Fender Bassbreaker 18/30

[@WillyPDX94]

Great review. Your personal reactions are very thoughtful and you've helped me get a handle on what to expect from the amp much better than the "canned" demos provided by Fender and the big box guitar shops. Thanks!

[@dlcyh2000]

Yup, I am ready to pull the trigger on a 15w primarily for home and jamming with buddies...need your review as soon as you can get yours hands on one Phillip, like your honesty!

[@pseudmaged]

I'm sure since this video was posted folks have had a chance to try this line of amps. If not, I'll just weigh in and say that I think the 18/30 sounds great, especially for the money. I tried one at a local shop with three guitars: Squier J. Mascis Jazzmaster, Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster, and a Les Paul Jr. with the alnico rod P90 in it (can't remember if those are Gibson or Epiphone). The amp had a beautiful, breathy, detailed sound with just the right amount of squish. I'm talking both channels here. Anyway, I didn't hear too much AC30 DNA. To me it sounded pretty much like Fender describes it: Deluxe Reverb and brown face circuit in one amp. But tone is subjective so you may hear something different. In fact, it sounded a lot like my silver face Princeton Reverb when I hook it up to Celestion greenbacks. In any case, I watched this video just because I can't justify buying another amp and I don't want to go back to the guitar shop and "tire kick" but still needed to get some of that 18/30 juiciness. Oh, and lack of reverb and effects loop is not a deal breaker for me but I can see where it would be for some folks.

[@fletches4084]

Just swapped V1 in the bassbreaker 18/30 from a 12AX7 to a 12AY7. Makes the whole amp a lot more user friendly. Drops the gain in the first stage by about half. Gives much more range and control in the volume so it doesn't take your head off a soon as the dial gets off zero. Sounds better to my ear as well. Better low end but it still retains the mids and top end clarity.

[@peachmelba1000]

Nice. I just got a very clean used example of this amp, and I've been running my pedal board through Channel 1. Seems to do the trick. Channel 2 is all but unusable due to the lack of master volume, but I will be trying what you mentioned.

[@NateB1976]

I don't get it why would they put this out without reverb, effects loop and the other features the bassbreaker 15watt has? The 15 watt basically has the features this has but also a nice hall reverb, 3 stages of drive, an effects loop and available as a head or combo making it a great home amp or studio recorder.

[@bbnatedogg]

+Nate Brenneman I agree. I'd go for the 15 watt or 40 watt with attenuator way before this, though I think a Peavey Classic 20 is my next amp purchase. This amp appeals to a pretty narrow market, and I'm gonna guess it gets discontinued before the others.

[@genoswift6239]

your right ... when I think of fender amps I think of reverb ... if I didn't want reverberation I'd buy a Marshall

[@mattgilbert7347]

The FX loop in the 15 is shit. The DI with cab sim is garbage.

[@tysonrinker5958]

Dude I dont want all that shit you named. I just want the tone.

[@tysonrinker5958]

You guys dont know about the old tweed deluxe I guess indont know

[@vincesantacruz4262]

I just picked one of these up and for me it is perfect. Great clean sound on 30 watt channel and with a bit of delay and a decent overdrive pedal mixed in you can get some really good rhythm and lead tones out of it. 18 watt side can be set up nicely as well. It's been a great platform to experiment with and get great tones.

[@damon3939]

Congrats on passing 5k subscriptions ! Great work

[@jamesrobinson529]

I rented an 18/30 for a gig a couple weeks ago. I didn't like it. The clean channel sounded thin to my ears, regardless of how much I tweaked the eq. Channel two was too thick as it needs an eq section. I definitely prefer the 15.

[@fletches4084]

Just picked one of these up somewhat paradoxically as a replacement for an AC30 which was also a recent acquisition. The goal was to downsize from a HiWatt DR103 but it turns out the HiWatt does a better job at low volumes than either the Vox or the Fender. Both the AC30 and the bassbreaker only really come into their own once they get cranked which makes them awkward for home use. Who'd have thought a 100W HiWatt would make the perfect bedroom practice amp? :-)

[@johnnycarr2903]

hello mate, i just wanted to say that I have really been enjoying your videos, thank you. next time I swing past the USA I promise to buy something from your store! lots of love from the other side of the pond! Johnny (England)

[@bartoszsawicki1892]

Man, my solid state 25R Fender Frontman amp has that exact same feature - it roars starting at 1 on 10 :) It has killer cleans though.

