Make: Fender

Model: Bassman AA864 Head & Matching 2x12 Cabinet

Year: 1965

Condition: Excellent

Preamp Tubes: 1 × 12AT7, 3 × 7025

Power Tubes: 2 × 6L6GC

Transformer: Original

Speakers (Currently Installed):

• 1 × Celestion Vintage 30 (G12)

• 1 × Celestion G12H 70th Anniversary Special Edition

Also Included:

• 2 × Original Fender 12" speakers (unloaded and included separately)

Dimensions:

Head

• Width: 22"

• Height: 8.5"

• Depth: 9.5"

Cabinet

• Width: 32"

• Height: 20.5"

• Depth: 11.5"

Case/Cover: None

Notes:

Offered here is a beautiful 1965 Fender Bassman AA864 Head with its matching 2x12 cabinet, one of the most sought-after vintage Bassman configurations Fender ever produced. This amplifier is in excellent condition for its age and has been exceptionally well cared for, both cosmetically and electronically.

The AA864 circuit captures the unmistakable early-'60s blackface Fender sound. Unlike later revisions such as the AB165, the AA864 retains independent, high-headroom channels and a simpler power section, resulting in tighter low end, smoother breakup, and the warm, creamy overdrive that many players consider the benchmark for blackface Bassman tone.

The amplifier remains remarkably original, with only two tasteful and completely reversible modifications.

The first is a Ben Fargen modification (approximately a $400 upgrade) that converts the Bass channel into a Plexi-inspired circuit while adding a rear-mounted master volume control. The master volume currently utilizes the original 4-ohm speaker output jack, and the amplifier can easily be returned to original AA864 specifications if desired. A video demonstration of this exact amplifier has been linked below so you can hear the Ben Fargen modification in action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69JmXdo5zBc

The second modification is to the speaker cabinet. The original Fender speakers have been replaced with a Celestion Vintage 30 and a Celestion G12H 70th Anniversary Special Edition, creating an excellent balance of punch, clarity, and classic British character. The original Fender speakers are included with the sale and will be packaged separately, allowing the next owner to return the cabinet to original specification if desired.

Cosmetically, the amplifier presents beautifully, with no major tears, scrapes, or significant wear to the tolex or grille cloth. It is an exceptionally clean example for a 1965 amplifier.

Detailed photos of the chassis, transformer date codes, serial numbers, and internal components are included so prospective buyers can verify the originality and overall condition of the amplifier.

Whether you're a collector searching for one of the most desirable blackface Bassman circuits, a studio musician looking for exceptional vintage recording tones, a Bassman enthusiast, or a player seeking authentic vintage Fender tone, this is an outstanding example that is becoming increasingly difficult to find.

If you have any questions about this amplifier or any of our other listings, please don't hesitate to contact us.