I've had the 7 watt combo for a couple of years now and really like it . Just add TC Hall of fame reverb or reverb pedal of your choice and it's good to go.
I bought this 007 head and received it one week ago. It's the best sounding amp I ever had. I play Blues and classic Rock and boy does it sound amazing. It's pretty loud too. I use it with my Blackstar HT212 cab. It's just perfect with the exeption that it doesn't have reverb but that's no big deal. There's a lot of great reverb pedals on the market. I decided to get this amp after watching this video. Thanks for making those videos Mr McKnight they're very informative and fun to watch. Keep up the good work. Thanks
Luc you said its pretty loud. Is it loud enough to gig with or should I consider the 15 or 30 W? I mic my amps through the PA but don't use a monitor I just need enough stage volume to get above the drums (and Im pretty close to my amp). I have some big amps for bigger venues.
As good as this sounds on youtube it must be incredible in person. Thanks for the video, I still haven't picked my jaw up off the floor! Ya gotta love Fender.
Thanks for the excellent review! This is my dream amp: a 7 watt Bluesbreaker! I tried out the combo, and I plan to use the 007 for crunch rhythm and lead only. I think it's loud enough to gig with, and I plan to a+b it with my 94 Fender Blues Deville for clean.
Bought this head after seeing this review like 2 yrs ago, this is my favorite amp and i own alot of amps. I crank the gain and use the vol cntrl to tame it, didnt know how awesome it was till i got a tele, and oh man! , i play it all the time moved it out to the garage so i can play late and loud, using a 6505 2x12 and a 1x10 carvin cab, back off the vol a qtr turn and ur in srv heaven. I use pedals to drive it into dimebag land.
I just got the 7 watt combo version of this amp. ran my tobias bass through it. Holy master of puppets! definitely a tone monster for any of my guitars and basses. looking forward to bringing this to small gigs , and recordings.
whats nice is that unlike most marshall's with the "brown sound" you also get this muffled sound. but this one is clear and crisp and dirty all at the same time! Unfortunately they probobly wont make these very long like the fender machete(which was insane).....seems like if its not the exact same cookie cutter DRRI then no one buys them. Good job again from fender. I also had a rumble 350 2x10 that was the best bass amp for the size&money I've ever seen. If you see something wild from fender amps you really like you better buy it before they discontinue it.
hi Philip great review! For anyone wondering about volume - I recently bought the head and matching 1x12 for rehearsal and small gigging. at rehearsal it is loud enough....JUST. the master is at 8/10 and there is no clean headroom at that level. sounds great though! compared to a class 5 combo I would say the Marshall is louder, I got to a usable level with the master at 4/5 with that. the treble boost I didn't think I would use but actually it sounds amazing.
They do sound as good in person as they do in this vid, I had one for a few months, sold it, regret selling it, just bought another one today (on the way). That said, didn't need the footswitch, kept treble boost on all the time. Only clean tone is at very very low volume, the gain sounds incredible. I thought the 15 watt version would sound the same but louder so I bought one locally, took it back hours later, sounded nothing like the 007 and many of the controls were useless. I think if you were really into the Brian May tone, you could use about 4 or more of these micd and it would pretty much nail his tone, or anything in between the tone controls are very active, and for playing at really low volume these sound very full. I was using the head version thru a 4x12 and sometimes a 2x12. I have never tried the 30 or 45 watt versions, so I can't plug or criticize them.
About 20 years ago there was a guy from Canada who sold Bassman EL34 conversions (called Bluesbreaker) that was essentially a mix of a Marshall JTM45 and late 60s Bassman (used to be really cheap). It was killer, and it looks like Fender is now marketing the same concept.
That treble boost function HIGHLY suggests that Fender was going for the Marshall Bluesbreaker crowd. Probably the most famous Bluesbreaker sound ever is Clapton running one with his Dallas Rangemaster, a treble booster, while he was with Mayall. Hence the amp became known as the Bluesbreaker.
Very nice! I currently have a 6W VHT Special 6 Ultra combo that I customized with an EL34 and 12" Celestion Vintage 30 for a more Marshall sound. I like what I'm hearing with the EL84-based 007 Bassbreaker and it's about the same $400 pricing. Maybe I should get the combo just because it's so cool!
Just received my Fender Bassbreaker 007 today and also the Jimi Hendrix stratocaster. The Bassbreaker sounds and looks great. It has to be the best low wattage amp(under 10 watts) for less than $1000. Amazing clean fender tones up to very nice crunchy marshall, orange(at low gain lol) tones. Did I mention It looks great in person. Also for $899 the Jimi Hendrix guitar feels and sounds great.I used a 10 inch eminence Lil buddy, 12 inch wcg ET-65, and A 15 inch eminence legend speaker sounded great with all speakers.
+Phillip McKnight I just replaced the vacuum tubes in the bassbreaker 007 with some Tube Amp Doctor ones that were on sale. I was expecting chinese tubes inside and was suprised to find GT premiums for tubes. Still replaced them as I paid $65 for tubes normally worth $90. To be honest they sound better ( I think lol) but not worth the 60 dollar upgrade atleast for me.
My local GC has this on clearance right now for $267. I played it through a Marshall 2x12 cab. I should have bought the damn thing, even though I don't need it. I still may. It did sound really good.
