First impression of the Fender Bassbreaker 15 head

[@AbcDino843]

I think this is the best and most useful non-working-musician amp Fender has ever made. For people who only want one amp, either for playing around the house, or for amateur recording, I can't think of a better one. I A/B'd this today with Blues Jr (using an SSS Strat only), and I liked the Bassbreaker better. I love Blues Jr, I used to own it, but I like the cleans on this one better, and it offers so much more in terms of gain. It's very versatile. It is definitely darker, but in a good way, has more body than Blues Jr. They are priced similarly, but this one does so much more, with the fx loop, line outputs and really good gain stages. For a bedroom warrior like myself, it can do anything from a good Hendrix to a good Jimi Page, and beyond, without pedals. The only drawback that I see at the moment, is for it to hit really good more distorted sounds, say Whole Lotta Love, it needs to get a bit louder. 007 hits those sweet distorted sounds at lower volumes.

[@gplayer6602]

Thanks Phil for demo. I was thinking about the Combo version of this amp but, the price is a little steep and I do have a blues Jr. and Peavey Classic 30. You are right about the 7 watt combo, it sounds awesome! Thanks again I really enjoy your channel!

[@noelzhu1986]

After two years i still love my bassbreaker 15 combo..i just set it on the middle gain stage and let the pedals do the job.

[@pyroman6000]

One reason to go for this over the X2 is that X2 has a digital/hybrid preamp, and thus you can't push it with OD pedals the way you can with this. As someone who owns one, I can only use pedals to add flavor, not to push the amp harder. Also, no fx loop. I love mine, and have no intention of getting rid of it. I want one of these, too! 6v6 and 10" speaker vs EL-84 and a 12" Celestion V type. Different flavors, that's all.

[@grigorisgiannikos4999]

pyroman6000 hey, im one year late , but i would appreciate it if you answered my questions. I'm in a situation where i want a tube amp, my first one in fact, and im between the x2 (head+cab=550€, combo=420€) and the bassbreaker 15 (combo=550€). Considering your comment i would go for the bb 15. But for an all around player (blues to metal) like me which one would you recommend P.S. Im not a huge fan of the high gain settings of the x2 and i was thinking to buy a sd1 or ts9 to boost them. Even if i buy the bb 15 though, im going to buy one. Please answer me mate and teell me about your experience

[@danlay4819]

Im sure its the tube stacking if the volume gets significantly louder as they stack.. More tubes means more volume usually

[@stevecox9871]

This is such a good, balanced and thoughtful demo, thanks a lot. The fact that the Fender channels are not switchable is a deal breaker for me.

[@sinjon]

I'm so pissed that Fender didn't put reverb in the 007. It would be the perfect one stop shop amp

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I agree

[@wakjob961]

Same here. Just finally got around to trying my first BassBreaker amp, the 007. It was SO good! ... but no fx loop. Total deal breaker for me.

[@uonadtehrrocks]

Yeah the 15w head looks huge

[@SuperThetarget]

The 18/30 needs to be a head too.

[@Demolition6312]

I work a guitar shop and recently got these in. I played through it and loved the gain. My main issue with this version (15w) is the inability to foot switch the rotary. I think this amp would win crazy awards IF you could switch from low gain to medium to high gain with a foot switch. So if you use pedals you're stuck on low gain mode and you're back to pedals. So if you're a gigging musician this may not be the one for you if you're changing times a lot. Thanks for the video it was great.

[@urbanesoul8400]

It's good you put that warning, lol. You know some guy will open his amp up & start jamming around in it while it's still plugged in.

[@lance134679]

I appreciate that you analyze amps and provide feedback in a much different way than say, an online music store would (Chappers, for example). None of the other videos I've seen about this amp brought up how the different gain settings are achieved, and how drastic the volume differences are. This really does make a difference at a live gig when you can't simply change to a different gain setting without adjusting the gain and volume. However, it does make for a versatile recording amp and a good pedal board amp live.

[@SaxophoneHitman008]

Hey Man! Thanks for this vid. Beautiful job!! It's such a pleasure to glean a boat load of info from a video this quickly. So, thanks for talking straight. Your experience as a techy/guitar player certainly shows through too!.

[@tonefingerz2021]

i actually like the bassbreaker. imo a tube screamer is all u need.

