Hacking a Blackface Fender for Monster Gain, Blasphemous or Badass?

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  • Опубликовано: 18 апр 2017
  • RUSSIAN TRANSLATION: • Доработка лампового ба...
    In this video, we will take an already heavily modified vintage Blackface Fender Bassman AB165 or AA165 head and turn it into a roaring, belching beast of the underworld. Is this blasphemy against God, nature, and all that's good, or is it acceptable and even necessary, like Shiva, who continually must destroy worlds to create new ones? You decide! Let me know in the comments...
    Here is the other video of this amp where we solved a problem of red plating power tubes: • Red Plating Power Tube...
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Комментарии • 1 тыс.

  • @rustygrant
    @rustygrant 7 лет назад +808

    Hey youtube, I'm the owner of this Bassman and am super happy with Brad's handiwork. Pre-mod, this amp would NOT break up at the volume levels I practice at and I really haven't found an OD pedal that I think sounds good with this amp. Initially, I hoped switching to 5881 tubes and biasing hotter would fix the issue but after learning that the amp was already (poorly?) modded when I bought it, I figured I'd let Brad make the best out of the situation. And he did. I got tons of compliments from the other bands we gigged with. It was one of the better shows we've played.

    • @ThePsprout
      @ThePsprout 7 лет назад +8

      Before Brad did his thing and you were running with both channels jumpered out of phase how did it sound?

    • @rustygrant
      @rustygrant 7 лет назад +13

      The best way I cant think to describe it was bland, but oddly full. Initially, I went through the normal channel but I left it at keyboardist's house and he played his rhodes with it jumpered. The next practice, I just left it jumpered to try to maintain that fuller sound but I wasn't happy with the tone, which was why I brought it to Brad.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +19

      That's awesome to hear, Russell! Bring it by any time you need work. You're always welcome. Also, just for the record...I watched this video back again and I believe I either cut out that part or failed to mention that the circuit ended up being closer to a AB165, meaning you WERE actually going through the 3 stages of gain before the PI. Totally m y bad for not mentioning that in the vid. Bottom line: you weren't playing OOP after all with channels jumped. But anyway, great to know it is working out.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +16

      Also Russell, if you get a chance, do a quick video with a Les Paul and link it here. I should have included a humbucker clip in the demo. I'd be interested to hear it with a Paul.

    • @wildbillhackett
      @wildbillhackett 7 лет назад +7

      Just an FYI, if you're having trouble finding OD pedals that sound good with a Bassman, take a look at R.J. Ronquillo's YT channel sometime. He uses his BF Bassman about 80% of the time and uses tons of pedals with it. I'm much more of a Bandmaster guy than a Bassman guy, but I have to admit he almost always has a great tone.

  • @mtchampion1831
    @mtchampion1831 5 лет назад +21

    As a former Fender warranty tech....I approve this message. Nice work. I love to watch people who care about what they are doing and provide exceptional customer service.

  • @SuprachargerMusic
    @SuprachargerMusic 5 лет назад +66

    Pickup a SM57 so that everyone can hear the true glory you're creating in that shop ;)

  • @davidhobbs624
    @davidhobbs624 4 года назад +21

    I discovered this empty gain stage about 10 years ago on my silverface. The added the stage to the front of the bass channel and modded the stack more like marshall. Absolutely sweet. Might post a video of it

  • @superdriver777
    @superdriver777 5 лет назад +35

    There is no blasphemy in art. That thing has "the sound!"

  • @ylelevier
    @ylelevier 7 лет назад +6

    As someone who's just getting their feet wet in amp building, this video is by far one of the most inspiring uploads I've watched in some time. Well done. Congratulations on the result but especially the diagnostics you performed along the way. Looking forward to incorporating some of your techniques when I move forward on my deluxe reverb build.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +2

      Good for you! Be unafraid to deviate from that schematic. Straight clones can be nice, but we don't learn as much as when we just think outside the schematic and go for it. Fucking up is a good thing when it leads to learning.

  • @MajicFreeman
    @MajicFreeman 7 лет назад +55

    that overtones on the feedback and harmonics was lovely

  • @RobChappers
    @RobChappers 7 лет назад +392

    Great video dude :-)

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +55

      Much obliged, Rob. I appreciate you saying so. By the way, I enjoy your channel.

