Music Master Bass Amp Mafia

[Sidney Vicious]

Seeing is believing - TERRIFIC score, TM. Looks great.

I have never heard of a 15 as an option in that amp - that is a big speaker that's for sure. Regardless, you say it sounds great - so enjoy it.

[whoisalhedges]

So, any of you running another amp in stereo with your MMB? I'm thinking about such a setup. Any suggestions? Not looking for any one particular tone, I guess I'll know it when I hear it. I'm thinking something complementary -- though a second MMB would surely NOT be out of the question entirely...

I'm looking to keep it under $500.

Alright, so the MMB is a pretty loud 12 watts, but the AC-15 is an incredibly loud 15 watts. I think that's out, don't know that I could hit their sweet spots at a level where both would be audible. Night Train, maybe? Could get a used one with the cab for around the price of a new AC-15. Ampeg J-12? Can get a handwired vintage one of those under the 5 bill mark, and it definitely has a different tonal character than the MMB. I'm probably leaning toward the Ampeg, but again: I'm only in the "pondering" stage right now, I'm not gonna go out and buy a new amp anytime soon.

Have you guys had any luck with the 2-amp setup? What have you used with your beloved Musicmasters?

[lowatter]

I occasionally run my Musicmaster in stereo with the 18W amp I built through my Zoom GFX-4 multi-effects unit. It sounds great and the 18W adds some needed bottom end.

[whoisalhedges]

Originally Posted by lowatter

I occasionally run my Musicmaster in stereo with the 18W amp I built through my Zoom GFX-4 multi-effects unit. It sounds great and the 18W adds some needed bottom end.

That crossed my mind too, but I've played a few 18 clones that you really had to crank to get to that sweet spot, and then it'd overwhelm the MMB. I guess it all depends on the 18-watter, huh? I definitely think the bass response and British drive could really round out the sonic profile of the MMB.

My hands are kinda shaky when I solder, though. I've done some guitar jobs, but they sure are UG-LY! Glad I'm not a surgeon... Anyway, I probably won't be building any amps soon, unless I'm putting that 18w in a Twin chassis so I have enough room.

What about the 6AQ5 MMB? If I understand correctly, it's a shade quieter... does it sound different enough from my 6V6 that they could play nice together? Also, another 6V6 with a totally different speaker could be interesting.

[RubyRae]

Originally Posted by whoisalhedges

So, any of you running another amp in stereo with your MMB? I'm thinking about such a setup. Any suggestions? Have you guys had any luck with the 2-amp setup? What have you used with your beloved Musicmasters?

Actually I really like the MMB with a Princeton (or a Princeton Reverb)...I don't have a MMB amp yet, but my friend does, and I have run them both together and it sounds great. I bought my Princeton off him, and he always ran the 2 together. Then he ended up getting a PR and now runs those 2.
I think it is a great complimenting sound. You can definitely pick up a Princeton (non reverb) for 500 or less.

[Trés Mellow]

I haven't run it in stereo, but I have played around with a two amp setup combining the MMB with my Ampeg Gemini I or Reverberocket 2. At the volume the MMB starts to break up, or even dimed, the Ampegs are still clean (Gemini I more than the RR2). The combination of the luscious Ampeg clean with the breakup of the MMB is really sweet.

[blindmouse]

Allright, it is in! From West Des Moins, Iowa all the way up to the Netherlands: a great 1970 Fender Music Master Bass Amp. This early MMB-amp differs from later models of the same amp:

- a terminal strip instead of an eyelet board to fix the components;
- amp corners with sphinx gliders;
- it says AMP on the faceplate
- MUSICMASTER is written as MUSIC MASTER - two words!!
- the aluminium skirted knobs have a black line indicator. Later ones have a
pointed black arrow-like indicator
- the pilot light is flat, but is bigger than later ones
- is has a screwed in, all in one baffle/grill board.

Great amp!

[RubyRae]

blindmouse, that is a beauty! I really dig the subtle differences with this early model.
congrats! I really want one of these...

[blindmouse]

Thanks RubyRae

Some more pics. I've got a photobucket account. My account name is jooptraynor. You'll find more MMB info there.

The speaker is not original.

[telemnemonics]

Originally Posted by whoisalhedges

So, any of you running another amp in stereo with your MMB? I'm thinking about such a setup. Any suggestions? Not looking for any one particular tone, I guess I'll know it when I hear it. I'm thinking something complementary -- though a second MMB would surely NOT be out of the question entirely...

I'm looking to keep it under $500.

Alright, so the MMB is a pretty loud 12 watts, but the AC-15 is an incredibly loud 15 watts. I think that's out, don't know that I could hit their sweet spots at a level where both would be audible. Night Train, maybe? Could get a used one with the cab for around the price of a new AC-15. Ampeg J-12? Can get a handwired vintage one of those under the 5 bill mark, and it definitely has a different tonal character than the MMB. I'm probably leaning toward the Ampeg, but again: I'm only in the "pondering" stage right now, I'm not gonna go out and buy a new amp anytime soon.

Have you guys had any luck with the 2-amp setup? What have you used with your beloved Musicmasters?

