Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Recording Week 25
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • "That spark... gone"
  • Leonard Skinner
  • Prince and The Beatles
  • 95k+ free music samples
Don't miss these
Blackstar Debut Bass 25: this compact little combo is finished in black with matching grille clothe and is photographed in close-up against a stone floor and weaved rug.
Guitar Amps “Its solid quality, punchy tone and its surprising amount of headroom might make it a secret weapon for rehearsals, or even gigs”: Blackstar Debut Bass 25 review
Fender Hammertone Boost and Breakup Drive pictured in close-up, with the background out of focus.
Guitars Fender adds analogue heat to the Hammertone lineup with the budget-friendly $99 Breakup Drive and Boost pedals
Fender's American Professional Classic series photographed against the side of a chrome tour bus [L-R]: Jaguar in faded Sherwood Green Metallic, HSS Stratocaster in Faded Lake Placid Blue, Stratocaster in Faded Firemist Gold, Telecaster in Faded Butterscotch Blonde, Precision Bass in Faded 3-Color Sunburst.
Guitars Fender gives its US lineup a retro-modern makeover with the American Professional Classic range
Fender Vintera II Road Worn 60s Telecaster
Guitars Fender’s Vintera II Road Worn series has Golden Era vibe, tone and feel with era-correct pickups and aged nitro finishes
The BEAM SOLO is the new headphone amp for guitar and bass from Blackstar Amplification, and is a compact unit with an integrated jack featuring amp models and effects, and a suite of digital features.
Guitars Blackstar Amplification unveils the BEAM SOLO – has the Fender Mustang Micro Plus found a rival?
IK Multimedia Tonex Signature Bass Collections
Bass Guitars “The ultimate library of bass tones”: IK Multimedia’s Tonex modelling suite and pedals arrive for bass guitar
The newly refreshed Classic Series from Squier reworks vintage Fender-inspired electric and bass guitars for beginners and budget-conscious players.
Guitars Squier channels the Fender archive for 10 stunning yet affordable news Classic Vibe models
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ HRG: the reissued high-headroom tube amp is a cult classic that returns here with a heritage finish.
Guitars Mesa/Boogie reissues a cult classic with a design that takes the amp brand back to the beginning
Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb Blonde
Guitar Amps Tone Master Blonde Deluxe Reverb and IR Manager review
Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage Series
Guitars Fender mixes old-school mojo with 21st-century playability for the American Ultra Luxe Vintage range
Debbie Gough of Heriot demoes the new Jackson Pro Plus Metal Phase II Warrior on a darkened studio set.
Guitars Jackson adds Warrior, King V and Concert Bass to its limited edition Pro Plus Pure Metal range
Electro-Harmonix Bender Royale: the new Tone Bender-inspired fuzz arrives in a black enclosure with orange graphic and has six knobs for precise control over your tone.
Guitars Electro-Harmonix adds switchable clipping, bias control and Fat switch to a stone cold fuzz classic
The Line 6 Powercab CL looks like the usual FRFR guitar speaker you might expect, but has switchable speaker voicings emulating classic drivers. It is pictured here onstage and in low-light situations.
Guitars Line 6 introduces multi-voicing for active guitar speakers as the Powercab CL offers ups the ante for amp modelling rigs
Geezer Butler's signed Ashdown amp heads from Black Sabbath's Back to the Beginning show are being sold exclusively via Reverb, signed by the man himself.
Artists “Your chance to own the sound that defined heavy metal”: Geezer Butler bass amps from Sabbath’s final show to go on sale
Laura Lee Ochoa
Bass Guitars Khruangbin bassist Laura Lee Ochoa says that her Fender signature model is actually based on a Fender copy
  1. Guitars
  2. Guitar Amps

NAMM 2016: Fender's nine-strong Bassbreaker amp range promises a "sound that words can't describe"

News
By Michael Astley-Brown published 22 December 2015

New heads and combos span 7 to 45 watts

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Introduction

Introduction

NAMM 2016: After a tease or two earlier this year, Fender has lifted the lid on its long-rumoured Bassbreaker series, revealing nine new amps aimed at the studio and stage alike.

With these new heads and combos, the longstanding American company invites guitarists to “explore the dark side” and experience “Fender DNA with a twist” and “a new breed of sound that words can't describe”.

The lower-wattage range starts with the seven-watt 007 compact head and progresses all the way up to a 45-watt head and combo, plus extension cabs – click through for the full lowdown, and head over to Fender for more.

