's speakers. He said he played it but I couldn't hear .. I was checking out a Fender Hot Rod reissue that sounded unreal .. and that was right at a week and a half ago! What are the odds? I guess we'll just have to wait and see ..

[@Loagz_Beatz]

Rob A that kid was me, haha. And yes, I did play it - but it was on the monitors in the pro audio section. come back to visit sometime!

[@roba1899]

Man, the internet's amazing isn't it! When I first commented 4 months ago, this clip had 250k views .. if you wanna hear a really nice EVH Fair Warning tone, check out the Friedman Brown Eye BE100 with Doug Rappaport .. that clip is pretty special I think too! And man, thanks! That Fender Hot Rod 1x12 was very very nice .. I might need to get that one :)

[@hermitcrab1543]

Man, that is just an amazing sounding guitar - amp set up. Sounds like Jimi to me ! :) I understand why the bassman is so coverted now.

[@shawneec1111]

12 years later, still arguably the best tone to hit KZbin, or anywhere.

[@JM-eq3sx]

Despite the recording's shortcomings, and all of KZbin's fidelity-killing compression, you can still hear the "amp in the room" pretty well. No, it's not like being there, but you can still plainly hear the magic. To all the people who say this can't be done over KZbin, the world of digital audio is not black and white (1 or 0). This video proves what can be achieved.

[@tsafanyoh]

Good Lord, that is just the most amazing sounding amp I've ever heard. This is the tone dreams are made of.

[@HanfM]

Damn omg those those sounds 👍👍👍👊🔥🔥

[@millstap]

+Hanif Muslim Thanks for watching Hanif.

[@HanfM]

+millstap Anytime man, I enjoy it. Keep goin'!

[@millstap]

It's great to hear from you. They are cool. They remind me of my old Plymouth Fury III I had when I was a kid and I could sit in the engine compartment while I was changing the spark plugs. I still use these at gigs which makes me feel good that they are still out there entertaining everyone like they were meant to.

[@bricknboxer]

That put a huge smile on my face! What a sound

[@soapboxearth2]

These videos are going to be so helpful with my upcoming build . Concerting a 2002 reissue to a proper eyelet board soon . Lots of inspiration on this channel ! Thanks !!

[@millstap]

Hopefully you read the description in this video. Video is rough but description is informative. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoaaqIt8e79jbtk

[@soapboxearth2]

@millstap thanks very much. The filtering is quite interesting. I also noticed that the Rob Robinette page has a 5f6a layout identical to your 1960. I assume he went off of the reissue schematic as well. He has a section that outlines some useful failsafe tweaks like backup diodes on the rectifier socket. You've probably seen this page, but I thought I'd share..

[@sniffrat3646]

An amp is only as good as the player and this guy knows how to play

[@whatwouldHousedo]

Just listening to his for the second time, this time with my Audio Technica ATH-M50s- I swear I can hear each individual electron orgasming inside those tubes. Fantastic. This is the best sounding amp I have ever heard, better than any Dumble, Boogie, Orange, or any boutique piece. Absolutely stunning. "This is Jimi talkin' to ya..."

[@XxdartvaderxX]

that bend at 1:53 my god!

[@MyThomasN]

God just called. Says he wants his amp back. You sir are possibly one the best players Ive heard in quite some time. I literally got goose pimples hearing the Hendrix licks.

[@randyhase1475]

Best amp I have ever heard, plus my 10 favorite guitar players are all Jimi Hendrix

[@millstap]

Randy Hase Me too, then Buddy Guy.

[@millstap]

Thanks. This is the equipment I gig with. I originally did these videos to let people that may not have the privilege of owning one of these classics to hear what they sound like. I wish I would have had the sense to buy them years ago when they were cheaper. Most kids would never be able to afford one of these now.

[@millstap]

You can see the knobs from the left is normal volume (off), bright channel 5, treble 7, bass 2, middle 6, presence 8.

[@brandongdlt]

Sir we don’t have a vintage tweed bassman 🥲

[@johnward3874]

It’s a very inspiring tone that very few people can achieve. Well done!

[@philipsanders9192]

That Amp should run for President!!!!

[@papasqueezeable]

that tone is perfection. it can't get better from this point.

