THE AMPS
For many years, Brian Setzer’s amp
of choice has been the 1963 Fender
Bassman Amp, one of the famous
blonde Tolex “brownface” models.
Why this specific Bassman? Well, this
particular incarnation has a somewhat
different circuit than other versions,
referred to as a 6G6-B. Bassman amps
from years prior to, and following,
1963 had different versions of the
circuit that, at least to Mr. Setzer’s
finely tuned ears, do not sound or
respond the same. He has stated
in interviews that he prefers them
mostly because they have a solidstate rectifier, which tightens up the
bass response. Earlier tube-rectified
models can be too soft and squishy
in the bottom end, especially when
operated at stage volume. Setzer’s
amps are stock and unmodified. He
often purchases them in various states
of modification and disrepair, and
sometimes goes to great lengths to
get them back to original condition.
They are reportedly outfitted with
NOS power tubes as well, either
Tung Sol 5881’s or mil-spec Phillips
6L6WGB’s.
equipped with originally, for tone and
reliability reasons. He also removes
the original speakers and replaces
them with Celestion Vintage 30’s, and
unusual choice for a vintage Fender
amp, but one which contributes
significantly to the uni queness of his
tone. He feels the Vintage 30’s are
a better match for the Bassman’s
power, and they give him a much more
consistent sound overall, which is
important when one plays in as many
different venues and musical situations
as Setzer does in any given year.
Setzer’s amp rig usually consists of the
Bassman head atop a blonde, closedback, 2x12 cabinet. He has stated
that he has the cabinets rewired with
heavier-gauge wire than they were
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TONE TALK //
Rock this Tone: The Gear and Sound of Brian Setzer