Increasing output

ComingApart · December 8th, 2003, 02:11 AM

I've seen several examples of high output Bandmaster heads (i think there is one or two on Ebay right now).
In most cases, somebody has replaced the power and output transformers with Twin or Showman models and added two more tubes, bringing the output up to Twin or Showman levels.
What all does this mod require? Is it reversible?

FWIW, I don't plan on doing this to any amp I own, I'm just curious about all the ones I've seen for sale like this.

Ringo · December 8th, 2003, 11:43 AM

Some (all?) of the Bandmaster chassis are punched out for 4 power tubes, I've been told that the Showman is the same chassis.
By the time you mod one with new transformers, tube sockets, etc... I'd think you'd just be better off buying a Showman.
And what would be the point? A Showman is the same chassis as a Twin, loud and clean - which is fine IF that is what you want.

Tremo · December 8th, 2003, 03:03 PM

Crap like that is a "hack", and is associated with the notorious like Torres and that lot.

If you want a high power amp, buy one, there's plenty of Showman heads available. Better yet, build one for yourself, from scratch. There's plenty of vendors selling all the needed piece parts.

ComingApart · December 9th, 2003, 12:32 AM

No guys, I didn't mean to sound like I wanted to do that. It's just that I've seen a few of those go really cheap and I was wondering how hard it would be to reverse the mod.

I'm not big on those types of mods either. I get a wave of nausea everytime I see an effects loop, master volume or some other pitiful hack done to a vintage amp.
That aforementioned "amp specialist" that has made a business out of ruining good gear does not sit well with me.

Ok, rant over.

December 8th, 2003, 02:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
ComingApart Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Southern Arkansas Posts: 216	Increasing output I've seen several examples of high output Bandmaster heads (i think there is one or two on Ebay right now). In most cases, somebody has replaced the power and output transformers with Twin or Showman models and added two more tubes, bringing the output up to Twin or Showman levels. What all does this mod require? Is it reversible? FWIW, I don't plan on doing this to any amp I own, I'm just curious about all the ones I've seen for sale like this.

December 8th, 2003, 11:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
Ringo Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Memphis TN Posts: 1,913	modding Bandmasters Some (all?) of the Bandmaster chassis are punched out for 4 power tubes, I've been told that the Showman is the same chassis. By the time you mod one with new transformers, tube sockets, etc... I'd think you'd just be better off buying a Showman. And what would be the point? A Showman is the same chassis as a Twin, loud and clean - which is fine IF that is what you want.

December 8th, 2003, 03:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
Tremo Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Silicon Valley, CA, USA Posts: 3,767	Crap like that is a "hack", and is associated with the notorious like Torres and that lot. If you want a high power amp, buy one, there's plenty of Showman heads available. Better yet, build one for yourself, from scratch. There's plenty of vendors selling all the needed piece parts.

December 9th, 2003, 12:32 AM	#4 (permalink)
ComingApart Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Southern Arkansas Posts: 216	No guys, I didn't mean to sound like I wanted to do that. It's just that I've seen a few of those go really cheap and I was wondering how hard it would be to reverse the mod. I'm not big on those types of mods either. I get a wave of nausea everytime I see an effects loop, master volume or some other pitiful hack done to a vintage amp. That aforementioned "amp specialist" that has made a business out of ruining good gear does not sit well with me. Ok, rant over.