Fender Bassbreaker 15 1x12" 15-watt Tube Combo Amp Reviews (2024)

By Sweetwater Customer on November 24, 2023

This amp is gig worthy, toneful and versatile, at only 40 pounds it does it all.
EL 84s brings it in to British land but still has Fencer DNA

By Geoff from Providence, RI, USA on April 9, 2023 Music Background: Lifelong noodler and occasional gigger

I got this 15 W amp as a backup to a red-knob Fender The Twin 100 W, which is super loud and heavy to lug up and down stairs for gigs. I'm very happy with the overall package. So far, I've played out with it once at a bar gig, and it was plenty loud. I basically played on the Low Structure setting all night (blues/rock/covers) and ran a few pedals in front and through the effects loop. It sounded great (from what I heard) miked and ran through a board. At home, it's a much more user friendly amp than my old amp, which can only be played on volume level 1 and below. There are lots of fun tones to play with at family-friendly volume levels. I know that it's a different amp, but so far I have not been able to find that loud, clear, and chiming ring that I can get on my The Twin. I can't speak to quality of build and durability, since I've only had it for about a month, but I played it cranked at a gig on my second day of ownership with no issues. Overall, I'd recommend this amp to anyone looking for a versatile American amp that goes easily from the bedroom to the bar room.

By MarkK from USA on August 22, 2021 Music Background: 35 years serious playing and jamming

Think Fender Bassman cleans and Marshall Bluesbreaker crunch and that's what I have found in my new go to amp for blues. I live in the middle gain position and use my controls on the guitar to get any sound I want. I also play it through an extension cab with a Greenback in it and that is a beautiful tone believe me...

By Brian John Luehr from MT on July 2, 2021 Music Background: Touring musician

I love this little amp! For shows the direct out works wonders for going into the pa for shows and the amp is a good volume to be cranked and not blow you away. The only thing I wish it had was switchable gain stages using a foot pedal for a boost for solos but the trusty tube screamer brings it up nice. Overall a fantastic amp and I would highly recommend!!

By Sandro on February 4, 2021

This amp is amazing for the highs and the low's that your guitar puts out. Clean tones and the range it can achieve for 15w is very impressive. Definitely recommend for small gigs or playing at home. It has great presence.

By Ben from Hoosierland on January 11, 2021 Music Background: long-time hack

By Keaton Robinson from TX on August 31, 2020

Love the classic Fender sound with all the techy bells and whistles. The Bassbreaker rocks! Shout out to my sales engineer Chris for bringing that Sweetwater customer service!

By Cameron Nagler from Lake Combie, California on April 4, 2020 Music Background: Hobby - 12 years of guitar

Best Guitar AMP I Have Owned - without a doubt. The 12" speaker is great addition to have at home and the sound you can get out of this thing is pretty unbelievable. I turned on my other Amp comparable in price and size and I thought that something was wrong with it because I got so used to the amazing quality of sound the bassbreaker produces. Worth every penny!

By Jimmy from Ripley, Ohio on May 13, 2019

Amazing, versatile amp for a unbelievable price.Thanks to my sales engineer Toni Bush-Nord for all the help.Sweetwater continues to excel as the best musical instrument retailer on the planet. Thanks

By Keegan from FL on December 29, 2018

From the sparkly cleans and to high gain this amp does it all. This amp sounds great all around and takes pedals very well. It is very easy to get a good tone, unlike some other amps I have used it the past.

By LEE ROPPE from Champlin, Mn on October 8, 2018 Music Background: Part time for 45 years

I have had many amps, some work well of Country and some for Rock, same with the guitars used,
I have never found a Amp that does it all and sounds great with my PRS,Tele and Strat , This Amp is the best so far that sounds Great will all my guitars and style Im playing at the time. All for a price that does not break the Bank. Give it a try.

By Jeff Laurain from New Boston, Mi. on July 6, 2018

I have had this amp for a little over a week.. I am really impressed. I have owned many amps over 45 years of playing and this is one of my favorites. If you love the fender tone at the point of break up this amp is for you. There is not a ton of clean head room but the bluesy tone is amazing. I had a blues junior for a couple of years and loved it but I like this much better. The 3 gain stage control is very nice. Like virtually all people who have tried this amp I wish that control was foot switchable, but it is still easy to dial in a tone quickly with the flick of a knob. For those of you that are concerned about the ability to gig with this I suggest that you purchase the 1x12 extension cab. It really projects well and opens up the bottom end. I have not had a chance to use with pedals at this point but I understand that others say it takes pedals well.Je

By Don Whitesel from Lancaster, PA on May 11, 2018

Excellent amp! Fender really hit the ball out of the park on this one. It can go from clean to blues crunch or full on in your face (Bassman/Marshall) overdrive. Highly recommended!