[@scottm3775]

Phillip’s videos are some of the best on KZbin. I really appreciate his truthful take on the equipment he plays-it’s super helpful in deciding on what to buy. Does anyone have a suggestion for an amp known for beautiful cleans? I have an AC-15, a DSL 40C, and a Blues Junior III. Thanks 🙏

[@boboliver5907]

Most tube amps sound great cranked up but what sets them apart from good smaller tube amps is do they sound good at low volume and do they have an fx loop and reverb........................

[@robertsantos3945]

Hi Phil another cool video, is that a new PRS I don't recall seeing it before.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

+Robert Santos No, I have the two PRS customer 24s. The one I am playing is my 2013.

[@robertsantos3945]

I really like the black gold finish on the custom 24, really classy. Play it in more videos if possible.

[@jeffhebert9643]

Love your channel. This is completely off topic but I appreciate your honesty and knowledge . What is the stability of musicman necks like ? Do they twist,warp etc. I live in Nova Scotia where summers are hot and humid and the winters are cool with the house dry from running the furnace. thanks.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

+Jeff Hebert I have owned 3 or 4 musicians and current still ave the Music man 7 string. one of the instructors I work with has two and plays them all the time, gigs, teaching, you name it. and no issues. I have worked on a lot of them and overall good stuff, with the issues being very few. I really like their sterling line as well.

[@lance134679]

Another groovy video. There is another channel that compares several combo amps (12, to be exact), including the Vox AC15 and Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 with three different guitars. The only caveat is that all the amps are cranked to full volume, and I'm not sure which channel in the 18/30 is used. What it does show is that the 18/30 hold its own against much more expensive boutique amps, at least when cranked. For me, lots of clean gain is important so my OD pedals can do their thing and this amp seems to provide that.

[@paulboomer4794]

I don't get all of the wasted use of the power selection on top. I think I would like the 7 watt better. It's not for me but to each his own.

[@thearoom]

nice info, when i tried it I was able to get much cleaner out of the 18 channel.

[@1991stratplus]

The only thing i don't like is the lack of a effect loop, but the 15 does have a effect loop, weird. i have the 007 and it is grat for such a little amp, i don't know how 7 watts can be so loud, but again no effect loop. Still great little amp for home. I am experimenting with a wet/dry rig paired with my 100w twin, and it sounds great.

[@briankeeton2071]

Thanks Phil!

[@bluzman145]

Have you done the 45 review? I haven't seen it. I have one arriving tomorrow and I am very curious about your thoughts and views.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

+Kelly Kimberly I have it, I plan to do a side by side of it vs the Fender Bassman 59. Should be next week.

[@bluzman145]

Awesome, I look forward to it! And what a great idea, side by side, since Fender is comparing the two in the teases/hype

[@daveowens]

Great review - thanks for doing it! Now I know this is too much volume for what I’m after.

[@blueskycrying]

exactly you finally answered my first question i ask of any amp, which is will it get over a drummer especially a heavy handed drummer and kit which is the most important thing to me besides the tone for a stand alone stage amp

[@restitt]

I really like the idea of a db meter on all demos (both amps and pedals). Volume is the one thing that can be so misleading on demos leading to disappointment if the person buys based on the demo. As constructive criticism, although filming presents another challenge, place the spl meter in a more logical/conventional place, such as 5-8' in front of the speaker. I've seen split screen or multi window videos that could do this. AND incorporate the meter on ALL you videos. Keep it coming!

[@angelineandallan]

fantastic ,thanks so much for the reply and the honest reviews !

[@streetbl]

Did you ever review the 45w? Been looking for that video from you. Thanks!

[@stevehogan8829]

OK, so I really enjoy your vids and reviews. Now that NAMM is over what is your favorite for a Home Couch player that wants reverb. Seems like you really liked the Fender Bassbreaker line, and I know there were some others you mentions. I'd kinda like to get an amp head since I already have a Peavey Delta Blues, Line6 Spider Jam and a Fishman Soloamp. The Fishman is the one I use the most. Thanks alot for your opinions.