[@gavinjamesmusic5734]

There's absolutely no denying how good this sounds. When it comes to KZbin videos on the Hendrix tone, this is the gold standard. I had a go myself at trying to get this tone with minimal equipment & on a budget. If anyone is interested, there's a video on my account here. The results might surprise you. I still wouldn't say no to an original 1960 Bassman though 😂

[@brianpatrick6102]

I freakin LOVE this amp. Aside from sounding amazing, the wear and tear battle scars give it such undeniable character. So great. You are a lucky man

[@aidanstorey6205]

That thing really is trashed, I'll be glad to take it off your hands

[@FarahMars18]

Been playin' over 25 years.......WOW!! Un-effing believable. You are very fortunate my brother!!!

[@Tremuska]

Oh my fucking god. what a sound.

[@millstap]

Thanks for the comment. This amp is still going strong and I make videos with it almost every day.

[@millstap]

I generally have a pretty hard attack. You can really hear it when I hit the chords. That is the way I get a little more sustain out of the note.

[@srx1977]

Yep, you nailed it. That was so unreal! Great medicine for the soul.

[@millstap]

Yes, this was improvisation and probably something I picked up back in 1970 when I first started playing guitar. Back then the Beatles, Zeppelin and Hendrix were at their peak. I know, I was just watching KISS and thinking, "what happened to the magic." I determined recently that this jam is closer to Jimi's "Catfish Blues." I play 4 hours a day to get "quiet head" so, yes, it is normal.

[@chriskucholtz6967]

Just curious... "quiet head"? What do you mean?

[@millstap]

@@chriskucholtz6967 wow, I’m not sure how I came up with that but I mean it is therapeutic and like meditation sometimes.

[@olegpanov9954]

@@millstap is itsj jimi?

[@zeroceiling]

That is absolutely sick...that amp belongs in a museum..just remember this when you think you are "there" in terms of tone..

[@VirtualWoodshed]

+zeroceiling No way man! That amp is exactly where it needs to be! In a museum it would just rot behind glass. Great amps need to be in the hands of great players like this. But you are exactly right about the reality check. I was actually pretty happy with my tone until I heard this! LOL. There is always work to be done I suppose. Peace brother. VW

[@millstap]

+VirtualWoodshed Exactly, a vintage Bassman in the museum is like having a Ferrari stored in the garage. They will eventually rot and need lots of work to get them going again. These amps need to be played to keep them healthy. They are so ruggedly built that I have no qualms about taking it out and gigging with it. Taking it on a major road tour may not be such a good idea when you have to depend on crews to baby it somewhat. Tone changes on a daily basis so you just have to keep working at it. Some days things are perfect and other days just so so. Very slight adjustments to effect volumes, guitar volumes, amp settings, can make a big difference. And keep in mind, an amp never sounds the same on stage with a band as it does played alone in a room. I think some of these old amps have souls because when this thing hits the stage, it comes alive like it knows it is there for a purpose.

[@VirtualWoodshed]

+millstap Totally agree. I gig with a '62 Bandmaster, a '53 Deluxe, or a '64 Princeton depending on the room and I have no qualms about the reliability of any of them. They're all built like brick sh!thouses and the more they're played the better they sound. One thing I've recently started doing is using a Variac to run them at lower voltages like they were designed for. It's amazing the difference when these old amps get 110v as opposed to 122 or 123 that comes out of the wall. They're richer and warmer, with more harmonic depth and articulation. Less harshness on the top end. But there again, this is all nitpicky stuff. I'm sure you'd sound great through a pignose! Cheers from Virginia brother. ~VW

[@millstap]

+VirtualWoodshed VW, if you find that your Variac is too heavy or bulky to haul around, check out the Amp Preserver at vintagesoundworkbench.com.

[@VirtualWoodshed]

+millstap Wow, thanks for the tip! That is a cool unit for sure. Might have to look into one. I'm pretty anal about power. I also carry a volt/ohm meter and a circuit tester to every gig to check what's coming out of the wall. Got tired of getting shocked by iffy power at the shitty rooms I play. Some other players give me crap about it, but I think it's kind of funny that they don't care. Personally I'd rather not get shocked or have my amp meltdown!

[@willcarmack9902]

Unbelievable!!!! Monster tone...you nailed it brother...and then some...amazing amp..and player. Well done!!

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

Natural relic. Nice. Sounds amazing, looks even better. You can't get much better than a bassman.

[@educassiano]

fuck, the saturation, never seen anything like it.