    • @jkosh111
      @jkosh111 7 лет назад +5

      The Guitologist h

    • @mileswilliams1585
      @mileswilliams1585 7 лет назад +7

      Well, Rob Chapman, the king of bought views says it's good so it must be... way to ruin a rare and beautiful bit of gear

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +17

      Rob Chapman For the record, I like Rob and his channel. Good content on guitar stuff, presented in a fun, professional way, nothing like my train wreck of a channel. :)

    • @MyRealName
      @MyRealName 7 лет назад +7

      Wow. If anybody is a nice down to earth guy, it's rob. Fame wouldn't get to his head even if he was the most famous musician. Your stupid comment about bought views makes me wonder if you are a troll or a pathetic jealous guy..

  • @cky5117
    @cky5117 7 лет назад +24

    I discovered your channel at a couple of days ago and I'm really enjoying it. There arent many youtube channels with technical amp content. I have built a couple of effect pedals kits and have plans to build and amp by the end of this year. You are helping me understand amps circuits. Thanks!

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +24

      Very cool, man. My advice on your first build, dont worry too much about making it neat. Think of it as an eternal platform for experimenting, and not a finished product. And dont use a kit! Also, think about some twist you want to try with an existing circuit, try to avoid straight cloning. That way you'll run into problems and have to solve them. A success is almost a failure, if you think about it. It only gets fun if it's broken. ;)

    • @MarderExplorer
      @MarderExplorer 7 лет назад +10

      I would add a humble +1 to the advice of not buying a kit. I did a scratch build of a well-known circuit, the Champ 5F1 into an old solid state amp chassis and having to make build and layout decisions and trouble-shoot it myself rather than painting by the numbers was so much more instructive. My dad has a BF Vibrochamp, I've had a SF Vibrochamp and a Champ 600 so I wanted to hear what a fairly straight sounding tweed version would sound like, so built it as they did aside from leaving off the negative feedback. Working from a proven design/schematic came in handy when it didn't fire up right away, it was relatively easy to trace a known-good schematic.

  • @Nickpaflas
    @Nickpaflas 7 лет назад +90

    I got no problem with this kind of modification. The guy bought it, he can do what he wants. It's already been modded anyway.
    These things are meant to be used to make music. If mods help you do it, go ahead. There's far too much cork-sniffery in all this stuff anyway. It's even worse with guitars. This is just physics-electricity doesn't know if it's going through a vintage paper in oil cap or a brand new one with dead on tolerances.
    Those giant old blue caps do look cool, though. How much of a nerd do you have to be to think a certain kind of Cap looks "Cool"?

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +18

      Agreed on the "cork sniffery".

    • @dmitryhetman1509
      @dmitryhetman1509 3 года назад +1

      Old oil paper cap should go to trash, they leaky and there is danger that they brake and it can damage tubes which expensive compared to new cap. You may like how it sounds but soon it could not make any sound at all.

  • @mikewalker3337
    @mikewalker3337 7 лет назад +2

    This is incredible stuff by the way..I enjoyed trying to follow along and getting a sense of the kind of problem solving and frustrations that go along with it. Thanks for posting.

  • @djordjeblaga7815
    @djordjeblaga7815 7 лет назад +10

    I laughed my ass of at the end :D
    Congratulations!
    Your Channel is finally getting what it deserves!

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад

      hahaha! Sold my soul for subs. :P
      ...but not really.

  • @FabianLanfold
    @FabianLanfold 7 лет назад +5

    Pretty interesting video, man. Thanks for sharing your knowledge in such an entertaining way.

  • @mygabrielle7477
    @mygabrielle7477 4 года назад +9

    Really liked the sound of it when you finished it. Definitely has more gain than just about any bassman I’ve ever played. Blackface or tweed

  • @redjetfirebird
    @redjetfirebird 7 лет назад +1

    Sounds great and love you letting us see the whole process. I love that old National behind the Bassman too. Would love to have one of those.

  • @jonesboydamnit
    @jonesboydamnit 7 лет назад

    Sounds amazing. Nice work, sir! I really enjoy the detail of your videos.

  • @kellen3818
    @kellen3818 5 лет назад +5

    Damn, I'm so tempted to find and old bassman and have you do this mod, both channels sound...perfect

  • @Tom-gv7hc
    @Tom-gv7hc 7 лет назад +31

    I didnt understand a single word this guy said but it was sure damn interesting. good video.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +9

      ruclips.net/video/OrjmeGKoR1E/видео.html

    • @hugh-johnfleming289
      @hugh-johnfleming289 5 лет назад +2

      Me too, but I love process. I have an old Bassman stashed away, early 70s, I played guitar and bass in to because Because I could afford one amp. It sounded fine with my playing.