By Stryder from Katy, Tx on May 6, 2018 Music Background: Guitar 50 years

I bought the original Fender bassbreaker 15 combo from Guitar Center when it first came out. Fender paid my guitar tech $ to fix the loot issue. I bought the extension speaker for it from Sweetwater about a year later. This is a really great amplifier for the reasons everyone here has stated. The extension speaker really makes it the machine that it should be. I am about ready to buy another set from Sweetwater and run stereo. I play guitar for the band Silverlight in Katy Texas.

By Sweetwater Customer on April 22, 2018

I will get right to the point. Fender has fixed the effects loop problem. If you put your pedal on top of the amp, put it on left side or on floor. My delays and phasers are dead quiet. I don't think you will need overdrive pedal with this amp, but if so, put that pedal in imput chain.

By Andy H from United States on December 12, 2017 Music Background: Working Musician

The first amp I received had a problem with it. I called Sweetwater and told them about it. Sweetwater did not hesitate to send me a new one very quickly and also gave me the shipping label to return the defective unit. I just got the replacement BB15 today and man, oh man, does thing amp make me smile. I have had such a blast playing all of my guitars through it. It sounds killer with my old tattered '03 Fender Highway One Strat, and also with my Gibsons, an old '91 SG, a 339 Studio and a 60's tribite LP (rewired to handwired.)
All the different ways of setting the gain structure is instantly proving to be a strong suit of this amp. The reverb is pretty decent, but I've always been a fan of hall reverbs in general. This amp has plenty of power on tap, but I may order the 1x12" extension just to move some more air with it and also to fill out the back of the stage nicely. This amp sounds killer, looks nice, and is a superb value for the money. Great job on this one, Fender. Thanks to Chris Kress for getting me a great deal on this amp and thanks to Sweetwater for the superior customer service.

By Douglas from NY on December 8, 2017 Music Background: 47 yrs performing + teaching

First, 5 stars for Sweetwater's customer service, proven consistently the best in the business. So I unpacked the amp ( packed like a Faberge' egg !! ) and let it warm up, plugged in my PRS, and was completely underwhelmed. Sounded like a blanket draped over the amp ... I actually went right to my guitar's tone knobs figuring they were rolled back ...nope. Could not get a decent sound out of it. Began thinking about returning it. But then I did what experience has taught me in these situations. Shut it down and come back to it. And when I did, several days later, it was the complete opposite. Was able to dial in the tones I heard on the youtube demo clips. Incredible. Glorious EL 84 tube richness ! So, if it's not happening the first go round, set it down and revisit. Some days your ears are just not your best friends ! Glad I did !!

By Andrew J from Atlanta on September 7, 2017 Music Background: Guitar builder

By Donny Wagers from Hamilton Ohio on August 9, 2017

By dray from seattle on June 3, 2017 Music Background: blues,jazz,rb

If you can play...this thing will give it...period.

By Kai Tawarotip from Van Nuys, CA on May 1, 2017

Bassbreaker 15 Combo is a really versatile amp. It takes pedals really well on low gain setting, though you can crank it up to the high gain setting a rock out without overdrive pedal (and it sounds crunchy and authentic). Feels great playing it. Really responsive and bounce back quite well.

By Goobrador from Kentucky on April 21, 2017 Music Background: 20+ years of everything

This is a perfect amp for just about anyone. It can do all genres well and at 15 watts, it's perfect for small-mediums clubs -- and that's all you really need - larger venues mic your amps anyway so popping your vertebrae across the room trying to lift a 100w tube amp just isn't needed (or a good idea). It's fairly easy to tote about and can get as loud as you need, plus it has an fx loop & a reverb, di out. Great amp!

By Scott from iowa on March 22, 2017 Music Background: Long time player

Fender hit a home run with this amp! Wow! I watched all the demos on you tube including Sweetwater's and was amazed with the tone structure of this amp. Hearing a demo on the internet is one thing and hearing it live is another. I got a chance to play through one myself today and I've got to say it has everything I've looking for in an amp. Sparkling Fender cleans and natural sweet sagging crunch and overdrive. This amp is loud as well. I bought one today from Sweetwater! They are just the best people to do business with! Justin Sunday is my man at Sweetwater and hooked me up with this tone monster. Now I can sell a bunch of pedals that never quite got me there. Check this amp out! I'll probably get another and run stereo. Thanks SWEETWATER!

