~1968 Fender Bandmaster Black

Offered for sale;

Used Fender Bandmaster Piggyback Head and Speaker Cabinet, the serial number for the amp head is A24496 and P06483 for the cabinet. This “piggyback” is in very good condition, fully functional. Cosmetically showing some scuffs and marks, overall quite good shape. The speakers are non-original 1994 Eminence units.

This amp featuring the AB763 circuitry, is one of the last “blackfaces” and one of the very first of the large speaker cabinets.

The original Fender Bandmaster was introduced in 1953 as a 1x15" tweed combo. It then evolved to a 3x10" 26-watt tweed combo. But it really came into its own in the famous 45-watt 2x12" piggyback configuration (ultimately discontinued in 1974). In August 1967, Fender changed the cosmetics from the “blackface” to the “silverface” style.

The AA763 (July 1963) and improved AB763 (March 1964) ("blackface") circuit is arguably considered the "best" circuit version produced for this amp by collectors and aficionados. The complex brownface "harmonic vibrato", however, was replaced by a simpler electro-optic oscillator. Power tubes were the even beefier 6L6GC. Some 1964 blackface Showmen were still covered in blonde Tolex rather than the usual black. Later "silverface" 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.

This “piggyback” is considered by many to be the “Holy Grail” of vintage Fender amps.

Don’t miss an opportunity to own this piece of history!

Local pickup only.

“We test every used amp and pedal when we buy it and bring it up to our standards before we offer it for sale. Then we burn it in for an hour or so before we ship so that there are no surprises.”

AMP SPECS:

Weight lbs.: 96.6 (head and cab)

Width in.: (head: 24) (cab: 29)

Depth in.: (head: 9) (cab: 11)

Height in.: (head: 8) (cab: 39)

TUBES:

Rectifier: SS

Preamp: 12AT7, 12AX7, 7025 [12AX7],7025 [12AX7]

Power: 6L6, 6L6

Speaker Codes: 1994 Eminence

TRANSFORMER CODES:

Power: 606 717

Choke: -606-6-30

Output: -606-6-14

Footswitch: none
*Please note: we do our best giving descriptions of used pieces. We have found it impossible to describe every mark on an instrument or amp that is not in the "mint" category. Also, what's important to you may not be important to someone else. For example, you may say, "I don't care what it looks like as long as it plays or sounds well." Another person may say, "Body cosmetics are very important to me so tell me about every scratch, nick and blemish." So, please ask the questions that are most important to you. If you ask they will be answered. They are free and there's no limit. Additional photos can also be made available.

This is a specific item that is also being offered for sale in our brick & mortar location. It is possible that it has just been sold. Please ask if it is still available before purchasing.

*It is our policy to require a signature on delivery of all musical instruments. Please let us know if you prefer no signature required when ordering or we will automatically require a signature.

If you prefer your item to be sent without a required signature Imperial Guitar and the selected carrier can no longer be responsible for the security of the package once it has been delivered.