Fender Tone Master ’59 Bassman Review: Vintage Sound Meets Modern Versatility

Fender Tone Master ’59 Bassman Review: Vintage Sound Meets Modern Versatility

The Fender Bassman is one of the most iconic amplifiers in the history of electric guitars, shaping the sound of countless legendary musicians since its release in 1952. Its powerful, warm tones and distinct 4×10 tweed combo design have captivated artists such as Michael Bloomfield, Buddy Guy, Paul McCartney, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Eric Clapton.

Over the years, the Bassman’s influence extended beyond Fender, inspiring Marshall to develop the JTM45, which borrowed heavily from the Bassman’s circuit design. Now, Fender has reimagined this historic amp with cutting-edge digital technology, introducing the Tone Master ’59 Bassman—a fully digital amplifier designed to replicate the sonic excellence of its valve-driven predecessor while adding modern conveniences.

Design and Build

Fender has meticulously crafted the Tone Master ’59 Bassman to match the aesthetics of the original, featuring a beautifully lacquered tweed cabinet made from lightweight solid pine. The amp is loaded with four grey-blue enamelled Jensen P-10R Alnico speakers, which contribute to its signature tone. The chrome faceplate and familiar control layout maintain the classic look, making it virtually indistinguishable from its vintage counterpart—until you pick it up.

One of the most striking differences is the weight. Thanks to its solid-state Class D design, the Tone Master is remarkably light, making it a highly portable alternative to traditional valve amps. This makes it an excellent choice for gigging musicians who value both sound and convenience.

Usability and Sound

The Tone Master ’59 Bassman boots up in standby mode, with the jewel light transitioning from amber to green once it is ready. Plugging into the Normal channel’s low-gain input and setting the tone controls to neutral provides a great starting point for assessing the amp’s character.

To compare its authenticity, we tested it alongside a vintage tweed Bassman. The results were impressive—the Tone Master delivers a convincing valve-like top-end shimmer when paired with a Stratocaster. The addition of built-in spring reverb is a welcome feature, providing depth to the sound, though it does not quite match the fully saturated wetness of traditional valve-driven reverbs.

In terms of tonal balance, the Tone Master offers more brightness compared to the original, which tends to have a darker, woolier sound. The extra articulation in the high end adds clarity and definition, making it a versatile option for various playing styles.

One of the standout advantages of the digital version is the ability to adjust output power independently of gain, allowing for precise control over saturation at any volume level. The Vintage-Tight switch on the back panel further refines the output, adding clarity, particularly at higher volumes.

Performance and Stage Use

The Tone Master ’59 Bassman retains the original’s ability to accommodate different guitars and pedals effortlessly. The option to jumper the Normal and Bright channels via a patch cable remains, preserving the classic tone-blending capabilities.

The overdrive response is smooth and organic, effectively mimicking the warmth and dynamics of a traditional valve amp. The inclusion of an effects loop is another great addition, allowing players to integrate time-based effects seamlessly.

When tested in a live performance setting, the amp impressed both the guitarist and the sound engineer. The cab IR output enabled a direct XLR connection to the PA system, eliminating the need for microphone placement and minimizing stage noise. The four 10-inch speakers provided excellent sound dispersion, ensuring full coverage across the stage.

While some players might notice a slight difference in response between the Class D power section and traditional valve amplification, the tonal quality remains highly convincing.

Verdict

The Fender Tone Master ’59 Bassman offers an outstanding blend of vintage tone and modern features. The inclusion of power scaling, built-in reverb, an effects loop, and cab IR outputs makes this amp far more versatile than its valve-driven counterpart.

At lower volumes, it behaves remarkably like a traditional tube amp, offering dynamic response and touch sensitivity. While it may not replicate the full power-stage saturation of a valve amp at extreme volume levels, its lightweight design and digital enhancements make it a compelling choice for players seeking both authenticity and practicality.

For those looking for the classic Bassman experience without the weight and maintenance of tubes, the Tone Master is an exceptional option. While a fully valve-driven Bassman is still available for an additional cost, it lacks the modern conveniences offered by this digital model.

Guitar World Verdict: Fender has masterfully recreated the Bassman sound in a lightweight, stage-ready digital amplifier. It combines vintage aesthetics and tone with modern flexibility, making it a fantastic choice for guitarists of all levels.

Specifications

• Price: $1,499/£1,429 (includes cover)
• Origin: China
• Type: Digital combo amplifier
• Valves: None
• Output Power: 45W (Class D) with power-scaling down to 0.5W
• Dimensions: 235mm (W) x 269mm (D) x 569mm (H)
• Weight: 14.5kg (32lb)
• Cabinet: Lightweight solid pine with lacquered tweed covering
• Speakers: 4x 10” Jensen P-10R Alnico speakers
• Channels: Normal and Bright, each with dual inputs
• Controls: Normal Volume, Bright Volume, Treble, Bass, Middle, Presence, Reverb
• Footswitch: 2-button footswitch included
• Additional Features: Effects loop, Vintage/Tight switch, line output with level control, 3-way IR cabinet simulation, 6-way power attenuation switch, USB port for firmware updates
• Range Options: Princeton Reverb (£829), Deluxe Reverb (£999), Deluxe Reverb Blonde (£1,059), Twin Reverb (£1,129), Twin Reverb Blonde (£1,309), Super Reverb (£1,459)

Contact: Fender