Fender Bandmaster

I have an amazing pre-CBS Bandmaster from 1964. I was fortunate enough to purchase it around ten years ago from the original owner. He played it a handful of times and then placed it in his attic. I was truly interested in teh 1964 Jazzmaster that was for sale with the amp. I have another '64 Jazzmaster that is worn and beaten, but plays so smooth. So when the opportunity came to purchase as backup, I could not resist. I do not collect, I play. ....back to the amp. I replace the capacitors and put the old vintage RCA tubes away for safe keeping. They rumble a bit too much. The set up comes with the original 4x10 Jensen cabinet. The screw knobs and angle brackets are also there. Tilting that amp back is something out of the Buddy Holly story. I have also been partial to my 100W Marshall Superlead and 4X12 25w greenback Celestion cab, but this amp has grown on my in recent months (it only took 10 years). It is a we warm cutting tone. I play a lot of dissonant noisy chords and the amp has the ability to provide nice clarity. I use a couple of older Rat Distortion pedals to achieve my loud and louder settings. It really requires little distortion on the stomp boxes to give a nice piercing crunch from the amp.

Manufactured probably in 1968, since it has an aluminum surround on the grill cloth. It is the blackface circuit. No reverb, but a killer tremolo.

Its sound without any effects is classic Fender clean, up to volume setting of 5, after which it becomes raunchy. It doesn't particularly like a lot of effects, but given the right combination, it gets a very mean sound. I use a Power Soak with it. I take advantage of its allegedly 'wimpy' output transformer, which acts as a natural compressor and when everything's working right, it provides a subdued attack followed by a blooming growl that can be very effective. It has a very bright clean sound when you take the modern pedals out of the chain. I had to replace the 470 ohm resistors on the power tubes, and I recapped it. Its clean sound is very bright and chimey, but it begins to break up at around 5. It's obnoxiously loud, but never painfully loud like a Twin. I still use a Power Soak to take advantage of the power tube growl at a comfortable volume. I use a homemade cabinet with 2 cheap 12's, which are rated at 150 watts each. It probably needs better speakers with a lower wattage rating.

Since I replace the old fried carbon comp resistors on the power tubes, I feel it's as reliable as anything and I'd gig without a backup. With no PA, it's loud enough to compete with a loud drummer. You will need something like a Twin to get a clean sound that won't quit, but for dirty blues it's great.

Made in 1968; I think the warranty period has passed.

Been playing since 1979. I've played in noise bands, and used to use a Fender Super 6 for sheer volume; now I'm more into tone and I have a Fender Vibro-Champ, blackface, and now this, which I bought for playing onstage with. It won't break any volume records, and it won't do death metal particularly well, but it will do Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, and anything remotely bluesey. I use a Dallas Rangemaster treble booster, which provides treble boost and overdrive, and that wakes it up if you have a dark-sounding guitar.

Mine is a 1968 Bandmaster (AB763). If I date it correctly, it was made in June. I play multiple styles of music, from blues to punk, and this amp is pretty much versatile. It always has the nice tube tone and I think this has been quite possibly one of the best vintage tube amps I have ever owned. It's got 2 channels, one normal, one vibrato (the vibrato is really tremolo, not vibrato). This amp has about 40-50 watts, so it isn't the loudest amp on the planet, but when cranked up to the max, it is loud. It suits my needs, basically

This amp has great tube tone. The clean channel can get a little (literally very small) distorted at high volumes, but that's only because of the speakers I have it running through (2x12 Jensen C12Q re-issue). I have a late 60s strat and it sounds sweet through it. Then I have a SG copy, and a Les Paul Jr. copy which both sound very nice into it. Whenver anny of my pals plug in, it always sounds sweet. It has the great tube tone of more expensive amps

Since this is an older tube amp, I could somewhat depend on it. If it was brought to a gig with care, etc, i'd use it.

Fender would never be able to help you with an old amp like this. Bring it to a local guitar shop and maybe they can help you.

I got this amp for a nice price and it's great. I would definitly replace it with another if it got stolen. The only thing I wish it had was greater power, but other than that, its perfectt

68 sliverface, all blackface specs.

I now own this 68 & have owned a 65 & 66.
I also owned another early 68 a few years ago that I have regreted parting with 10 minutes after I sold it.
There's something about the 68 silverface tone that I dig more than
the Blackface Bandmasters I've owned.
If you put a pedal in front of this amp you can do anything. It generates tone that is second to none, with or without a pedal.
My SG, LP Jr & LP Standard all sound amazing thru this head. i play it thru a 4 ohm Avatar 2x12 cab w/one Eminence Governor & Wizard.
Also have a 1x12 with a 4 ohm Jensen Mod 70.
Between this head & my 68 Bassman I can't go wrong.

These heads may make some strange odors form time to time, or
strange noises.
Have an amp tech check them out every couple years no matter
how often you play it. It will cost you next to nothing & is
worth it in the long run.