[@AllenPinchloaf]

Sounds like a great gigging amp.how does it stack up against a hot rod deluxe?nice review

[@japhmusic]

How do you connect a load box to this amp? For attenuation

[@AlanGeer]

Nice work - it doesnt appear there is any way to incorporate an attenuator easily, huh?

[@TheChristafershawn]

There are several speaker and ohm outs...so with the extra cab and load box...yes.

[@LewisKing89]

Query re: speaker outs. Please bear with me, I'm relatively new to the concept of giggable amps, I'm seriously considering purchasing one of these, and want to understand something before I dive in. I've been trying to find a user manual for this amp online, but unfortunately no luck, so I'm hoping you might be able to help. You've said that when no additional/alternative cab is connected, the amp will only work on the 4ohm setting. What if you are attaching an extension cab? the BB212 is 16ohms, so would give you a total impedance of 3.2 ohms if connected in parallel, or if using an 8ohm cab, circa 2.6 ohms. So, does the impedance switch only relate to the main cab, then the extension automatically adjusts to the correct setting as some modern heads now do? I'm sorry if that doesn't make any sense, but I'd appreciate any advise you could give!

[@bruzzgravely3470]

Philip does this amp sound good enough to not having to use a distortion pedal with it? and does it have that early eightys sound to it, and does it not have that real bright sound with it that will cut your ears out when you use the distortion with it? im looking for that real good country sound but I don't want to use a pedal with it, and I want it to sound tight and fat were it will jar your heart. I guess hw to really tell you what im looking for would be like that good clear distortion sound like David Gilmore uses, I like use and echo pedal would this amp deliver that for me? I have a marshall 40 watt dsl but it sucks sounds alful with and without a distortion pedal, I hve 2 fender mustangs and the same thing with then and I have a blackstar 40 watt and the same thing with it, watt is your professional opioion watt im I to do? I don't want to waste more money for nothn......Thanks answer me back!!!

[@georgemayfield4557]

+Bruzz Boe I have on of these also. I would agree with what Phillip says. This is just a loud amp. With a pedal fine, it will sound like a loud amp that you put a pedal in front of to get the sound you want. However Fender claims this to be an 18 watt version of a brownface deluxe. That means it should be a juicy tone machine with great amp distortion. That isn't what this is, this is just a loud loud amp with very little personality or character. I would recommend this to no one, it is the worst Fender amp I have ever tried. I recommend no one buy one of these.

[@bruzzgravely3470]

sure glad you told me I will cancel mine....Thanks

[@bruzzgravely3470]

I bought me 2 mustang 3 amps and im running them stero with a blues driver and a tube screemer and an ego compression pedal and im using the built in echo and im using the 59 bassman amp that it built in on both of them and they sound great, you wouldn't believe the sound that comes out of these amps , plese try the some times but don't use that moldeleing shit built in it because it sounds awful but use these pedals im telling you about and id say you will be surely satisfied,,,,

[@MinGamingKanal]

Hey. how does this amp take reverb or delay pedals not having an fx loop? i really like the sound of the 18/30.

[@wolfendoom7269]

do you have to crank this one loud to get a nice overdrive?

[@MotherFarquhar]

No Fx-loop or reverb seem to have killed this amp in the UK. Good news? They are cranking these out HALF PRICE £355 just in time for Christmas. Thanks for this 'everything you need to know' review, I just bought one ..

[@Dan-nb3nt]

Phillip, I know you're very busy managing your store, but I was wondering if you do any gigging? I apologize if this has been asked and answered in a previous video.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

no, I get jam from time to time with friends and other musicians I know. but, the shop, doing repair and kids have all my time locked up for now.

[@bbnatedogg]

I'd suggest placing the decibel meter at least a meter away next time. No one plays with their head right next to the cab.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

That's a great idea. I will try it next time. I was afraid that You Tubes compression would not let you hear the amps volume. so I wanted to add a visual aid. but I think how loud the amp is came through

[@bbnatedogg]

+Phillip McKnight Great work as always. I think the use of a decibel meter is a great idea. It gives a numerical representation,. even though most people watching probably don't understand exactly how the decibel rating works. I just think having it farther away would give a better representation of what to expect playing it at home as most people probably sit at least 3 feet away or so, though the mathematically inclined could just use the inverse square law. Distance and direction of the sound waves has a huge impact on both decibel rating and perceived volume. Every time you double your distance from the source of the sound the intensity drops by a factor of 4. I don't think this amp is going to do very well personally. The 15 watter has reverb, an effects loop, and is going to drive better at lower volumes. And if you need a gigging amp that plays well at home the 45 watt version has the attenuator for 50-150 bucks more.