[@ShineDawg]

You and maybe one other guy or 2 out there on KZbin are the only ones I trust anymore. You did a pedal video with one, the other KZbinr you might not know, but hes a Diamond amp fan and I can relate. Thanks for always sharing your thoughts and shooting straight, all the best PM

[@markbrown382]

I was looking at this but became aware of the Classic 20 thru your video and picked one up off Craigslist. I’ve been using it for some time. Plenty of volume for rehearsals and I mic it for gigs. Really happy with it....all the features I want and sounds great! Thanks!

[@thedukeparty]

Those chips you're point to aren't CPU's. They look more like op-amps to me, which is common in in analog amps.

[@JustAnotherGuitarGuy42]

I've been looking for a breakdown of the gain structure rotary knob and you're the only one to deliver on that! Thank you. I personally love this amp. It's a bit noisy. But the mid-gain is perfect. I can roll the guitar volume back and get cleans, or click on a pedal for solos. I was curious on how the gain structure knob worked though. Stacking the tubes makes a lot of sense. Plus, with each rotation of the knob, it gets louder. So i think your assessment is correct.

[@MazerRackhamX]

Thumbs up for showing the structure switch internals, I was interested in that specifically.

[@schwenke069]

Just bought a Bassbreaker 15 and matching 1x12 cabinet. Both have 2 year warranty. Looks like they started this on January 1, 2017.

[@CaptainFantastik1]

I have this amp. It's a great little amp that's a good low wattage alternative to a 50w or 100w amp. But I agree with the criticism that the volume difference between the gain structures is an issue. In addition, the gain knob significantly affects volume also. SO, it's a constant give and take between the gain knob and the master volume as compared to my Mesa Single Rec where I can set my Master/channel volumes and then set the gain where I want without volume being affected. That said, this amp for me is basically a clean platform for my Kotzen Tele and my Friedman BE-OD pedal and for that it's great. I don't even really use the medium/high structures.

[@mattgilbert7347]

CaptainFantastik1 Same. I use it as a platform. Does the job nicely.

[@markbowenagates1987]

I've been gigging now with my Bassbreaker 007 for about a dozen gigs in clubs since my '84 JCM 800 started having input jack problems. The 007 Bassbreaker is super awesome. The funnest thing about it is that I get to dime it a lot at my gigs and I think it sounds smoking that way. I run it through my Marshall 4×12 cabinet as a 2×12 and it's a great head. Not as beautiful and majestic sounding as my old Marshall but pretty damn close!

[@racegascustoms]

Mark Bowen so do you feel that the 007 can play with a drummer at say like a patio gig. I usually play my blues junior with volume left over but love the 007. can you comment further on how you gig with it ? thanks

[@markbowenagates1987]

racegascustoms guitars I believe you can definitely gig on patios with it. I gig in regular sized bars with mine with a drummer and bassist and I don't even mic my 4x12

[@jamesmcgrath6938]

I love your philosophy with the sound setup on your videos. :)

[@A.WebbAndFriends]

Great informative and HONEST review Phil, much appreciated!!

[@kylelikeskjvbible]

Distortion sounds pretty sweet on it, and i'm a clean guy

[@Lobberzillo]

3:04 Nice for this point, thank you a lot, I had my thoughts about a possible emulation of this amp going on overdrive and high gain pushed with a dsp and helped with the tubes.

[@murmles]

Great informative demo. One of my fave things about your gear reviews is that the Amp tones are 'Room' ones and you don't seem to bullsh*t or feel the need to call people stupid! :)great stuff!

[@stepvanjoe3469]

Great demo Phil. I am gonna be purchasing the 15watt Bassbreaker as a xmas present for myself.

[@HattersRiddle]

Hey Phillip. I just ordered one of these today. Great honest review. We'll see how it turns out. I actually got it for $589 from Sam Ash. I went on the live chat and asked for a discount....boom $589. Doesn't suck. I loved the 7 when I tried it out but I gig a lot and needed more volume so we'll see how it holds up.

[@birdmanbl]

you go man love your videos and observations

[@megatrends]

I have a Superchamp x2 head and also agree it's one of the best amps made in many years.

[@hawedehre]

I sold my X2. I thought it sounded boxy and small.