[@Graceandpeaceband]

I have listened to the Jimi Hendrix Blues album like every day for 20 plus years and that is the tone for sure

[@millstap]

It is improv on a Hendrix song "Catfish Blues."

[@Cesar0787]

1960 Bassman + 1964 Strat = Can't describe that sound! hope to get this gear one day...

[@profd65]

Why the fuck can't they make a modern amp sound like that?

[@darrylcole5575]

Ill tell you why ! Becasue fender is to cheap and would want an arm and a leg for it. Also the older wood the cab is made of has aged and done diffrent. Old speakers sound diffrent due to age , and many other reasons. Theres much more, but i can be here all day explaining. Never the less, it sounds amazing because its vintage . Old stuff is just better built etc.......

[@markymarco2570]

darryl cole , they already sounded great when they were new.

[@bensblues]

@@darrylcole5575 the wood? hahahaha

[@Folkert123]

@@bensblues its not a weird statement. Our youtube plexi guru Johan did a comparison between two 4x12 cabs. One was from the 2000's and one from the 70's. He swapped the speakers so that would be consinstent, and to my suprise there was a clear difference. Look it up at youtube!

[@olegpanov9954]

no no never !

[@jonathansix]

You should take this amp into Fender Custom Shop. After hearing this thing I could see them want to make an exact replica of it and do a limited run. Beast tones man. Keep on keepin' on.

[@millstap]

jonathansix Thanks. It is special. Sorry I took so long to respond. I've been out of the country. I have a 1959 to compare this one to and the 1960 has some special mojo for some reason.

[@SevenGenerationsForestry]

They have come out with a 59 Bassman reissue and it is fabulous. $2k worth of fabulous, but there you go.

[@JamesLovesRocks329]

That really does sound like Hendrix's tone. It's just unbelievable

[@olegpanov9954]

its just not playing its about vintage stuff!

[@grantoniang7535]

Stunning tone as always. Your attention to detail is appreciated very much. millstap. Regards from Liverpool.

[@millstap]

Hello G. What a historic town, Liverpool. We almost stopped by there many years ago on our honeymoon. Almost went to Blackpool but ended up in Chester sleeping in the car that night LOL. No rooms available because we started looking too late.

[@grantoniang7535]

Yes. It’s a nice city. Chester is also nice. An old roman place. Lots of Hendrix fans here I’m happy to say. Thanks for briefly sending him over here! I’m realising that I’ve come a little closer to his music through listening to your channel. Your efforts bring his sound a little nearer and show what is possible with dedication. Many thanks.

[@millstap]

@@grantoniang7535 That is very humbling. I grew up with Jimi's influence. He is almost 12 years older than me and would be 76 this November. He just came and left like he was supposed to. It's crazy to think that I really didn't try to tackle any of his music until a little over 6 years ago after playing for 43 years. I thought his music was untouchable and I didn't even think about it. Then when I discovered how much other material was out there and with all of his live stuff, I realized how much of a subconscious influence he had on my playing all of those years. If it wouldn't have been for the open British culture, Jimi probably wouldn't have ever reached his destiny. Thank you.

[@MrFrenchHarp]

KILLER. Dont ever sell that amp. Hendrix would come out of his grave and spit on your suede shoes for doing it.

[@slash2jimi]

Sell it to me

[@DakotaBusCaptures]

@@slash2jimi 😑

[@millstap]

It's crazy. The thing just keeps sounding better and better.

[@super63strat]

Lord Have Mercy , sounds like the Jimi mojo from Electric Ladyland

[@millstap]

Thanks. I loved it so much, I just added a 1959 Bassman so now this one has a sister. I need to do a video of both of them cranked. I'll wait until the neighbors are out of town.

[@millstap]

stargate669 Wow. I finally downloaded Google Chrome and now I can answer your comments. KZbin does not work with Safari anymore. Google is taking over.

[@andenahlino]

+super63strat Jimi used a Bassman on the Voodoo Chile recording, so dont be surprised;)

[@millstap]

+andenahlino Thanks for the cool information.

[@andenahlino]

Your welcome! And i must say, it is one of the, if not the best Hendrix tone. (Yes am i very jealous of your amp)

[@robertaustin1945]

I keep coming back to this video that amp just sounds amazing but I'm sure the amp is just one part of the puzzle cheers

[@StamatisStabos]

eargasm

[@millstap]

It was a great era in music. My 26 year old son loves that music and is a huge fan of the Beach Boys, Queen, Stevie Wonder. Keep studying the blues. We are trying to keep it alive. I have a German friend in Madrid named Daniel Mundt. He is a musician too. I would love to visit Germany in the future. It is so beautiful.