[@nitemunky76]

+Phillip McKnight KZbin doesn't compress audio. Your mic will clip at high spl however.

[@gathda]

I wish I had listened when I got my Fender Frontman 212R 100W amp and people said it was loud. :) I guess I didn't realize what loud really meant until I tried to use it at home. Might be trading it in on something else a little more appropriate.

[@nealixd.3011]

It doesn't say anywhere on the Fender site, but it sounds like a Class A amp. And competes with a Vox AC30 for sure. I played one at the local GC twice and I like it a lot. If Class A, that explains its loudness (wish you could see what the back panel says in these videos and pix better, it may say on the back panel). Most folks don't know it, but a Class A watt sounds about three times louder than a Class A/B watt in my experience. I will have to research this further to clarify the actual class amp. Don't forget the Beatles and other British bands like Queen conquered the musical world with 30 watts, 2-12 Vox AC30s like this. They are great amps and they are LOUD. I like this one a lot as a gig-ster myself, although reverb/tremolo, an effects loop, top boost, and more controls on the 18 watts channel would make it killer and really emulate the Vox. I probably don't need it, having a great Fender Custom Vibrolux Reverb, a Carvin V3M head with cabs (EL84 power tubes also), and several Fender Super Champ XD and X2 combos and head, but I sure would like one, ha. It really sounds good and overdrives even on the clean channel a bit when you push it hard. Like it a lot. It makes my jazz box Dean Palomino (Gibson ES-175 style wth 3 P90s) sound amazing in all five positions on the clean 30 watts channel when I tried it out on this at the GC.

[@nealixd.3011]

PS great review thanks, you are spot on in your observations.

[@briankeeton2071]

Definitely way too loud for home use. What do you recommend for nice home tube amplifier?

[@PhillipMcKnight]

There are tons of amps that you can use for home or studio. fender Blues Jr, Pro jr, Super Champ x2, super sonic 22, Princeton, deluxe 65, George Benson hot rod, marshall dsl 15, dsl 40, vox ac10

[@bernardosilva7306]

+Brian Keeton I love me Carvin V3M. Awesome clean, super high gain crunch and the master volume and the soak switch can really turn it to a home practice level :D

[@boboliver5907]

No fx loop, that kinda sucks

[@BohnoC124]

Bob Oliver bc the Concept of that amp is powertube distortion. So what will Happen to your beautiful Reverb/Chorus/randommodulationfx? FX-Loop doesn’t make sense in that concept

[@DevinCLott]

Great sounding amp but I really wish people would put fx loops on pretty much all new amps since this pretty much means no reverb and a limited selection for delay. Great video though! :)

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I agree.

[@katherineseiss102]

+Phillip McKnight in your professional opinion, why would Fender leave out an FX loop? It can't be only for costs could it?

[@angelineandallan]

hi there really love this channel ! when are you reviewing the Bassbreaker 45 combo ?

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I'm working on it now I'm going to do a A/B against the Bassman 59.

[@thomasmccauley7920]

Thanks for the info.

[@vdubguy7917]

I remember watching your video when talked about the decibel meter but can't find it... 😞 which meter was it?

[@PhillipMcKnight]

it's this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/foCXepKibs58rsk

[@vdubguy7917]

+Phillip McKnight thx! Cheers!!

[@tonykoziol9052]

Excellent Review!

[@dalepal]

Good review. Maybe this amp would work for playing out but certainly not for home use.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Great review and advice!

[@greyninja88]

I bought this Amp, its fantastic but yep, its very loud if you want it to be!!

[@tricko2286]

Everyone knows the Bassman carries all other Fender amps on its shoulders - so the disrespect of loading that grey blob on top of that Bassman is telling.

[@montys8th]

Thanks for the video Phillip. I seem to be in the minority but I think it sounds great.

[@pulleys5]

Thanks for a good review.

[@SuperRoggerRabbit]

Thanks for the great review! I played it at my local music store, and it is LOUD!!! could not get past 1 .. definitely a pedal amp, or get yourself a load box, to lower the decibels !