Page 1 of 10
Page 1 of 10
Fender Bassbreaker 007 Head

Fender Bassbreaker 007 Head

  • 7 watts
  • Two 12AX7 preamp tubes, single EL84 power tube, true class A operation
  • Vintage-style treble-booster circuit switch on front panel for extra gain and harmonics (also operated by optional single-button footswitch)
  • Line output (1/4”) for use with recording equipment or larger amp
  • Single 10” Celestion Ten Thirty speaker (combo model only)

Page 2 of 10
Page 2 of 10
Fender Bassbreaker 007 Combo

Fender Bassbreaker 007 Combo

  • 7 watts
  • Two 12AX7 preamp tubes, single EL84 power tube, true class A operation
  • Vintage-style treble-booster circuit switch on front panel for extra gain and harmonics (also operated by optional single-button footswitch)
  • Line output (1/4”) for use with recording equipment or larger amp
  • Single 10” Celestion Ten Thirty speaker
Page 3 of 10
Page 3 of 10
Fender Bassbreaker 15 Head

Fender Bassbreaker 15 Head

  • Modern, touch-sensitive voicing
  • 15 watts from two EL84 tubes for aggressive midrange character
  • Three 12AX7 preamp tubes
  • Gain Structure switch for three distinct tonal flavors and overdrive levels
  • Recording-friendly Power Amp Mute, switchable speaker-emulated XLR line output and ground lift
  • Digital hall reverb
  • Pairs with BB-112 extension speaker cabinet
Page 4 of 10
Page 4 of 10
Fender Bassbreaker 15 Combo

Fender Bassbreaker 15 Combo

  • Modern, touch-sensitive voicing
  • 15 watts from two EL84 tubes for aggressive midrange character
  • Three 12AX7 preamp tubes
  • Gain Structure switch for three distinct tonal flavors and overdrive levels
  • Recording-friendly Power Amp Mute, switchable speaker-emulated XLR line output and ground lift
  • Digital hall reverb
  • Single 12” 8-ohm Celestion V-Type speaker
  • Pairs with BB-112 extension speaker cabinet

Page 5 of 10
Page 5 of 10
Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 Combo

Fender Bassbreaker 18/30 Combo

  • Channel one is a 30-watt version of the blackface Fender Deluxe amp, delivering bell-like clean tones that gradually warm up with a twist of the volume control
  • Channel two is an 18-watt version of the brown 1961 Deluxe amp, for lower-headroom tube tone and warm, compressed overdrive
  • Designed to be pedal-friendly
  • Channel-selection footswitch included
  • Four EL84 output tubes for tighter rock distortion character
  • Simple signal path for pedal-friendly operation
  • Two 12” Celestion V-Type speakers for tight response and “vocal” tone character
  • Cabinet has birch ply construction and semi-closed back for full, resonant response and low-end “thump”
  • Pairs with optional BB-212 extension cabinet

Page 6 of 10
Page 6 of 10
Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head

Fender Bassbreaker 45 Head

  • ’59 Bassman circuit with touch sensitivity and pedal-friendly response
  • Dual EL34 output tubes for tighter rock distortion character
  • Output level knob takes power from 45 watts to a single watt and anywhere in between, tailoring full-powered Bassman overdrive capabilities for studio, stage and arena – players can dial up many 'sweet spots' with various combinations of level and channel settings
  • Normal and Bright inputs, plus BOTH input for achieving “channel blend” tonal variations without a patch cable
  • Pairs with BB-212 enclosure
Page 7 of 10
Page 7 of 10
Fender Bassbreaker 45 Combo

Fender Bassbreaker 45 Combo

  • ’59 Bassman circuit with touch sensitivity and pedal-friendly response
  • Dual EL34 output tubes for tighter rock distortion character
  • Output level knob takes power from 45 watts to a single watt and anywhere in between, tailoring full-powered Bassman overdrive capabilities for studio, stage and arena – players can dial up many 'sweet spots' with various combinations of level and channel settings
  • Normal and Bright inputs, plus BOTH input for achieving “channel blend” tonal variations without a patch cable
  • Two 12” Celestion V-Type speakers for tight response and “vocal” tone character (combo only)
  • Cabinet has Birch Ply construction and semi-closed back for full, resonant response and low-end “thump” (combo only)
  • Pairs with BB-212 enclosure

Page 8 of 10
Page 8 of 10
Fender Bassbreaker BB-112 Enclosure

Fender Bassbreaker BB-112 Enclosure

  • Semi-closed back for full, rich lows
  • One 12-inch, 8-Ohm Celestion V-Type speaker
  • Total impedance 8 Ohms
  • Fits neatly under Bassbreaker 15 combo and head
  • Also works well with Bassbreaker 007 head
Page 9 of 10
Page 9 of 10
Fender Bassbreaker BB-212 Enclosure

Fender Bassbreaker BB-212 Enclosure

  • Semi-closed back for full, rich lows
  • Two 12-inch, 8-Ohm Celestion V-Type speakers for tight response and “vocal” tone character
  • Total impedance 16 Ohms
  • Fits neatly under Bassbreaker 45 combo/head
  • Fits neatly under Bassbreaker 18/30 combo
Page 10 of 10
Page 10 of 10
Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown
Social Links Navigation

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.