[@keithb7]

Well ain't that the best gawd damn sound on you tube! Unfking real. Hard to put words to this so vulgarity works. Daymn man, day-um,

[@aaronlalli3730]

This floored me...literally! That is the tone! I'm a nobody, but in my opinion that is spot on...peace from Oklahoma .

[@JIMISTONED]

this video is my reference

[@millstap]

Crazy. Thanks. I also have an amp company that is using this amp for a clone design.

[@tsj7545]

millstap do you mind me asking who the company is and do you think they can nail it to get this sound?

[@hansmemling7605]

@@millstap would love an update on the clone

[@millstap]

@@hansmemling7605 It is the the Grammatico Kingsville 59. I spoke with John recently but I did not ask him about the 59. He was switching gears to Dumble clones. I'm sure he can still make the 59. At the time I played it, I thought it was great but sounded more like a new amp to me. Now that I have completely refurbished my 1959, my amp sounds more like the Grammatico. I still like to experiment with capacitors and I have a few NOS Paper-in-Oil caps that I thought sounded great. The good thing with a point-to-point hand wired amp is that you can do your own experimentation if you know just a little about soldering and amp safety and design. I would probably go with the custom ordered Eminence 1028P speakers instead of what John was using. I can remember what he had in the amp.

[@millstap]

@@hansmemling7605 Here are the videos I did on the Kingsville. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJivZHWilMSdh9E, kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3POdHisaMStn5I

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

This is what you call ToneTastic..!! I have a 1964 Fender Vibroverb and a Hot Texas toasted Strat... Love pushing the tubes to the limits.!!!

[@millstap]

Me too. Check out how I pushed my 1964 Vibroverb at 9:00 in this video. I thought she was going to blow. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYSveWCqjK-Ed8k

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

LOL.. all your Tone Boxes are Fantastic..!! I play my Vibroverb with volume on 9 and just turn my strat down to 3 or 4

[@Tonykayemusic]

1:10 is wow.

[@omarlaqdiem3895]

wow, i just get here trough the channel of your daughter. man that tone is "puro-puro" sounds amazing, cant imagine in front of the amp! up!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 puro fuego man

[@millstap]

I will have to thank my daughter. Thank you for subscribing. It is an amazing amp for such a little thing.

[@zygmund18]

That sound is so huuge

[@millstap]

You ought to hear it now. I have another one just like it. Very loud together.

[@Diax1324]

Incredibly jealous. I wonder if the reissues even compare.

[@ZekeMan62]

Diax1324 This is sarcasm right?

[@alfiehenshall688]

Tune low to D .

[@ninteyninenightmares1564]

😱 OMG! The tone of those are unreal! One of my favorite amps!

[@daviddoyle4516]

Dear millstap That sounds like Ice Cream and Pie,,,,God Bless Leo Fender God Bless the dirty old raggedy tweed Bassmans still with us on Earth,,,

[@millstap]

I agree. These amps last forever even if you don't take great care of them as is evident in this old ragged example. They were made for the road and easy to repair.

[@daviddoyle4516]

As a practical matter ,I can I find one in this day and age at a reasonable price? Any help appreciated

[@millstap]

Not really reasonable. A good vintage Bassman with all of the correct parts untouched will be a minimum of $5,000 and probably more in the $5,500-7,000 range. I've seen this one on ebay for a while now but all of the good parts are gone - www.ebay.com/itm/1960-vintage-Fender-Bassman-tweed-4x10-electric-guitar-amplifier-/252551093904?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=of%252FLsUoI0bQ9dqKUCDM6OGt1OzY%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc And this one www.ebay.com/itm/January-1960-Fender-Tweed-Bassman-serviced-by-Alessandro-/232034521377?hash=item360655d121:g:J1UAAOSwRoxXnrBw And one more that I would not buy www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Fender-1958-Bassman-Chassis-in-THD-Frame-w-THD-Speakers-/332013881547?hash=item4d4d91c8cb:g:pmUAAOSwZVlXoNJK

[@daviddoyle4516]