All these amps are different from one to the next. These amps are much like the Vintage Modified Series in that each amp is a unique amp to itself, but in this case it's as though they were built in the UK with those style parts. Here are a few highlights I collected about each different amp of the Bassbreaker series. You'll see what I mean. I've included my guess as to what each amp may be about. Hopefully we'll hear more soon! 7W Bassbreaker (Mini Bluesbreaker w/ Treble Booster?) - Single Channel - Class A - Master Volume - EL84 Based - Foot-switchable Treble Booster circuit - 1/4" Line Out - Single 8 Ohm Speaker Tap 15W Bassbreaker (Tone-tweaker) - Single Channel - Bright Switch - 3 Position Selectable Gain Structure Knob - Master Volume - FX Loop - Hall Reverb - Power Amp Mute - XLR out w/ on/off switchable Cab Emulation - 2 Parallel 4,8,16 Ohm Switchable Speaker Taps - EL84 Based 18/30W Bassbreaker (UK Blackface Deluxe/1974X?) (This amp is ONLY available as a 2x12 Combo) - 2 Channel Foot-switchable (Each channel is a different wattage, there is no switch) - Channel One: 30W UK version of a Blackface Deluxe w/ Volume & 3 Band EQ - Channel Two: 18W UK version of a 61' Brown Deluxe w/ Volume & Tone Knob - 2 Parallel 4,8,16 Ohm Switchable Speaker Taps - EL84 Based 45W Bassbreaker (UK Built 59' Bassman) - 59' Bassman Circuit - EL34 Based - Normal and Bright Inputs with independent volumes - "Both" Input for Patched input tones - 1-45W Adjustable Output - Presence Control - 2 Parallel 4,8,16 Ohm Switchable Speaker Taps
That's a great amp. Looking forward to the 15 watt, 'couse I really like a reverb on my amp. Hope it will sound just as good. Maybe you can make a video about this at the time it will come out, Maybe compare all the 3 amps. Really hope so.
This am just KILLS! I filmed a short clip on my channel and you get the vibe. It's like a cranked vintage tweed Bassman...just insane tone for the $$$. Plug that 007 into a super sized 1x12 with side panels and your mind will be blown.
I played a 7 watt combo the other day, Honestly it was very compressed sounding and a tad fizzy...I just dont understand why companys use the 10 speaker for low watt amps..To be honest the ac4 vox with 12 inch speaker combo sounded much better open tone ready to rock...lets hope the bigger stuff lives to its hype...your demo is very good by the way...thk you phil
Theres an old bass breaker that looks like a tweed bassman. They are pretty rare and expensive but yeah the bassman was the inpsiration for the JTM45. They are very similiar except for some valve changes. I have a tweed princeton that i fucking love Fender tweeds are very close to marshalls just smaller and once again a few valve changes. Tweeds sag a lot, more than marshalls. i have and old 1971 50 watt plexi thats my #1. Crank it and ride your volume control, especially with my vintage casino with lollar 50 wind p90s. I got the guitar in rough shape, but now its my current favorite, a hollowbody with p90s in to a cranked marshall=tone heaven for me.
I got the 45 watt head. Supposedly the only bassbreaker that has the 59 tonestack. Whatever that is it sounds great. The only thing i don't like is the wattage attenuator does very little to the volume. At one watt it's as loud as at 45 it's just not as full sounding. Nice review :)
Hey Philipp! you are the man with all the knowledge... If I put a fender malmsteen pedal in front of this "plexi" head, do you think it will get me the malmsteen tone? I've tried the 15 watt amp and it's OK but for the same price you can get the smaller head, cab and pedal. And you preferred the 7 watt tone. .
Sounds awesome. Maybe they are taking some of the EVH line as well and incorporating it into this little amp. Maybe? Keep doing these great videos. I almost always learn something watching them. Thanks Phil :)
Phil, Did you come to any conclusion about the 15W head? Does it have the same vibe as this amp and adds the Reverb and FX loop ? Or does it have more features but lose the vibe? Cheers!
there is a very noticeable jump in gain or grit from the treble booster... i didn't see this coming at all... definitely has that blues breaker vibe. The 7 watt will be a great home amp. I will check out the 15 watt with reverb for sure... Made in Mexico or overseas? Great video Phillip!!
sounds killer! just a quick question, when in 'recording mode' as they call it,can you run the head without a cab connected like a laney l5 studio? thanks!
A quick question Phillip. Like in my previous post, I loved the sound of the 007, however, I have a have a little more wattage. So I need the sound of the 007, but higher wattage.what would you say? , go with the Bass breaker in higher wattage , or is there another amp that gets me that sound that I should be looking at.
Traynor Darkhorse goes 15 watts to 2 watts and has both fender and marshall with a tone switch from USA to Brit, but you need the ext cab with its greenback and open/close design (removable baffle). Look it up, great amp
Hi, Phillip. I always enjoy your review. Thank you for spending time with us. One thing is that the left side of the audio is always louder than right side. Is it only me? or is it the way the videos are? Thank you.
+Tae Hoon Joo (TUNYMUSIC 튜니뮤직) Could be my phone, I am getting ready to change the way I record the vedios so I hope that fixes it. Thank you for the feed back, you are not the only one who has had this issue.
So, by now they are all out. Would be nice if you revisited now that they are all out? You may have already done that so I'll look around. If not, does the 4o Watt sound good @ 1 watt setting? Etc.
I have a Blackstar HT1, like it, but I've always been a Fender-fan - used to have a Hot Rod Deluxe, loved the cleans, but I live in an apartment now... Do you think getting a 007 will make a big difference? Just love the Fender-Fender combo (play an American Strat), and the HT1 does feel short of breath on the pre-break-up cleans rather quickly, even at bedroom volumes...
