A Retweeded 1959 Fender Tweed Bassman - First Sounds

Three speakers have been reconed, one has the original cone. I explain a few safety measures I take when checking out an amp for the first time. I replace the JJ ECC83S that was in V1 with a vintage Sylvania 5751. Everything else is as it was when I received the amp. It sounds better than my 1960 in my opinion. I need to make sure I preserve this tone.
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

[@LyndonJarman]

That amp... just wow! Cheers for sharing millstap. Your vids have influenced my own tone massively since I found your channel. Love your work.

[@babiixoxbritty]

Had one of these in our attic for about 30 years, my dad sold it at a garage sale for 75 bucks. I was very uneducated about what it really was until a bit later in life, our neighbor that bought it still has it. It's a 59 and looks identical to this one.

[@carlospenna]

yes!!! sounds wonderful!!! I have a pair of good speakers on my computer and when you put the volume on 3rd I had to reduce the volume here ... you know, like many people I see on the internet many types of amps, vintage, boutique, moderns, but I can tell you with all my honesty, I am truly impressed with the sound quality of your new amp ... Your explanation was perfect and absolutely understandable for me, do not forget I am Brazilian I have no deep knowledge about tube valve amps, today I learned a little more and I'm grateful ... I agree when you say that this sounds better than the other, is the impression I got here ... I believe there is no need to wish you a good week because we all know it will be wonderful ... once again thank you for sharing your knowledge on these extremely fascinating stuff, guitars and amps ...

[@brucereed4145]

I'd like to hear this amp with a Les Paul. It sounds a lot like the '58 I owned for many years. By the way, nice playing. You got Jimi nailed!

[@jimnowacki3689]

What pickups are in the Strat- my Strat Plus has Gold Lace Sensors and I can't get my '58 Bassman to sound like this at low levels. Thanks.

[@millstap]

+Jim Nowacki Those are the original 1964 black bottom pickups that came with the guitar. They are not near as bright as newer pickups. They are also fairly low output. I think the neck pickup reads 5.3 ohms. The other two are 5.7 and 6.2 ohms.

[@juanluguitar]

I think this has 4 speakers of 8ohm wired to have 2ohm. Is it possible to wired them to have 16 ohm and reduce the power maintaining the tone? Thanks

[@rhum66]

very genuine sounds, congrats, please give us a "hear my train..." with it.

[@justincamp6355]

How could anyone think this is a reissue??? This is about the best strat tone you could ever hope for.

[@millstap]

Thank you. It is funny when you can see the insides and see that it is the old circuit. This amp is really starting to warm up now since this video and is sounding closer and closer to my broken in 1960 Bassman.

[@sunnyray4281]

wow!!!!,i love this tone soooooooooooooo much!!that's amazing!!!

[@millstap]

Thanks. It is sounding much better since this video. These amps are made to be played a lot and this one sat in a closet for years. I've been playing it hard and it is starting to loosen up some. I also had to get two of the reconed speakers reconed again because they were not done correctly plus one of them blew. It still needs to be played hard for it to open up even more. New speakers take a while to break in.

[@creamtweed]

Hi Millstap, have you ever tried the Celestion vintage 10 speaker in any of your SR,Bassmans or Bandmasters? Many Thanks....love your videos,gear and playing!

[@RokinLee]

Really enjoyed sharing this with you. Makes me want to sell my newish amps for true vintage ones. Great find.Finally a new home for the amp where it'll actually get used! Off to tell my boutique bassman it too can sound like a vintage fender.

[@spdkld]

I am curious about this "resistor" you mention, on the Presence pot; what value and how exactly is it wired (which lug)? I only have a .1 uf cap on mine, as is in the schematic. Does yours also have the cap, or the resistor only? I know that the schematic does not reference every iteration of this circuit over the years, so it is no surprise that it is not listed in the schematic we all have seen. I would be curious to know what effect this will have on the tone of mine. This amp sounds wonderful every time I watch this video.

[@millstap]

I would Google it because there are some conversations out there about it. I think that is how I found out about it. I'm not sure exactly what effect it has. It may be minimal. Both of my amps have it. I'm pretty sure it is a 4.7K ohms resistor. One side is grounded to the pot body, the other end goes to lug on the right when looking from the back.

[@ClaptonIsTheGodMan]

Hey millstap. What do you think of the MojoHand Crosstown pedal? I just got it and it sounds pretty good

[@Fishies125]

I love the tone of this one.

