64-67 Blackpanel Fender Collectors

[ETMusic777]

Jasonpatrick...I think it would be best if you refrain from attacking me personally going forward. Now, you go on ignore. Bye!

 

[KeepItSimpleTele]

I don’t have any cabs from the blackplate era…but these reproduction ones from Mojotone. This is a 2x12” with Neo V-Types. Super light pine too. Easy on the back. I just have to age the cloth to match the 67 Showman

 

[Jasonpatrick]

Only one I got is this mid 65. Still using 64 transformers though

 

[KeepItSimpleTele]

I've had a large number of various eras of Fender amps pass through my hands during my years as a dealer. Only two actual "64-67" examples remain:
1966 Bassman
1964 Princeton (nr)
The Bassman is mostly unmolested, but the Princeton is one of those heavily modified "Prune Boogie" amps where only the hacked up shell is left.

I also have several late CBS blackface amps that I have hung on to:
1980 Bassman 135
1981 Champ
1981 Deluxe Reverb
1982 MusicMaster Bass
1983 Champ II

Note that Fender did not have an exclusive monopoly on blackface control panels.
Aireon jukebox amps used blackface panels as early as 1946.
Same with brownface plates, Bell & Howell was using a brownface at least by 1955.

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The Champ is modded for 6L6 with a Champ 12 output transformer, balanced heaters, ¼" speaker jack and Legend 10". I usually run a 6V6, though.

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How to you like the Musicmaster? I’ve been thinking about getting one for guitar use

 

[KeepItSimpleTele]

I’ve owned a many of BF and SF Fender Combos over the years, some models 4-6 times each. My favorite Fender amps were a ‘65 VR, a ‘65 DR, a ‘66 TR and a ‘67 drip-edge black-line SR.

I’ve also own some very good sounding SF Fender amps. Some SF amps as good or better than the same model BF amp. To me, speakers make the biggest difference in the sound of these amps. Note, that all of my amps were serviced and in good working order.

My current Fender Pro Reverb. It’s actually a ‘71 SF amp that has been BF modded. Also a good sounding amp.

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Has the blackpanel grill cloth been changed too? Totally looks the part

 

[Kevin Wolfe]

Not a collector but here’s my ‘66 AB165. I bought the head in 1976 for $50.

 

[KeepItSimpleTele]

Not a collector but here’s my ‘66 AB165. I bought the head in 1976 for $50.

I like the AB165 Bassman. It can do clean and pedals really well….but it’s just the perfect overdrive when opened up. I

 

[Kevin Wolfe]

I like the AB165 Bassman. It can do clean and pedals really well….but it’s just the perfect overdrive when opened up. I

That’s true. However this one has been Trainwrecked in the bass channel. It’s really like having two separate amps in one chassis. Check out my thread in the DIY amps and cabs forum.
search up 6v6’s in a Bassman.

 

[slider313]

My production #1, October 1964 Vibrolux Reverb.

 

[Wally]

I got a weeks suspension from the forum for posting this.

That is understandable from my perspective. Politics and all, correct?

 

[robt57]

My back is offended lifting them...

First I've heard the PC name change.

My last big Fender was Brown Face Pro, are we calling those something else? Brown Panel? I got no problem stopping unintentionally dissing folk on any/all levels.

 

[Kevin Wolfe]

6v6’s in AB165 bassman, here’s that thread @KeepItSimpleTele​

 

[mad dog]

I had a pristine, as new looking '67 BFDR for years. Great amp. Traded into a well traveled ''67/68 SFDR a couple years ago. Now in a larger, 1x15 cab by Peter Mather. Not quite what you're looking for, but it's the best DR I've ever heard. Better than that gorgeous BFDR.

 

[KeepItSimpleTele]

I had a pristine, as new looking '67 BFDR for years. Great amp. Traded into a well traveled ''67/68 SFDR a couple years ago. Now in a larger, 1x15 cab by Peter Mather. Not quite what you're looking for, but it's the best DR I've ever heard. Better than that gorgeous BFDR.

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I do appreciate a good 15” speaker for a this era Fender circuit. Good stuff

 

[thankyouguitar]

People have called this era of Fender blackface…but ya….that term has recognized negative connotations and a history of dehumanization against black people. I see blackplate or blackpanel used more now when speaking of this era of Fender amps….and rightly so.

I wish I could like this post 100 times.

 

[Telecaster1954]

My production #1, October 1964 Vibrolux Reverb.

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Slider that is amazing. However you came to to own that gem, be thankful!

 

[tacobender]

I’ve been digging the Bassman 4x12 combo lately. Great cleans and awesome chunk with a suhr riot in front. UK made T75s in the Marshall cab. Neo Creambacks in the Sourmash.

 

[tacobender]

I don’t have any cabs from the blackplate era…but these reproduction ones from Mojotone. This is a 2x12” with Neo V-Types. Super light pine too. Easy on the back. I just have to age the cloth to match the 67 Showman

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I really like the Neo V and the Neo Creamback. I have a 2x12 cab with the V and CB and another with 2 CB. They sound great and weigh nothing.

I’ve compared them with a bunch of other speakers and they hold their own.

 

[telemnemonics]

They introduced a line of blackface amps in August/September 1963, in addition to the Deluxe-Amp there was also a Concert-Amp, Vibrolux-Amp, Pro-Amp, and a Vibroverb-Amp in the first batch. Maybe Tremolux too. I don't remember if they had any of the Reverb amps in the first batch other than the Vibroverb, but the Deluxe Reverb, Vibrolux Reverb, Super Reverb and Twin Reverb were around by the beginning of 1964. Some amps, such as the Bassman-Amp, Princeton-Amp, Princeton Reverb-Amp, Champ-Amp and Vibro Champ-Amp came later. I don't know when the Bandmaster and Showmans were phased in, there were some transitional piggyback amps with mixed blond/black features through early 1964.

I hope others who have more specific information on the early Blackface Fender timeline will chime in to correct any mistakes here, and add missing details.

I have a brown Princeton that dates to '63 but is not tuxedo.
Lots of crossover, or maybe lots of bits of crossover.

 

[Jasonpatrick]

I have this too…A black panel 6g6b 1963 blonde bassman that’s been spray painted black lol.. does that sorta count?