I have a Marshall Class 5 which has BB a vibe too. Don't look for clean at any decent volume. Not much headroom with the lower watts I would guess. Thanks for the Vid. Sounds great on my end.
Phil - if you could only live with one amp, and your choices were the Fender Bassbreaker 15w head (understand you haven't gotten your hands on one yet), or the EVH 5150III Lunchbox 15w, which do you think you would choose and why? Thanks!
the Bassbreaker. the reason is I will always use some kind of pedal and the EVH LBX is not friendly to pedals. also I could put the MXR 5150 pedal or the Wampler pedal through the Bassbreaker and get the EVH tone
Probably not wrong Phillip. I saw an interview with Eric Clapton in which said he went to the early Fender tweeds because they sounded like the Bluesbreaker. The problem with the bluesbreaker [according to Clapton's statement] was that they were too inconsistent. One did not sound like another, where as the Fenders were much more consistent. I don't remember the interview, but it is on TH-cam. As I remember it, I believe he said, "the tweed was the bluesbreaker..." For what it's worth--
Hey Phil! Love the channel. Question. Do you get a really low frequency hum from your 007 head? It is pretty low but definitely there. Almost like it is slightly resonating through the speaker. Thanks!
+dcshred2 No, but you are the 3rd person to ask me. Sounds like a bad tube or the amp is defective. I would return it and check the replacement and if it is shipped ask the sender to check it before replaced.
+Phillip McKnight Definitely. I tried different tubes to no avail. I ended up taking it back and a new one is one the way. Should be here Monday. Hopefully all will be good. I'll report back once I get it. Hope I just got caught in the base-rate of faulty amps and this isn't a "thing" a la egnater tweaker transformer issues.
Clapton is NOT called "slowhand" because he plays slow it is because he was notorious for breaking strings back in the 60s and his buddies would jokingly give him a slowhanded clap (CLAPton) get it? anyway clapton plays slow AND fast.
Hi, would you mind comparing a bassbreaker to a mustang v2 or GT (provided you still have them)? I can't seem to find any comparison online and I'm wondering about how it could play out given the construction and pricing differences...
Phillip - great review (as usual!!). But what is more surprising to me is that in the UK these are available for £201 [007 Head only] (Andertons Music for example) - Normally the prices on your side of the pond are dollar to pound equivalent or even worse - so how could I resist?
Real question here from a newbie. Why would anyone get the 007 Bassbreaker for lower volumes if there is a Master volume on the BB15 anyway. With the master volume, can't you get exactly the same low volume sound and even more with a BB15???
Torn between this and the 15w. At present I don't have a reverb pedal soooo do I get the 007 and a reverb pedal which would get me around the price of the 15w orrrrr buy the 15w??????? Arghhhhh help!!!!! Really enjoy your videos and how honest you are. Subbed!!!!!!
Thanks for the review on this. That's quite a coup by Fender. I'm interested in trying out the 45 watter with the built in attenuator. Most might think that 1 watt will be pretty quiet, but your lunchbox amp demo with the 1 watt Blackstar puts that idea to rest. I just want to be able to dial in my breakup point pursuant to the venue I'm playing and that will be just the ticket for me I reckon. The only criticism I might have is that those lipstick pickups seem to be a little more trebly than the average single coil that most play. Don't get me wrong. I love lip stick pickups. I'll never change them out of my Dano. They just aren't real representative of the average player's gigging gear.
Just bought the 007 head. What frustrates me is the huge ground hum, even with the master and the gain all the way down it hums pretty loud. Is your 007 humming as well? I think I can hear it in the background of your video...
I just ordered one. I live In Spain, and its coming from UK. Get this, they are hundred dollars less here. I kinda wanted the 15 but was a waiting time of 7 weeks, and cost was double. I normally dont need loop or reverb, and use a Boss GP-10 for all effects. I play mostly Eagles, Led Zeppelin, 3DD, America, Bob Segar. My question is this, for a small gig this has enough power, and sound quality to support yes? I can always mic when needing more, but would you have waited for the 15 or would you be happy with this gigging? Last you think this is really made like the older bass amps?
hi, I just posted above, I think you'll be happy with your choice, I got the 7w head and cab and its JUST loud enough for band level but you will be cranking the master up to nearly full. enjoy the amp :)
+Larry Tate I do not know, The problem is the 30/18 2x12 and the 15 watt amps are supposed to be voiced to sound different. The 45 watt version is supposed to be the 7 watt version but bigger.
Great video, Phillip!!! I'm very interested in this amp. ....who different is it then my 1w 50th anniversary JVM? ......what amp would you suggest if I said I want an in home low wattage amp with a classic fender tone?
The bass breaker seems really cool but would you say that has classic fender clean tones or more Marshall? What you played sounded really good but I wonder how close it would be to my marshal I already have.
+Mark Vaughan The 18/30 and 45 don't have master volumes. The 45 has a variable output that goes down to 1W but that still might be too loud for bedroom practice depending on how much gain you want. All of these amps seem really intriguing but they're all missing features that another amp in the series has. A 1x12 18/30 with an effects loop and a master would be perfect for me.
Close to 300v operation with 10% allowable total harmonic distortion and a following wind. Either that or their marketroids want some Bond association.
+Justin Moore Every couple years, but it could last longer. There is not a lot of tubes. The one power tube will be the one that will need replacing over time. Could last 20 years. Could last 1. But its like 30 bucks on the high end.
