Converting BF Bandmaster to Showman specs?

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

Anyone know what might be involved?? Chassis is the same, holes for the tube sockets are already there... BF Showman heads for WHATEVER reason have gone crazy in price, while other BF amps have dropped like a stone..{Twin, Supe,r Princeton, Pro, Bassman Bandmaster]... I should have NEVER sold the 3 Showman heads I have owned in the last 10 years, because mow they are getting really tough to find for a decent price.. In any case, whats involved besides a few tubes and sockets and output transformer to convert the Bandmaster to Showman specs??.. If its cost effective I may go that route.. any thoughts? bob
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I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!

no gear list for me.. you don't have the time......

Jerry Erickson · From: Atlanta,IL 61723

Bob, You might also need a power transformer. I think that the power supply is pretty close, if not the same. You won't have the middle control of the Showman. If you don't use the external speaker jack, you could put it there.

Ken Fox · From: Nashville GA USA

Power transformer for the BF Showman is a 125P34A. For the Bandmaster it is a 125P7D. I would advise changing the power transformer and output transformer. Both amps used the same choke.

125P7D --> new number 022814

125P34A --> new number 022756

Change 2 amp fuse to 2.5 ampere slo-blo, add tube sockets, wire in tube sockets after changing out the output transformer, extend heater circuit wiring to the new sockets, change 15K resistor off bias pot to 27K, 60uf filter caps in the Bandmaster are 70uf in the Showman (I would go at least 70, but 100uf would be better). If the amp has an ungrounded power cord I would change that as well. Get a new set of matched power tubes.

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

Over $400 in parts there, before a single screw is turned... Thanks for the info, and back to plan A.. Buy a BF Showman head, sell Redundant BF Bandmaster head... thanks guys... There are a few on ebay, and it looks like bids are getting scarcer, as Christmas draws near, or because guys are starting to rebel against stupid prices.. bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!

no gear list for me.. you don't have the time......

Ken Fox · From: Nashville GA USA

I built a Vibrolux Clone from scratch, with Weber speakers. Cost over $1200.00 in parts at wholesale. Prices for vintage gear are not so bad when you look at teh cost of building them today!

Rich Hlaves · From: Wildomar, California, USA

Ken,

You said a mouthfull. I spent about $900 building my Deluxe Reverb the way I wanted it. $500-700 is a bargain for a Showman head even if it needs a little work. What have you got if your mod a Bandmaster??....a modded Bandmaster that is worth less than what it was in the first place to most people. Look at what Fender is getting (or trying to get) for PC board amps that sound like crap(DR, TR, SR, PR RIs). Their sudo hand wired stuff is a joke price wise. $3K street price for a low power Twin, $2K for a tweed Deluxe.......Wiskey Tango Foxtrot!

It was a long day at the office and I have opened the bottle of Canadian Club!

Happy Holiday,

Rich

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

Well Bob, I won't be bidding on any Showman Heads so there's one less bidder ! Too much amp for what I want. I did score a very clean SF 73 Bandmaster head ( still seeking a clean cabinet) and a full Tremolux set from 64 , still in transit, which is more to what I am wanting. I already know the Tremolux has the wrong PT and I will spend $100 for the correct one but after that it's " Back to the Bar Rooms Again"

I'll let you have the Showmans but I do think the nicer ones are going to be closer to a grand. Wait, if one of them Showman heads are going for a very low price, I'm in !

good luck in you quest, they are out there..

oh and thanks to Ken as usual for sharing his knowledge.

t
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years

CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website

Ken Fox · From: Nashville GA USA

Ah the Tremolux, about a 30-35 watt amp. Seems like the sweet spot for a 2 x 6L6GC amp. Good find, Tony!

Same wattage for my 5D6B amp and also the Bantam Bass amps. I rebuilt a 2 x 10" Supro with 30 watts and 6L6GC tubes for harp playing friend. Killer amp and again 30 watts. It was covered in a hideous green paisley vinyl and a grill cloth that looks like the upholstery from my grandma's old couch.

Jonathan Lam · From: Brooklyn, NY

Showman prices are going up? crazy.

Michael Pierce · From: Madison, CT

Bob C., don't know where in NY State you're located, but there's one for sale here in the Hartford area. Seller looking for trade on US Fenders as well. Might be worth a call.

http://hartford.craigslist.org/msg/1485195119.html

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

Mike thats a Showman Reverb... Already gots one of those.. Its been my regular gig amp.. Its ok, but they just don't sound as good as the BF ones do.. Also have a Bassman, Bandmaster, Bandmaster Reverb, Princeton, and like Tony, A Tremolux on the way, [head only].

I put a bid on one on ebay,,, I'll have one soon.. bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!

no gear list for me.. you don't have the time......

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

I'm pretty physced about getting the Tremolux, probably next week.

Another question for you brainiacs, ( people in the know ) I know the Bandmaster OT is 4 ohms but I also scored an very nice fender single12 Celestian cab @8 ohms and with the Bandmaster head is just plain out of sight, just a great sound.

Will the Bandmaster head have an issue with the 8 ohm cab or am I asking for trouble long term ? I am seeking an original 60's small 2x12 cab which are 4 ohms but I may want to gig with the single 12/ Bandmaster Head and Telecaster now and then.

comments appreciated..
thanks
t
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years

CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website

Dave Grafe · From: Hudson River Valley NY

you should be fine with that 8 ohm speaker, tony, you will lose a git of gain but the amp will still run cool.

Pete Burak · From: Portland, OR USA

I just scored this Dual Showman Reverb last week on Craigslist for $575:

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

Tony's gone Mod ! ( maybe mad ) The 73 SF BM head is exceptionally clean but I did have to rebuild the Vibrato circuit ( thanks Ken for your wisdom here) . I believe the Cab is a Rocktron Cab, maybe 90 ish ?

Where's my Corvair ?

_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years

CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website

Tom Wolverton · From: Carpinteria, CA

Hey Tony, is that a Fishook dobro? how do you like it?
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To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

It's a Hound Dog Dobro, I don't know what a Fishook Dobro is, am I missing something ? Should I go back to bed ?

I like the Dobro just fine, it's the first one I've ever owned and I am having a great time with it, wiSh I got one of these 25 years ago !

t
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years

CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website

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