Fender has little support. New or Old products.

For Rock & Roll this amp can do it all. They have tight Low-end & very thick clear tone for a 30 to 35 watt amp. I've tried most of Fenders new amps & they can't come close to the vintage Bandmasters & Bassmans.
Don't be affraid of the Silverface Bandmasters. The 68's & 69's are usually Blacface specs. If it's a Silverface & has the drip rail around the grill cloth chances are it has Blackface guts.
Before you buy some bullshit Boutique amp try a Bandmaster or Bassman from the 60's. Remember, Marshall built his first amp based on the Fender Bassman. JTM's & Plexi's don't sound too bad either.
The Fender Bandmaster is a steal on Ebay at the present time.
New amps do not sound anything like these old tone machines.

My bandmaster is a 1964 model with smooth blonde tolex and tone like nothing else. The head has everything you need and nothing you dont if you love vintage amps. The bandmaster features two channlels, one normal channel and one vibrato channel. The vibrato chanel, is the normal channel with speed and intensity(depth) knobs. Each channel has its own bright switch. The amp is powered by two 6L6GB power tubes, three 12AX7 and one 12AT7 in the preamp section. Chances are, if you have this amp, it has everything you need. The speakers is the matching blonde cab are oxfords.

The bandmaster is a very clean tube amp for 40 watts. More headroom than other 40 watt amps from the era. When volume is past 6 the amp really sings. In my opinion, it sounds so much better with single coils. It is a tube amp from the 60s so there is some background hiss, but very little. I was actually surprised by how quiet it is. The normal channel is a little fuller than the vibrato channel and here is why. Larger blackface amps such as the bandmaster have the vibrato put right into the circuit of the vibrato channel. This means that the signal is a little worn by going through this. But it still sound bloody amazing!!! Play around with the tubes, mostly is the preamp section and you will fall in love with it.

Never had any problems with it. Change the tubes and service it once a year and you will love it even more.

No warranty after 42 years, sorry. I only dealt with fender when I complained about the metalhead amp, and even then they answered me! And just for that they get a 10

I love fender, period. Guitars, amps, effects, i love it all man. So the 10 overall is nothing weird. The bandmaster is pure fender tone at a price that is incredible. Get one before it goes up in value, and they will. You wont be sorry.

1968.A4763 CIRCUIT. BLUES,ORIGANAL MUSIC,AM RECORDING ARTIST WITH HEADLINER.NORMAL AND VIBRATO. USED AT SMALLER VENUES.45 WATTS. PLENTY OF JUICE.ALL TUBE HAND WIRED. FOR THE PRICE, THERE IS NOTHING ELSE THAT COMPARES.

VINTAGE STRATS.FRALIN,KINMAN,VANZANT PICKUPS.ALL HAND WOUND.ITS PERFECT.NO NOISE,EXCEPT WHEN NEAR NEON LIGHTS.AND THAT IS DUE PARTLY TO PICKUPS.60 CYCLE HUMMMMM.ECT.HARMONICALLY RICH TONE, WITH BOTTOM AND TOP CLARITY.TURNED ALL THE WAY UP,GIVES YOU GREAT ROCK AND ROLL ALLA STONES TONES.

38 YEARS NOT A PROBLEM YET.

BILL HUMPHREYS DOES ALL THE WORK ON MY AMPS,ORIGANAL GUITARIST FOR SUPERSTAR.HE'S THE AMP GURU OF ALL AMP GURU'S OF ALL TIME.

BEEN PLAYIN 40 YEARS. I OWN BAD CATS,TOP HATS, BOGNERS, DUMBLES,DR Z'VARIOUS FENDERS YOU NAME IT. IF I LOST THIS ONE I'D PROBABLY GET ANOTHER HEAD JUST LIKE IT,IF I COULD FIND ONE.THIS HEAD JUST REPRESENTS WHAT MY GENERATION OF MUSIC IS ALL ABOUT.ITS PERFECT. AND JUST SO ANY OF YOU ALL GUITARISTS OUT THERE KNOW,THAT TONE,TALENT,YOUR INTRUMENTS,ARE AN EXTENSION OF YOUR SOUL.SO ITS GOOD TO LEARN AND LISTEN. TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS. BIG B SMILES

Actually I own two blackface bandmasters - a '63/64 Electric Instrumnets and a "Musical Instruments" '65/66 version. I bought my first one used in 1968, and played it more or less constantly for years in all sorts of garages, bars and gymnasiums. It was always up to the task, with adequate volume, sustain and definition. Many years later I purchased a 2nd one (with a smaller 2-12" speaker cabinet)for $250 because I liked my 1st one so well. I don't really miss the reverb. Most venues have enough air about them and playing at home it does not really matter.