+Justin Moore The rule of thumb is every year. That being said, it depends on many variables. How much you use them, how good they are, if you always play at volume 11 (lol), if they have been beaten up in traveling, etc;. If it doesn't sound like it used too, replace the tubes.. That is how I do it.
cool thanks. what low watt head like this would u recommend for running distortions through like the MXR 5150 overdrive, Wampler plexi drive? im currently using an ibanez TSA15 head w a 1/12 cab w a celestion alnico blue but i wonder if there is something better. "the grass is always greener syndrome" lol
Why wouldn't you just get the 45? if it can go all the way down to 1w, you can use it as a practice amp at low volumes, and get rid of your 1w blackstar.
Jim Marshall "borrowed" all of the Fender circuitry to create plexi's,Bluesbreakers and JTM's,etc- basically everything beyond. He "borrowed" the Bassman tone circuit directly but using british parts it gave it a slightly different sound- thus the Marshall tone. Fender owes no one anything.
+lonercaveman I have been working on getting two friends of my to do with me. One makes high end Dumble clone amps and one builds Heavy metal amps. both are super tech geeky and I want to work as the leman who can maybe help them bring it down to where we all could learn. keep your fingers crossed Im hoping next month.
im having trouble deciding between this and the superchamp x2, the thing that puts me off about the x2 is the lack of a mid control, as i like 3 band EQs for a sharper tone when you boost the mids and roll back the highs, but then this doesn't footswitch between 2 channels which bothers me, given these 2 personal flaws what would anyone recommend?
If you need clean and chimey tones, the BB 007 might not be the best option as there is not a ton of clean headroom (in that case, go for a Blues Junior). For blues to classic rock tones, the BB is great - fat, warm. deep and good bass response. Great amp! I have owned both the SuperChamp XD and BB 007 and sold my SCXD as it was a jack of all trades, master of none....still a great amp but not as purpose specific as the Bassbreaker. If you like pedals and maybe gig once in a while, the BB is great...if you want everything on one box for home use, the SCX2 would work.
+LehighValleyPhoto Not sure, if it has a mono plug it should work but if it has a stereo tip, ring, sleeve I do not think it will work. But it can not hurt to try.
I've had the 7 watt combo for a couple of years now and really like it . Just add TC Hall of fame reverb or reverb pedal of your choice and it's good to go.
I bought this 007 head and received it one week ago. It's the best sounding amp I ever had. I play Blues and classic Rock and boy does it sound amazing. It's pretty loud too. I use it with my Blackstar HT212 cab. It's just perfect with the exeption that it doesn't have reverb but that's no big deal. There's a lot of great reverb pedals on the market. I decided to get this amp after watching this video. Thanks for making those videos Mr McKnight they're very informative and fun to watch. Keep up the good work.
Thanks
Luc you said its pretty loud. Is it loud enough to gig with or should I consider the 15 or 30 W? I mic my amps through the PA but don't use a monitor I just need enough stage volume to get above the drums (and Im pretty close to my amp). I have some big amps for bigger venues.
As good as this sounds on youtube it must be incredible in person. Thanks for the video, I still haven't picked my jaw up off the floor!
Ya gotta love Fender.
Thanks for the excellent review! This is my dream amp: a 7 watt Bluesbreaker! I tried out the combo, and I plan to use the 007 for crunch rhythm and lead only. I think it's loud enough to gig with, and I plan to a+b it with my 94 Fender Blues Deville for clean.
Bringit 2ya and is it loud enough? I was planning to do this myself
Bought this head after seeing this review like 2 yrs ago, this is my favorite amp and i own alot of amps. I crank the gain and use the vol cntrl to tame it, didnt know how awesome it was till i got a tele, and oh man! , i play it all the time moved it out to the garage so i can play late and loud, using a 6505 2x12 and a 1x10 carvin cab, back off the vol a qtr turn and ur in srv heaven. I use pedals to drive it into dimebag land.
Just bought one of these used came with the foot switch.. I LOVE this little guy. I ply mostly with my es175 and it sounds FANTASTIC
I just got the 7 watt combo version of this amp. ran my tobias bass through it. Holy master of puppets! definitely a tone monster for any of my guitars and basses. looking forward to bringing this to small gigs , and recordings.
Tried this in the combo version two days ago. Both single and humbuckers sound tremendous
whats nice is that unlike most marshall's with the "brown sound" you also get this muffled sound. but this one is clear and crisp and dirty all at the same time! Unfortunately they probobly wont make these very long like the fender machete(which was insane).....seems like if its not the exact same cookie cutter DRRI then no one buys them. Good job again from fender. I also had a rumble 350 2x10 that was the best bass amp for the size&money I've ever seen. If you see something wild from fender amps you really like you better buy it before they discontinue it.
hi Philip great review! For anyone wondering about volume - I recently bought the head and matching 1x12 for rehearsal and small gigging. at rehearsal it is loud enough....JUST. the master is at 8/10 and there is no clean headroom at that level. sounds great though! compared to a class 5 combo I would say the Marshall is louder, I got to a usable level with the master at 4/5 with that. the treble boost I didn't think I would use but actually it sounds amazing.
They do sound as good in person as they do in this vid, I had one for a few months, sold it, regret selling it, just bought another one today (on the way). That said, didn't need the footswitch, kept treble boost on all the time. Only clean tone is at very very low volume, the gain sounds incredible. I thought the 15 watt version would sound the same but louder so I bought one locally, took it back hours later, sounded nothing like the 007 and many of the controls were useless. I think if you were really into the Brian May tone, you could use about 4 or more of these micd and it would pretty much nail his tone, or anything in between the tone controls are very active, and for playing at really low volume these sound very full. I was using the head version thru a 4x12 and sometimes a 2x12. I have never tried the 30 or 45 watt versions, so I can't plug or criticize them.