Read more
Blackstar Debut Bass 25: this compact little combo is finished in black with matching grille clothe and is photographed in close-up against a stone floor and weaved rug.
“Its solid quality, punchy tone and its surprising amount of headroom might make it a secret weapon for rehearsals, or even gigs”: Blackstar Debut Bass 25 review
 
 
Fender Hammertone Boost and Breakup Drive pictured in close-up, with the background out of focus.
Fender adds analogue heat to the Hammertone lineup with the budget-friendly $99 Breakup Drive and Boost pedals
 
 
Fender's American Professional Classic series photographed against the side of a chrome tour bus [L-R]: Jaguar in faded Sherwood Green Metallic, HSS Stratocaster in Faded Lake Placid Blue, Stratocaster in Faded Firemist Gold, Telecaster in Faded Butterscotch Blonde, Precision Bass in Faded 3-Color Sunburst.
Fender gives its US lineup a retro-modern makeover with the American Professional Classic range
 
 
Fender Vintera II Road Worn 60s Telecaster
Fender’s Vintera II Road Worn series has Golden Era vibe, tone and feel with era-correct pickups and aged nitro finishes
 
 
The BEAM SOLO is the new headphone amp for guitar and bass from Blackstar Amplification, and is a compact unit with an integrated jack featuring amp models and effects, and a suite of digital features.
Blackstar Amplification unveils the BEAM SOLO – has the Fender Mustang Micro Plus found a rival?
 
 
IK Multimedia Tonex Signature Bass Collections
“The ultimate library of bass tones”: IK Multimedia’s Tonex modelling suite and pedals arrive for bass guitar
 
 
Latest in Guitar Amps
Blackstar Debut Bass 25: this compact little combo is finished in black with matching grille clothe and is photographed in close-up against a stone floor and weaved rug.
“Its solid quality, punchy tone and its surprising amount of headroom might make it a secret weapon for rehearsals, or even gigs”: Blackstar Debut Bass 25 review
 
 
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ HRG: the reissued high-headroom tube amp is a cult classic that returns here with a heritage finish.
Mesa/Boogie reissues a cult classic with a design that takes the amp brand back to the beginning
 
 
The Line 6 Powercab CL looks like the usual FRFR guitar speaker you might expect, but has switchable speaker voicings emulating classic drivers. It is pictured here onstage and in low-light situations.
Line 6 introduces multi-voicing for active guitar speakers as the Powercab CL offers ups the ante for amp modelling rigs
 
 
James Hetfield of Metallica plays his iconic white V-style live onstage, wearing his trademark black T-shirt, and black leather vest.
“He wanted all that at an undoable selling price”: Mesa/Boogie founder Randall Smith confirms rumours that it built James Hetfield a signature model – and it combined three iconic amps in one
 
 
Laney Lionheart Foundry Super60
"There’s something incredibly satisfying about playing through this amp": Laney Lionheart Foundry Super 60 112 review
 
 
The BEAM SOLO is the new headphone amp for guitar and bass from Blackstar Amplification, and is a compact unit with an integrated jack featuring amp models and effects, and a suite of digital features.
Blackstar Amplification unveils the BEAM SOLO – has the Fender Mustang Micro Plus found a rival?
 
 
Latest in News
Dave Ball Soft Cell
"He will always be loved by fans who loved his music": Dave Ball, founder of Soft Cell and The Grid, has died aged 66
 
 
Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster in new limited-edition white, photographed against a pink background with the new guitar strap and – freshly refinished in black – Hello Kitty op-amp fuzz.
The Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster returns in limited edition white as Fender announces expanded capsule collection
 
 
Loog Hello Kitty Fender Stratocaster
Fender x Loog’s Hello Kitty Stratocaster it might be the cutest beginner guitar of all time
 
 
James Hetfield plays his white Gibson Explorer live with Metallica in 1986. He wears a black Metallica longsleeve.
Metallica’s Master Of Puppets has been to the Upside Down but this backwards version might be the Strangest Thing you’ll hear this year
 
 
Orange King Comp: the new compressor from the British amp legend has what looks like a gorilla illustrated on the enclosure and has a road-ready build with a kick bar to protect your settings.
Orange’s King Comp is a monster compressor with the feel of a real amp and super low-noise operation
 
 
jack antonoff
"People have this idea of how records are made – it's mostly rooted in misogyny": Jack Antonoff on the misconceptions surrounding his collaborative process
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...