Just got a 66 fender bandmaster!--questions

[Illini1330]

Just got it today, and have been playing around with it for a few hours. I checked the speakers and they aare no names. I don't know muck about amps, but im guessin the amp is all original. So here are my questions:
-new speakers? Jensen 12n?
-the speakers in there are stock?
-the note on he g string, 14th fret is causing crackling? how to fix?
-the amp is buzy. New tubes?
-your favorite BF mods that don't completely change the amps tone?

thanks

EDIT: it's a head and 2x12 cab, too.

 

[Jeff Seal]

Re: Just got a 66 fender bandmaster!--questions

Well congrats!...killer amp....

I'm not sure how technically inclined you are, so I don't know the best answer to give you.....

If it is entirely 100% stock, it's going to need a pretty good going through....

I would highly suggest getting the amp serviced and restored before deciding about mods and speaker changes.... I've had so many older Fender's come through the shop that were so far out of spec's it's amazing they even worked at all..(and some don't)...and some with a full arsenal of killer tubes that are just destroying themselves.......

Older Fender's are truly a thing of beauty, when they're functioning right!

Jeff Seal

 

[Illini1330]

Re: Just got a 66 fender bandmaster!--questions

Thanks man. Yeah, I'm going to get it serviced soon by this guy woh lives aroiund me, so i guess I'll just have to see how it goes.

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: Just got a 66 fender bandmaster!--questions

If your getting Buzzing crackling sounds from it? Most likely you need
new filter caps. That's a cool amp good luck with it.

 

[Illini1330]

Re: Just got a 66 fender bandmaster!--questions

Just found out its a AB763 circuit. The most known one, right?

Kmc, how much will it cost for new filter caps, nad replacement.

 

[Curly]

Re: Just got a 66 fender bandmaster!--questions

yeah, filter caps is what I'd guess causes the buzz

You'll want to have someone take a look at the amp, so that they can take care of any other problems as long as they have it open.

If I had to guess, I'd say over $120 for a couple hours tech work + caps, and any misc. components like other caps and resistors, etc. Any tubes needed will be more. Tubes can add up quickly - if you feel that they're going to cost too much, then just get the power tubes, have it biased, then get the preamp tubes yourself. You can get JJs or other preamp tubes for $8 - $10 each, and decent 6L6's for $25 - $30 a matched pair.

I'd suggest telling your tech how you want the amp biased, to match your playing style, whether it be cleaner or warmer.

The filter caps are about $5 each for 4 or 5, and a tech will mark them up a little - you'll want them all replaced at once.

take care of any electronic issues before considering a new speaker

you can also get some help over on the FDP forum, in the Amp Mod section.

 

[seafoamer]

Re: Just got a 66 fender bandmaster!--questions

If it hasn't already had it done, make sure the tech changes the 2 prong power cord w/ a 3 prong, so u'r nose doesn't light up when you touch something metal and u'r gtr.

 

[jmv]

Re: Just got a 66 fender bandmaster!--questions

So no labels on the speakers at all?? Do you have any inkstamped markings around the rims (on the backside, of course)?? What color are they??

If they ARE the original speakers, i'd hold onto them, and recone them if you need to, because, even if you decide on something else, they can be valuable down the line if you ever decide to sell it.

Congrads on the amp, i know you'll love it once its in shape!!

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Just got a 66 fender bandmaster!--questions

when I got my Pro Reverb 68 recently, it had a great collection of old tubes in it and they all work well. RCA 6L6GC's, Mullard 5AR4, and Telefunken and RCA preamp tubes. What a score!

 

[Tweed]

Re: Just got a 66 fender bandmaster!--questions

If that was my amp, I'd be very tempted to build (or have built) a nice Vibroclone.

 

[Illini1330]

Re: Just got a 66 fender bandmaster!--questions

they are 12in. speakers there were 2 ink stamped numbers on each of the speakers and the metal back part of the speakers were grey.