About 20 years ago there was a guy from Canada who sold Bassman EL34 conversions (called Bluesbreaker) that was essentially a mix of a Marshall JTM45 and late 60s Bassman (used to be really cheap). It was killer, and it looks like Fender is now marketing the same concept.
Jim McIntyre, I believe. Was featured in a GP issue. Jeff Beck apparently bought one.
That treble boost function HIGHLY suggests that Fender was going for the Marshall Bluesbreaker crowd. Probably the most famous Bluesbreaker sound ever is Clapton running one with his Dallas Rangemaster, a treble booster, while he was with Mayall. Hence the amp became known as the Bluesbreaker.
Clapton has said time and time again that he has NEVER used a treble booster at all. Even in the Bluesbreakers days, nor did he use one in Cream.
+Corey Weatherford he has never said he didn't use one!
Corey Weatherford proof?
Somebody has been upgrading their video editing!!! I like the direction. Amp sounds great! Think I'll get one!
been following your suggestions. thank you for the feed back
+Phillip McKnight Good demo. Do you have any other cabs you can try it with so we can hear the difference?
Very nice! I currently have a 6W VHT Special 6 Ultra combo that I customized with an EL34 and 12" Celestion Vintage 30 for a more Marshall sound. I like what I'm hearing with the EL84-based 007 Bassbreaker and it's about the same $400 pricing. Maybe I should get the combo just because it's so cool!
Just received my Fender Bassbreaker 007 today and also the Jimi Hendrix stratocaster. The Bassbreaker sounds and looks great. It has to be the best low wattage amp(under 10 watts) for less than $1000. Amazing clean fender tones up to very nice crunchy marshall, orange(at low gain lol) tones. Did I mention It looks great in person. Also for $899 the Jimi Hendrix guitar feels and sounds great.I used a 10 inch eminence Lil buddy, 12 inch wcg ET-65, and A 15 inch eminence legend speaker sounded great with all speakers.
+spot mfd Great amp. Im so happy they did this. The Jimi Strats are cool also.
+Phillip McKnight I just replaced the vacuum tubes in the bassbreaker 007 with some Tube Amp Doctor ones that were on sale. I was expecting chinese tubes inside and was suprised to find GT premiums for tubes. Still replaced them as I paid $65 for tubes normally worth $90. To be honest they sound better ( I think lol) but not worth the 60 dollar upgrade atleast for me.
The 15W has more features (Structure knob, effects loop). Played the 7W combo in the store today. Amazing sound.
I love these "classic KYG" videos. My favorites. Feels like a buddy sending a video email to me
My local GC has this on clearance right now for $267. I played it through a Marshall 2x12 cab. I should have bought the damn thing, even though I don't need it. I still may. It did sound really good.
All these amps are different from one to the next. These amps are much like the Vintage Modified Series in that each amp is a unique amp to itself, but in this case it's as though they were built in the UK with those style parts. Here are a few highlights I collected about each different amp of the Bassbreaker series. You'll see what I mean. I've included my guess as to what each amp may be about. Hopefully we'll hear more soon!
7W Bassbreaker (Mini Bluesbreaker w/ Treble Booster?)
- Single Channel
- Class A
- Master Volume
- EL84 Based
- Foot-switchable Treble Booster circuit
- 1/4" Line Out
- Single 8 Ohm Speaker Tap
15W Bassbreaker (Tone-tweaker)
- Single Channel
- Bright Switch
- 3 Position Selectable Gain Structure Knob
- Master Volume
- FX Loop
- Hall Reverb
- Power Amp Mute
- XLR out w/ on/off switchable Cab Emulation
- 2 Parallel 4,8,16 Ohm Switchable Speaker Taps
- EL84 Based
18/30W Bassbreaker (UK Blackface Deluxe/1974X?)
(This amp is ONLY available as a 2x12 Combo)
- 2 Channel Foot-switchable (Each channel is a different wattage, there is no switch)
- Channel One: 30W UK version of a Blackface Deluxe w/ Volume & 3 Band EQ
- Channel Two: 18W UK version of a 61' Brown Deluxe w/ Volume & Tone Knob
- 2 Parallel 4,8,16 Ohm Switchable Speaker Taps
- EL84 Based
45W Bassbreaker (UK Built 59' Bassman)
- 59' Bassman Circuit
- EL34 Based
- Normal and Bright Inputs with independent volumes
- "Both" Input for Patched input tones
- 1-45W Adjustable Output
- Presence Control
- 2 Parallel 4,8,16 Ohm Switchable Speaker Taps
I just got the BB 15 Combo, killer amp and definitely prefer it over the Blues Junior and HR Deluxe that I use to have.
hey philipp. sounds great. does it work well with a pedal in front of it if you want to get high gain stuff? or does it muffle up and go flabby.
That's a great amp. Looking forward to the 15 watt, 'couse I really like a reverb on my amp. Hope it will sound just as good. Maybe you can make a video about this at the time it will come out, Maybe compare all the 3 amps. Really hope so.
This am just KILLS! I filmed a short clip on my channel and you get the vibe. It's like a cranked vintage tweed Bassman...just insane tone for the $$$. Plug that 007 into a super sized 1x12 with side panels and your mind will be blown.