By AA on March 5, 2017

By Steve from BRONX NY on January 18, 2017

Recieved the 15 watt head as a gift from my beautiful wife for Christmas . I needed a light weight tube amp that sounded good at low volumes . This amp sound very good at apt volumes , clean or dirty , and sounds even better loud . I have gigged with this paired with my hot rod deluxe combo 1 x 12 open back cabinet in fairly large room (about 150 people ) with no problem miked to the pa . We played a mix of 80s R and B and some classic rock . I had no problem cutting through the mix of a six piece band clean or dirty . I did not use the xlr as l did not care for the sound . I feel the amp needs to go through the power amp to achieve its true potential .
I did use the effects loop with out any problems and the hall reverb was usefull . The only negative I would give this amp is there is no foot switch for the drive channel . This is not a problem as I grew up in the 70s and the only way to control drive back then was with the volume control . I actualy am enjoying going back to that method . I have ordered the bb115 cabinet and will probably sell my hot rod deluxe as this is a much lighter rig to move from gig to gig ( The hotrod deluxe was killing my back loading it and carrying it up steps )Plus the Hotrod volume was tough to control . The BB15 has the best master volume I have ever used . It may not be as chimmy as the Hot rod but close enough and for classic rock and blues this amp cant be beat for the money . I also may a/b it with the hotrod deluxe as I think that might be a very versatile set up (more equipment to carry ? )

By LR from Washington D.C. on January 18, 2017 Music Background: studio Recording/small gigs

By Charles H. from Birmingham on September 12, 2016 Music Background: Professional musician

This is really an amazing amp. It's the perfect size, weight and volume for small to medium size gigs, studio and rehearsal. It has that unmistakable classic Fender sound coming from the 12" speaker. My only (very) minor issue it that the gain switch is not controllable via foot switch. Not a problem if you set it on an amp stand and are standing close. All that said, it really is a killer amp with well-balanced tone and a lot of volume. Buy it now - you won't be disappointed!

By PJ on July 29, 2016 Music Background: Worship. Rock

By Dave from Clearwater, Florida on July 7, 2016 Music Background: Professional musician and recording engineer

I have been playing professionally since I was 13, fifty years ago. During that time I have owned many amplifiers...Fenders, Voxs, and Marshals among others. I currently own several, but most often gig with a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III. I needed a lower wattage amp for smaller classic rock gigs that I have been playing frequently. So I started auditioning 15 watt tube amps from various manufacturers. When I gave the Fender Bassbreaker 15 combo a try I was amazed!!! The tones that one can get out of this thing ranged from sparkling Fender cleans to warm Vox crunches to hot screaming Marshall distortion...all in one amp!!!! This amp loves my entire guitar collection and all my pedals. It has quickly become my go-to amp and use it for all but large gigs!!!

By Josh from The Duke on June 15, 2016 Music Background: 20 years

It thinks it can... and it does!

By JR from Palm Beach, FL on June 12, 2016 Music Background: Hobbyist for 15+ years

I've had my Fender clean sound down for a while but really struggled when it came to a crunchy distorted tone. I tried a variety of Marshall amps but often the sound was fizzy or not tight enough. This amp is EXACTLY what I was looking for. The notes are articulate but it has a nice, dark tone to it on the higher gain structure settings. I used to envision my perfect setup as a fender + vox or fender + marshall but now I'm pefectly happy to own a fender + fender and get any tone I want. Love my new setup!!

By Greg Nelson from Bryan, TX on June 3, 2016 Music Background: Full-time musician and music teacher.

By Heath from Illinois on April 22, 2016

By Dee Dee Cravenson from New York City on April 4, 2016 Music Background: Semiprofessional background

This amp is just amazing. The range of tones available suits me perfectly. I prefer a sixties/seventies Stones sound, and I can get that and much more. Paired with my Epiphone Les Paul Tribute or my 1965 Fender Mustang, it offers a lot of versatility. It looks very cool, too--not retro, more like a boutique amp. I originally called Sweetwater with another Fender amp in mind, but James Shilliday steered me in the direction of this amp, and I couldn't be happier. Customer service, of course, is the best. The amp also arrived earlier than expected!

By Sweetwater Customer on April 3, 2016

When the Fender Bassbreaker Amps came out, I played all three models that were out, I really liked the 007, but not quite load enough, the 45, 18/30 models I didn't like at all, and having no reverb didn't help either. But I had my hopes up for the 15 that took longer to arrive. This is the one, a very versatile amp, very nice cleans, to bluesy mild tight overdrive, to over the top distortion, all very useable. I gigged with it last night, the tones I got were awesome, with no problem keeping up the drummer, although being only 15watts it didn't stay clean at high volumes, but close enough for me. Both my Strat and Les Paul sounded great. The reverb is not a spring reverb, but still has a really lush hall like sound that really compliments the sound. I have not tried all the other options in this amp, like XLR out, effects loop, or the Cab Emulator out, that will be next on my list. Overall I feel fender got this one right, and I believe this will be the new Blues Jr.

