Fender amps...or alternatives?

[Farkus]

Hey everyone,

I'm really GASing for a Fender amp. I miss having those sweet clean tones that a Fender just nails. I'm moving away from hard rock to more blues/country type stuff.

Here is my problem...I'm addicted to my uncle's '68 Bandmaster. It sounds incredible. He's not going to sell the amp, so I've been looking around for one or one like it...I don't trust flea-bay and no one seems to have anything I like in stock. I'm pretty SOL up to this point, so I'm wondering if I should go for a clone of some type. I don't know much about the market right now, and I don't really know where to start with the search, so I'm asking folks here to chime in about the better clones available or whether or not I should be looking at those to start with.

Any advice really appreciated.

-Mark

 

[B Bent]

Re: Fender amps...or alternatives?

If it helps any I found a beat up old 75 Vibrolux Reverb yesterday that I just LOVE!!! It does what you are looking into! It's a Sliverface and sounds killer. Not too much cheese either! Look into earlier SFs or maybe a reissue. Throw new tubes and speaker in the RI and you are set.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Fender amps...or alternatives?

eBay dude. It's KINDA trustworthy and you'll be able to find a 68 Bassman or Bandmaster in about two minutes. It's the only way if you don't luck out and find one in the store like i did

if your DSL is 50 watts I ***might*** be interested in a trade for my Bassman...I find myself leaning into harder and harder rock land -- but the Bassman and the DS-1 does it just fine.

-X

 

[Farkus]

Re: Fender amps...or alternatives?

Wow man, that's cool. Sounds like you like that amp!

I have the fortune (or misfortune?) of having a musical family...my other guitar playing uncle has a Vibrolux (I think it's the same year or just a little older that yours-maybe '73?) and it just sounds fantastic, as well.

None of the newer amps I've tried sounds close so far...I'll keep lookin' though and gratz on your purchase.

 

[Farkus]

Re: Fender amps...or alternatives?

Hey Empty Pockets, is yours for sale?

Sorry, I think E-bay caters to cheats and with something like an amp, there are too many ways to get screwed. If I trusted E-bay, you'd be right on though.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Fender amps...or alternatives?

See if you can find a piggy back Bassman. They are also pretty cool and should sound very much like the Bandmaster. You might want to plug into a Super Reverb or a Pro Reverb also. Those are the Amps that a lot of the old bluse guys used. Tkae your time and don't rush into any purchase unless you absolutely love it once you plug into it.

 

[Farkus]

Re: Fender amps...or alternatives?

Emtpy-the DSL is 100 watts. Any chance you might sell?

Bludave-Yeah, right on...I won't buy until I'm sure. I will try out the Super or Pro Reverb if I get the chance. I love the reverb on the Bandmaster, but w/o reverb isn't a deal breaker; I like the basic sound.

 

[Farkus]

Re: Fender amps...or alternatives?

Can anyone chime in on the quality of clones that you've played?

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Fender amps...or alternatives?

Okay Farkus, how bad do you want one? You are in Galveston and I get down there on a pretty regular basis.

I've got an old silver faced Pro Reverb that I am going to completely rebuild one of these days. It's got some noise issues that have me convinced to completely start over from scratch with new pots, new jacks and an entirely new handwired component board. I'll also be adding a new Output transformer to it to get it to more resemble a 50 watt super type amp. The original Pro OT is kinda weak. It is a 2x12 combo. Tilt back legs. The outside is the first year silver face, the control faceplate is kinda scratched up a bit and the grill cloth has a tear in it. I actually like the cosmetics. It has no speakers in it as the old oxford ones that came in it were trashed. So, you'd be able to get whatever speakers you wanted in there. (a pair of Texas heats would be killer. I'm also going to try out the Mojo american series soon as their British series are so damn good)

It will look like an old late 60's amp, but it'll be damn near brand new inside. I think that's the only way I can get rid of the hum that is lurking in there. all new wiring and everything. If you are interested, let me know via PM. I've not touched it yet, but I plan on getting to it at some point in the next 2 months.