Want to pump up a non-pristine SFBandmaster or Pro Reverb?

...check the Forum's classifieds: I just noticed a Bassman OT on the for what I'd consider a really good price (note - I have NO connection with the seller, just know what th extra "push" does).

The weakness of the Bandmaster and Pro Reverb (BF & SF models) has always been the OT, which was originally just a bit on the "wimpy" side. Before the "DON'T DRILL!!!" vintage alarms started ringing 15-20 years ago a common mod was to install a Bassman OT (which is a much punchier model with more iron). In some cases, as Pro Reverbs (for example) don't have the vintage "panache" or value of the smaller DR's and even PR's this mod - even with a couple extra screw holes - has increased the value of an amp (especially one not in mint condition.

My '69 has the Bassman OT, and in a trade I ended up with a stock Pro Reverb OT at one point - swapped 'em just to hear the difference (since the modded Pro Reverb has always been one of my best higher-powered stage amps) and it was like night and day.

Just a tip - if you have an already-modded or beater Pro Reverb or Bandmaster and want to turn it into a tone monster, $30 (plus whatever a qualified tech would charge to install it if you aren't qualified) would be, IMO, well worth it. I describe mine as an ultra-warm Twin Reverb with controllable volume, or a DR on Steroids.

Hope someone can use the advice.

Good post, thanks!

OR....I once put soem high efficiency speakers in a BF PRo REverb with low efficiency Oxfords in it...and more than doubled the volume while holding on to that wonderful saturation thatt he little PRo REverb OT has when pushed.
Imho, it is all up to what a player wants....do you want a PRo REv. with 45 watts, more punch and less saturation....or do you want 40 watts with an OT that will 'sing' more readily. PErsonal thing,imho. I personally love what the smaller OT does in those amps, and in this day and age of 'less is more', a 40 watt Pro REverb that sings is a marvel.
One or two other things one can do to make a PRo REverb/Bandmaster/ Vibrolux REverb type of amp a bit 'punchier' is to install more filtration in the first stage of the filter caps...and/or run a SS rectifier.
The only question is 'how do you want to skin this cat', right? Do you want to 'sting' or 'sing'? Lots of choices. PErsonally, if I want a 2X12 amp that punches/stings, I get a TR. (8^)

I did this mod to a number of bandmaster reverb heads and they all had pre-drilled holes for the bigger OT. Maybe because the same chassis is used for super reverbs.
Jef