I played a 7 watt combo the other day, Honestly it was very compressed sounding and a tad fizzy...I just dont understand why companys use the 10 speaker for low watt amps..To be honest the ac4 vox with 12 inch speaker combo sounded much better open tone ready to rock...lets hope the bigger stuff lives to its hype...your demo is very good by the way...thk you phil
Theres an old bass breaker that looks like a tweed bassman. They are pretty rare and expensive but yeah the bassman was the inpsiration for the JTM45. They are very similiar except for some valve changes. I have a tweed princeton that i fucking love Fender tweeds are very close to marshalls just smaller and once again a few valve changes. Tweeds sag a lot, more than marshalls. i have and old 1971 50 watt plexi thats my #1. Crank it and ride your volume control, especially with my vintage casino with lollar 50 wind p90s. I got the guitar in rough shape, but now its my current favorite, a hollowbody with p90s in to a cranked marshall=tone heaven for me.
I got the 45 watt head. Supposedly the only bassbreaker that has the 59 tonestack. Whatever that is it sounds great. The only thing i don't like is the wattage attenuator does very little to the volume. At one watt it's as loud as at 45 it's just not as full sounding.
Nice review :)
I like the way the treble boost feature sounds on that amp.
me to
Bassman+Bluesbreaker= Bassbreaker. A fender rep confirmed during an interview with some TH-camr
Revisiting old reviews is fun when a used one shows up near me.
Thing sounds amazing. So does that strat.
Hey Philipp! you are the man with all the knowledge... If I put a fender malmsteen pedal in front of this "plexi" head, do you think it will get me the malmsteen tone? I've tried the 15 watt amp and it's OK but for the same price you can get the smaller head, cab and pedal. And you preferred the 7 watt tone. .
+msteve We are going to find out next week.
These have me stoked and I really want to look inside one and see how they're made.
Sounds awesome. Maybe they are taking some of the EVH line as well and incorporating it into this little amp. Maybe?
Keep doing these great videos. I almost always learn something watching them. Thanks Phil :)
Phil, Did you come to any conclusion about the 15W head?
Does it have the same vibe as this amp and adds the Reverb and FX loop ?
Or does it have more features but lose the vibe?
Cheers!
there is a very noticeable jump in gain or grit from the treble booster... i didn't see this coming at all... definitely has that blues breaker vibe. The 7 watt will be a great home amp. I will check out the 15 watt with reverb for sure... Made in Mexico or overseas? Great video Phillip!!
Mexico
sounds killer! just a quick question, when in 'recording mode' as they call it,can you run the head without a cab connected like a laney l5 studio? thanks!
Really been loving the content man, keep it up.
A quick question Phillip. Like in my previous post, I loved the sound of the 007, however, I have a have a little more wattage. So I need the sound of the 007, but higher wattage.what would you say? , go with the Bass breaker in higher wattage , or is there another amp that gets me that sound that I should be looking at.
That is tough, I would look at the 15 but it will sound a little different. Not sure what is out there like it.
Traynor Darkhorse goes 15 watts to 2 watts and has both fender and marshall with a tone switch from USA to Brit, but you need the ext cab with its greenback and open/close design (removable baffle). Look it up, great amp
Thank you sir.
Hi, Phillip.
I always enjoy your review. Thank you for spending time with us.
One thing is that the left side of the audio is always louder than right side.
Is it only me? or is it the way the videos are?
Thank you.
+Tae Hoon Joo (TUNYMUSIC 튜니뮤직) Could be my phone, I am getting ready to change the way I record the vedios so I hope that fixes it. Thank you for the feed back, you are not the only one who has had this issue.
+Phillip McKnight. Thank you for the answer :-)
So, by now they are all out. Would be nice if you revisited now that they are all out? You may have already done that so I'll look around. If not, does the 4o Watt sound good @ 1 watt setting? Etc.
I have a Blackstar HT1, like it, but I've always been a Fender-fan - used to have a Hot Rod Deluxe, loved the cleans, but I live in an apartment now... Do you think getting a 007 will make a big difference? Just love the Fender-Fender combo (play an American Strat), and the HT1 does feel short of breath on the pre-break-up cleans rather quickly, even at bedroom volumes...
Sven Fabre I have the combo and it sounds good at low practice volume situation. It has a master volume just turn up the gain..
I have a Marshall Class 5 which has BB a vibe too. Don't look for clean at any decent volume. Not much headroom with the lower watts I would guess. Thanks for the Vid. Sounds great on my end.
So this has got to be the 85th time Ive watched this. Appreciate how this is dedicated.
Phil - if you could only live with one amp, and your choices were the Fender Bassbreaker 15w head (understand you haven't gotten your hands on one yet), or the EVH 5150III Lunchbox 15w, which do you think you would choose and why? Thanks!
the Bassbreaker. the reason is I will always use some kind of pedal and the EVH LBX is not friendly to pedals. also I could put the MXR 5150 pedal or the Wampler pedal through the Bassbreaker and get the EVH tone
you have that amp sounding SICK mister
Probably not wrong Phillip. I saw an interview with Eric Clapton in which said he went to the early Fender tweeds because they sounded like the Bluesbreaker. The problem with the bluesbreaker [according to Clapton's statement] was that they were too inconsistent. One did not sound like another, where as the Fenders were much more consistent. I don't remember the interview, but it is on TH-cam. As I remember it, I believe he said, "the tweed was the bluesbreaker..." For what it's worth--
Would you suggest this amp for jams with a drummer and for small gigs trough a PA system?
Hey Phil! Love the channel. Question. Do you get a really low frequency hum from your 007 head? It is pretty low but definitely there. Almost like it is slightly resonating through the speaker. Thanks!