[@ThomasDeLello]

I'm thinking of building a MojoTone Bassman copy from a kit. And I want a good reverb unit to go with it... what would you recommend...? Is there a consensus of opinion about that...?

[@millstap]

Sorry for the late response. I got way behind during Christmas. I would just spend the money for an original mid 1960's Fender reverb unit and be done with it. You can get them for a just a little more that what a reissue costs and they do sound better. I have both so I know the vintage one sounds better.

[@maevegreenleaf5957]

What were you doing with that power cable in the beginning? The little brown cable with the white thing, what is that?

[@telecaster-ns3vr]

wow, very very nice! I see you're still liking the 5751 tube that I suggested too. Great sounding amp and beautiful condition

[@lilipearl1]

You are one lucky man . I love following the journey of this new (old) amp . More more more .

[@Chrisalchin]

Hey mate, any chance I could trouble you for the dimensions of your original 60 tweed bassman? Just the height and width. I'm building my cab next week and so far I have 4 different sets of measurements that are suppost to be based on genuine cabs....

[@davea.8499]

Great tone. Thanks for sharing it.

[@JamesOrcutt]

Stone free baby!...sounds nice

[@mikepatten6034]

Tone. Tone. TONE. Love it, love it all. Sounds so, SO good.

[@perjohansson1258]

Can’t believe how sweet these Bassmans are 😳🥰 Hendrix meeting SRV!

[@millstap]

It sounds so much better now. It took a long time to get it to where I wanted it. Unfortunately, the Astrons had to be removed but I was able to find a lot of nice old Paper In Oil caps for replacements.

[@tastyfulgrooves]

That sounds great, congrats! Is that the original 2 prong cord or did you change that to a 3 prong? I have a late 1958 Bassman that has the original 2 prong cord. I was hoping to get some advice from you on whether I should make that switch or if there are any alternatives to it to try and keep the thing original. Thanks.

[@millstap]

That is a 3 prong cord that looks just like the original 2 prong cord. I don't know where they got it. It was put on in California. If the amp you are using is the only amp at a gig then I would definitely put on a 3 prong grounded plug. It is easy to do it yourself. I only have two amps with the original 2 prong plug, my 1964 Super Reverb and my 1959 Bandmaster. Any time I use those amps, I alway run it paired with one of my grounded amps. Only one amp needs to be grounded if you are connecting them through an amp switcher. You always want to be well grounded to keep from getting shocked when you touch the microphone. I'll try to get the name of the guy in Burbank that worked on the amp. You might be able to buy one from him. I kept the two prong on my Bandmaster because of its value and originality. If yours is a mint 1958, you might want to just run two amps and have the other one grounded. I came up with a poor man's grounded plug but it was a pain to carry around. It was just an extra wire which I connected to the chassis with an alligator clip and then to the ground of the outlet. That will work in a pinch. I did a video on it. I think it is called Poor Man's Grounded Plug.

[@tastyfulgrooves]

millstap Ok thks that's helpful. I'm pretty green when it comes to tinkering with this stuff, so just to be clear, are you saying that I could get an amp switcher and so long as 1 amp is a 3 prong, the old bassman will be as well? Do they need to be plugged in the same outlet? Or can I simply turn on my newer amp and keep it on standby without the switcher, while using your "Poor Man's 3 Ground" connected to the Bassman? Yeah my '58 is not mint, the tweed is worn but it is completely original, every cap and soldering joint untouched. The speakers were blown so I'm getting those reconed but I'm trying my best to be able to use it (safely) without altering it too much. I dont think I'll be gigging this amp, mostly just for recording and jamming at home. Thanks for all your videos and sharing your wisdom with us newbies :)

[@millstap]

tastyfulgrooves I would leave it as is then if it is untouched. That is great. Home and studio should be safe. Just get the polarity correct when you plug it in. The way I check that is to plug in a guitar cord with the volume down and turn it up just so you can hear the buzz when you touch the other 1/4" plug. If the amp make a loud buzz, flip the "ground" switch and touch the plug again. if it is a quieter buzz, that is the correct position. Nowadays, two prong plugs have the larger prong so you can only plug it in one way into the outlet. If you never touch the ground switch again or just remember which position it is in when it is quiet, get a 3x2 plug adapter at the store and always leave it on your 2 prong plug. That way the adapter will ensure that you always plug into the outlet correctly because it has the bigger prong. Don't ever leave your amps in standby for an extended period. It can damage the tubes over time by stripping the cathode. You can have the second amp off and you would still be grounded. You do not have to have them both plugged into the same outlet. In fact, if you run two amps through a switcher and they both have 3 prong grounded plugs, you will get what is called "ground loop" hum. To remedy this, most amp switchers have what is called "ground lift" switches on them. It lifts or removes the ground of one of the amps and the hum goes away. Ground loop hum is caused by creating a big loop of wire (the ground wire) which acts like an antenna and picks up electrical noise. If you not going to move the amp much you could rig up my poor man's ground. I'll find the link to the video and post it shortly.

