59 bassman RI

[jamdogg]

Are all RI bassman amps from the 90s created equal, or are some years better than others?

 

[big mike]

All the pcb ones are the same IMO.
Good Amps.

 

[Greentone]

I have a 90s one and dig it. It is my second one, and I chose it over the new one because I like the old eminence blue speakers better than the Jensens in the newer ones. Both amps are great and the same in terms of circuit board and quality.

 

[upfrontguitars]

I have a RI Bassman Ltd and just love it. Depending on the year, some have pine cabinets vs plywood, real ANILCO Jensen PR10 versus ceramic speakers, and tube rectifiers. Generally the hot setup is Pine, Jensen and Tube rectifier being the closest to the original. You can find very good examples of these for less than $900. Look for a "Ltd" model and have a blast!

 

[jamdogg]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm going to check one out locally - a '92 in very good, clean condition. Has the Eminence Blue Flame speakers. Any words of wisdom, things I should pay particular attention to?

 

[insubordination]

I was able to compare a 90s TB vs the newer LTD side-by-side, and posted about it here: https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/980121

Hope that helps! The older ones are real nice.

 

[jamdogg]

I was able to compare a 90s TB vs the newer LTD side-by-side, and posted about it here: https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/980121

Hope that helps! The older ones are real nice.

Thank you for sharing. Sounds to me like you cant go wrong with either version, but the original reissues have the more desirable speakers while the LTD has a more desirable cab.

I will let you all know how it goes soon, hopefully.

 

[jamdogg]

Picked it up yesterday.

The amp dates to July of '92, and included the Fender dust cover, original SS recto, and copies of some shcematics (????).

Not sure if the wife can tell the difference between the Bassman and the Blues Cube 3x10 it replaced.

In all seriousness, I'm diggin' this amp - even with the Sovteks. Are the Sovtek 5AR4 rectos really that bad/unreliable? Either way, I plan to play it just the way it is for several weeks before I consider making any tube changes. If you have suggestions, please do share.