By Lee F. from MN on March 11, 2016 Music Background: Been playing for 20+ yrs in many bands Blues/Classic Rock

I've had this amp for about a week and have played thru it with a band for at least 6+ hrs
It has a very nice bluesy Fender sound in the medium gain, a clean Fender sound in low gain and a great Marshall sound that's great for solos when you have it set at the master volume set to 80-90% and the gain set to 40-60% and it cleans right up when you roll off the volume. It's a very nice natural sounding distortion unlike most of the other 15-30watt amps. I can keep up with drummers very nicely and is very pedal friendly
You owe yourself to give it a try

By Holden Pace from Asheville NC on March 7, 2016 Music Background: Worship, Blues/Rock.

I'm a very picky musician so it takes a lot to please me when it comes to tone. I was absolutely blown away with the sound of this amp! It has a classic fender bluesy clean tone, then change the gain profile and you have amazing onboard distortion. I've always used a pedalboard and I always will, but this will be the first amp that I will actually crank the gain up on live without any over drives!
As always my Sweetwater salesman Aaron Hoff was awesome!
I'll continue to buy from Sweetwater not only because of price and inventory, but mainly because of its top grade customer service.

By MarkK from USA on June 18, 2021 Music Background: 40 years small bands and jams with friends

This amp seems like an amazing bargain from Fender with the quality of build and wide range of tones. I have it in my studio between a Blackstar HT20MKII and a Blackstar Studio 10 EL34 so the competition was stiff! Let me say it holds it own and brings a lot of blues vibe to any situation sounding equally good with a Strat or a Les Paul. I am only sorry I waited so long to pull the trigger on this guy wasting money and years on several other Fender amps trying to get these tones.

By Sweetwater Customer from CA on February 25, 2021 Music Background: 20 years of guitar and to many other things

So if we put aside the amazingly beautiful aesthetics of the amp (that calming grey tweed) the sound itself is amazing enough to stand on its own. People say it doesn't have much head room but I would have to disagree. It has plenty to work with. With, or, without pedals, each gain structure sounds awesome. (Low to Med gain structure is where you'll find me most) I've used this amp for recording, and it does great from hard rock all the way to Jazz. Also just an FYI The earthquakers Plumes OD pedal is a wonderful paring with this amp. Last I would really like to thank everyone at Sweetwater for helping with this amp. Customer service is top notch as always. It's why I continue too, and will, keep shopping here.

By Jonathan E. from Michigan on August 31, 2020 Music Background: Hobby, passion, musician

By Twang Banger from Florida on May 18, 2017

By Sweetwater Customer on April 14, 2017

Fender and Marshall tones in one affordable box. Gig worthy for sure. Loud and Proud!

By Juro from Colombia on April 10, 2017

Honestly, i love this amp...it sounds great..it is smooth, the texture of the sound is wonderful. I needed this size of an amp as the one before was just too big for my place...this one comfortably covers the space where i play and if i ever need it, it still goes beyond..i would say i use it up to its 70-75% capacity. (i had a 40w valve amp and though i loved it and it also sounded great, i just couldnt take a full advantage of it and always had to play it at a low volume...hardly ever passed 9o'clock..which quite frankly bothered me knowing that i had this big amp sitting in my room and couldnt really enjoy it to the max..)
This one allows me to tweek all the knobs...master volume, gain level, use all three gain settings etc..simply put, unless you are a serious giging musician, this is a perfect amp for those who play at home or small venues.
The only reason i gave it 4.5 is that it only has one channel..perhaps because of my previuos amp i was used to 2channels...here, when using a distortion pedal, one has to tweak more to avoid occasional clash and warbly sound...but it is a learnig curve and after three weeks i feel comfortable and more tweaking is something i actually enjoy.. ;)
Finally, i do want to say thank my Sweetwater buddy Ryan who as always does and knows everything one asks about...Sweetwater, congratulatins to your absolutely unique customer service..!

By MQM from DC on January 4, 2017 Music Background: Rock, Jazz, Blues

Ive been checking every review and forum i could before buying this due to the problem that many early buyers seemed to have with the effects loop and after talking to my sweetwater sales rep he assured me that fender had already addressed it and if i had any other issues that they would take care of me. Well i turns out the effects loop sounds perfect and so does the rest of the amp, the Cleans are great (Not as sparkly as a blues Jr or hotrod, but thats not why i got it), the Crunch is distinct and not muddy, & that High Gain channel is sumthing to behold. I'll probably get the 15W head later on but this is a welcome addition to anyones rig.

