Fender Bassman ’59 Non-Lacquered Tweed, from the first production period of the reissue of the legendary Bassman 5F6-A. After verifying the manufacturing dates of several of its components, I can confirm that this amplifier was manufactured and assembled in 2003 and retains its complete set of original components, including its four Jensen P10R speakers and original tubes. It is also one of the last units produced in the Non-Lacquered Tweed finish, just before the later introduction of the ’59 Bassman LTD.

It is in very good condition, with some marks consistent with use and age. It was serviced in August 2026 and is working correctly.

Specifications

• Model: Fender ’59 Bassman Reissue
• Version: Non-Lacquered Tweed, prior to the ’59 Bassman LTD
• Year: 2003
• Power: 45 W
• Configuration: 4 x 10″
• Speakers: 4 x Jensen P10R Alnico, made in Italy, dated 2003
• Channels: 2 — Normal and Bright
• Inputs: 4 — two Normal and two Bright
• Controls: Volume Normal, Volume Bright, Treble, Bass, Middle and Presence
• Power tubes: 2 x 5881WXT Sovtek, relabelled as Groove Tubes, original to the amplifier
• Preamp tubes: 3 x 12AX7 Sovtek, relabelled as Fender/Groove Tubes, original to the amplifier
• Rectifier: solid-state, Cougar Electronics module dated 1999
• Output impedance: 2 Ω
• Transformers: original, both dated 2003

 

The design corresponds to the first generation of the ’59 Bassman reissue. Fender brought this model back in 1990, based on the 1959 5F6-A circuit. Later, in 2004, the ’59 Bassman LTD introduced changes including lacquered tweed, a pine cabinet and a 5AR4 rectifier.

Sound Character

The Fender Bassman ’59 delivers the type of response that made the original 5F6-A one of the fundamental designs in guitar amplification: full but defined lows, rich mids, open highs and a response that is particularly sensitive to playing dynamics.

At moderate volume it delivers a broad, articulate clean tone, while turning it up progressively brings in the compression, breakup and dynamic response characteristic of this circuit.

The Jensen P10R Alnico speakers make an important contribution to this character, providing a fast, open response and the progressive breakup associated with tweed Bassman amplifiers. The original Bassman ’59 Reissue was specifically designed to reproduce the sound and circuit of the 5F6-A, using transformers and speakers conceived according to the specifications of the original model.

Fender Bassman ’59

The Bassman was originally designed as a bass amplifier, but the behaviour of its 5F6-A circuit with guitar made it a fundamental reference in the development of guitar amplification.

Its influence was particularly important in the development of the first Marshall amplifiers. In the early 1960s, Jim Marshall and his team used the Fender Bassman as one of the main references for developing the JTM45, introducing their own modifications and creating a British interpretation of that architecture.

For this reason, a Bassman ’59 is not simply another Fender vintage-style amplifier: it represents one of the most important links between 1950s Fender amplification and the later development of the British sound.

Why It’s Special

A genuine 2003 time capsule

This particular unit is especially interesting due to the degree to which its original components have been preserved.

The power and output transformers are dated 2003, as are the four Italian-made Jensen P10R speakers it carries. It also retains its original 2 x 5881WXT and 3 x 12AX7 tubes, which is particularly interesting in an amplifier that is now more than twenty years old.

The combination of these components allows the amplifier to be dated to 2003 with a high degree of confidence, making this unit a particularly representative example of the first generation of the ’59 Bassman, immediately before the arrival of the ’59 Bassman LTD in 2004.

The circuit board also retains the inscription “1990 Fender Musical Instruments Corp.”, corresponding to the design platform of this first generation of the reissue.

This is not simply an older Bassman ’59: it is a 2003 unit with an exceptionally coherent set of original components.

Condition

Very good overall condition, with some marks and signs of use consistent with its age.

The amplifier was serviced in August 2026 and is working correctly and is very inspiring to play. It retains its original set of tubes: two 5881WXT Sovtek tubes relabelled as Groove Tubes and three 12AX7 Sovtek tubes relabelled as Fender/Groove Tubes.

The four Italian-made Jensen P10R speakers are also the original speakers fitted to the amplifier.

The photographs form part of the description and correspond exactly to the item you will receive, not to another similar unit.

Demo Video

Coming soon.

Vintage Gear Tour Experience

You can try this Fender Bassman ’59 at the Kitarshokak facilities by appointment.

The session takes place in a controlled environment and allows you to try the amplifier with different guitars, pedals and other gear from the Kitarshokak Backline, giving you the opportunity to experience its response, character and possibilities first-hand.

In addition to trying the gear, we can provide personalised advice to help you find the combination that best suits your sound and playing style.

If you ultimately decide not to purchase the equipment, the session is considered a technical consultation and equipment testing service, subject to the corresponding session fee.

Payment Options

You can purchase this item, or any other item available for purchase from Kitarshokak, through bank financing, subject to the financial institution’s terms and conditions, or through interest-free instalment payments directly with Kitarshokak.

With the Kitarshokak instalment option, you can make payments in instalments until the total amount has been paid, and collect the item once it has been paid for in full.