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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! > Bassman RI Wattages
Bassman RI Wattages
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Slimharp
35 posts
Nov 06, 2013
8:46 AM
I know there is a lot of knowledge out there on Bassman Re-issues. I just bought a mint first year 1990 model, 126th made. I believe the first year was 40 watts. Did the wattage increase in the later re-issues ?
5F6H
1694 posts
Nov 06, 2013
8:57 AM
The first reissues were quoted as 50W with the SS rectifier. Knock off ~5W for the 5AR4/GZ34.

The 1958 amp was quoted at 40W, but consider that wall voltages were lower than today. An original bassman typically will run 40-50vdc more on the plates than schematic quoted figures...well, in the US & UK anyway, seems you might get closer to 1958 voltages if you live in EU countries that actually get 230VAC at the wall (we get ~240VAC in the UK).

In reality, RI's vary considerably regarding plate voltage (460vdc to 525vdc+) so these are "nominal" ratings, take them with a pinch of salt. Variations do not track by year, but by individual model of amp, so there is no identifiable trend.

All in all, I wouldn't worry about it...you're never going to run a few millivolts into the input with all the controls set halfway up for a clean 50W anyway! ;-)
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Last Edited by 5F6H on Nov 06, 2013 8:58 AM
Slimharp
36 posts
Nov 06, 2013
9:07 AM
Thanks 5F. So for all intents and purposes its 50 watts ?
Is there any significant differences in it being a very early model ( AA00126 )?
5F6H
1695 posts
Nov 06, 2013
9:18 AM
If it has the SS puck & is appropriately biased - yes, 50W. There was no contemporary manufacturer of GZ34/5AR4 when the RI first came out.

The very first ones had leather strap handles (replaced by rubber "dog bones"), additional internal secondary fuses, green coloured PCB and the much desired blue Eminence 102 speakers.

LTDs and later pre LTDs (from late 90's) had Italian Jensen speakers, LTD has a pine cab & GZ34/5AR4 (45W).

The only changes to the circuitry (beyond rectifiers & fuses) are updates to bias circuit filter caps (inaudible) and a factory fitted bias pot & bias read resistor & diode on the LTD (inaudible).

Later LTDs have GT6L6GE power tubes, earlier amps had Sovtek/GT (Reflector, all from the same factory) 5881WXT tubes.

Short answer..beyond the speakers - "no", no significant differences.
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Last Edited by 5F6H on Nov 06, 2013 9:20 AM
1847
1281 posts
Nov 06, 2013
9:37 AM
slim where did you get that from?
a buddy of mine both bought one of the first ones when they came out, i forget what we paid,
i remember it was a good price cause we bought 2 of them.

i sold mine for $400.00
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
Slimharp
37 posts
Nov 06, 2013
9:40 AM
Thanks 5F for the great info. Yes mine has the leather handle. From the sellers story, he worked at Fender ( Brea ) and bought this when it first came out, thus the low serial number. He played it for a few months then put it away. It looks brand new, with the blue frame Em alnicos. I used to work next door to Fender - Fullerton and back then Fender amps were no big deal. In the early 60's Fender still had a home town small business feel.
Slimharp
38 posts
Nov 06, 2013
9:48 AM
Hey 47. I just checked Craigslist. I figured it would be gone. The guy called me back and bingo. I paid 800 for mine. As mentioned it is mint. No. 126 made. I was getting tired of my 94 Blues Deville. They are great but dont compare to the Bassman. The Deville is now for sale. Very clean, almost perfect, modded. OK harp amp but more for guitar.
1847
1284 posts
Nov 06, 2013
9:58 AM
what speakers are in the deville?
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"


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