[@millstap]

tastyfulgrooves Here is the video, kzbin.info/www/bejne/aISQZaSjep5pY5I. A lot of musicians don't understand standby but it is mainly just for warming up the tubes before you initially turn it on to prevent a big surge of electricity hitting them. You know you always blow light bulbs right when you turn them on. It is the same effect on tubes. You don't need it to cool down the amp before you turn it off. Most amp guys will say to turn them amp off during breaks to let it cool down. I usually leave mine on all night but probably should get in the habit of turning it off.

[@tastyfulgrooves]

millstap Super! thanks for all that advice. I think I'll leave it as it is then and get a switcher. I watched those vids, all very good. My circuit board looks identical to yours, prior to your cap job. Soo awesome! I'll post a vid when I get my speakers back. Thanks again.

[@MrTartlet]

Dam dat thing sounds sexy! Congrats on getting such a fine piece of gear!

[@tricko2286]

So how did you get yours retweeded? I have a 1992 RI Bassman and it has some tears in the tweed, wonder if it worth it to retweed it...

[@millstap]

+Tricko It was done before I bought the amp. Beat up tweed gives it mojo. I wish this one was more road worn. I think it actually makes the amp sound a little better once it gets tattered and torn.

[@tricko2286]

+millstap ha ha - You're right about that.. My amp has a great history with a popular group, so don't think I should change that ..sounds amazing clean and takes pedals perfectly. Nice when you get an amp you can feel the power and vibrations from instead of these small studio ones which sound great but just don't "move" you like the Bassman does.

[@stretch90]

Are you using anything besides reverb? What are you using for your reverb anyway? btw, your playing is awesome, something rare to find on youtube.

[@millstap]

Thanks. I always have to listen to see what I was using. This was clean going through the vintage Fender reverb unit you see on the floor right behind the amp. I also see the MXR Carbon Copy light on so I had a slight slap echo going but I cannot hear it.

[@stretch90]

millstap How does the vintage reverb unit compare to the reissue? I have the reissue version but it's not at my new place so I haven't used it in a while. Also, is your guitar an original or reissue?

[@millstap]

stretch90 My reissue has been modified so I cannot speak for an "off the shelf" reissue. Mine came with the Bassman amp. It had been rewired with a point-to-point circuit board like the original with a 6K6 power tube and not the 6V6. It sounds good. It is a little brighter because it is fairly new but it has a good sound. The original 1963 is a little mellower and darker sounding probably just from age. I was playing my all original 1964 Strat in this video.

[@stretch90]

millstap Oh, that's interesting. Maybe I'll consider getting mine tweaked. I've seen a few of your videos and your reverb sound is the best I've heard.

[@maevegreenleaf5957]

stretch90 I actually just had the pprivilegeof A/Bing a reissue and a vintage one the other day (Super lucky). Of course, the vintage unit (From the 70s) Was the cats pajamas,super wet, luscious reverb. The reissue was still fantastic! I would player either one, I would say the reissue wasn't quite as dark as the original, which I missed.

[@timothyjay2012]

Sounded Incredible!! Thank You!!!😉

[@millstap]

You're welcome. You wouldn't believe this amp now. Much better. After several years of studying and tweaking, I got it sounding as good or better than my 1960 Bassman. Fender changed some components over several years and never documented it in the schematic that everyone sees on the internet. This one is wired exactly like my 1960 now.

[@Jack-br5ot]

Wow, great tone! I recently purchased a new 59 Bassman LTD. Would you recommend changing the V1 preamp tube to a NOS 5751 or a 12ay7? What about output tubes? I've read some threads where people use 5881s. I'd would love to get my amp's tone closer to yours in your Bassmans without doing major work. Any advice would be much appreciated!