[@megatrends]

@@hawedehre You can use any cabinet or "box" you wish. It's not the amp you didn't like, it's the "box of speaker" right?

[@tricko2286]

I was able to solve a BB15 redplating issue by removing 2 diodes -and- replaced the blown onboard reverb board with a Beltron reverb chip. Had to figure out the inputs/outputs of the reverb section but works great.

[@dalepal]

Thanks for another honest review. There is an amp for everyone and some may prefer this one and lot of it depends on what one is using it for.

[@storeymark]

The mid crunch sounds great.

[@razzcallahan1351]

Philip I was relieved that you preferred the seven watt over this one. I bought the 7 W solely based on your review of it and I also love it. My only problem with it was that it wasn't quite loud enough at rehearsal. Like you, I also play through a Marshall 212 which I had on the floor at rehearsal. I'm going to try lifting it up closer to my head I think that will help. Keep up the good work and stop making me want to buy things!

[@Riversider11]

In the UK right now the Bassbreaker 15 head is actually £100 ($145) cheaper than the Peavey head you mention at the end, a pricing structure that seems the opposite of what you have in the US for gear originating from China vs Mexico. The Peavey matching 112 cab is also about £100 more than the Fender cab....so although the Peavey may be a good deal in the US, not so much on this side of the pond..

[@sgticetea556]

+Riversider11 Yeah same here, for Europe it really seems to be switched

[@TheStepheno]

I love your tube show , vary entertaining and informative Thanks for that tip on the whammy spring, i have never heard this before. Thanks and keep the vids coming.

[@fredn2735]

I have the 15 bassbreaker combo is awesome. Tried a few Blues Juniors they were okay. Bassbreaker like you said just seems more musical just better-sounding overall

[@TheZriderz]

I own that very Marshall amplifier behind u! one of the best amps I've ever played!!

[@jacobbockover1628]

So I have a couple amps with built in boost usually footswitchable but engaging them for lead is impossible because of the huge volume increase. I use a drive pedal instead (with a crunchy base tone) I bought one if those blemished for 4 and change

[@9aus]

I tested this amp today. The crunch channel sounded awesome and beat many of the more expensive amps there...I fell in love instantly. Too bad the clean channel has no headroom and breaks up at a very low volume. So if you also want clean sounds it's not an amp for you.

[@brianmiller2869]

Phil, you answered a very important question for me: Super Champ X2 15 vs. Bassbreaker 15. Not sure about buying a Peavey Classic 20 based upon their customer service record. Thanks for your great reviews.

[@sn95_mustang_garage]

Best sounding video so far. I also am using studio PreSonus monitors so that might be making a huge difference too. However those wearing headphones probably can hear it too. I'm still torn on what head and cab combo to get. So many choice but for now I'll keep watching videos I guess.

[@hirokitanaka9753]

Great vid dude, thanks for showing the guts of the gain structure! I went with the 15 bassbreaker combo neways b/c I found one used for 600 CAD (300$ less than new price in Canada, and it was still mint). But I'll have to check out that peavey some other time

[@MartyGerman]

Hi Philip! I wish you'd do a video about how you get those wonderful classic sounds from amps with pedals, for jazz, rock, blues. Just the basics would be great for a place to start. I keep twirling knobs but haven't got a clue what I'm doing? Help, please!

[@markkosa1]

Sold my Blues JR Limited after getting the Bass Breaker 15 combo with a greenback. Not even close in sound quality or projection as the BJ is so boxy and limited and just a one trick pony and that trick gets old...I can get Fender to Marshall on my BB 15, very happy.

[@davidfellows6250]

The problem i had with the 15 watt was it just wasnt loud enough and would need to be miced. I got some great tones out of it. I replaced it with a Marshall 40cr and i feel good about the grab and go thing with it.

[@RegalitoDeDios2]

Good review, thanks! A few weeks ago I tried a couple of amps with my Strat. I like the warm and round Fender-like clean sound so my favourites were... yes, the Bassbreaker 15 and the Classic 20 MH. For the reasons mentioned in this video (5 more watts, more features, smaller and lighter, nice design) I ordered the Classic 20. At least I sent it back because one of the TSI leds turned red after almost an hour of operating even without an instrument connected. Perhaps it has a temperature issue because it gets quite hot, don't know if this is the reason for that. I also read this from another user. Now I ordered the Bassbreaker 15 and I hope it hasn't any problems.