    • @thomasjohnson7735
      @thomasjohnson7735 3 года назад

      The Guy is Einstein... no joooke. 😐

  • @DreamWeaver3112
    @DreamWeaver3112 7 лет назад

    Very cool vid. I really enjoyed how you demo'd the results of your labor @ the end. Awsome.

  • @letsleepingdogslie2492
    @letsleepingdogslie2492 7 лет назад +1

    A Tech that wails! Robin Trower Live! I think I passed out a couple of times when you were retracing your steps! LOL Just when I thought it was safe to go back on the stage! You are step above the rest sir! I have a bassman 50 watt with a 2/15 cab and guitar players love this amp! Thanks again, great video!

  • @danielsperry8114
    @danielsperry8114 7 лет назад +9

    Great video and very detailed . Brad you make it look so easy i wish i had a 1/3 of the knowledge you have .

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +4

      The fact that I'm doing it at all means it must be easy. :D

    • @douglaszolton8985
      @douglaszolton8985 7 лет назад +4

      Said the genius.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +4

      Not genius, just tenacious.

    • @danielsperry8114
      @danielsperry8114 7 лет назад +1

      Brad this summer i'm shipping you my mesa boogie mkiiC+ , i have your email and will send you some pictures and get your rates . I've never opened it up because i don't mess with electricity . I've had LIGHTING come through my house 4 times and the electrician i use can vouch for me .. lol Scary stuff ..

  • @songwriterjj6022
    @songwriterjj6022 6 лет назад +40

    I know all about gain stages. I eat a lot!

  • @billneill7567
    @billneill7567 4 года назад

    Just got around to seeing this video. I absolutely love the tones you got with this!! The ultimate 2 channel amp with Fender clean and a Marshall dirty channel. Sounds killer!!!!

  • @innovate1983
    @innovate1983 4 года назад

    Wonderful job. The break up on that is super lush, and whatever you’ve done has given that amp some real smack. Great!!

  • @darrkstarg
    @darrkstarg 7 лет назад +8

    You, sir... are a magician for making that bassman sound so good.

  • @bayougtr
    @bayougtr 7 лет назад +6

    27:12 has that classic sound! I had a Marshall 2204 & 2203 that was modified a bit by a 'Fender" guy. Amazing amps!

  • @felinekaiju4517
    @felinekaiju4517 Год назад

    Dude, I love the way it breaks up!!. I'll get back to watching the internals work. This world of amp modding is amazing, hence the reason I'm going back to finish high school and do electronic engineering. You're another inspiration for my path. Thanks dude!.

  • @BillBowyer1971
    @BillBowyer1971 6 лет назад

    New to Tube Amp Repair, I enjoyed this learning experience. Glad to subscribe to your videos. Bill from Indiana.

  • @jasonmcdaniel2325
    @jasonmcdaniel2325 7 лет назад +6

    I believe what you are working on is an AB165 that was taken back to an AA864. the AA165 label was used until they ran out however the AA165 circuit itself is SUPER rare. It was made for 1 month. that would explain the buss that you found disconnected and reused for the added gain stage. that originally had 2 200k feedback resistors mounted to it out of the phase inverter to the 6l6gc.

  • @89schofe
    @89schofe 7 лет назад +3

    I love the ambient static sound of an old fender when you mute the strings - you can feel it 😍

    • @fernandom.7956
      @fernandom.7956 4 года назад

      you mean the little white noise that comes out of the speakers when you no play?

    • @89schofe
      @89schofe 4 года назад

      Fer365 I think so, it's like an ambient hum

  • @guitardude1230
    @guitardude1230 7 лет назад

    This is really neat man! I run the drum department at a music store, but often times have to sell guitars and amps. I know a fair amount about guitars, but amps are a bit of an anomaly for me. Your videos have actually helped me sell amps in my shop, and i am grateful for it. It is great to hear and see why and how that amp sounds and acts as it does, and it gives me a great appreciation for the work involved in making and repairing/modding amps as a whole. Keep up the great work and much love!
    Thomas, Davis CA

  • @timbeaton5045
    @timbeaton5045 7 лет назад

    Wow, must be learning something after all. As soon as you showed the different channels phase characteristic, i immediately thought of using the unused half of the 7025 as a phase inverter. As i replied to one of your others videos., we all can learn a lot from this channel. Have mailed links to your stuff to several friends who are tube (or for us in the UK, Valve!) amp fans.
    Keep up the good work!

