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Blackface Bandmaster

dwagar

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 18, 2005
Messages
4,451
A very special new amp day for me.

This was my brother's amp. Our first amp. My dad bought it new in '65 or '66. By serial number it is a '65. Although it was my brother's, I also played it through Junior High and most of High School (I did have a Twin for awhile, but it was stolen. I used the insurance $ to buy a '69 LP GT and a Dual Showman JBL 2x15" tall cab (to use with the BM head), I still have the cab, wish I still had the '69).

He passed away 12 years ago. My niece called the other day to see if I wanted it, so I bought it from her.

Although I am a Marshall kinda guy (btw I did just buy a new DSL40CR for gigging), this amp was too important to me not to buy it.

It still has a 2 prong cord and death cap, I'll change that immediately.

He did have it serviced at one time, 1 of the electrolytics has been changed, and possibly some of the resistors. The old electrolytics look fine, no bulges or leaks or anything. But, they are old. I'm going to change them before I fire it up.

I'm also thinking about the Trem Disconnect Mod and maybe the Neg Feedback Loop mod through the ground switch. But then again, I probably won't be gigging it.

The speakers are Oxford 12T6's which would be correct, but if I'm reading the date code correctly (465-812 & 465-833) it looks like we replaced them in '68. I recall blowing them, which was why I bought that huge Dual Showman cab.

full
 
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agogetr

Active member
Joined
Jan 22, 2019
Messages
451
awesome amp! the 2 prong and 'death cap' fix are all hype. i have been running old fenders over 40 years. you have an awseome amp just play it. just make sure your polarity is right with other gear
ps i wont buy a vintage amp with a 3 prong..its signs of tech abuse. my 25 cents worth
 

corpse

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 9, 2007
Messages
4,876
Great story- great to keep these old amps in use and running. I am happy this family piece stayed in the family.
 

dwagar

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 18, 2005
Messages
4,451
the 2 prong and 'death cap' fix are all hype.

That's interesting, I thought it was standard practice to put a 3 prong on all these old amps.

Does anyone leave the old electrolytics in until they show early signs of failing, I thought when they are this old it isn't worth the risk of leaving them in?
 

Wally

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 27, 2003
Messages
3,535
Nice amp. I am sorry for your loss.
Those electrolytics are not doing the job as they were designed to do. It can be heard.
Power cord??? I was raised on two-wire amps back in the ‘60’s...before any manufacturers used grounded AC cords. I hear when polarity is reversed, so I can deal with that aspect. If one takes all of the precautions when dealing with that with respect to other equipment, then it may well be that grounded AC source provides no more safety than a two-wire. I still change to grounded cords and use the best and safest manner of installation of such. I also advocate carrying outlet testers so that one can know what one is plugging into. There is one outlet here in my shop...rented space...that is NOT used for any sort of musical amplification system because it is miswired. Test every outlet you are thinking of using. You might be surprised what you find....and it is better to be surprised with that little inexpensive meter than with AC on the strings of your guitar.
Agogetr might share with you all of the precautions he takes when setting up. A meter in hand would be necessary...and is a good idea no matter how your amp’s AC input source is wired.
 

dwagar

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 18, 2005
Messages
4,451
Thanks. I have switched it to a 3 prong cord, and have the electrolytics on order.

I didn’t get this amp with resale in mind. It won’t ever be sold. It will get played so I want it in shape. I haven’t yet checked all the resistors.

Thanks for mentioning the tester. I do have one in our toolkit. We mostly gig at the same venue, and I have tested all the outlets. But I do have to remember to check other places we play. I generally forget to do that.
 
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agogetr

Active member
Joined
Jan 22, 2019
Messages
451
wally realy knows about this stuff. after testing sockets etc and you get ready to start playing a good thing to do is touch your guitar strings against the microphone.. if there is no sparking then you at least can play and sing and not get zapped. remember there may be 3 other guys plugging stuff in onstage. always watch out for yourself. yes i,m a dumb guitar player... but i havent had my lips fried in a long time...and stay away from the bass player.. just because..
Thanks. I have switched it to a 3 prong cord, and have the electrolytics on order.

I didn’t get this amp with resale in mind. It won’t ever be sold. It will get played so I want it in shape. I haven’t yet checked all the resistors.

Thanks for mentioning the tester. I do have one in our toolkit. We mostly gig at the same venue, and I have tested all the outlets. But I do have to remember to check other paces we play. I generally forget to do that.
 
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