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FDP Forum / Fender Amps: Vintage (before 1985) / 67 BF bandmaster vs 65 BF bandmaster

barry.b
Contributing Member
*

australia

Apr 22nd, 2012 05:36 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
quick question:

just bagsied another a BF Bandmaster over the weekend - a '67.

In theory, is there any difference between that and one made a couple of years earlier? I'm very happy with the sound of my 65 - hoping this 67 won't need any mods.

on a related note, was there much changed by the time the Bandmasters came out as SF models? My friend has a 69 and says my 65 sounds different to his (he worked on both to get them going from dead - although all that was changed were PT's and the usual leaky caps).
(This message was last edited by barry.b at 05:47 PM, Apr 22nd, 2012)

BbendFender
Contributing Member
*****

Texas

Throw in a pick and you've got a deal!
Apr 22nd, 2012 07:32 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I think they are the same. Mods! I sure hope not!

Liquid Smoke

USA

Apr 22nd, 2012 08:02 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I thought you were thinking about a Tremolux???

Oh well...congrats on the Bandmaster!

barry.b
Contributing Member
*

australia

Apr 22nd, 2012 08:37 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
@BbendFender

thanks, I was hoping CBS left the circuitry alone before they SF'd the model - as I said I like my 65 Bandmaster so that's my "Standard". As for what the previous owner may or may not have done to this 67, all bets are off.

@Liquid Smoke:
"I thought you were thinking about a Tremolux???"

I did see a 64 tremolux come up with matching cab but I wasn't specifically chasing it so let it pass. Tremolux's aren't as powerful as Bandmasters, yes?

Actually I'm looking for a Dual Showman (based on advice with an earlier thread) to play my Bass VI through (I'm after more power and the tremolo/vibrato circuitry), but saw this Bandmaster and matching cab come up so grabbed it.

Axis40

Fredericksbu, Va USA

John F.
Apr 23rd, 2012 04:02 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I am no expert, and certainly don't know all the nuances, but I do know that by '69 there had been some changes to a number of the larger amp circuits.

The bias scheme had changed to a balance adjustment and there were some caps added across the tubes to make up for poor lead dress elsewhere. Maybe some other small changes?

I have been told that they are not really significant changes, but even within the same year, BF or SF amps don't always sound exactly the same. Especially now, after component values have drifted some.

The bottom line is, that even Silverface amps , as they are, are good sounding amps... some folks actually prefer the SF Fenders.

jhawkr
Contributing Member
**********
*********

USA

Final Four!
Apr 23rd, 2012 04:21 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I have a 67 BF Bandmaster. The BF was only made for a couple of months in 1967 before the SF started shipping. I don't remember the cutoff month but I think mine was built in February. There were no circuit changes from 65 to early 67.

Hammond101
Contributing Member
*

So. Cal. USA

Apr 23rd, 2012 03:53 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I've had 4 Bandmasters over the years. I liked every one of them. BF and SF. The normal channel kills!

The AB763 BF BM was unchanged until the AA578 circuit of mid 1968. The cosmetics changed in late '67 but the guts didn't until mid (approx) '68.

barry.b
Contributing Member
*

australia

Apr 23rd, 2012 05:08 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
thanx @Hammond101, great stuff to know.

I think this newly aquired Bandmaster is similar to @jhawkr: early 67 since it's got all the BF cosmetics. The good thing is, unlike my 65, it comes with a matching cab (dunno what's in it yet).

Hammond101
Contributing Member
*

So. Cal. USA

Apr 23rd, 2012 05:40 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
Yeah, sorry, I kinda sluffed on that part of your question Barry. An early '67 and a '65 should be identically wired except for the personal artistry of those who actually built them.

The two amps should sound very simalar but not identical. They will have different personalities.

Your friends '69 is a bit of a different cat but still a good sounding piece of Fender History IMO.

intension65
Contributing Member
**

north jersey usa

black faced,with a silver lining
Apr 30th, 2012 11:34 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
hammond 101, hit the nail on the head,the b/face circuit was unchanged, until about18/20th week of 68. I have 6 bandmasters, 2/64, 2/65, 1/67, 1/69. and for what ever reason the 67 head , just sounds better, no mods, bone stock except, maint. items tubes, sprague atoms under thedog house.better than the 2 pre cbs. and I had everyone tuned up by daves sound in nj.I run phillips 6l6 gwb. power tubes in each amp. except the 69 has a hohey hole of all RCA tubes . i65

barry.b
Contributing Member
*

australia

Apr 30th, 2012 10:11 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
"I have 6 bandmasters"

hoarder... surely you can't play them all?

(OK, I'm just envious)

thanks guys. I can't wait for it to arrive, if only to see what speakers are in the matching cab.

intension65
Contributing Member
**

north jersey usa

black faced,with a silver lining
May 2nd, 2012 11:35 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
barry, I started buying them around 10-12 years ago, befor they became popular again. good luck with yours, as far as I am concerned they all kick azz. i65

FDP Forum / Fender Amps: Vintage (before 1985) / 67 BF bandmaster vs 65 BF bandmaster

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