  • @GuernB2
    @GuernB2 7 лет назад +7

    Nice vid, super informative, im surprised you dont have more subs.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +21

      Actually, I've gained about 3k subs in the past couple weeks for some reason. Maybe RUclips finally figured out how awesome I am and started recommending my vids to people. :P

    • @GuernB2
      @GuernB2 7 лет назад +2

      Yeah, your vids started showing up in my recommended and here I am. Probably has something to do with your vids being long.

    • @Todesnuss
      @Todesnuss 7 лет назад +2

      Same here. A few days ago your vids started showing up on my recommendations.

  • @kevsnyder
    @kevsnyder 5 лет назад +6

    I remember back in the 90s I went around to all the shops lookin for one of these. Ended up getting a mesa/boogie 50 cal. Mesa served its purpose but now I kinda wish I kept looking.

  • @yourmomlovespenis
    @yourmomlovespenis 7 лет назад

    Great video man. I'm an auto mechanic by trade and I definitely try to stay away from any electrical issue (as long as they're not assigned to me) but the way you explain it and your understanding of it is fascinating. Keep up the good work.

  • @skycarl
    @skycarl 7 лет назад

    Pretty slick Brad. Great run through on the different circuits and what you did. Thanks pal.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад

      Thanks, Carl. I appreciate you always taking time to comment and let me know how Im doing.

  • @mrz80
    @mrz80 4 года назад +4

    I had a friend back in the early 80s who rearranged his Bandmaster Reverb to cascade the preamps at the stomp of a footswitch. Low budget Mesa Boogie :D.

    • @MarkProffitt
      @MarkProffitt 4 года назад

      I did that with a 1968 Princeton.

  • @mickkennedy1344
    @mickkennedy1344 7 лет назад +36

    20:12 -- "Okay, hear that?" ...."that's Harley Davidson-isation"

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +7

      baaaahahahahaha! You win the internet today, sir. I wonder if I can fit bigger pipes on this bad boy...

  • @juananonly33
    @juananonly33 5 лет назад

    Love your vids.. That tone is exquisite, classic but modern wit the right technique. You got it Dead on . Great Job. Sweet licks btw ...New sub

  • @jmgmarcus808
    @jmgmarcus808 7 лет назад

    You nailed it. I used to have a deluxe reverb with tubes you couldn't find in the last 20years. My local amp guy said it was the loudest Fender amp he had ever heard. Was modded before I bought it, the thing would levitate on a floor put past 5. Sounded unreal. Great job on this one.

  • @epilespaulgoth367
    @epilespaulgoth367 5 лет назад +3

    this mod was awesome, sounds amazing!

  • @DalHap
    @DalHap 6 лет назад +3

    Best show on RUclips!

  • @vmat1000
    @vmat1000 6 лет назад +1

    Yow!!! Sounds great. Love the harmonic feedback on the 'M' channel and toothyness on the 'F' channel.

  • @NERDOFUNK
    @NERDOFUNK 7 лет назад +1

    Great Amp...sounds alot like Jimi at the 12th fret...you did an awesome job mate! PEACE

  • @mrsockmonkey1969
    @mrsockmonkey1969 7 лет назад +7

    would love to hear that thing into an open back 212 with Creambacks

  • @RDYC
    @RDYC 4 года назад +2

    In the 60's, we would run the ext. speaker out back into another input on our Fender amps. But note: you could only do this when a friend came over because thats the only time you would have TWO guitar cables.

    • @Aaron-zh4kj
      @Aaron-zh4kj 4 года назад

      Man! How did you not blow up your stuff?!

    • @RDYC
      @RDYC 4 года назад

      @@Aaron-zh4kj we nidged up carefully. Try it. Amazing distortion! Its fun to be 12.

    • @Aaron-zh4kj
      @Aaron-zh4kj 4 года назад

      @@RDYC So you're telling me you'd send the load from the power amp of an amp into the input of another amp?

  • @matieupizil424
    @matieupizil424 7 лет назад

    Nice man, killer modifications. Getting some great early Billy Gibbons tones there, I really dig it. Thanks again for all the great vids and helping us along with our own projects. Inspiring stuff man

  • @bitweisor8208
    @bitweisor8208 5 лет назад +1

    No one lays it out there like Brad. He doesn't hide anything. What a great video & a great Mod. Not what anyone would expect from a Bassman. Great channel.

