Fender Bandmaster
The Fender Bandmaster was an amplifier made by Fender. It was introduced in 1953 and discontinued in 1974. [1]
Timeline
Timeline gleaned from [2]
Year | Inputs | Output | Form | Speakers | Controls | Circuit/Model | Price |
1953 | 2 instr, 1 mic | Combo (Wide Panel) | (1) 15" + ext jack | Volume, Treble, Bass | 5C7 | $229.50 | |
1954 | 2 instr, 1 mic | Combo (Wide Panel) | (1) 15" + ext jack | Volume, Treble, Bass | 5D7 | ||
1955 | 2 instr, 1 mic | 26 watts | Combo (Narrow Panel) | (3) 10" + ext jack | Volume, Treble, Bass, Presence | 5E7 | |
April 1960 | 2 channels, each with high & low impedance |
Combo ("modern", panel-less) | each channel: Volume, Treble, Bass Vibrato channel also: Speed, Intensity |
6G7 | |||
End 1960 | 2 channels, each with high & low impedance |
each channel: Volume, Treble, Bass Vibrato channel also: Speed, Intensity |
|||||
Feb 1961 | 2 channels, each with high & low impedance |
Piggyback ("head") | None | each channel: Volume, Treble, Bass Vibrato channel also: Speed, Intensity |
6G7-A | ||
1963 | 2 channels, each with high & low impedance |
Piggyback ("head") | None | each channel: Volume, Treble, Bass Vibrato channel also: Speed, Intensity |
AB763 | ||
1968 | 2 channels, each with high & low impedance |
40 watts | Piggyback ("head") | None | each channel: Volume, Treble, Bass Vibrato channel also: Speed, Intensity |
AA568 | |
1969 | 2 channels, each with high & low impedance |
Piggyback ("head") | None | each channel: Volume, Treble, Bass Vibrato channel also: Speed, Intensity |
AA1069 |
Circuit Notes
AB763
The AB763 (designed in July, 1963) circuit is arguably considered the "best" circuit version produced for this amp by collectors and aficionados. 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.
AA568
The AA568 version (introduced May, 1968) was met with popular dislike by Fender's customers. It is referred to at times as the "silverface" circuit, referring to the filver faceplate used from 1968 to .... (Date needed). It should be noted, however, that the circuit change and the cosmetic change didn't happen at the same time, and some 1967 and early 1968 Bandmasters still possessed the AB763 circuitry.
AA1069
Some of the changes from the AA568 were reverted in October, 1969, yielding the AA1069 circuit, but many of the changes remained in place.