ossyrocks

Hi all, I thought I might start a thread about this amp which I picked up a couple of weeks ago. I've asked on here before about these amps, and some people like them and some think they are unusable. But, I don't (or haven't yet) played anywhere which requires a very loud amp, and I'm a sucker for valve amps, so I started looking for one. It's amazing how many you see when you aren't actually looking, so once I started actually looking, I couldn't find one anywhere! Then a couple of friends came over for lunch and I mentioned I was looking for an amp like his Bassman 50, and he said he was considering selling it, as he's gone digital, silent stage, in-ears etc for weddings and function gigs. Three weeks later I went over and bought it. Whilst the amp appears mostly original - transformers, cabinet etc, it has been extensively "worked on" inside (see pics below), so I thought the best thing to do was take it to the renowned Martin Garton (Gartone Amps) for a look over and to do whatever is necessary. Martin had it on the bench last week for assessment and thought it best to ring me to discuss it. Basically, it's a mess inside, multiple mods and blunders. We agreed the best course of action was a complete rebuild. It's going to get mainly put back to stock, except the power supply and bias which will be improved, then tweaked from there to optimise it for bass. Everything will be about maximising clarity, volume and tone. I've supplied some NOS JAN Philips 7581A's for the outputs and a box of NOS & used but good preamp valves including 6 Telefunkens, some Bugle Boys, Sylvanias, RCA's etc which Martin will choose for best performance and tone. This is not going to be an amp that I will ever recoup my money on, for a start I probably (definitely) paid over the odds for it, and I'm yet to find out what the rebuild will cost (although I know it will not be cheap). But in a way, getting one that needed rebuilding is a bonus, as it will allow Martin to do everything in his power to make the amp into the best it can be, and we won't be modifying a pristine original example. I intend to use it through one or two Mark Bass Traveler 102P's, with my vintage P bass, but that's some way off yet. I'll try to keep the thread updated as things move along. Anyway, here's some pics as it was when I bought it. Cheers, Rob

Now then, this popped up on facebook with Bass Monkey, and I think it deserves a thread of it's own! What a splendid Precision. Is this @Clarkyor @walshy?? Sorry for not paying more attention! https://www.thebassmonkey.co.uk/basses-1/p/1972-fender-precision-bass-candy-apple-red Rob

Just bought Merton’s Barefaced One10. He packed it (extremely well) and shipped it the same day as my payment. Super to deal with, highly recommended. Rob

A few seconds shouldn't matter if the cable was not connected or was open circuit. If the amp seems to be working ok now, then I think you have got away with it. I think it's more serious if the cable short circuits, it might quickly emit the magic smoke at that point.

I’ve asked here before about Bassman 50’s and if anyone actually gigs one, and the responses were mixed. But I picked this up this week and I’m going to give it a go. After collecting it, I drove straight to Martin Garton’s place (Gartone Amps), and he’s going to go right through it. Martin is primarily a bass player, and I’ve seen him gig a few times many years ago. He was using a Bassman 50 at the time, but tweaked to be more suitable for bass. He’s going to tune this one for me too. It’s going to be a few weeks till I have it back, but I’m quite looking forward to trying it. Rob

Ahh, olympic white, one of my favourites too. I've been watching this one, what do you think? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/403932586924 Rob

Old thread resurrection. I’ve been offered a 70’s Bassman 50, no price agreed yet, but it’s a mate, and not advertised elsewhere. Some of you talked about the lack of headroom on these for bass. Yesterday I dropped a couple of other valve amps off with Martin Garton (Gartone) for service and got talking to him about the bassman. He used to play bass in a band called Cold Shot (SRV tribute), I used to go and see them 25 or 30 years ago and they were LOUD, and he told me he ran a Bassman 50 in that band with his 1960 Precision bass. However, he had modded/tweaked it for more headroom. He’s offered to do the mods on mine when I get it. So, watch this space! I’ll find out what the mods are too hopefully and mark up a schematic/layout with the details. Rob

This thread needs more Sunburst+tort+rw Precisions! Here's my '73

I'm sure other basses "fit" other people better, but for me, a P bass just fits. It's like a cosy pair of slippers. I'm very much a traditionalist, some would say conservative (small c), my 6 string guitars reflect that too. But even when I swap to my Jazz bass, it just doesn't feel the same and is ever so slightly ergonomically wrong. As for the tone, my P bass has a deep powerful voice that I haven't heard in any other bass so far.

Congratulations! I'm slowly coming to the conclusion that a Precision Bass is all I need, and cliche or not, mine looks just like yours only mine has a bit more wear. Rob

My shoulder hurts just reading this…….but still tempting.

Thanks for posting this. This may actually be just what I have been looking for. I’ve been looking for a power supply which would power my Markbass Compressore on a board with a couple of other pedals. It needs a min 600ma 12v DC, and there’s not a lot out there at a reasonable cost…….until now! Cheers!

Cap tightly screwed on though. But yes, I've experienced enough beer in my gear to last a lifetime.

After 40 years of playing guitar in bands, and never being without a band until 2016, I've got my first gig on bass! I first picked up a bass last November, so almost a year ago, and I was immediately hooked. I have practiced pretty much every day for at least an hour, until I felt confident enough to start looking for an opportunity to play with others. In the end, it was me who was approached, and we did our first rehearsal last night. It's an originals project, female singer/songwriter who plays guitar and piano and who is also a fabulous drummer (though she's not touching the kit in this project). Her husband is playing guitar, and the drummer is also female. Rehearsals were well organised, lots of info in advance including MP3 demos, in a brilliant live performance venue, proper stage, monitoring, a real piano, and even a house bass amp - Mark Bass CMD102P for me to use. They were pleased with what I was doing and it looks set to continue. This feels like a moment. Thanks for listening 😁 Cheers, Rob

I just worked through my finances today to see if I could buy this. I can. It’s sold. Humbug.

I’ve flown to the Isle of Man a couple of times for gigs (guitar gigs) and just took my Telecaster in my carry on bag with the neck removed. Quickly assembled and strung up on arrival at the venue.

Indeed. I'm the guy who rolls the tone all the way OFF on my basses. A tweeter is superfluous for me.