Yes! My MMB (with 6V6s) is a favorite for stereo. I have some different Ibanez 10 series chorus pedals with separate stereo circuits, so each side can run at slightly different speeds giving a sort of warbling vibrato as one overtakes the other. The best amp I have to pair the MMB with is a CF Martin with 6V6s and a single 12. (Those go for a little more than 500 bucks though) Also my 1970 Traynor YGA 20 (?) is a good match, as is a Princeton modded for 6L6s with bigger trannies. I've yet to try my newly acquired 18w clone with it. The poor MMB is a bit off right now, I haven't figured out whats wrong with it but it's got a bit of fizz to the notes. I've blessed it with a 60s AlNiCo Celestion, so it knows it will be well cared for. They do know what's up, eh?

[Sidney Vicious]

blindmouse - that is a very sweet - and very early example of the MMB -

I see that the transformer in the third picture in the four picture group appears to be stamped 606-0-16 - 16th week of '70 - I own a 606-0-16 as well - stamped on both my transformers.

Could you check the other tranny in your amp please? And what is the serial stamped on the rear of the chassis? Mine is 00722. My amp too has the straight line, the corners, the terminal strip etc - but I suspect yours may pre-date mine. Cool amp - thanks for posting the pictures.

[blindmouse]

Sidney - thanks for this reaction. I just had to have this amp. After seeing the pic on your first post on the MMB Amp Maffia forum. Your amp matched the amp seen on my Fender Musicmaster Bass catalogue page (see earlier posting).

All three (PT-OT-PI) transformers read 606-0-16!! The serial number is 00648. IMHO it is not said that the lower serial number of my amp means that it is pre-dating your amp. The Mallory filter caps read: 235-70-20A and 235-70 -16A. Volume pot code: 137 -7018 / Tone pot code: 137-7023.

The amp came with an GE alnico speaker. A bit weak. On the pics you see an 80ties Fender driver. I changed that for a better sounding 12" ET-65W Warehouse loudspeaker, which I had laying around. I would like to have an orignal speaker but I think it's impossible to find a 1970 working MMB one.

When it came in it was a very dirty amp. Dirty and loose tolex and lots of dust. The baffle spontaneously fell out. It's so nice to work on that and give it the beauty that lies underneath.

Another detail: the wire from the pilot lamp and the wire from the on/off knob are soldered together. Covered by a small piece of black tape!!!

Take care.

[Sidney Vicious]

blindmouse - true that the chassis stamp is not the best way to date - it is only a "ballbpark" figure - nonetheless I hazzard a guess that no one will come forward with a lower number than that 648.

The wire from the pilot lamp and the wire from the on/off knob soldered together and covered by a small piece of black tape is another one of the quirks of the very early versions of this amp.

[whoisalhedges]

Hm... I have an interesting lead on a stereo partner for my Musicmaster Bass Amp:

The same shop at which I bought my MMB has an old Audio Guild Grand Prix for under 4 bills. With decent reverb AND, of course, that glorious Don Bonham/Maggie pitch-shifting vibrato.

Having the good ol' volume + tone MMB running dry and the Audio Guild running wet (not to get ahead of myself, but maybe with my DOD FX68 stereo chorus set real low splitting them instead of a basic A/B/Y)... how interesting does THAT sound?

And yes, I like making "interesting" sounds with my rig, and would likely vary between a deep, shimmering chorus and a nearly straight signal split depending on what I was trying to do. Basically, I'm not a guitar-cable-amp bluesman; but no matter how many effects you layer on, you still need good tone. Which both of these amps have in spades, IMO.

[whoisalhedges]

Dilemma solved:

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/amp-centr...ml#post2869424

[blindmouse]

So glad that I installed a 500mA fuse in my 1973 MMB amp. I found myself some old 6AQ5A tubes. Usually I test all tubes before I put them in one of my amps. Now I didn't, but I will do again in the future!!! I turned the amp on, an upcoming hum and the pilot light went out. The fuse had popped. A big short in one of the 6AQ5A's when I tested it. No harm done to the transformers!
Conclusion: be sure to use good tubes!!! Install a fuse in your MMB-Amp!

[hshight]

I just got a 1976 MMB amp, I think I'm in love! Two would be even better. Fuse will be installed. This is one that was on fleabay a couple of weeks ago, it's in almost new condition, manual, warranty card, clean as a whistle. What a little tone monster! Put some Tung Sol's in, a tad more lows now (that could be psychosematic, I know Rob at Tube Depot and their site said these tubes will provide more lows, and I trust him) but wow what an amp! The 12AX7 says "Fender" on it, wonder if it's original?

[blindmouse]

hshight, congratulations! You've got yourself a smokin' amp.

Have a look at my latest bin hitting activity (my wife says I should consult a shrink). Right down from Louisiana, New Orleans a 1970 Music Master Bass Amp.

Check - jooptraynor - through google to find more interesting facts on this amp

[hshight]

G.A.S., for sure! Got some tube retainers, sockets a bit loose (tightened them per instructions found here) but one 6V6 is still wobbly. Eventually will replace sockets. Need to search adding the fuse - yes, going to drill the back of the chassis! Will post pics when I get her apart again. If my HK Trilogy sells, I'll be shopping for another MMB!

[hshight]

Here's the MMB, and the VHT Special 6 I just got. (Fender sounds better to me, ymmv!)