After a knockout run of black-panel classics, Fender’s Tone Master series dives into the world of Tweed with the Tone Master ’59 Bassman. This amplifier’s innovative digital Tone Master modeling technology recreates every sonic detail of a true-blue original 1959 Bassman amplifier, utilizing a 200-watt solid-state Class D power section and four Jensen P10-R speakers to mirror the power and projection of the original Bassman’s 45 watts of valve-fueled firepower. Engineered to provide you with a nearly identical experience to playing through a vintage Bassman, the Tone Master ’59 Bassman sports all the telltale signs of a true ’59, including a 3-band EQ, Presence control, channel-specific volume controls, and dual inputs for both the Bright and Normal channels. However, this Bassman hides more than a few modern tricks up its lacquered tweed sleeves, including a 5-position power-scaling switch, convolution spring reverb, cab-simulated XLR line-out, and a post-power amp effects loop to accommodate your stompbox collection. Wrap it all up with a weight-relieved pine cabinet (20 lbs. lighter than a vintage Tweed Bassman!), and the Tone Master ’59 Bassman represents the perfect marriage of time-tested Tweed tone and gig-friendly modern tech.
Tone Master Fender’s previous Tone Master amplifier offerings have all resided in the brand’s historic black-panel era: a short-lived time from the early-to-late 1960s when the Fullerton design team was firing on all cylinders with Deluxe Reverb, the Super Reverb, the Princeton Reverb, and Twin Reverb. These amps and their Tone Master counterparts all share a consistent mid-scooped sonic character, as they represented Leo Fender’s attempt to create a cleaner, more hi-fi-tone for the brave new sonic world of the 1960s. Fender’s raw, rude 1950s run of tweed-covered amps simply couldn’t sound more different, and vintage enthusiasts often champion the Bassman as the king of Tweed tone. Harnessing the cutting-edge digital modeling power of Fender’s Tone Master technology, the Tone Master ’59 Bassman replicates the glassy top end and midrange bark of Fender’s iconic Tweed 4 x 10-inch combo right down to a T. From thick, full-bodied cleans to the iconic overdrive that would later marshal up another iconic amplifier builder across the pond, the Tone Master ’59 Bassman puts the legendary tone of the inimitable Tweed Bassman in your hands.
In addition to all its performance-minded bells and whistles, the Tone Master ’59 Bassman comes equipped with a much-appreciated sonic feature not found on any of Fender’s original Bassman amps: reverb. Placed right on the control panel, the Tone Master ’59 Bassman digital spring convolution reverb elevates your tone with a complex and spacious character, supplying classic springy splash in spades.
While the sound of the Fender Tone Master ’59 Bassman represents a pure re-creation of vintage Tweed tone, this amp comes packed to the brim with innovative modern features to aid performing and recording guitarists. First up, the Fender Tone Master ’59 Bassman features a balanced XLR line out for straightforward recording through your audio interface or for plugging straight into the PA at your next gig. Moreover, this amp also boasts built-in cabinet simulations to breathe dimension and space into your tone when playing direct. You also get a post-power amp effects loop to integrate all your time-based and modulation stompboxes.
Wind down your watts Fender’s original tube-powered Bassman amps are loud — we’re talking 45 watts and four 10-inch speakers loud, which is far too much volume for full-bore jamming in the living room. The Tone Master ’59 Bassman replicates that same 45-watt tube roar by utilizing a 200-watt Class D power section, simulating the precise projection characteristics of a true Bassman from 1959. Frankly, that level of volume can be overkill for many modern gigging and recording environments, which is why Fender loaded the Tone Master ’59 Bassman up with a convenient output power selector with five attenuated options, taking from full power to bedroom-appropriate 0.5 watts with the twist of a dial.
The Tone Master ’59 Bassman amplifier uses massive digital processing power to achieve a single remarkable feat: faithfully modeling the circuitry and 45-watt power output of an original Bassman tube amp. Using a high-performance class D power amp to achieve the headroom and dynamics of the tube amp, the result is pure Bassman tone that’s virtually indistinguishable from the original. This remarkable Fender technology is paired with the sparkle and touch sensitivity of four Jensen® P-10R speakers, as well as player-centric additions like convolution spring reverb, a vintage/tight switch for smoother bass response and a post amp model effects loop. Other features include an output power selector for full power and five attenuated settings, impulse response (IR) XLR line output for detailed cabinet simulations, mute switch, and lightweight pine cabinet.
The Tone Master '59 Bassman is a perfect replication of the legendary tube amplifier with modern features for today’s most demanding professionals. It sounds like the original, without the extra weight and maintenance.
Our powerful convolution spring reverb model is a modern addition to the classic tweed era Bassman circuit.
Post amp model effects loop for delay and other time based effects. A first on Tone Master Amplifiers.
This amp’s rear panel is packed with useful controls and connections: Vintage/Tight switch for smoother bass response, line output with level control, ground lift switch and a three-way IR cabinet simulation switch to select various microphone options.
Enjoy full, natural tone at almost any volume—from a full 45W of Fender power down to bedroom and apartment-friendly 0.5W.
Jensen® Alnico speakers are the traditional Fender speakers, with sweet articulation for clean sounds and cool vintage-style breakup when pushed.
| Type | Solid State with DSP |
|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Total Power | 200W (45W, 22W, 12W, 5W, 1W, 0.5W settings) |
| Speaker Size | 4 x 10" Jensen P10R Alnico |
| Reverb | Convolution Spring Reverb |
| Amp Modeling | '59 Bassman Tube Amp Emulation |
| EQ | 3-band EQ, Presence, Vintage/Tight switch |
| Inputs | 2 x 1/4" (normal), 2 x 1/4" (bright) |
| Outputs | 1 x XLR (DI out) |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 1/4" (channel, effect) |
| Footswitch Included | Yes, 2-button footswitch |
| Construction Material | Lacquered Tweed, Vintage-Style Brown and Gold Grille |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 22.4" |
| Width | 23.65" |
| Depth | 10.6 |
| Weight | 32 lbs. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 2274506000 717669967000 |