Dear millstap Have you ever played one of those Kendrick Tweed bassman clones?If so what is your opinion of the tone.I just cant hack 5K for the real deal right now.I see the Kendricks going for $1200 .Please advise Dave Doyle Los Angeles

[@millstap]

Dave, I have never played one but I know one of the ex-shop managers and I sent this to him. He makes Area 51 wah-wahs now. I should hear back soon. I have been to the Kendrick plant in Texas at an Amp Camp several years ago. I know Gerald Weber. When we were there, he did play a blackface Twin clone that he had just built for Joe Bonamassa. I didn't think it sounded that great but it was brand new and needed to be played for months before it was going to start opening up. Plus, they are so big, clean, and bright sounding. The good thing about Gerald is he has some old pine that he uses to build some of his cabs so you might be able to request that. He is a businessman so he tends to overcharge for services but $1,200 is very reasonable. Is that a kit?

[@anelkobalic1574]

I have been coming back to this many years. What a fucking tone man!!

[@roba1899]

My eyes got wet .. (!)

[@millstap]

I know. There is something magical about that amp. I have it sitting right next to a re-tweeded 1959 and the 1960 has some kind of magic in it. I think it may be the cabinet more than anything with that beat up tweed.

[@roba1899]

Wow, I thought I read somewhere that you sold this thing. This is very easily one of my favorite tone clips ever. I'd be gushing at the seams if I had possession of this beastly device :)

[@millstap]

No, I will probably be buried with this amp. I've had young sound guys come up to me wondering what it is. They had never heard anything like it.

[@roba1899]

That ..That! is seriously THE tone to have. The only other thing that holds a candle to what you've got there would be the right Dumble. I'm still reeling ..

[@ruklick]

dumble shmumble! Nothing special about a Dumble and yes, I've played through three. My friend owns three of them and I have spent hours with them. Any great master volume tube amp like Mesa/Boogie, Two Rock, FUCHs, etc... is just right up there with a rumble. You are paying 90% for the brand name and 10% for the amp. Calvin Klein anyone?

[@johngalt1961]

5 seconds into this, I'm floored, even on my laptop speaker.

[@iLLEquilibrium]

That tone kinda turns me on : )

[@ptpumpkin4227]

12 years later and i have this bookmarked because its just so incredible

[@millstap]

I watch it a lot of times after someone comments on it. Thank you. It is still pretty cool. I play it every day.

[@VirtualWoodshed]

Holy crap I think I need to change my underwear now. So, I've always struggled with the Hendrix sound, but here you are nailing it on an amp that (as far as I know) Hendrix never recorded with. So it obviously ain't the amp, and I'm pretty sure you'd sound great through a Peavey Bandit. And FWIW, it's more than just tone. You've got the FEEL and TOUCH better than anybody I've heard. So what's the secret to the Hendrix enigma man? Do tell!

[@millstap]

+VirtualWoodshed Well, I really think quite a bit of it is also the old guitar. But, the 1959 5F6-A Fender circuit is the circuit that Jim Marshall copied exactly when he made the first Marshall amps so they are distant cousins. As far as feel and touch, I guess I have a little advantage of growing up in the '60's and learning how to play guitar around 1970. We were very influenced by Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmie Page.

[@VirtualWoodshed]

+millstap Yeah, they're distant cousins, but you just proved that it's possible to nail the Hendrix sound with a low powered American amp with 6L6's, open back cab and 10's!! Who knew?! You're very modest man. I wish I had 10% of your skills. Keep it up! ~VW

[@millstap]

+VirtualWoodshed Thank you for the compliment.

[@LetThereBeLoud]

+VirtualWoodshed JTM-45 (Hendrix mainstay) and early Bassmans have very very similar circuits.

[@spatnaspolecnost]

+LetThereBeLoud I thought Voodoo Child was recorded on a tweed bassman like this and Voodoo Chile was a blonde bassman...?

[@Paczuu]

Going back here from time to time - just to experience once again the best tone of youtube

[@millstap]

Thanks for coming back. It really is a testament to these great amps that I am still playing it every day and it is sounding better than ever.

[@millstap]

Also, I'm slowly working on another quick Hendrix tutorial so hopefully I post it in the next month or so.

[@tomitstube]

you cannot recreate tubes with solid state or digital, this here is the proof.

[@millstap]

So true. And you can change the sound of these just by changing to different tubes and biasing the power tubes anywhere from cold to hot. Try doing that with solid state.