[@millstap]

Jack, it's always a good idea to try different tubes and see what you prefer. Tubes can be tricky though because some of the same type sound better than others. I prefer the sound of my triple mica RCA 5751 over my Sylvania 5751. Triple mica spacers are necessary to reduce the possibility of getting a microphonic tube. It is difficult to find a good NOS 12AY7 that is not microphonic so I stick with either the 6072 or a triple mica 5751. In my opinion, the only power tube that should be in a Tweed Bassman is the 5881. 6L6GC's are too harsh sounding in that amp. Unfortunately there are a ton of mods that need to be done to a reissue Bassman to get them closer to the original and that does cost a lot. Tubes are an easy, inexpensive way to tweak the tone the best you can without the major mods.

[@millstap]

By the way, here is the latest video using this amp. I've done a lot of work on it since this video and it sounds ten times better now. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5zamZx7ic-bbK8

[@Jack-br5ot]

millstap I just checked out your other video. Man I am totally inspired by that sound. It's so clean and raw! I've been a huge fan of SRV for a long time and I'm starting to really get into Hendrix and want to incorporate some of his style in my playing. I'm thinking about an OCD overdrive in the near future since you seem to really like it and it sounds great. So with the 5881s, are they safe as a direct replacement for the 6l6s in the Bassman LTD? I've read various things on different threads having to do with the plate voltage being too high on the LTD to use 5881s. (I'm not technically savvy but wanting to learn more)

[@millstap]

Fender's original design placed 432 VDC on the plates of the 5881's and they are theoretically rated for 400 VDC so they are tough tubes but you will need to check the reissue plate voltage and rebias the new tube. New production Tung-Sols from Russia are supposed to be rather good and less expensive. I think they are rated for 500 VDC. I've run my NOS Tung-Sols for years with up to 450 VDC. They can take it. I think now they are around 430 VDC. I use a voltage regulator on my old amps to keep the house voltage around 115 VAC. Modern house voltage here is around 121 VAC. That is a way to keep the plate voltage lower otherwise it can get pretty high. It is good to know how to check it. You would need a decent DMM to check the voltages in the amp. I have Fluke now which is an expensive one. You can get good cheap ones around $40.

[@Jack-br5ot]

millstap ok great, thanks for the input. I'm looking forward to hearing the difference in the tone. In the meantime, I'll continue watching and listening. Keep the awesome Bassman videos coming!

[@agtronic]

Jesus Christ it sounds absolutely insane.

[@millstap]

Agtronic Thanks. It has been fun breaking it in. It sat in closet for years and years so I feel like it is just starting to break in. Plus I had to recone two of the speaker and they take a while to break in too.

[@j.d.thompson3505]

Wow. You sound really happy with it. Hate to hear people cryin' about everything. However, I would have liked to hear it on on 9 or 10!!

[@millstap]

This amp has really come alive since this video. It took me about a year to dial it in by replacing a couple of caps in the phase inverter section (one shorted out at a gig an almost fried my power tube). And I corrected the heater wiring to cut down on hum. It is my number one amp now. I have a few recent videos using it. It is so loud, I rarely turn it above 3-1/2.

[@bobbarcus8310]

Tight and loud really nice tone

[@diodesDankessAndDives]

I'm from southern California, what shop do you go to in Orange county?

[@millstap]

I moved from Seal Beach to Bakersfield way back in 1988. We moved to Louisiana in 1997 so I have not been back to CA. in a long time. I bought most of my amps from an eBay seller in Huntington Beach. This 1959 came from CA. but I forgot what town. There was a Guitar Center in maybe Santa Ana where I bought quite a few guitars and a Marshall half stack. I think the GC has moved since then.

[@conjering]

Nothing can beat these amps, not even the best clone.

[@blueztonez9085]

You installed the repop handle backwards. the Fender doesn't face forward on the originals only the reissues

[@SteveKrantz]

Beautiful.

[@millstap]

Thanks. You know what you are looking at. See the comment below.

[@millstap]

I've since done some work on this amp and she is finally starting to break in. She sat around for at least 10 years in a closet and I'm not sure how much she was played before that. I blew one speaker but it had an aluminum voice coil which in incorrect so I had two of the speakers reconed again. I am still breaking those in now.

[@telecaster-ns3vr]

try running a jumper from the normal into the bright, turn both volumes to half. ya !!!

[@brucereed4145]

I've been doing this to my LTD reissue - it works!

[@jonno63]

canyou please show me how to bias a reissue fender bassman? thanx i cant locate biaz adjustment on the reissue

[@millstap]

As far as I can tell, the reissue is the fixed bias just like the original. You would need to have a bias pot installed. It is probably easier to buy a matched pair of output tubes that runs at the bias you like. I know Groove Tube has a grading system on how hot their tubes run. I don't recommend GT tubes though. The only way you will know what the tubes are biased at is to buy a dual bias probe and check them when you install them. It may be a pain if you can't try a few sets of tubes. I would ask Fender or a tech. how to get a set of tubes that will match that amp. What is in it now?

