NAD: Fender Vintage Reissue '59 Bassman Relic

SKC Willie · Post by **SKC Willie** » Mon Aug 01, 2011 4:16 pm

I have been needing a decent amp for awhile, then I traded my beloved Vox solid state that I had been using but that amp is very replaceable, so I'm not too concerned.

Anyways, ended up trading some stuff for it. It sounds baller, I've only about 10 minutes to play but it makes my tube screamer sound like a much nicer pedal than it is. I can't believe how good it makes all of my pedals sound. Forever, I've been a tube amp snob and thought they weren't really that much better, but I have to say; they're worth the price.

It's a 4x10 combo and I think it's 50 watts, but I could be mistaking; it's more than I really need but I got it for the cleans and to take pedals, so it's perfect. Jensen speakers and typical Fender tube amp specs. It also, is only like 65 lbs, which is damn good considering it has 4x10 inch speakers, it's considerably smaller that my 4x12 cab. Much, much smaller actually. Also, I think the relic model is one of like 2,000 ever made? Haven't been able to find too much info on the relics.

Picture time!

► Show Spoiler

laterallateral · Post by **laterallateral** » Mon Aug 01, 2011 4:36 pm

Nice one, dude.
Too bad the plastic handle kinda fucks up the whole relic vibe but you know... it's so much better than having the shitty leather one snap and your amp tumbling down a 20 step flight of concrete stairs...

SGJarrod · Post by **SGJarrod** » Mon Aug 01, 2011 4:37 pm

schweet.... and u just had to get this after u came and stayed at my house for the SS meet up

....LOL

SKC Willie · Post by **SKC Willie** » Mon Aug 01, 2011 4:40 pm

SGJarrod wrote:schweet.... and u just had to get this after u came and stayed at my house for the SS meet up ....LOL

that's what sold me on tube amps.

I needed to get a new amp for much longer!

SGJarrod · Post by **SGJarrod** » Mon Aug 01, 2011 5:04 pm

yeah, I have never understood people who do not think Tube amps sound better, It seems like anyone who spends sometime with one agrees they are better than SS

lorez · Post by **lorez** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 1:10 pm

nice amp willie and there is a lot of things to like in that first picture. very jealous

Will · Post by **Will** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 2:38 pm

SGJarrod wrote:yeah, I have never understood people who do not think Tube amps sound better, It seems like anyone who spends sometime with one agrees they are better than SS

For the most part. My '78 Yamaha G100 puts most TO SHAME.

Nice score, dude. Looks right classy!

hotrodperlmutter · Post by **hotrodperlmutter** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 6:36 pm

ace bruh. cannae wait to play.

taylornutt · Post by **taylornutt** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 7:49 pm

I think my next amp will be a Bassman.

hotrodperlmutter · Post by **hotrodperlmutter** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 8:27 pm

and then you'll be able to part with the bassman 10?

taylornutt · Post by **taylornutt** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 8:29 pm

hotrodperlmutter wrote:and then you'll be able to part with the bassman 10?

What? Are you referring to the MM Bass amp?

hotrodperlmutter · Post by **hotrodperlmutter** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 8:38 pm

oh piss, yeah that's what i meant.

taylornutt · Post by **taylornutt** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 8:47 pm

hotrodperlmutter wrote:oh piss, yeah that's what i meant.

My daughter is learning to play her Hello Kitty guitar on it right now. I need to swap the pots out, but it works well enough for her at the moment.. I actually offered it to a guy on CL who had a pristine Bassman who wanted a small amp, but I know he will never take it. So it's still safe for now. Though I did see a guy wanting to trade a CIJ Jaguar HH special for a tube amp on CL, though I really need the amp more than another guitar at the moment.

Boab · Post by **Boab** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 9:12 pm

Very nice amp. Probably not really a combo I'd want instead of it.

SKC Willie · Post by **SKC Willie** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 3:12 am

this amp is killer. and I can't get over how light it is for a 4x10 . . .

I did an A, B demo for my girl and even she noticed the major contrast in sound with my tube screamer on. It's seriously night and day on tone between the two.

AaronGuitarDude · Post by **AaronGuitarDude** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 3:32 am

congratulations on the purchase. 59 bassman is indeed 50 watts of tube power. super clean amp. one of my cravings

StevePirates · Post by **StevePirates** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 4:16 am

That's a really nice amp: good acquisition.

Dingus · Post by **Dingus** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 1:25 pm

I've heard that with those Bassman RIs (possibly what year dependent) that you want to replace the 1/4 watt plate resistors that come with it to 1/2 watt ones to reduce extra noise and help prevent problems from occurring.

Ehh here is the quote I was looking for (http://music-electronics-forum.com/t21627/):

"The early Bassman RI used 1/4 watt plate resistors. I don't know about the later ones. These have been known to go bad and crackle. Since you are replacing resistors anyway I would suggest not only checking the voltage rating on the new resistors (as suggested) but also upgrade the preamp plate resistors to 1/2 watt rating."

SKC Willie · Post by **SKC Willie** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 2:08 pm

Very interesting . . . I'll keep that in mind if it ever starts making noise.

right now, it sounds great. so it's not broke . . .

IroniaSudby · Post by **IroniaSudby** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 2:38 pm

Do An Demo!