by Alain Benoit » Sat Sep 03, 2011 2:23 pm
Assuming the street price on a current Fender BassmanĀ® is around $1500.
This other one seems to differ only at the preamp board. Let's concede that the cabinet, drivers, tubes, hardware, chassis, knobs, dressing etc. are the same.
My favorite upgrade on this one is that the pots employ flying leads to the eyelet board thus eliminating broken solder joints on the pots.
On componentry they are using Sprague AtomĀ® electrolytic caps which in my opinion are a little overpriced, BC's are just fine. Orange drop film caps are fine. They are using Allen Bradley type carbon composition resistors which the 'tone hounds' prefer, in my opinion you cannot beat a metal film or metal oxide for noise, reliability and tolerance.
The obvious cost upgrade is the associated labor with the hand soldering of a few extra components to the eyelet board.
The not so obvious cost difference is the fact that Fender is paying way less per component than any boutique manufacturer could.
Is this amp a better one, yes it likely is. Is it worth twice the price, depends on if the last 5% is worth $1500 to you.
A.