[@jonno63]

millstap thank you mills, love that amp you got

[@millstap]

jonno63 Yes, she is a beauty. It is almost like a brand new 1959 Bassman. Plenty of tone.

[@johnrobie9694]

Did you ever get the Presence resistor figured out? Neither the 56FA or the JTM45 call for a resistor in addition to the 5k pot. Unless you're referring to the negative feedback resistors, which come after the Presence pot.

[@millstap]

+John Robie I had forgotten about what I said in this video. I do know that the resistor is on the presence pot. I need to research it again because I think I had read that it is usually there but was not on the schematic for some reason. It is attached directly to the pot. I need to go back and look at the 1960 Bassman too. I am pretty sure there is one on it too.

[@johnrobie9694]

+millstap That's interesting. I just started building a hybrid JTM45/Bassman head, with a negative feedback pot to go back and forth between the Fender/Marshall sounds (using the Bassman low gain preamp tube vs the JTM45 high gain preamp tube). The two circuits are extremely similar, but neither one calls for a resistor on the Presence pot. Any idea of the resistor's value?

[@millstap]

+John Robie Let me look at them. I'm curious now. It will take me a few minutes. I will also look at that feedback loop resistor value.

[@millstap]

+John Robie The 1959 has the 4.7K ohm resistor soldered from the right terminal (in) to the case (ground). The feedback resistor is still 27K ohms per the schematic. Now I am going to check the 1960.

[@millstap]

+John Robie Also, the ground terminal of the pot (left) is not grounded to the case for some reason. The schematic shows it soldered to the case.

[@juozasuzas]

Nice bright Sound!

[@millstap]

Since this video, I've done a few repairs and the amp is sounding almost the same as my 1960 but, yes, a little brighter.

[@felineharu9032]

What do you think of a AA165 head? Regards.

[@millstap]

+feLine hAru I have not played one but any point-to-point Fender amp from the 1960's has a lot of potential. It can be tweaked to sound great if it is not to your liking at first.

[@sacitmanav]

i don't know what you are talking about but you sound like you know what you are doing.

[@millstap]

I know enough to maintain and troubleshoot these amps which has helped a lot. No expert though.

[@jonno63]

nice so what was the price of that sweet baby you obtained ?

[@PokemonGlitches123]

There is no way the light bulb will blow if it is in series with the amp's mains side, you normally plug them straight in with nothing in series, so how can putting a load in series (you can only reduce the current that way) cause it to blow?

[@millstap]

You are probably correct. This is a trick I got from Gerald Weber and have never had anything short out to see what happens. I should one day check the voltages just to see what they are when going through this light bulb.

[@PokemonGlitches123]

I always use this contraption when testing my amp builds or anything else I am uncertain of before plugging them in properly, and it has saved my house's fuses countless times lol

[@millstap]

Luckily, I've been very careful and checked everything twice to be sure I don't blow anything up. The more you get into, I'm more chances you have of making a mistake. I just do the simple stuff like cap changes.

[@bobsaturday4273]

sounds great , those go to 12 , CRANK IT ! don't think I ever played my 56 at less than 9

[@saloonno1232]

Does anybody else see the far left Tube socket-it’s occasionally arcing. That isn’t supposed to happen, correct?

[@millstap]

Interesting. I haven’t looked at this since I posted it. That would be the Mullard GZ34 rectifier. They do go bad occasionally. I’ve probably changed this one once or twice since this video. This amp has been through quite a few changes since this video and sounds a lot better now.

[@SeanSoto]

You're near Orange County Speakers? I've taken a bunch of my stuff to them over the years. Would love for you to check out my 59 Bassman!

[@frodobaggins1505]

The light bulb is a current limiter. For what that amp is drawing, a 200-250W bulb would be better, and it wont light at all unless you have a problem. As is you're dissipating some power in the bulb that should be available for the circuit. It also lowers the line voltage a bit, not a bad thing when using a 1950's circuit with 2020 line voltages.

[@millstap]

Since this video, I did install and higher watt bulb as per Uncle Doug. As for a voltage reducer, I run all the amps on my Carl Hartman Amp Maniac. I can dial in a perfect 6.3VAC heater voltage and all the other voltages fall right in place. This amp has had a lot of work done to it since this video and is sounding killer.