[@japhmusic]

Hi, how would you connect a load box to this amp

[@TheBluesine]

Pretty weird looking having a Marshall Amplification sign hanging behind on the wall........ I think you should of used a strat or tele with single coils to demo this because humbuckers come across to HOT .... Interesting video though, well done

[@mediumtalented9250]

Did you get another PRS?

[@PhillipMcKnight]

no, I have two custom 24s a 2013 and 2015. I have no idea why they are identical other than color.

[@ironman-vx1qs]

+Phillip McKnight Lol! Don't have to explain to us. I think we are all gear junkies! You can justify it by saying that you needed to have one set permanently in a different tuning. Works with my girlfriend!!

[@mediumtalented9250]

Hahahahah ya i just never noticed it before, i totally understand why. I have a custom 24 and i often think about buying many more just like it.

[@katherineseiss102]

Would you say that small wattage mesa boogie is one of the best small tube amps out there?

[@WickedFesterBand]

Great review ....... I don't think that one is for me. Thanks!

[@jeffhebert9643]

thank you.

[@jacobm7421]

Got one on a trade not my thing. Sounds like a classic 50. Selling soon as possible. Sounds nothing like the other demos.

[@sn95_mustang_garage]

I'm glad I bailed on this series and went another route instead. Just not feeling the sound or the options it has. My current amp has an FX loop, reverb, tuner and 4x12 cab simulated headphone jack which is ideal for recording through my audio interface. Thanks for this honest review Phil.

[@joecanzano]

Useful video. Thanks..

[@fabioingratta8696]

This is one of those "soon to be discontinued" amplifiers from Fender. I can get that sound from a Roland Cube.

[@RackhirTheRed]

This one and the 45 leave me flat. I'm sure they'll do well and others will love them but for me...meh. The 15 on the other hand made me sit up and take notice. I'll be checking one out as soon as they hit my area. My questions are how well do they clean up and what they sound like opened up? The 3 Fenders amps I have are fantastic....but just too dang loud for me to really open them up at most gigs ( and so go from fantastic to just pretty good) ) and I was at the verge of getting an Orange Dark Terror...until I heard of the Bassbreaker 15. I'm really looking forward to a 1st impression of the 15. Great work man. I love your channel! Edit: Meant to type Dark but for some reason I always type Tiny. No idea why.

[@moreanimalspirits]

I am not a fan of this amp, although I didn't turn it up very loud.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

mexico

[@haroldbear1301]

AC30 shootout please!

[@zacadelic7247]

Man I thought this amp had EL84 tubes

[@TheChristafershawn]

It does.

[@ak_zombie]

I have to say I'm underwhelmed with the amp. I'll stick with my Archon.

[@TheTaulusPaulus]

I thought these were el84s....

[@PhillipMcKnight]

+TheTaulusPaulus They are, Thats why I should write stuff down. I mean I still wont, but I should. Thank you for posting.

[@hackcomic]

hello

[@britpoper]

Bought one sold it within a month.

[@Jshortca1]

That Db app is not accurate. No way were you speaking at 90Db without shouting and when you hit that chord it showed 110db. Well 110db is what you're probably hearing at a live rock show/arena show. I work in an industrial environment and grinding steel plate with an angle grinder is about 90-95db, which is much louder than you talking. Just an FYI, not trolling as many people on the internet tend to think nowadays when pointing out faults in their videos. Rock on.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

it's the mic on the ipad. I find the apps to be off as well. but I figured not a lot of guys have a real meter so they could use the ap at home and see what it took to get 110. your correct. although my wifes says I talk at 90db.

[@MrCmd7572]

el84

[@rjbron3038]

Sounds terrible in this video. No offense.

[@ryndanriley5348]

I think it's too loud for his mic/mixer since he has them set up for his vocal volume.

[@glubygaming2609]

If you knew how mics worked... that might help. It's really really loud. That doesn't really help.

[@scotthoover6689]

Too much talking

[@boboliver5907]

No fx loop, that kinda sucks

[@GuitarSal66]

I bought this amp yesterday, I used my pedalboard before the amp , due to no effect loop and it sounds insane, I play blues, classic and hard rock and metal!

[@mattgilbert7347]

Yeah man, FX loops are for pussies. Straight in the front!!

[@hackcomic]

hello