  • @Bleats_Sinodai
    @Bleats_Sinodai 7 лет назад +8

    There's a software called "Tone Stack Calculator" that you can use to view the change in response for various tone controls.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +5

      I have it. It's called Duncan's Tone Stack Calculator: www.duncanamps.com/tsc/

    • @Bleats_Sinodai
      @Bleats_Sinodai 7 лет назад +3

      Yep, that's the one! I've used it once to make a tone stack that could be switched between a Fender-ish to a Vox-ish stack, using a push-pul Bass potentiometer. All it did was add a couple capacitors in parallel to the ones in the circuit, to shift the Bass and Mid curves.
      There's tons of stuff you can achieve by playing about with values.

  • @Will-dt3yg
    @Will-dt3yg 7 лет назад +20

    Badass would be my vote. The tone and sustain sound great to these ears.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +6

      Thanks Will.

    • @Will-dt3yg
      @Will-dt3yg 7 лет назад +1

      You're very welcome. I happily look forward to more. :)

  • @Alloykenneth
    @Alloykenneth 6 лет назад

    Holy Fu%K that sounds amazing! Im hooked keep making more videos like this one! Or maybe I need to ship you my vintage twin reverb to get a tune up. Thank you so much for this video

  • @jatin7361
    @jatin7361 6 лет назад

    Very interesting video. I appreciate the fact that you include your mistakes and how you trace your steps until you get it right. Most of these type of videos are "highlight reels" that only show the creator's flawless genius.
    Lastly, that hum you hear during the demonstration portion is likely the sound of Leo Fender spinning in his grave after seeing what was done to his creation. :)) Jokes aside, thanks for making these vids and sharing.

  • @SpencerP96
    @SpencerP96 6 лет назад +4

    This almost makes me want to mod my 66 bassman. But I'm also kinda of a keep vintage stuff original kind of guy

  • @kardRatzinger
    @kardRatzinger 7 лет назад +19

    The problem with the Marshall tone stack is that tone stack's frequency response depends heavily on the impedance that's driving it. In a Marshall amp, the tone stack is driven by a follower, and the output impedance of the follower is a few hundred ohms at worse (and by "worse" I mean when low mu triodes are used, such as ECC83, 12AX7, 7025, 6N2P).
    In a Fender amp, the tone stack is driven by a gain stage with an output impedance around 40k. So just changing the component values in the tone stack of a Fender to match the corresponding values in a Marshall will not result in a similar frequency response to that of a Marshall. This of course does not mean it can't sound ok.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +6

      An excellent point. Thanks for making it.

    • @enorbet2
      @enorbet2 7 лет назад

      +kardRatzinger - Important point! and to which I'd like to add that static information, like interstage impedance and frequency response, is like a postcard of the Himalayas - 2D doesn't even approach the LIVE experience. What matters, especially to the player, is Dynamic Response - how it feels as well as sounds in a continuum, not a snapshot.. The Cathode Follower circuit is extremely important because it has Unity Gain and acts like a soft-knee limiter. Also because the entire Tweed tone circuit (and most best models from Marshall, HiWatt, Vox, and a dozen other venerable brands/models) comes AFTER the 2nd gain section and Volume control, overdriving that limiter and tone stack results in "squeezed up" bandwidth as well as attack which slowly recovers as signal decays results in a vocal effect that drives musicians to "talk" with their instrument. It can clean up when you turn down and slide smoothly into overdrive when signal increases either by turning up or just hitting the strings harder. If you just want a fuzz tone get one. If you long for a responsive musical instrument, explore Cathode Follower driven Tone Stacks.

    • @jspinks2388
      @jspinks2388 7 лет назад

      well there's more resistances to ground on everything in that stack you notice and it's the followers distortion and not plate driven as well stages some tend go slightly colder, you can get monster distortion cold clip the hell out of the 2nd or 3rd stage and get everything else HOT sounds good...but I think it still sounds alittle still docile sterile and could play with feedback and it's still something like that...just go monster headroom and all gain allll hot running and clean then just run your choice of firestorm pedals up front, that's why I said might as well have some big clean ss/digital amp that's clean and filtered well and still sounds like what's running up front.

    • @enorbet2
      @enorbet2 7 лет назад +1

      +JR - I don't understand why you are replying in this portion where we are discussing Cathode Follower driven tone stacks and Dynamic Response where a musician can travel between clean and distortion just from Guitar Volume Control or how hard or soft you attack the strings which has a tonal "squeeze" effect since it drives the Tone Stack, adding a whole dimension of vocal expressiveness. Extreme pedal (or preamp) overdrive is the antithesis of that. Also "distortion" is a misleading term when one is considering Cathode Followers since they are Unity Gain and have extremely low harmonic generation on their own. The concept of extreme preamp overdrive with ultra clean power section, especially of the "ss/digital" type, is completely out of place in this video which is for those that love what only tubes can offer and have an interest in whether hacking a 50 watt Blackface is a good thing or not. What you're talking about has some validity for some styles of players but not in this arena.

