The latest Fender Tone Master 59 Bassman 4×10 amp has been announced. It brings DSP to the classic Tweed amp, but will it make it any better?
Tone Master 59 Bassman
Fender has been releasing Tone Master versions of its most sought-after vintage amps since 2019, and now it is the turn of the ’59 Bassman. The technology adds DSP to the amp, which, in theory, will give players the classic tweed tones without a considerable price tag. The cost of vacuum tubes used in the originals is where Fender cuts costs, and the DSP is relatively cheap.
This is the first Tweed amp in the Tone Master series, so many players will want to check it out. However, the amp isn’t released until October, so it will be a while before it is available.
Specifications
Part of the charm of the Tone Master amps is that they usually weigh less than their tube counterparts. This 4×10 combo has four 10” Jensen P-10R Alnico speakers, so it weighs around 14.5kg.
It has Normal and Bright channels, each with dual inputs, and the DSP models the circuit and 45-watt power output of an original Bassman tube amp. Fender has used a Class D power amp to achieve a clear tone with this modern recreation.
The amp has a convolution spring reverb and a vintage/tight switch for a smoother bass response. It also has a post-power amp effects loop, a rear-panel output power selector for full power and five attenuated settings, and a balanced XLR line output with impulse response (IR) cab simulations.
These all add some modern flexibility to a vintage ’50s amp design. They have housed it all in a lightweight, resonant pine cabinet and finished it in traditional lacquered tweed, so it looks the part.
However, if you look closely, a USB port for firmware upgrades gives the game away. The jewel indicator light shows normal operation, warmup and mute modes. I like that it is designed to work with 100V-240V power, making touring much more effortless.
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