+dcshred2 No, but you are the 3rd person to ask me. Sounds like a bad tube or the amp is defective. I would return it and check the replacement and if it is shipped ask the sender to check it before replaced.
+Phillip McKnight Definitely. I tried different tubes to no avail. I ended up taking it back and a new one is one the way. Should be here Monday. Hopefully all will be good. I'll report back once I get it. Hope I just got caught in the base-rate of faulty amps and this isn't a "thing" a la egnater tweaker transformer issues.
+dcshred2
Did the new one make also the hum ?
Clapton is NOT called "slowhand" because he plays slow it is because he was notorious for breaking strings back in the 60s and his buddies would jokingly give him a slowhanded clap (CLAPton) get it? anyway clapton plays slow AND fast.
Jeremy Starreveld yes, but the name stuck because it expresses something about his playing. He tends to play after the beat quite a lot.
Hi, would you mind comparing a bassbreaker to a mustang v2 or GT (provided you still have them)? I can't seem to find any comparison online and I'm wondering about how it could play out given the construction and pricing differences...
Phillip - great review (as usual!!). But what is more surprising to me is that in the UK these are available for £201 [007 Head only] (Andertons Music for example) - Normally the prices on your side of the pond are dollar to pound equivalent or even worse - so how could I resist?
Real question here from a newbie. Why would anyone get the 007 Bassbreaker for lower volumes if there is a Master volume on the BB15 anyway. With the master volume, can't you get exactly the same low volume sound and even more with a BB15???
Torn between this and the 15w. At present I don't have a reverb pedal soooo do I get the 007 and a reverb pedal which would get me around the price of the 15w orrrrr buy the 15w??????? Arghhhhh help!!!!! Really enjoy your videos and how honest you are. Subbed!!!!!!
Thanks for the review on this. That's quite a coup by Fender. I'm interested in trying out the 45 watter with the built in attenuator. Most might think that 1 watt will be pretty quiet, but your lunchbox amp demo with the 1 watt Blackstar puts that idea to rest. I just want to be able to dial in my breakup point pursuant to the venue I'm playing and that will be just the ticket for me I reckon.
The only criticism I might have is that those lipstick pickups seem to be a little more trebly than the average single coil that most play. Don't get me wrong. I love lip stick pickups. I'll never change them out of my Dano. They just aren't real representative of the average player's gigging gear.
Just bought the 007 head. What frustrates me is the huge ground hum, even with the master and the gain all the way down it hums pretty loud. Is your 007 humming as well? I think I can hear it in the background of your video...
+morlokkk I will check it and if it is I will let you know.
Quite strong hum... exactly like my 007 combo... Good to know it si probably typical for these singl-ended amps.
I just ordered one. I live In Spain, and its coming from UK. Get this, they are hundred dollars less here. I kinda wanted the 15 but was a waiting time of 7 weeks, and cost was double. I normally dont need loop or reverb, and use a Boss GP-10 for all effects.
I play mostly Eagles, Led Zeppelin, 3DD, America, Bob Segar.
My question is this, for a small gig this has enough power, and sound quality to support yes? I can always mic when needing more, but would you have waited for the 15 or would you be happy with this gigging? Last you think this is really made like the older bass amps?
hi, I just posted above, I think you'll be happy with your choice, I got the 7w head and cab and its JUST loud enough for band level but you will be cranking the master up to nearly full. enjoy the amp :)
Add a real spring reverb and this amp would be perfect!
sounds really good, I want one!!
TheShredMethod me too
Wish these would ship already! Have you received the 15 watt or anything else in your shop yet?
Wow! Had no idea this was coming out! Sounds awesome! G.A.S.!!!
Fender made the Bassman, then Marshall made the Bluesbreaker and now Fender makes the Bassbreaker. :-)
Thanks for this amp demo, Phil....Errr...you probably know this....but...12th fret D7 C7.
What do you think is better, this or a tweed blues Jr?
Thanks for this review! As a Fender fan I can't tell you how stoked I am for these amps. Question: How is the 7 watt with humbuckers?
+Slowhanfan looks like a mini hum bucker in the bridge position
+Wendell Laffin you are correct. it is a custom made Pearly Gates
Nice! Thanks.
+Slowhanfan I added a second video because you are right we need to hear it with humbuckers. I hope the second video helps you more
+Phillip McKnight Thank you. The second demo is perfect - Les Paul, Tele, Strat and Shredder.
Cool! Do u think this would be a good all around amp for recording and live rock funk in the 30 watt version?
+Larry Tate I do not know, The problem is the 30/18 2x12 and the 15 watt amps are supposed to be voiced to sound different. The 45 watt version is supposed to be the 7 watt version but bigger.
Well do u think with the 45 or 7watt one it'd be good for rock/funk?
I'm debating between this and a Marshall dsl valve amp
Great video, Phillip!!! I'm very interested in this amp. ....who different is it then my 1w 50th anniversary JVM? ......what amp would you suggest if I said I want an in home low wattage amp with a classic fender tone?
+Michael Stander For the Fender Classic Tone at home. Super Champ X2, Blues Jr, Princeton, Maybe the Bassbreaker 15 we will have to see.
The bass breaker seems really cool but would you say that has classic fender clean tones or more Marshall? What you played sounded really good but I wonder how close it would be to my marshal I already have.
+Michael Stander this amp is more Marshall. we have to see what the 15 sounds like
Ahh...gotcha. Thanks again for the video and comments!!! Greatly appreciated!!! Keep'em coming!
Great tone. Would have liked to have heard how it sounds clean too though, just to see how much headroom there is
+Mark Vaughan It really doesn't get super clean. Clean enough for bedroom practice.