[@emreemre369]

From only online listening, Peavey classic's overdrive (20, 30 whichever) couldn't compete with this one, this sounds strictly superior from afar.

[@napalmhardcore]

I bought a Blackstar HT-20 head as my first tube amp along with the matching 2x12 cab (kind of wish I'd gone for the 1x12). I've not had much time playing it as I can't really play at home, but I had a discussion with someone and they said that it doesn't represent the way an all tube amp reacts, especially when used with pedals. This is apparently due to it having internal circuitry that is similar to an overdrive pedal to help it achieve its high gain sounds. So putting an overdrive in front is allegedly more like stacking overdrives than the pedal truly reacting with the tubes. I was wondering how the Bassbreaker plays with pedals and if it is representative of the way an all tube amp reacts. It is the three position gain selector that made me wonder if there is some artificial overdrive being introduced as with the Blackstar HT series. One of the reasons I wanted a tube amp in the first place was to experiment with pedals, so learning that I picked a non pedal friendly amp is a bit of a downer.

[@IrishBoson]

Hmm, just played a Bassbreaker 15W combo and the gain/crunch was incredible. I have a Fender HRD III and use a Boss SD-1 pedal and the Bassbreaker was much better sounding IMO.

[@thedudeaars8527]

IrishBoson agreed its Total bullshit to say that you can get the same gain sounds with a blues jr and a pedal and this head

[@lucianos1990]

The Cpu is most likely for the DI out, which would be really nice if you'd demoed. Im very curious about the DI out because its functional while in standby and I'd be able to silent record at home.

[@bluzman145]

Great Video. Packed with info and details. Good camera work, love the sections with the picture in picture of the amp setttings. Weird that you didn't even get an honorable mention on Oscar night.............

[@philparadise3702]

Very confusing when you say the Bassbreaker 15 is a great mp but you would pick the much cheaper part solid state Superchamp X2 over it???

[@VintageSG]

Op-Amps. Those little chips things are likely op-amps. It'll certainly have at least two, probably three for the FX loop. There'll be a couple in the D.I and a reverb processor with a couple of op-amps. Don't worry about them. Your mixing desk has lots of op-amps for example. Your mic pre?, op-amps.

[@VintageSG]

+VintageSG The board you point to at around 3:20 is the reverb processor. The others are op-amps as mentioned earlier. Op-amps are everywhere and used correctly, and given the good sounds Fender get, they are using them correctly, they are transparent little signal helpers.

[@surfrby8876]

Best review out there Phil, thanks

[@stepvanjoe3469]

Having a hard time trying to decide on the 007 or 15. The 007 does not have a reverb, but I got a couple pedals for that, did not care for the volume spikes on the 15 as well ....😎 choices choices

[@j_music_8779]

007

[@jaym4958]

GREAT VID. as all others, really cleared up many purchasing questionings, keep them coming, greatly appreated & well done /informative, keep on rockn'. /peace\ Jay.

[@AnBru]

congrats on the 100k phil

[@blackie75]

I dunno what you thought of the Red Dwarf behind you there, but I seen Johnny Hiland crushing one through a 2x12, and it sound F#@*ING AMAZING.

[@kylelikeskjvbible]

For reverbs i like spring, but a slapback delay is even better at least for me.

[@edwardprete]

I am having trouble understanding why the different models all are a bit different. I have a super champ XD but wanting a newer amp with a little more bite. Thinking of the 7 or 15.

[@AwebbnFriends]

Great Review Phil !! Very honest and sincere and yet to the point without allot of flowery BS. Surprised you highly recomend the Fender super champ x2. I find the "tone" very generic. What really impressed me is the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III. I already have the Peavey Classic Mini 20, an AMPEG Reverb Jet, VOX Night Train G2. YES, I'm a tone and gear junkie much to my wife's dismay :) In future I would like to see you do a post on UNDERVALUED tube amps. EVERYBODY loves to kick around the Crate's and Bugera's of the world but I would stack up a Bugera 1990 against any Marshall costing 4X as much, and as for the Crate - try out the VC 30 (USA Palomino) . BACK TO THIS VIDEO - Really enjoyed it Phil - as a matter of fact I'm going to SUBSCRIBE right now.

