Feature:
I like the larger Volume and Master knobs and the front-mount XLR. Also has an effex loop with FX Blend, the above mentioned Room Balance, Contour, 2-Band Semi-Parametric EQ and a built-in Compressor that works very well - nice and smooth, its preset threshold is just right and the ratio is fully adjustable. Weighs only 65lbs, yet the tone and output are HUGE! Includes removeable casters to roll it around and to tilt it for monitoring by removing the rear casters only.
The only drawback is that to add an extension cab, the internal speakers must be unplugged. SWR's Workingpro 2X10 lets you add an extension cab to get 400W out of it, but it is $300 more and 20lbs heavier than the Fender! I'll do just fine with 250W in the Fender's lighter and better-looking package!
Quality:
Seems to built very well and Fender has a good reputation for quality.
Value:
$10 less than the SWR 15 and $300 less than the SWR 210, yet better sound and more flexible tones. Nothing else came even close IMO for this price range!
Desirability:
My goal was to pick up the SWR as it had the looks and the name, but when I plugged into the Fender Bassman, I found greater flexability in the tone and greater volume vs. the SWR! As I began to side-by-side the two units, I began to fall in love with the look of the Fender and I knew their name and reputation has been going strong in the industry. I play an Ibanez BTB 6-string, so I wanted an amp that I could be just as proud of. SWR is more "boutique" perhaps, and a high-end name, but the Fender Bassman 250/210 has an even more high-tech boutique look that I have been after. The SWR is maybe a little "sexier" but the Fender is MEAN, like a bass amp should be!
Sound:
I tested this out against the SWR Workingpro 15 combo and found the sounds somewhat similar, but the Fender Bassman was more flexible with its tones. While the SWR offers their Aural Enhancer, Bass Intensifier, and a Transparency control, the Fender has more noticeable effect on the tone with its Room Balance and Contour knobs, plus it has a 2-band parametric mid vs. the SWR's single band, and fully adjustable XLR Line Out and horn level controls vs. SWR's three-position switches on their XLR and horn.
output jack on the Fender vs. the SWR. The XLR line out has a ground lift and fully-adjustable level control.
The other thing I noticed - and this was a biggie - is the Fender has a LOT quieter electronic hiss when cranked up than the SWR! A bass amp should only be loud when it is the bass notes coming through and the Bassman wins hands down!
Ease of Use:
Straight-forward layout and the Volume and Master knobs are considerably larger than the rest, making them easy to find on a dark stage. You can get lots of tone adjustment out of the Room Balance knob alone, but it is meant for final adjustment after you get your initial tone dialed in. The EQ knobs all have center dtents to make it easy to set it Flat.
Nothing complicated, yet fully-featured and totally versatile!
Support:
Haven't used it yet, but I hear Fender is good about support.
Overall:
Great versatile tone, 250W of power that is more than enough for my gigs, looks that kill and more usable features than most in its class, all in a portable combo package at a reasonable price; this is the amp I've been longing for!
5 of 6 people (83.33%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!