The BOSS FBM-1 pedal captures the essence of the ’59 Bassman in both looks and sound. Its beige color and shiny metal control plate evokes the tweed covering and chrome faceplate of the real ’59, and even the Fender and Bassman logos are period perfect! Like the original amp, there’s a normal input, along with a second “bright” input for increased treble. The tone section follows the lead of the original as well, with BASS, MIDDLE, TREBLE, and PRESENCE controls, and their sound mimics the response of an actual Bassman.

The ’59 Bassman amp has no master volume control like most modern amps have, so its rich distortion sound can only be achieved by cranking the amp to loud levels. The FBM-1 solves this with two volume controls: the GAIN knob replicates the Bassman’s volume control and allows you to dial in the desired amount of distortion, while the LEVEL knob lets you adjust the overall volume of the pedal. At low GAIN settings, the sound is clean, yet rich and sweet. As you crank it up, the sound gets thicker and more distorted just like the Bassman itself.