Bandmaster Reverb Conversion to 2x8" combo

Singin' Dave · June 13th, 2008, 01:56 PM

I'm seriously thinking about converting my '72 Bandmaster reverb into a 2x8" combo and wondering if anyone has heard of this being done.

I would hope to squeeze two 8" speakers (probably 8ohm Weber 8F150's wired in parallel) into the existing cab, replace the baffle board and simply run a 1/4" from the speaker out to the speakers. I could then still use it as a head with my 2x12's by simply pulling out the cable wired to the internal speakers or use it alone with the internal speakers.

Anyone done this? Any challenges other than the speakers fitting? Other speakers to consider?

JohnnyCrash · June 13th, 2008, 02:13 PM

2x8"s won't sound very ideal.

I'd hit up Mojo and have them build you a replacement combo cab... at least 2x10"s - or even 1x15".

strat a various · June 13th, 2008, 03:00 PM

Dave,
An old friend in Vegas did this "mod" to a Dual Showman Reverb, don't know what speakers he used. It sounded ok for rehearsals and quiet blues jams, and he could still use it as a head for bigger gigs. I wouldn't do any thing irreversable to a SF fender, but if you can build a removable baffle with appropriate grill cloth, why not?

I had an Eminence 8", don't know the model no., but it was rated at like 150 watts, might have come out of a Polytone(?) Couple of those would work pretty well, I think they still make something like that, check the Eminence site. That speaker sounded good, too ... balanced. Maybe it was a bass speaker.
best wishes

Singin' Dave · June 13th, 2008, 03:05 PM

I have cabs - a tophat 2x12 and an original '65 small 2x12. And I have plenty of combos (SFDR, SFSR, Mesa Boogie, etc.)

I just thought it would be a fun project to try and very cool to show up to a blues jam with just a head and then plug her in and rip. The '72 BMR's arent very collectable or anything, but I will not be doing anything not easily reversable (planning to build a new baffle entirely and cloth with stuff from mojo)

These Weber 8's are actually surprising in terms of low end and punch. I heard them in an old Traynor GuitarMate (the 4x8 version, YGM-4?) and they wailed. But they look too bulky for this project. Thanks for the tip on the Eminences, I'll check them too!

milocj · June 13th, 2008, 03:39 PM

Is there room to put the reverb pan on the bottom of the cabinet if you make a new front panel for the speakers or do you plan on losing the 'verb?

June 13th, 2008, 01:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
Singin' Dave TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chicago Age: 40 Posts: 93	Bandmaster Reverb Conversion to 2x8" combo I'm seriously thinking about converting my '72 Bandmaster reverb into a 2x8" combo and wondering if anyone has heard of this being done. I would hope to squeeze two 8" speakers (probably 8ohm Weber 8F150's wired in parallel) into the existing cab, replace the baffle board and simply run a 1/4" from the speaker out to the speakers. I could then still use it as a head with my 2x12's by simply pulling out the cable wired to the internal speakers or use it alone with the internal speakers. Anyone done this? Any challenges other than the speakers fitting? Other speakers to consider?

June 13th, 2008, 02:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
JohnnyCrash Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Lost Angeles and Orange County Posts: 7,128	2x8"s won't sound very ideal. I'd hit up Mojo and have them build you a replacement combo cab... at least 2x10"s - or even 1x15".

June 13th, 2008, 03:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
strat a various Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2008 Location: Dana Point Ca Age: 50 Posts: 143	Dave, An old friend in Vegas did this "mod" to a Dual Showman Reverb, don't know what speakers he used. It sounded ok for rehearsals and quiet blues jams, and he could still use it as a head for bigger gigs. I wouldn't do any thing irreversable to a SF fender, but if you can build a removable baffle with appropriate grill cloth, why not? I had an Eminence 8", don't know the model no., but it was rated at like 150 watts, might have come out of a Polytone(?) Couple of those would work pretty well, I think they still make something like that, check the Eminence site. That speaker sounded good, too ... balanced. Maybe it was a bass speaker. best wishes

June 13th, 2008, 03:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
Singin' Dave TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chicago Age: 40 Posts: 93	I have cabs - a tophat 2x12 and an original '65 small 2x12. And I have plenty of combos (SFDR, SFSR, Mesa Boogie, etc.) I just thought it would be a fun project to try and very cool to show up to a blues jam with just a head and then plug her in and rip. The '72 BMR's arent very collectable or anything, but I will not be doing anything not easily reversable (planning to build a new baffle entirely and cloth with stuff from mojo) These Weber 8's are actually surprising in terms of low end and punch. I heard them in an old Traynor GuitarMate (the 4x8 version, YGM-4?) and they wailed. But they look too bulky for this project. Thanks for the tip on the Eminences, I'll check them too!

June 13th, 2008, 03:39 PM	#5 (permalink)
milocj Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 331 3 Photos	Is there room to put the reverb pan on the bottom of the cabinet if you make a new front panel for the speakers or do you plan on losing the 'verb?