    • @jspinks2388
      @jspinks2388 7 лет назад

      Oh it's no ill intent or Despair. But I know what I would do to it Lol, the follower seemed to have a somewhat audible "zingy" response and a lot fun in the highs and grins me the hell out lol...Plate driven now everything is really different it seems to of lacked a lot more of the harmonic content and excels at the low end.

  • @giulioluzzardi7632
    @giulioluzzardi7632 3 года назад

    Nice one, great work. You are and artist.It actually sounds like Fender amp should. You have an ear for tone and technical skill though I am certain theres some Magyk involved. Fantastic Man!!

  • @leehodge2415
    @leehodge2415 7 лет назад

    very happy to have found your channel. thx for being awesome.

  • @MarderExplorer
    @MarderExplorer 7 лет назад +24

    No holes drilled = not a hack job. Definitely enjoyed hearing more about the development of the mods as they happened. Did I somehow miss the resolution of the cathode biasing conversion? I have a '66 BF Bandmaster and don't need or want the headroom it has so have thought about going to cathode bias. I know it won't make it into a Deluxe or Princeton but a bit of tweed influence would be fun.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +1

      The owner and I discussed that and decided to go with the preamp mods first and later, if he still thinks the amp is too loud or needs earlier breakup, we'll re-bias the tubes for earlier breakup using the existing pot. And THEN maybe come back and think about cathode bias and 5881 tubes.

    • @brianingram2068
      @brianingram2068 7 лет назад +1

      You may want to look at the resale value for that Bandmaster, then decide if it might be better to sell your amp & buy the one you really want. People used to modify blackface Bassman amps all the time because no one really liked them stock for either guitar or bass, and you could buy near-mint Bassman heads for $400 (retail). Now prices are going up, so...

    • @MarderExplorer
      @MarderExplorer 7 лет назад

      I hear you but this was already gone through before I bought it back in 2001-2002, so 95% of the components on the board have been replaced, the transformers are all original though. So, changing a few things around in the circuit (no holes drilled, the chassis is perfect that way and will stay that way as long as I own it) wouldn't be hard to reverse if I were to want to sell it eventually.

    • @brianingram2068
      @brianingram2068 7 лет назад +3

      Certainly reversible changes are no big deal. I was especially focused on your desire for lower headroom... You could get there with a master volume circuit (not insurmountable, but where do you mount it?). Or you could get there with an amp that makes less output power to begin with. If you're looking for the output tubes to distort first (big assumption on my part), even half-power may not be a big enough drop in headroom/volume.
      A switch to cathode bias might only be a 20-40% reduction in output power, and heat in the output tubes & power transformer become a concern that must be addressed.
      I'd recommend playing amps in the 10-15w range, and seeing if that is a volume level you're shooting for. If yes, it might yield some clarity on whether changing the Bandmaster's operation is the way to go, or if a different amp is the better answer.
      It doesn't matter whether I or anyone else approves; it's your amp. But having tread this path before with my own amps, things usually worked better when I let an amp be what it is, and used a smaller amp when I really wanted less volume (just built a 1/3-watt amp for that very reason for playing around the house; still have the Pro Reverb, though).

    • @MarderExplorer
      @MarderExplorer 7 лет назад +1

      Thanks for your thoughts, always good to hear from people that have been down that path.
      I've recently finished scratch building a 5F1 circuit into a 1x12 combo cab, (what I've been using for the Bandmaster in recent times) and that does the (slightly) lower volume grind thing well, so I really don't "need" the Bandmaster to break up at lower volumes. I guess it's more of a desire to see what I can tweak on it and actually experience the changes vs just reading about them. I've no issue with component swapping since it's already been overly serviced, arguably but I don't see any point in doing a typical master volume since the pre-amp isn't exactly high gain anyway.
      You're right in that it does what it does very well, and changing it to do another thing would inherently require a compromise in clean tone or the modded tone so why not just find another amp. I have another project to build out of an old PA amp, which will be 3x12AX7, 2xEL84s and somewhere between a JCM800, Marshall 18W and generic Orange front end and that will get VVR or a PPIMV.
      A good OD pedal may be exactly what I need before I can get the EL84 amp designed and built and I'll probably pursue that avenue first as I have a Tubescreamer but I don't like how it works with my other sentimental piece of gear, '01 Gibson Explorer with Burstbuckers.
      Thanks again for your thoughtful conversation!