[@damonwrothe]

just finished watching Andertons review of the bassbreaker series..Rob Chapman plays so well that if he was trying to sell first act gear I would buy it. I am very thankful to you Mr. McKnight for pointing out the things that would bother me. 4,5 6 hundred dollars is a major investment for me. I want to be a better guitar player. Unfortunately at this point money isn't going to do it for me. I have to keep playing have to keep trying. My life is an insane mess

[@toddiusmaximus3103]

very informative review Philip -thank you. cheers. Wish they did a compact 30 watt version - switchable down to 5 watts ...

[@bbnatedogg]

Thanks for comparing it to the Classic 20 MH. I was going to ask which you prefer. The Classic 20 MH seems like a real winner as long as they hold up.

[@RiffLair]

So this is gonna sound silly but... I got a fender Hot Rod Deluxe 3. 40w seem A LOT!! for bedroom recording and Im all bout that sweet tube saturation. So if I crank up I ll get arrested probably. In theory the 15watt combo bassbreaker seemed a nice idea. I also use pedal. Spark booster, big muff, fuzz face, OCD drive etc. Any suggestions? Cheers.

[@69kpm]

Another great review Phillip!

[@stepvanjoe3469]

I have been thinking of trading my blues Jr for this amp, your video has been a help for me thanks

[@strafto04]

i owned a Peavey MH20 for a short time and it failed without hard use. Never again. Nice vid, thank you.

[@jacobbockover1628]

I saw a tech say you couldn't get in those to work in them

[@jasonprice9823]

Wonder what the price of a hot rod deluxe is in 2021? Here in Canada, they're $1000 as where this head is $729.

[@buckjohnson]

Hey PK - Love the channel! How about doing vid breaking down differences between Fender tube amps? What separates a Blues Jr from a Blues Deluxe? What's the diff between a Princeton Reverb and a Deluxe Reverb? It's gotta be more than just speaker size and wattage. This would be hugely informative! Thanks!

[@mediumtalented9250]

I like the sound in your videos more than anyone else's because of the way you mic your amps. I cant stand the fact that other people mic their amps and they sound nothing like it would in the room, One channel that rhymes with Shmandertons comes to mind.

[@javiceres]

Thanks for the demo!

[@Deneteus]

I own the Peavey Classic 20 and the Fender Bassbreaker 007/15 and I wouldn't buy the Classic 20 over the 15 only because compared to the rest of the lower wattage lineup the 15 sounds better. I prefer it over the Blues Jr for sure. The 007 does not work well with pedals. It makes too much noise when pedals aren't engaged The Hotrod Deluxe stock is more sterile to me than the Bluesbreaker. I think the Peaveys sound is its own thing and it does have good clean but not as Fender-like. I bought the Peavey Classic 20 MH and the 6505MH and compared them as well. I even compared the clean sound to the Mesa Lonestar which has the best clean. The PVC20MH is a work horse with all of its options for sure but I wouldn't give up either amp if I had to choose one. I would probably sell something else to keep them both. I think if you were looking to own a Fender for home use the 15 hits the spot. The 007 is closer to a Voxxy Fender sound. I don't like the stock speaker but I was able to get some usable tones that made me want to play it and I like Vox amps. I would also like to add that anyone hating on the digital reverb probably doesn't own many/any reverb pedals. The reverb is fine. The only thing that annoys me is that bright ass LED they used with no way of covering it.

[@stevehogan8829]

Paint.

[@mrdbchops]

I'm seriously considering the bass breaker 15 head. My question is this; If I use the XLR line out to record in my DAW, can I not have the cabinet emulation engaged? So I just get a direct recording, so I can use software IR's later, instead of the built in cab emulation? And have you recorded this like this? If so, what are your thoughts?

[@stepvanjoe3469]

Put a piece of electrical tape over the light

[@steveo44]

Definately different for a fender. To my ears almost marshall like at high gain. Great review

[@TheTactical6string]

K, so ive got an Atomic Amplifire pedal and im looking for a tube amp to run it threw, still want that tube foundation, I dont play in a band so loudness not an issue but heres my question, theres no effects loop on the 7 watt head and there is on the 15, id prefer to only pay the $399 US the 7 watt costs but using the return on the effects loop is perfect on some amps for the AmpliFire pedal and that 7 doesnt have a loop. Could i run right threw the front of the amp and be ok you think?

