Jerry Garcia | Jerry’s customized “Chrysler” Fender Bassman

Property of Grateful Dead Productions

Jerry Garcia

Jerry's customized “Chrysler” Fender Bassman, ca. 1960

Custom padded white vinyl (23 x 23.5 x 10”), with handmade leather buckle handle over the original tweed, original speakers, with Chrysler automotive badge added to the front. 

Garcia’s “Chrysler” Fender Bassman, played on Shakedown Street

“Big Steve” Parish: “This Fender amp was purchased by us from Leo’s Music in Oakland, CA. in 1969. At that time, it was already covered with a white plush tone covering and a custom leather handle on the top and then Jerry added the Chrysler car emblem to the amp. It was bought for Jerry as a recording amp and a spare rehearsal amp. It was one that was only played by Jerry as he liked it’s unique old time Fender sound. It was used on an overdub on Shakedown Street.”