Fender Bassman 2-15; help needed.

[Cloff]

So, this Saturday I’m picking up an empty Fender Bassman 215 for just under €40 (just under $45 converted). At first, I only wanted to buy it for the recessed Fender/ Cerwin Vega/ Peavey/ etc. handles it has, which my Peavey F800B is missing (and with its 25/ 30 kg isn’t much of a lightweight, especially without handles). After taking those off, I was thinking of just selling it.

But then, the idea to keep it and find some speakers popped up in my head and I started looking. But with those ideas also came some questions.

So here they are:

1. What year is it? The only Fender 215s with info I can find on the web are the diagonally placed and taller ones, but the ones with a vent at the bottom are much less common.
2. What were the original speakers that came with it? EV’s/ JBL’s or something?
3. What are good replacement speakers? I already found a set of EV SRO 15L and 15B for something around $230. Good price/ speakers for a bass cab?

See attachments for photos of the cab. Any info which i’m not asking for but is good to know is also more than welcome.

 

[MattZilla]

1) no idea. looks 90's-ey to me, but I'd probably pretend that it's 70's were it mine
2) 90's? no clue. fender-branded celestions probably. In continuing makebelievetime, I'll say JBL D-140F's.
3) depends on what amp you're gonna plug into it. 'f I had the money, 'll tell ya what I'd do: go downtown and buy a pf50t and two Beta15A's 'cause I'm crazy about Ampegs 'n 15's.

 

[christw]

Late '70's I think. Here's a thread with the same cab: Vintage Fender Bassman 2x15 Bass Cab. Need info!

 

[primusfan1989]

Nice find, one of those with a set of EVs would be crushing, I fully endorse that.
Cant answer the questions 1& 2 but i can tell you $230 for a set of EV 15s (assuming they don't need re-coning) is a steal, The going rate seems to be 150-200 per speakers

 

[Cloff]

3) depends on what amp you're gonna plug into it. 'f I had the money, 'll tell ya what I'd do: go downtown and buy a pf50t and two Beta15A's 'cause I'm crazy about Ampegs 'n 15's.

Probably a Super City (Marshall Super Bass clone) or the Peavey F800B. I think the latter has to much power for the EV's (IF i'm buying those, of course). The Eminence Beta15A's look like a nice high wattage alternative, but I'm not to keen on buying new speakers, as I've never done the whole (new) speaker installation thing before.

Nice find, one of those with a set of EVs would be crushing, I fully endorse that.
Cant answer the questions 1& 2 but i can tell you $230 for a set of EV 15s (assuming they don't need re-coning) is a steal, The going rate seems to be 150-200 per speakers

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed](in Dutch, but it basically says that they're in good condition and that it's both a 15L and B)

 

[markjazzbassist]

mid 70s to early 80s. jbl k140, e140 or fender 15L speaker (re-badged electro voice evm 15L)

 

[Linnin]

Since it states Fullerton, CA on the jackplate it can be no newer than 1984. It's also a bottom shelf ported bass reflex design so that leaves out early 1970's. If it came loaded with the same EV 15's as the Studio Bass Combo's, that would be one super kick butt cab. Call Fender with the serial number and see what they can tell you.

 

[markjazzbassist]

Since it states Fullerton, CA on the jackplate it can be no newer than 1984. It's also a bottom shelf ported bass reflex design so that leaves out early 1970's.

bottom shelf ported reflex was used on the bassman 1-15 cabinets from mid 70's to early 80's. this is the same thing but 2x15. i used to own a bassman 1-15 bought it from the original owner who bought it in 1977

Invalid Link Removed

shows pics in that thread of a bassman 1-15

 

[Cloff]

Little update: found a pair of Kappa 15LFA's for €100 (approx. $110) i'm gonna pick up next Sunday. I absolutely don't know if it's gonna sound well or not, but for the price, I thought why not..

And if it works, I got myself a 1200w cab for €140 ($155). Not a lot of people can say that, I believe..

 

[FerruleCat]

Seal off the stock port, add two 6" diameter by 6" long port tubes (I'd suggest the back) and install two Dayton PA 380s. I have that cab and the parts; I just haven't finished it. The only glitch is that the factory speaker cutouts are a bit larger than needed, so it will be a good idea to glue some backing blocks to the mounting screw locations for extra meat.

Search for the thread "How shallow is too shallow."

Edit: My plastic handle cups had deteriorated, so I replaced with all steel handles. I had to narrow the existing hole by about 3/4 inches and then elongate it a bit, but it worked well.