[@frodobaggins1505]

@@millstap Killer. Just want to say thanks for your vids, and especially the bassman amps and your playing. I've listened to the bassman vids way more than I should.

[@rjo8500]

Sounds real, real nice! If she's in good health?, I would leave her be!!

[@millstap]

It's tough. Electrolytic capacitors only have a 20 year life at most and that is if they have been used. They seem to be OK but new ones will tighten up the signal a little a give a little more headroom. I will do a video this weekend when I break into the doghouse to see what shape the main capacitors are in.

[@Worldwideguy96]

Hmm...I prefer your other bassman. It has...more balls. I don't know hard to explain. It sounds it always on the verge to blow and I love it for that. This one a bit less. Maybe a 1959SLP would have been nice

[@denembro]

I know this video is old, but the sound has way to much treble. He has it on the bright channel, and has the treble half way, ear bleeding settings.

[@millstap]

This amp has completely changed since this video. The circuit was upgraded to the better 1960 iteration. It took a few years of tweaking but it’s a killer amp now.

[@TonyClarkGuitar]

Obviously that's a reissue rubber handle. I have a 1956 Bassman and the handle was original. I removed it and put on the same handle yours has, but I kept the original just to keep it. The amp belonged to my Dad and he bought it from Tennessee Ernie Ford's bass player back in 1961.

[@arthowardatnight]

The Les Paul Forum says rubber handles are notorious for killing tone and, even worse, mojo. A leather handle special ordered from Stew Mac is said to give unparalleled tone, especially smooth highs and upper mids.

[@bleakhollow4845]

Art Howard at Night What?

[@millstap]

Correct. I have an original handle but they are very brittle and dangerous to use because they break. It is always good to replace the old ones or you will drop the amp one day.

[@bleakhollow4845]

Yeah thats a good idea of course, but amp handles effecting tone and mojo sounds like snake oil to me.

[@millstap]

Bleak Hollow What is that called, trolling? A handle makes no difference whatsoever.

[@jimnowacki3689]

Whose name is on the masking tape?

[@millstap]

+Jim Nowacki The masking tape was gone. I always like to see that tape just so I know. I have a Bandmaster that is a "Lupe" amp. I don't think my 1960 has the tape either. I am surprised that tape stuck for so long. They made everything better back then, even tape.

[@elijahgucciardo9897]

Whats the song that starts at 13:11

[@millstap]

That's a really cool song by Taj Mahal called Diving Duck Blues. It was released back in 1968.

[@aaronbrown0417]

This sounds a bit more clearer than your other bassman. ..has more presence. ...I think the other one sounds more worn in. ..n fuller. ...but nonetheless. ..both are great sounding. ...I need to take my bassman in the shop. ...I'm getting a lot of weird noises Idk if the speaker... sounds like it rubbing against something n squealing

[@petergrech164]

Nice Tone.....I believe your Current Limiter Setup is off .. Should only light if you have partial or dead short .. .. Currently you are limiting the voltage to the amp which is not getting it's full wall voltage .. the fix is a higher wattage bulb 250 and make sure your bulb is in series with the hot (black) wire.. (Uncle Doug - Video explains all) Thx for the video Lucky Guy

[@willdenham]

When I build mine, I think I'll make into a head and blonde tolex it, because I just love blonde tolex.

[@millstap]

Blonde Tolex is pretty cool but be sure to consider that it will sound differently, mainly on the speaker cabinet. It has a little more deadening effect and you may not get the liveliness out of the wood that is characteristic of the old Tweed cabinet. I found that the re-tweed doesn't sound as alive as the old beat up tweed cab. Plus, the old wood has a big effect. It would be great if you could find old pine for your build.

[@Sparky6string]

A Bassman sounds like a big Deluxe Reverb or other 6v6 amp.

[@jimnowacki4275]

+KassperT Not even close, especially when you're in the same room.

[@Sparky6string]

I have been and that is my opinion. Happy New Years!

[@loiclaporte263]

Is that a reissue bassman 59??????

[@millstap]

No, it is the real deal with a re-tweeded cabinet.

[@loiclaporte263]

thanks

[@danyjr]

Doesn't sound like a vintage 'tweed' Bassman at all. Sounds like a new copy actually.

