A Tone Master Tribute to the King of Tweed
After a knockout run of black-panel classics, Fender’s Tone Master series dives into the world of Tweed with the Tone Master ’59 Bassman. This amplifier’s innovative digital Tone Master modeling technology recreates every sonic detail of a true-blue original 1959 Bassman amplifier, utilizing a 200-watt solid-state Class D power section and four Jensen P10-R speakers to mirror the power and projection of the original Bassman’s 45 watts of valve-fueled firepower. Engineered to provide you with a nearly identical experience to playing through a vintage Bassman, the Tone Master ’59 Bassman sports all the telltale signs of a true ’59, including a 3-band EQ, Presence control, channel-specific volume controls, and dual inputs for both the Bright and Normal channels. However, this Bassman hides more than a few modern tricks up its lacquered tweed sleeves, including a 5-position power-scaling switch, convolution spring reverb, cab-simulated XLR line-out, and a post-power amp effects loop to accommodate your stompbox collection. Wrap it all up with a weight-relieved pine cabinet (20 lbs. lighter than a vintage Tweed Bassman!), and the Tone Master ’59 Bassman represents the perfect marriage of time-tested Tweed tone and gig-friendly modern tech.
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Fender’s first tweed-style Tone Master
Fender’s previous Tone Master amplifier offerings have all resided in the brand’s historic black-panel era: a short-lived time from the early-to-late 1960s when the Fullerton design team was firing on all cylinders with Deluxe Reverb, the Super Reverb, the Princeton Reverb, and Twin Reverb. These amps and their Tone Master counterparts all share a consistent mid-scooped sonic character, as they represented Leo Fender’s attempt to create a cleaner, more hi-fi-tone for the brave new sonic world of the 1960s.
Fender’s raw, rude 1950s run of tweed-covered amps simply couldn’t sound more different, and vintage enthusiasts often champion the Bassman as the king of Tweed tone. Harnessing the cutting-edge digital modeling power of Fender’s Tone Master technology, the Tone Master ’59 Bassman replicates the glassy top end and midrange bark of Fender’s iconic Tweed 4 x 10-inch combo right down to a T. From thick, full-bodied cleans to the iconic overdrive that would later marshal up another iconic amplifier builder across the pond, the Tone Master ’59 Bassman puts the legendary tone of the inimitable Tweed Bassman in your hands.
Built-in convolution spring reverb
In addition to all its performance-minded bells and whistles, the Tone Master ’59 Bassman comes equipped with a much-appreciated sonic feature not found on any of Fender’s original Bassman amps: reverb. Placed right on the control panel, the Tone Master ’59 Bassman digital spring convolution reverb elevates your tone with a complex and spacious character, supplying classic springy splash in spades.
Delivers top-class direct tones
While the sound of the Fender Tone Master ’59 Bassman represents a pure re-creation of vintage Tweed tone, this amp comes packed to the brim with innovative modern features to aid performing and recording guitarists. First up, the Fender Tone Master ’59 Bassman features a balanced XLR line out for straightforward recording through your audio interface or for plugging straight into the PA at your next gig. Moreover, this amp also boasts built-in cabinet simulations to breathe dimension and space into your tone when playing direct. You also get a post-power amp effects loop to integrate all your time-based and modulation stompboxes.
Wind down your watts
Fender’s original tube-powered Bassman amps are loud — we’re talking 45 watts and four 10-inch speakers loud, which is far too much volume for full-bore jamming in the living room. The Tone Master ’59 Bassman replicates that same 45-watt tube roar by utilizing a 200-watt Class D power section, simulating the precise projection characteristics of a true Bassman from 1959. Frankly, that level of volume can be overkill for many modern gigging and recording environments, which is why Fender loaded the Tone Master ’59 Bassman up with a convenient output power selector with five attenuated options, taking from full power to bedroom-appropriate 0.5 watts with the twist of a dial.
Fender Tone Master ’59 Bassman Features:
- An all-digital reimagining of Fender’s iconic 1959 Tweed Bassman amplifier
- Cutting-edge Tone Master technology captures the broad, full-range cleans and midrange-rich overdrive bite of a vintage tube-powered Bassman
- 200W solid-state Class D power amplifier mirrors the volume and projection of the 1959 Bassman’s original 45W tube-powered design
- Classic Bassman control section consists of a 2-channel Bright/Normal configuration, High/Low inputs, 3-band EQ, and Presence control
- Onboard convolution spring reverb imparts your tone with a spacious splash
- 4 Jensen P-10R speakers provide punchy mids, firm lows, and superb projection
- 5-position attenuation switch dials your sound down from full power to a bedroom-friendly 0.5W
- XLR line out equipped with switchable cabinet simulations, supplying authentic-sounding direct tones whether you plug in the PA or your audio interface
- Convenient built-in Mute switch
- Post power-amp effects loop cleanly integrates your favorite stompboxes
- Vintage/Tight switch to tweak your tone
- Premium lacquered tweed cabinet crafted from lightweight pine shaves 20 lbs. off the original Bassman’s design
- USB-C port for easy firmware updates
- Includes a 2-button footswitch
