Sherman 300 All-Tube Bass Amplifier + Barefaced Cabinet
Johan Bravenboer's bass sound is anything but modern and sterile. Instead of a typical hi-fi bass rig, he uses a combination that sits much closer to the roots of blues and classic rock — a full tube bass amplifier paired with a highly responsive Barefaced cabinet. The result is a warm, dynamic tone that almost behaves like a guitar amp inside the band mix.
Manufacturer and Model Background
Sherman 300
The Sherman 300 is a relatively rare all-tube bass amplifier. Unlike most modern bass amps, which are solid-state or hybrid, this amp uses a fully tube-driven power section. That places it closer in philosophy to classic designs like vintage Ampeg SVT heads.
Rather than focusing on ultra-clean precision, the Sherman 300 is built around musical compression, warmth and natural breakup when pushed. The "300" refers to its power output, meaning it has serious stage headroom while still delivering character at volume.
Barefaced Cabinets
Barefaced is a boutique British manufacturer known for building extremely efficient and lightweight bass cabinets without sacrificing power. Their design philosophy focuses on clarity, projection and fast response. These cabinets are widely used by professional bass players who need both punch and articulation, even at lower volumes.
Why This Rig Matters in Blues
In blues, bass is not just about low frequencies — it is about feel, movement and interaction with the band. A tube bass amp like the Sherman 300 responds directly to touch and dynamics, much like a guitar amp. This allows the bassist to actively shape the groove, adding subtle compression and harmonic richness that helps glue the band together.
The Barefaced cabinet ensures that this character remains clear and defined, rather than getting lost in the mix.
What Respected Blues Artists Did With It
While the Sherman itself is a niche amplifier, the concept is deeply rooted in classic blues setups. Bass players working with artists like B.B. King, Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan often relied on tube-driven bass amplification, especially amps like the Ampeg SVT. These rigs were known for their warm low end, natural compression and slight breakup when pushed. The Sherman 300 sits in that same tonal space, but with a more modern boutique approach.
Sound Profile
The combination of the Sherman 300 and Barefaced cabinet delivers a highly musical, band-focused tone. Every element of the setup works together to create a bass sound that supports the band without ever dominating it.
What Makes It Special
The uniqueness of this setup lies in the combination of old-school tube tone and modern cabinet design. The Sherman 300 delivers true tube dynamics, harmonic richness and musical breakup — qualities that are increasingly rare in modern bass amplification.
The Barefaced cabinet adds efficiency and volume without weight, clarity and projection, and a fast transient response that keeps the low end tight and defined. Together, they create a rig that feels alive under the fingers and sits perfectly in a blues band context.
The bass sound of Gerbman & Blues Flood is built on feel, not perfection. At the core of that sound is a rare and highly expressive setup — the Sherman 300 all-tube bass amplifier paired with a Barefaced cabinet.
Unlike modern bass rigs that aim for ultra-clean precision, this setup embraces character. The Sherman 300 delivers true tube warmth, natural compression and a subtle breakup that reacts directly to the player's touch. It behaves more like a vintage guitar amp than a modern bass head, adding depth and movement to every note.
Within Gerbman & Blues Flood, this rig allows Johan Bravenboer to lock in tightly with the drums, react dynamically to Gerbman's phrasing, and add warmth and depth without cluttering the mix. The slight tube compression and breakup help create that classic Texas blues feel, where everything breathes and moves together.
Rarity and Availability
The Sherman 300 is rare. Boutique production and limited availability make it difficult to find on the market. Barefaced cabinets are somewhat more available than the amp, but still boutique and not commonly found in standard stores. As a combined rig, this is a somewhat rare to rare setup.
Variants and Alternatives
- Sherman variants — limited production runs with potential custom variations
- Barefaced — multiple cabinet models with different speaker configurations
- Budget alternative: Fender Rumble series — lightweight and affordable, but without tube warmth
- Boutique alternative: Mesa Boogie Subway series with a high-end cab — more modern, still very musical
- Vintage alternative: Ampeg SVT with an 8×10 cabinet — the classic blues and rock bass rig