This amp works well with any instrument. I used many guitars over the years, and found it complemented each of them, whether equipped with Humbuckers, P90's, Strat or Tele single coils. It never detracts from the musical character - just adds a little more cream as the volume knob rotates up. I usually bridge the channels,which allows you to dial-in just the right blends of treble and bass. It's never flabby or shrill. As heretical as it may seem - I think the solid state rectifier sounds better than the mush-(I don't means sustain)-tone you can get with a tube rectifier.

This amp defines simplicity and reliability . . The primitive solid state rectifier is possibly one of the reasons. Together with the very best materials and craftsmanship, makes this a highly reliable amp. Change the caps and tubes once every 20 years and you'll be all set.

These amps are easily serviced and will have parts available till the cows come home.

This is just the amp to have. Perfect to play at home
(sounds good at low volumes) or out ( sounds good at high volumes) - the size and the 40 watts is just the most ... I like the separate head - it affords flexibility in using other cabinets and looks just as cool as it did in the '60's.

I have a '66 Blackface Head, It's a no frills straight ahead amp all tube (solid state rectifier though). There are 2 channels with vol, treble, bass on each, the second channel has a vibrato with speed & intensity controls. What more do you need. It's 40 Watts of classic Fender tube driven tone heaven.

I would like to see what it sounds like with a tube rectifier (might get switchable one fitted).

I use it for Harp and use a variety of bullet mics into it and sometimes a Shure Sonodyne 540 Series II. It has a great tone for harp and is loud enough to cut through with all but the loudest bands, then I just mic it up into the P.A.

I use this amp with either a 4X10 or 2X10 cab depending on where i am playing. I sometimes use a Boss DD3 delay pedal, but usually just play this puppy dry because it has that natural resonance you get from those old fender amps. When you play those big fat octaves on this baby they leap across the room and right into the face of the audience. The overdrive on this amp starts around 5 which is just right for the harp.

It's only just younger than me and runs like a dream. I never take a back up amp to a gig because this one is so reliable.

C'mon it's 39 years old !
This is just a guess of course but I reckon warranty might have run out !!!!

I would get another if this one were stolen or something.
OK so it's not a '59 Bassman but I guarantee it's as good (maybe slightly less bass response) and cheaper than a '59 Bassman. beacause it's a head and cab set up you can choose your speaker options for each gig and it's easier on your back !

'66 Bandmaster. The chassis has 1965 all over it but the tube chart is early '66. 2 channels. You know, like all the very reliable Fender piggy-backs.

I play Tele's and Strat through it. I just got it an a garage sale. Needs new electrolytic caps. Sounds a little mushy now but will clean up with new caps. Not as loud as I thought. That will also get better after new caps.

I've almost exclusively played Fender amps for 40 years. Very dependable. Won't need a backup for this one. I have rarely had a Fender to break down on me. It still has the original caps throughout but the tubes have been replaced. I then replaced the Sovtek's with RCA 6L6's.

I really don't need support on my Fender amps. I can usually fix them myself or with help from some tech friends. The older ones are fairly simple.

I've been playing for 40 years. Got my first guitar the Christmas after the Beatles hit the US. Got my first Tele and amp in 1975 but played through friends's amps before that. I have had one '65 Super Reverb stolen. I had 2 more at home to replace it. I'll probably always play Fender amps and guitars. I have owned over 200 amps and most have been Fenders. I used to think reverb was required but now it is not so important. I am a plug in and go guy. I don't use many effects. I've played so much and so loud I've lost most of my hearing. I also like some of the smaller Gibson and Epiphone amps.

1966 Bandmaster Head. Cap's replaced by previous owner (but nice work). Features are covered by previous reviews. I am running it through a mojotone 2x12 ext. cab w/ one Eminence Legend125 and one GB12. I tried the cabinet open and closed back and I prefer it closed.

I'm playing an SG Classic (P90 p'ups) through it. I use a Holy Grail for reverb, Voodoo Sparkle Drive, Aphex Punch Factory Compressor, and Voodoo Microvibe. So far my favorite sound is plugged into input 1 of Normal channel, with a jumper from Normal 2 out to Vibrato 1 input. This allows me to adjust the level of vibrato in the mix.
The amp is slightly noisy (you can hear a low hum) but nothing unusual. I haven't had the opportunity to push it to break-up.
This amp sounds beautiful. (I had been playing through a 70's Champ (w/ 8" Jensen) with the Weber tweed mod done) With the bandmaster I can really hear the character of my guitar. Changes in the volume and tone settings on the guitar make a big difference in the tone now.
I wouldn't say this amp has a wide variety of sounds, but the basic clean sound it does is sooo nice.

Can't say, just got it. But it made it since '66 with just routine maintenance.

N/A

I've been playing for 15 years as an amateur, off and on with bands. I've owned a pre-'85 Fender Concert, the 70's Champ, and a Vox Cambridge 15. I would definitely replace it. I love that I can jumper the two channels and adjust the mix of vibrato (and the tone controls independently on each of those channels). I was looking for a Fender clean sound and a 1 or 2 12" speaker config. and the Bandmaster was a good value in the current market.