The Fender Bandmaster was a musical instrument amplifier made by Fender. It was introduced in 1953 and discontinued in 1974.[1]
This page focuses solely on the Bandmaster. See also Bandmaster Reverb.
Contents |
Timeline gleaned from [1]
| Year | Inputs | Output | Form | Speakers | Controls | Circuit/Model | Price |
| 1953 | 2 instr, 1 mic | Combo (Wide Panel) | (1) 15" + ext jack | Volume, Treble, Bass | 5C7 | $229.50 | |
| 1954 | 2 instr, 1 mic | Combo (Wide Panel) | (1) 15" + ext jack | Volume, Treble, Bass | 5D7 | ||
| 1955 | 2 instr, 1 mic | 26 watts | Combo (Narrow Panel) | (3) 10" + ext jack | Volume, Treble, Bass, Presence | 5E7 | |
| April 1960 | 2 channels, each with high & low sensitivity |
Combo (w/Modern Fender style) |
each channel: Volume, Treble, Bass Vibrato channel also: Speed, Intensity |
6G7 | |||
| End 1960 | 2 channels, each with high & low sensitivity |
each channel: Volume, Treble, Bass Vibrato channel also: Speed, Intensity |
|||||
| Feb 1961-
June 1963 |
2 channels, each with high & low sensitivity |
40 Watts | Piggyback ("head") | (2) 12" + ext. jack
Oxford 12M6-10, Jensen C12N |
each channel: Volume, Treble, Bass Vibrato channel also: Speed, Intensity |
6G7-A | |
| July 1963 | 2 channels, each with high & low sensitivity |
40 watts | Piggyback ("head") | None | each channel: Volume, Treble, Bass Vibrato channel also: Speed, Intensity |
AB763 | |
| 1968 | 2 channels, each with high & low sensitivity |
Piggyback ("head") | None | each channel: Volume, Treble, Bass Vibrato channel also: Speed, Intensity |
AA568 | ||
| 1969 | 2 channels, each with high & low sensitivity |
Piggyback ("head") | None | each channel: Volume, Treble, Bass Vibrato channel also: Speed, Intensity |
AA1069 | ||
| 1974 | Discontinued | . | . | . | . | . |
The 6G7-A circuit was used in several Fender amplifiers, including the Bandmaster. It produces 40 watts into 4 ohms. The circuit was used from 1961 until July 1963 when the "AA763" circuit was introduced. "Blonde" aficionados feel this circuit has superior tonal characteristics when overdriven, to the AB763 circuit. The 6G7-A circuit also included a vibrato that is heralded as Fender's best by many enthusiasts.
The AB763 (designed in July, 1963) circuit is arguably considered the "best" circuit version produced for this amp by collectors and aficionados. Amps retrofitted to this circuitry are described as having been "blackfaced," a reference to the black faceplate used on these amps during much of this era.
The AA568 version (introduced May, 1968) was met with popular dislike by Fender's customers. It is referred to at times as the "silverface" circuit, referring to the brushed aluminum control plate used from 1968 to 1974. The circuit change and the cosmetic change didn't happen at the same time; some 1967 and early 1968 Bandmasters still possessed the AB763 circuitry.
Unfortunately, the tube chart inside the amp head cannot be reliably used to differentiate the AB763 from the later circuits, as Fender continued using the older tube charts for a while after changing the circuit configuration.
Some of the changes from the AA568 were reverted in October, 1969, yielding the AA1069 circuit, but many of the changes remained in place.