[@millstap]

Fender would appreciate that. They did set out to copy the sound of the vintage amp. But, I have played a reissue and did not find that they sound exactly like this. This amp probably sounds newer because it was never played very much. Since this video, I've done a few repairs so it is sounding a little different now but still clean. Each one sounds a little different and since I have another one to compare this one to, I can say that they are very close but just a tad different. Speakers, tubes, biasing, variations in resistors, leaky capacitors, etc. all make a difference in the sound. Check out this video with effects. It is best to have a clean amp and get distortion either by cranking the amp or using effects. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioPTcmZtp6ikZ5o listen around 1:40 too.

[@manifestgtr]

This goes to show how well fender did with the reissues hahah Turns out, the sound very much like an old bassman that hasn’t been played very much....hmmmm...

[@jonnybeck6723]

...no two amps ever sound the same to me .... but really no two anything(!) Thanx for documenting ...really beautiful retweed... Oh and yes... Hopefully there'll be less chance of dust collecting cheers

[@tom474e]

My first impression was that it looks like a reissue.

[@CoverCriticShane]

I have 15 watt Line six spider that will smoke your Fender! On a serious note , I think I like your other one better. I wouldn't get it re-tweeded. It looks great all beat up. You should get someone with a Kemper to profile your amps.

[@millstap]

Yes, I would never re-tweed the old beater. The old Tweed actually sounds better and the wood cabinet vibrates better. The only reason this one was retweeded (I am told) is because the first retweed was so bad it had to be done again by the last owner. I'm tempted to relic it myself but I would not really know how to do that. They are both fine amps but the retweeded one sounds more like a new amp to me with less mojo. I've been playing it like crazy trying to break it in. It sat around for 10 years without being played at all and I am not sure it was played much before that.

[@treatb09]

retweeded?

[@millstap]

Recovered. Apparently, it had a bad re-tweed years ago so the last owner had it done again so it looks brand new. That always reduces the value of vintage amp so you can usually buy them for a little cheaper. I prefer the old beat up tweed look, feel, and sound but this amp is starting to come around. It just needed to be played a lot. I'm tempted to relic the tweed but I will leave it for now.

[@moodyga40]

there anode resistors or plate voltage resistors 100-000 ohm the amp is hissy its sick what about your screen resistors how the bias

[@marlonmoneda12]

you spend so much money on tubes/amps, need to purchase a variac! you can dial voltage in and dial voltage out, with the power switch on, and it ends up being a time saver because with bias probes you can monitor plate voltage...meaning that instead of "power off", you can dial down the variac to zero , see the dangerous voltage is zero, disconnect and perform a mod, then slowly power back up and do it harmlessly. BTW a current limiter increases voltages! I BLEW out a reverb transformer running it on a current limiter to old specs. variac brings it up harmlessly before damage!

[@millstap]

I never run the amps using this light bulb device. I just use it when I make changes to be sure I wired everything correctly or when I turn on a new amp. A Variac would be nice to reform old capacitors but I've never needed one for what I do. I do always run the amps at 110-113v using a step down transformer called Carl Hartman's Amp Preserver. My house voltage is 121v. They make a new device called The Brown Box.

[@garynash7594]

I own about 75 amps don't have a tweed bassman, Sorry 😔 I'm extremely jealous!!😡🤣

[@millstap]

Wow, that is a bunch of amps. The Tweed Bassman 5F6-A is great for Marshally like tones. It is perfect for anything when cranked, especially Hendrix, but alway add a reverb unit, IMO. I would still love a good blackface Deluxe Reverb or Princeton Reverb for those bell like tones and long sustain.

[@bobbarcus8310]

Fender Field Amp Guide

[@snoolee7950]

"first sounds" (talks for eight minutes)

[@paulfabrique5055]

EHX do a nice 12AY7...

[@millstap]

Thanks. I've been using old RCA 5751's lately but I may give the EHX a try because the amps stay cleaner when you use a good 12AY7. It is hard to find an old 12AY7 that is not microphonic. For that reason, I usually buy 6072's which are low noise 12AY7's.

[@PedalScience]

millstap I've had the EHX 12AY7 (v1) in my bassman for close to a year now, they're amazing for the price but I imagine ehx often let a few bad ones go out the door unnoticed.

[@Thebigdoublek]

Hot Damn you must know a guy!

[@millstap]

I found it on ebay and just got lucky.

[@treatb09]

not untouched...

[@millstap]

Untouched electronically except for the grounded plug. Unfortunately, that usually means it will need some work. Since this video, I've changed all of the electrolytic capacitors, the two caps in the phase inverter section, and had two of the reconed speakers reconed again.