[@TwistedIdentity]

Just wondering if you could elaborate a little bit on why you'd buy the Super Champ over the Bassbreaker. Reason why I ask is because I'm looking to buy one of the two, haven't decided on which one yet.

[@Alexander-iq5yq]

Did you ever look inside the 007? I suspect the treble boost is solid state but Im wondering if you know.

[@wakjob961]

"treble boost" in amps is usually just engaging a single capacitor.

[@ThrockmortonSign]

Great honest review!

[@angelineandallan]

great review ,are you still going to review the Bassbreaker 45 ? love the channel and would value your opinion on the 45 ,cheers

[@1thess523]

Was that Twist OF Cain at the end?

[@Jonathan-L]

I can't say I'm impressed with what Fender have come up with. I'd much prefer an old-school clean amp & get the drive / distortion with a pedal.

[@AbcDino843]

They don't have enough clean amps already? I like that this is something different at least.

[@markredsicker9392]

I was looking at all aforementioned amps...went with an Egnater Tweaker 15.

[@thecrankedamps]

the combo 15 is the best amp iv ever played.

[@davidtrueslayor7474]

I hope this isn't a dumb question but does this being a class A/B amp have anything to do with the stacking of the preamp tubes and the rotary switch and if you go with the combo amp instead would it still be as loud do you think ? I have narrowed down my new amp purchase to this or the 68 custom Princeton Reverb 12 watts is it worth the extra $$$, thanks david ps. new subscriber

[@DutchJoje]

Love the brakedown, thanks!

[@powerbreed]

I have a concrete water tank i leave a couple feet of water in, makes the best reverb

[@Thatdudedoes]

Great review as always my man. I always look forward to your videos. Change of subject. Will you please review the Marshall Code series when they are released. I have a Hot Rod Deville for my sweet tube tone but sometimes I just want to put on some headphones and jam without disturbing the neighbors. Those Code amps seem like they are legit and I would love to watch you do an in depth review of them. Keep up the good work.

[@thedudeaars8527]

nice, what strat is that? pickups , brand? I dig the sound man!

[@ToshStuart]

such a great video. I had been wondering if this was really all tube with the different gain stages, and it looks like it is. I do like the spring reverb on BJ better, but not a deal breaker for me either. Love this amp but really wish it was foot switchable! I guess pedals are still needed for music that goes from clean to dirty within songs (ala Nirvana).

[@ruiseartalcorn]

Great vid. Great advice. Many thanks.

[@arthurambuhl8175]

Great review, strait to the point! Thanks.

[@seanmiller6693]

I'm glad i watched this. I sold my 007 combo and was considering the 15w head but it does seem like the 15w is lacking the personality the 007 has

[@mossstephen1066]

hey Philip. you don't seem so inspired by the 15 watt as you were the 7 watt, which you described as a mini plexi. for a hot rodded plexi rock/metal sound would you advise a pedal into the 7 watt version? or does the 15 watt still pull that sound off?

[@TheStepheno]

Hi Philip, i have a epiphone senior amp head. Sounds great and loud , my vol pot is to sensitive ,at one its not bad but just touch a bit and it like doubles in vol, so do you think trading out the preamp tube out, and if so witch pre amp tube do i change . Thanks

[@jvbluesville3426]

How about the 007 pair with a laney cub10 for cleans , both for bedroom leves and a eh holy grail nano for reverb

[@roberteasleysr9108]

Love your honesty and depth of knowledge . Keep em coming , thanks !!!

[@picklesnips3378]

I’ve played these and while they are fun to play they compress sooooo quickly you have no headroom on the clean at usable volumes for small gigs and when you go to the medium or high gain headroom is no existent unless you gun the master and even then you don’t have much to work with. Now that being said.....the 18/30 is godly

[@raytorvalds3699]

Great video Mr. Knight. I have that amp too and I love it ! Cheers mate \m/

[@CatastrophicalPencil]

would you say that a hot rod deluxe with your tube modification rivals this one's gain? I'm having trouble locating a hot rod deluxe in a music shop to try (Australia) - the bass breaker appeals to me because of its versatility, but does the hot rod take pedals better (that I may or may not get in the future?)