Fender 1962 Bassman 6G6-B Blonde Head 2x12 Cab Serviced

No sales tax for US customers outside California.

The 6G6-B Bassman is one of the most sought-after amplifiers Fender ever produced. The Beatles used blonde Bassman heads on more recording sessions than Vox AC30s. Pete Townshend recorded early Who material through them. Brian Setzer has played a 6G6-B Bassman as his primary amplifier for decades, always plugging into the Normal channel. The amp became linked to the best guitar tones of the early 1960s because the circuit is genuinely exceptional — and the 6G6-B variant is the most refined and most coveted iteration of it.

The 6G6-B moved the Treble control back one full gain stage in the circuit compared to its predecessors, which changed its interaction with the overall gain structure in a way that players describe as more musical and more responsive to picking dynamics. The phase inverter uses a 7025 — a ruggedized 12AX7 — rather than the lower-gain 12AT7 that the blackface Bassmans that followed would adopt, contributing to the additional harmonic content and dynamic range that distinguishes this circuit from what came after. The Presence control sits within the negative feedback loop, dialing in high-end zing at the output stage. The 5881 output tubes — effectively ruggedized 6L6s — run at higher plate voltage than the 6L6s in the later blackface circuit, which translates to a fuller, more authoritative sound at full output. When these tubes break up, the result is smooth and musical in a way that players who know the amp describe as bridging the gap between American and British tones.

This is a 1962 example, wrapped in rough blonde tolex, which correctly identifies it as pre-1963 production before Fender switched to smooth blonde tolex that year. The head and matching 2x12 cabinet are a period-correct pair. The original pots, transformers, and tolex are intact. Filter caps, the bias cap, and bypass caps have been replaced.  This is correct and necessary maintenance on a 60-year-old amp. All of the original, blue molded coupling caps are still in place. 

The Oxford 12" speakers appear to have been reconed, which on original Oxford baskets is the correct restoration approach and the one that preserves the period character of the drivers. Power tubes are brand new Sovtek 5881s; preamp tubes are a mix of RCA and period-correct 12AX7s. The power cord has been upgraded to a grounded three-prong — the original single-cord is included. The amp has been serviced and is playing correctly.

Two channels, each with independent Volume, Treble, and Bass controls, plus a master Presence control. Extension speaker output on the rear. No reverb, no vibrato — just 50 watts of pre-CBS Fender at its most direct and purposeful.

The amp is in beautiful condition.  The handle and hardware is all original with the exception of the knurled knobs that hold the head on the cabinet.  The speaker cable is a modern one.

SPECS:

• Case/Cover?: No
• Color: Blonde
• Dimensions: Head - w 22" x h 8" x d 9"   Cab - w 30" x h 21" x d 11.5"
  
• Weight: Head - 36lbs   Cab - 54lbs
  
• Watts: 50 Watts
• Date: 1962
• Where is Date Noted?: Serial#, codes
• Speaker 1 - 2 Brand: Oxford
• Speaker 1 - 2 Size: 12"
• Speaker Code: See Pics
• Speaker 1 - 2 Cone: Recone
• Power Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
• Choke Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
• Output Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
• Extension Speaker Out? Yes
  
• Reverb or other effects?: No
• Power Tubes: 2 x 5881
• Power Tube Brand: Sovtek
• Preamp Tubes: 4 x 12AX7
• Preamp Tube Brand: RCA, etc
• Filter Caps: Replaced
• Pedal: No
• Pots/Codes: Original
• Tolex/Tweed: Original
• Grille: Original
• Knobs: Original
• Handle: Original
• Power Cord: Grounded upgrade, original included
• Notes:

Shipping policy:

When you purchase this item you are hereby agreeing to this shipping policy. We remove tubes from amps that could be damaged in shipping.  These cases require the buyer to re-install them on delivery - it is very easy with this amp, and we label them so you know exactly where to put them.  We do this because we have experienced shipping issues in the past, and this is our prevention measure.  Vintage amps are sold as-is because they can need service intermittently.  Everything is tested here in our shop on the way into our inventory, and again before shipping.  We will cover shipping damage, but we cannot be responsible for the failure of vintage components in 20-to-50-plus year old amps. Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.