[@treatb09]

millstap reconing ruins speakers in my opinion. i'll take a scratchy vintage speaker any day.

[@millstap]

Bo Huggabee I really have not had any negative results with recones. Since this video was done, I've had two of the reconed speakers reconed again because they were not done correctly (aluminum voice coils) the first time plus one blew out on me. This amp also has one speaker that still has the original cone and I cannot tell any difference between the reones and it. I do notice that the original cone is looser from age. The one thing I don't like about recones is that it takes forever to break them in good. I would say it takes a good 6 months to a year of playing every day. They do sound a little tight at first which they are. The cones hardly move at first. I've had a lot of good recones done at Orange Co. Speaker Repair in Garden Grove, CA. They are well known. The last two in this amp were just done by Tom Colvin at Speaker Workshop in Indiana. Those are the only two places I would send my speakers now. You can make a choice of what type of voice coil former you want. The old speakers used a type of paper coil but most people use Kapton which gives the speaker a higher wattage rating. The jury is still out. Right now, I think I prefer the paper although the two that Tom did are Kapton.

[@Rhythmicons]

The new tweed just doesn't sound as good as the original tweed. hahaha

[@ryanc6366]

9:12

[@millstap]

After several years of working on this amp to make it like my 1960, it sounds much better now. Almost better than the 1960 but may just be a tube thing.

[@ryanc6366]

@@millstap 5 months later I have no idea why I commented this time stamp lol, I was looking through your old videos to hear the sweet sound of the bassman

[@millstap]

@@ryanc6366 I’m happy to report this Bassman is sounding better than ever. They truly are a timeless workhorse of an amp.

[@moodyga40]

why old stock GZ34 rectifier it will not make it sound any different fuse that's why we have things called multimeter Amateur i see

[@1388Anthony1]

+ian “valve doctor” forster HAHA you have already looked stupid once coming back for more i see. people like you are ridiculous trying to prove your knowledge to a bunch of strangers on the internet and youre wrong!!! I know who i'll never bring my vintage amps to LOL!!!!!

[@6SL]

Toni Paradise

[@millstap]

Thanks for the comment. Just FYI, this amp has turned out to be great and sounds much better today than it did when I did this video 2 years ago.

[@Demolition6312]

The lacquer finish on the tweed even vacuum sealed from 60s would not look that good the chemical breakdown would take over on that with the chemical reactions from the oxygen in the air and carbon Chems from your hands and other elements. You my friend are a trickster but by no means haha the highest valued bassman rated a 9/10 via vintage fender department looks like the plane wreck

[@millstap]

I really was not trying to trick anyone. I guess I should put in the description that it has been re-tweeded twice as a matter of fact. Once it was lacquered, it sat in a closet for 10 years unplayed.

[@millstap]

I changed the title and description to be more accurate. What I meant was the electronics were mint but I have since had to change a couple of capacitors that went bad after a few months of playing.

[@cary19642003]

What you have is a 1992 reissue. Not an original 59'. If the guy that sold it to you told you that is was original, then you got robbed.

[@millstap]

Not at all. The one reply is correct though, it does have a reissue handle. My other 1960 has a reissue handle too because the old ones are known to break so everyone replaces them. I guess you have never looked inside any of the reissues or an original. The reissues are nothing but a big circuit board inside.

[@josephmonaco4503]

How can you possibly have a piece of equipment like that and a left handed Stratocaster and play Jimi Hendrix all adlibbed and incorrect? Wow!!!

[@millstap]

+Joseph Monaco I'm not sure what you are asking. I think this video is about the 1959 Bassman. I guess I need to watch it again.

[@The170460]

blah blah blah

[@aaronbrown0417]

This sounds a bit more clearer than your other bassman. ..has more presence. ...I think the other one sounds more worn in. ..n fuller. ...but nonetheless. ..both are great sounding. ...I need to take my bassman in the shop. ...I'm getting a lot of weird noises Idk if the speaker... sounds like it rubbing against something n squealing

[@millstap]

Let me know what they find out. Sounds odd. I am curious. Is it a reissue Bassman?

[@aaronbrown0417]

Yeah it's a reissue 59 ltd....I rewired the whole ptp with nos tubes & RI 6l6gc tubes. .. yellow & red jupiter caps. .... I'm not sure if it's the resistors or maybe the p10r jensen is going bad. ..but it squeals abit n is very scratchy for afew minutes... than goes to normal. ..I also notice a slight dip in volume until the squealing & scratchiness stops