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previous: JOE Does the 59 bassman reissue sound a... -- 8/28/2000 2:10 AM view thread

Re: reissue 59 bassman-any good?

8/28/2000 5:06 PM
Deltablues
Re: reissue 59 bassman-any good?
I've owned both the reissue and a real 59 bassman. And for a period of time before selling the reissue, I had them both side by side for comparison.  
 
Definitely a difference in tone... The real deal was warmer, had more bottom end, was more touch responsive, and had a lively yet not as harsh treble reponse. (I still have the real 59).  
 
That said...  
 
A "used" reissue bassman is a great bang for the buck amp. They can be had used for $400-$450. And with a simple change to NOS tubes and a rebias, they are also a great bang for the buck tonewise.  
 
But I agree with the poster that said they're not worth investing $600 or $700 into unless you're just doing it because you want to tinker. Because you're never going to get someone to give you $1000+ for a reissue even if it does have a hoffman board and reissue Jensens in it.  
 
If you have $1000 to spend and you REEEEEALLY want a tweed bassman, use it as a down payment on a boutique or a real one that needs some TLC. At least that way, the resulting amp will have some resale value if you ever decide to sell it.

 
Replies:
Richie{~}==::: If you were going to redo it anyway... -- 8/28/2000 10:39 PM