By Dewberry on January 13, 2019

I've had this amp for a couple of years. It has became my favorite of all the amps I've ever had. The overdrive, the crunch and the clean channels are all great. Very Marshall like tone. I've had several Marshall's over the years and this sounds way better than, well, the newer ones. The only downside to this is it's not foot-switchable. THAT is a disappointment but it is a great sounding amp!!!

By Mike from RI on April 28, 2017 Music Background: Amatuer musician/hack

The bassbreaker 15 combo amp is a great bargain. It doesn't have the classic fender chime, but it doesn't have an excellent sounding overdrive and distortion sound to it. The 3-gain stages make it extremely versatile. You can get edge of break up OD on the Low setting, mild to thick OD on Mid, and thick-heavy OD on high. Each channel becomes slightly more compressed than the one before. I generally keep it on the High gain stage with the gain level around 10 o clock for power chords and solo notes that really jump off the guitar. The bright switch is pretty cool. Doesn't add a ton of high end, but does make a noticeable difference. The EQ knobs actually work. Reverb sounds pretty good. It's highly portable. I would highly recommend grabbing the 112 extension cabinet as well, particularly if you are playing in a band. It makes a huge difference and it's very reasonably priced. I think people get a little carried away with the praise of this amp. There are other great options in this price range and this amp isn't perfect. But I would still recommend this amp.

By James from Minnesota on February 3, 2017 Music Background: Formally a gigging guitarist that played small to medium clubs regularly

By Len from Winston Salem NC on August 11, 2016 Music Background: Gigging Musician

I tried the 15 & the 7 watt amps. Although the 7 doesn't have the depth and features of the 15, it's still a good amp, but I may gig with the 15 some time and wanted the features. That great Fender tone is there along with surprisingly good dirt. I can play everything from Carolina Beach Music to ZZ with this thing. To make it perfect I wish the 3 dirty positions were foot-switchable, but I can live without that.
I sold my Blues Jr for this and glad I did - more robust.
Buy It !!

By Mr. Jones from Carrollton, GA on June 5, 2017

Capable of the best Fender cleans, and JCM 2203 style gain. Can even do metal with a boost in front, mids scooped, and gain dimed. However, very noisy effects loop. I understand it is a known defect, and you can get a repair kit, but it is an inconvenience.

By Tim Rooney from IL Illinois on January 25, 2017

By Derek from Sacramento on August 12, 2019 Music Background: 16 year working blues singer/guitarist

Being a musician pretty much most of my life I have always been an lover of Fender Products. I purchased the 15 watt Bass Breaker to replace my stolen Fender Blues Junior and Reissue Super Reverb and really liked the warmth and overall tonality of the newly purchased amp. Unfortunately not even after a year of usage the processor and possibly more (pending more diagnosis from Fender Tech) failed in the amp causing a loud modulating noise that would not stop and even increased intensity with more or less play of the amps reverb knob. Like I said its a good amp, but make sure you have a backup because this one may leave you hanging during a live show like it did me.

By JB from Ontario on May 28, 2017

By Ian from CA on July 3, 2018

By Ridge Simoneaux from Plaquemine, LA on January 6, 2022

When I first got the amp it blew me away and I have a feeling it still would if a power tube wasn't broken after a month of use. Considering this isn't exactly a cheap amp it's a little disheartening. While it may be something simple, I shouldn't have to spend my own time and money changing a part on something so soon. Imagine the hassle if someone who didn't know what to look for had to go through the hassle of this i.e sending it off for repair/warranty. I expect better from Fender.

By Scott Lennartz from Portland, OR on November 19, 2020 Music Background: Professional Bedroom Rocker

By Erich Smith from Austin on October 12, 2017 Music Background: Singer-Songwriter, Bandleader

By Todd from Tampa on August 18, 2017 Music Background: former serious player, now leisure

Not enough bass. This thing is an upgrade on Crate combo amp and that's about the best I can say about it. My application: metal, jazz.

By Ryan Cunnane from La Grange, KY on October 19, 2021

Red plating tubes that I found out after the fact is common with this amp. It's difficult to find anyone that will work on this amp and the repair cost is steep! Buyer beware!

By Sweetwater Customer on July 22, 2016 Music Background: Classic Rock

Great size amp, with great tone from each of the three gain stages. However, hook up your effects in the effects loop and then you have unwanted noise. Check out the Fender forums... seems Fender is aware of the issue. If you don't use the effects loop then all is good. Otherwise, this amp is essentially useless.