  • @audiotechlabs4650
    @audiotechlabs4650 7 лет назад +2

    I think that is not quite a Marshall. That thing sounds more like a Dumble! Those sustaining notes are a work of art! Same old story, same old song and dance! Every one, me included, wishes they had hung on to their BF Bassmans. I plan building a AA165 or AB165. Got the parts, don't have the time, yet. I once worked on one that the customer used the bass instrument channel for bass ant the normal channel for a Farfisa compact deluxe organ. Whoa! Thankz

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад

      I bet the Farfisa sounds pretty good through it, actually.

  • @HypnoVisual
    @HypnoVisual 7 лет назад

    Thanks for the review!! It sounds awesome!!! No sleep for the neighborhood everynight for sure!! =D Liked and subscribed to you bro!! Keep rockin, and do keep more comin''!

  • @russ2796
    @russ2796 7 лет назад

    Just found your channel, even though most of the technical stuff is over my head I gotta say you make awesome videos. I'm hoping I'll start picking up some basics from watching you work, you're outstanding at explaining what you're doing and why. You've got a new sub in me..hope your channel takes off because it's definitely quality material. Thanks!

  • @gmmakesmehurl
    @gmmakesmehurl 5 лет назад +5

    Weird. Did this all the time with my twin. Never realized it was a cardinal sin lol

  • @SteveRieck-Music
    @SteveRieck-Music 5 лет назад +3

    Wow. Sounds amazing! If that amp were around 20 or 30 years ago, it could have single handedly saved rock and roll.

  • @PPoyares
    @PPoyares 7 лет назад

    Great mod and tone mate! It sounds very smooth and very similar to a Marshall JTM 45 cranked all the way up...

  • @koshar44
    @koshar44 6 лет назад

    Im starting to watch your videos just to see you jam. Lol, but thanks for this , i learn so much from you.

  • @dfw_motorrad1329
    @dfw_motorrad1329 7 лет назад +113

    Blackface Fender? Fender, that's racist. I'm an amp and I'm offended.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +27

      My wife said the same thing. :P

    • @chrismonaut
      @chrismonaut 7 лет назад +17

      You mean "I'm ampfenderd!"

    • @TheCrimsonIdol987
      @TheCrimsonIdol987 7 лет назад +15

      Did you just assume my Fender?! >:(

    • @MrJohnnyDistortion
      @MrJohnnyDistortion 5 лет назад +1

      Well, you'd better not plug into any cabinets with Black widow speakers then.

    • @flukyreview9128
      @flukyreview9128 4 года назад +1

      DFW_Motorrad you would be offended because you are a SNOWFLAKE MILLENNIAL. BOOOO HOOOOO. my feelings are so delicate and need my mommy to kiss my booo boo. Crawl back to your hole you fatass snowflake. There should be a law against fat pigs riding motorcycles. Why do you even exist?

  • @richardturk7162
    @richardturk7162 7 лет назад +7

    Kind of wished I hadn't sold my 78 50 watt Bassman.
    I could have been a better amp with a little tweaking from you.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад +5

      I would have taken a look at it.

    • @richardturk7162
      @richardturk7162 7 лет назад +3

      I think I sold it before we did that Sound City amp deal.
      Did you ever do a video on the Sound City amp?

  • @OCRSixtoSounds
    @OCRSixtoSounds 7 лет назад

    This sounds amazing! Great work!

  • @stevehogan8829
    @stevehogan8829 6 лет назад

    I can't figure out why even though I know nothing about electronics...I enjoy watching you trace issues and correct something you changed that did not work... Totally baffles me. Anyway really enjoyed this. Thanks. Sounds Badass.

  • @wraith1977
    @wraith1977 6 лет назад +1

    This video just indirectly taught me the difference between Class A and Class AB by causing an "Aha!" moment when discussing signal phase through the tubes. Thanks!

  • @dostacos1
    @dostacos1 7 лет назад

    I enjoy your videos a lot, man. Keep up the good work.

  • @barrychristiansen4579
    @barrychristiansen4579 6 лет назад +2

    Bradley! your simply the Bomb my friend! you really knocked this one outa the park . Haliluja!!!. you got my vote big time and very deceint chopps too@!