I'd say you'd probably get some with the 30w or 45w. Lovely overdrive but I play country too so I'd want good clean too
+Mark Vaughan The 18/30 and 45 don't have master volumes. The 45 has a variable output that goes down to 1W but that still might be too loud for bedroom practice depending on how much gain you want. All of these amps seem really intriguing but they're all missing features that another amp in the series has. A 1x12 18/30 with an effects loop and a master would be perfect for me.
How do you get 7W from a single EL84 in class a operation? Thats pretty optimistic.
Close to 300v operation with 10% allowable total harmonic distortion and a following wind. Either that or their marketroids want some Bond association.
Great review! Think I might be in search of one of these bad boys now!!
Could you let us know what kind of volume we are talking here with the 007?, could you get the drive sounds out of it at TV watching volumes?
Yeah sure you can ! Sounds amazing !!
Is this amp loud without it getting all fuzzed out if that makes sense ? Thanks
Blues Breaker was my first thought . Then I played the 30 watt and didn't get that Marshall sound .Maybe I should try the 7 watt.
Hey Philip, great video, would you ever consider doing a demo of the 45 watt?
Nice!!!! I'd love to hear it with a Les Paul & a Big Muff...
Sounds great! If I bought one how often should I expect to change the tubes?
+Justin Moore Every couple years, but it could last longer. There is not a lot of tubes. The one power tube will be the one that will need replacing over time. Could last 20 years. Could last 1. But its like 30 bucks on the high end.
+Justin Moore The rule of thumb is every year. That being said, it depends on many variables. How much you use them, how good they are, if you always play at volume 11 (lol), if they have been beaten up in traveling, etc;. If it doesn't sound like it used too, replace the tubes.. That is how I do it.
Thank you very, very much. Think I'll pick up one of these bad boys!
question: how much clean headroom does this have? is it good to run distortion petals through?
+Jeremy Starreveld Not a whole lot but it does like pedals.
cool thanks. what low watt head like this would u recommend for running distortions through like the MXR 5150 overdrive, Wampler plexi drive? im currently using an ibanez TSA15 head w a 1/12 cab w a celestion alnico blue but i wonder if there is something better. "the grass is always greener syndrome" lol
I wish it had an effects loop.
Do you think it will keep up with a drum set???
Why wouldn't you just get the 45? if it can go all the way down to 1w, you can use it as a practice amp at low volumes, and get rid of your 1w blackstar.
It's hard to hear how the amp sounds dirty when you've got pedals in front of it.
Jim Marshall "borrowed" all of the Fender circuitry to create plexi's,Bluesbreakers and JTM's,etc- basically everything beyond. He "borrowed" the Bassman tone circuit directly but using british parts it gave it a slightly different sound- thus the Marshall tone. Fender owes no one anything.
Clap tons "slow hand" nickname had nothing to do with his playing style. When he broke a string he was slow restringing his guitar. No joke
The Slow Hand Clap.
Yeah but it stuck because of the way he plays.
iirc not only was he slow replacing a broken string, he would stay on stage while he was working on it too.
i bet it sounds great with a tubescreamer and eq in the loop
You should do a tube amp intro for people who don't get them ;-)
+lonercaveman I have been working on getting two friends of my to do with me. One makes high end Dumble clone amps and one builds Heavy metal amps. both are super tech geeky and I want to work as the leman who can maybe help them bring it down to where we all could learn. keep your fingers crossed Im hoping next month.
I like this amp and I like your reviews... but in this one it sounded like a muddy mess to me throughout
Like Phillip said, he believes it's a 7 watt Marshall plexi. Plexis can be really "unstable" so the bass breaker recreates it pretty nice
GuitarGary
I do hope you tried replacing the tubes...
Really like this little amp.
Sounds great except no reverb and no effects loop for an outboard reverb.
I agree
I own this BB head and a Marshall Class 5 head. The BB blows the Marshall out of the water. NOT EVEN a close match. Sad, I love the Marshall.
Are you still enjoying this amp head? Thanks.
may be a dumb question but im new to amps can the 7 watt play by itself without the extra amp or stack
No pal you'll need to connect to an external cab housing a speaker. The head is just circuitry and valves no speaker
Great tone! Which speaker did you use?
$400 amp and no foot switch. Fender is out of their minds! These amps are so cheap to make. They are not hand made just printed PCB.
im having trouble deciding between this and the superchamp x2, the thing that puts me off about the x2 is the lack of a mid control, as i like 3 band EQs for a sharper tone when you boost the mids and roll back the highs, but then this doesn't footswitch between 2 channels which bothers me, given these 2 personal flaws what would anyone recommend?
If you need clean and chimey tones, the BB 007 might not be the best option as there is not a ton of clean headroom (in that case, go for a Blues Junior). For blues to classic rock tones, the BB is great - fat, warm. deep and good bass response. Great amp!
I have owned both the SuperChamp XD and BB 007 and sold my SCXD as it was a jack of all trades, master of none....still a great amp but not as purpose specific as the Bassbreaker. If you like pedals and maybe gig once in a while, the BB is great...if you want everything on one box for home use, the SCX2 would work.
You don´t have shamme? Why you don´t learn to play before?
Wow! That sounds huge!
great guitar bro. love the lipsticks
Do you know if a dual switch, from a Deluxe Reverb, would work?
+LehighValleyPhoto Not sure, if it has a mono plug it should work but if it has a stereo tip, ring, sleeve I do not think it will work. But it can not hurt to try.
Awesome Demo! Thanks!!!