[@tomitstube]

millstap exactly, digital and s.s. don't have the body and wave of tubes, it's the same thing with cgi in movies, i find digital effects boring, obviously digital offers the ability to do many more things creatively, but the exorcist was one of the greatest horror movies of all time and they used real effects, mechanics, make-up, and so-called "mondo films" like faces of death are much more authentic than something like transformers... maybe i'm nostalgic but digital can't beat this.

[@millstap]

The tube is a wonderful invention. You can use different brands for different tones. Long live tubes.

[@overlook77]

How are you getting reverb? I didn't think these amps had it....

[@madmod]

pedals

[@millstap]

No pedals on this one except a vintage 1964 Fender spring reverb unit sitting on the floor just to the left of the amp. You could consider it an old style pedal.

[@neoaureus]

Jimis Blues ...is my reference CD ....catches him in his best and his truest form IMHO...and this my dear friend is close to that! That's no mean thing....you have a gift...and you have worked on it. Tone....12/10.... playing 10/10....hell....only Jimi gets 12/10 bro.

[@edgongre1404]

How many times have we kicked ourselves in the head for letting old rigs like this go because they just werent new or cool enough at the time and not enough bells n whistles argh!!!!!!! repeat to thyself .......,dumbass ,dumbass......,dug the tone and the vibe you put down .....

[@millstap]

Very true. I remember my friends had old Fender amps and they were so clean and plain sounding, we did not know how to make them sound good back then. So, we just got rid of them and bought what was hot then.

[@davel1716]

I still come back to this one. And after all these years - yes, it is still the very best. One other commenter mentioned having the chills. I'm getting the chills just *thinking* about this tone after hearing it. I'm stunned, in awe....just how good a tone can exist! There are a handful of youtube tone vids that come to mind when I think 'the best'...the Fortin-modded 1959SLP...the 1958 Gibson LP Standard w/ Marshall Bluesbreaker (Carter vid)...the Joey Landreth demo of the 1958 LP Standard (another Carter vid)...and this one. The Landreth one comes oh so close. And I'm Marshall/Gibson guy. But this one is still at the top.

[@millstap]

Thanks for coming back. That says a lot coming from a Marshall/Gibson guy. I would probably be one too but I never had the opportunity to play good ones. The Black Beauty Fretless Wonder was a big lemon and once I played my first Fender Tele, I never turned back. I also bought a half stack Marshall back in the early '80's that also didn't sound good so it was just one fail after another that kept me in the Fender camp. I love the modularity of the Fenders which makes them so easy to modify.

[@davel1716]

@@millstap I think with either Marshall / Fender, when you find a good one, you know it. Have you seen the Joey Landreth 1958 Les Paul Standard vid? Masterclass in low gain PAF tone, and he is playing through a '52 Fender Deluxe, so there's that Fender tone again. That's cool that you've good luck through ebay. I'm starting to pay closer attention to vintage Bassman amps. Right now, I'm seeing $5-10k usually, which while not inexpensive, is way better than a $50k vintage guitar. Does yours have the original speakers? In any case, thanks for providing some of the best tone ever heard by man, and...keep making more videos! Cheers!

[@millstap]

@@davel1716 Yeah, I got sort of lucky on eBay. I found a reputable dealer from California on ebay that I bought a bunch of my amps from. I learned everything about amps on that 1960 and then I would search eBay and found a 1959 that was all original but had been re-Tweeded for $5,700 and he threw in a hardwired Fender reissue reverb unit. I knew what to look for so that helped a lot. I just want them completely original knowing that I will probably have to do a lot of work to it. The speakers were all original P10R's but had all been reconed. I've had a saved Bassman search on eBay for years now just for to see what pops up, and surprisingly, it seems like they have dried up, at least on eBay. I've only seen the ridiculously priced ones from music stores. It's always best to buy from a private seller and ask lots of questions about the amp. I even kept bidding (years ago) on a rare 1959 Bandmaster that had been listed for a long time at a high price and I went over the reserve price and ended up winning it. It was a shock at the time but now I could probably sell it for a decent amount. They still are not a Bassman though. The Bassman just has that low end that makes your guitar sound so good. The Bandmaster was completely original too and I still have it. But, all of those amps need almost all if not all the capacitors replaced which can diminish the tone if you are not careful in the caps you use.