  • @luthiervandros
    @luthiervandros 2 года назад

    The ol, “I need my amp for a gig tomorrow” ploy lol. I love that one. Brad, your techniques and choice of tools are a bit diff from mine, but I never fail to learn from you. Hope alls well.

  • @IbervilleMusic
    @IbervilleMusic 7 лет назад

    Since it had already been modded, I really don't see any problem. And that tone, man. wow. New subscriber here! great content!

  • @sam127001
    @sam127001 7 лет назад +1

    first time viewer , i really like the video. I 'm glad you left in the parts where you miscalculated ( we've all done it)- much respect for that. subbed.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  7 лет назад

      Thanks, Sam, and welcome to the channel! Look forward to more comments.

  • @walterkasper467
    @walterkasper467 4 года назад +1

    Transformers can also have a big influence on sound. I am now playing through a red plate amp kind of dumble like sound . Thanks for the great video

  • @stevefearon9337
    @stevefearon9337 3 года назад

    Best real world explanation of phase.... man I love this channel, even with all the crazy shite going on in the world, just chilling with a good guy running schematics and pointing at electronics. . 🙏

  • @dennisgarryowen8885
    @dennisgarryowen8885 7 лет назад

    Wow! You did a great job. That amp sounds fantastic.

  • @barrychristiansen4579
    @barrychristiansen4579 6 лет назад

    Brilliant Brad , Love it all as usual. man that puppy deepfries!!!.

  • @andrewarbogast9313
    @andrewarbogast9313 6 лет назад

    That reminds me of a Dumble! Very nice! The notes soar and morph throughout the sustain. The feedback tone was even toasty.

  • @AquaHulKMUSIC
    @AquaHulKMUSIC 7 лет назад +1

    Sounds awesome! Great work man!

  • @tonymckenziecom
    @tonymckenziecom 5 лет назад

    Really cool video and so interesting to see how you did that...thanks....

  • @marinkino
    @marinkino 7 лет назад +1

    Beautiful sound man! Congrats

  • @owlnonymous
    @owlnonymous 7 лет назад

    Very informative video! Keep up the good content.

  • @tanyet
    @tanyet 7 лет назад

    Great vid. I'm a big fan of that shark fin Teisco in the back. Beautiful sounding guitar for sure.

  • @GuitarHeavenPL
    @GuitarHeavenPL 7 лет назад

    I'm surprised what you made out of it tonewise Great work!

  • @eltigre8978
    @eltigre8978 4 года назад

    Sounds amazing! Great work!

  • @brian1749
    @brian1749 7 лет назад

    Sounds amazing!!! Great job!

  • @sleggarri
    @sleggarri 6 лет назад

    One of the best sounding amps that I've heard on your channel. Nice work!

  • @MichaelLynMusic
    @MichaelLynMusic 7 лет назад

    Great stuff brother.............love the tone and lots of fun!

  • @aschule5684
    @aschule5684 4 года назад

    👍🏼 sweet work tone and playing my friend ✌🏼️

  • @mickgentry8128
    @mickgentry8128 7 лет назад

    Really enjoy your Video's thanks, amp sounds great!

  • @POsomething
    @POsomething 7 лет назад +2

    It sounds just amazing. Perfect!

  • @smokepeddler
    @smokepeddler 4 года назад

    So much to learn.
    I always thought parallel reduced gain.
    Great info thanx

  • @FirstNameLastName-mo9li
    @FirstNameLastName-mo9li 7 лет назад

    Guitologist,
    Definitely bad ass! Really like your videos. Subscribed.

  • @MosheAlvarez
    @MosheAlvarez 4 года назад

    Hey Brad, great job on the mod and adding a Deicide song at the end there to go with your achievement of 6,666 subscribers LOL

  • @CB-ul2np
    @CB-ul2np 5 лет назад +2

    For years I have been chasing the mods that Santana had on his Fender Twin reverbs from his golden era when he made his best music. Wasn't no Mesa on his early best stuff from the late 60s.

  • @hmesters
    @hmesters 3 года назад

    Phantastic! Well explained and very relevant. You are a hero.
    Regards, han

  • @mattflickinger8151
    @mattflickinger8151 7 лет назад

    New subscriber, really interesting, keep it up!

  • @petedazer3381
    @petedazer3381 5 лет назад

    Awesome video man! Awesome picking as well!

  • @chriscornish3541
    @chriscornish3541 4 года назад

    sounds amazing! love your videos!