1963 6G7-A Fender Bandmaster with 5-Triode Harmonic Tremolo......Mint !!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ย. 2020
- This video features a rather rare 1963 Blonde Fender Bandmaster with the 6G7-A circuit that includes the most elaborate of all of Fender's "harmonic tremolos". The circuit utilizes 5 triodes to achieve a dramatic tremolo effect with some frequency modulation to provide a most unusual tone. The amp itself was recently bought and shipped to me for a full check-up. It was in excellent original condition and responded well to some rather minor repairs. We will have a brief discussion of the evolution of the Bandmaster circuit and cabinet coverings. After the repairs are concluded, there will be a full audio demonstration of varying control and "Vibrato" settings. Also, we will open some presents from generous viewers and take a musical drone flight to McKelligon Canyon Park. I hope you enjoy it :)
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2:49 Condition of exterior
7:08 Removal of back panel
10:32 Evolution of Bandmaster circuits (w/ schematics)
-10:32 Tweed 5E7
-12:03 Blonde 6G7 w/ harmonic tremolo
-15:01 Blonde 6G7-A w/ 5 triode harmonic trem
-18:55 Blonde/Blackface AA763 dual triode photoresistor
17:27 5881 vs 6L6 vs 6L6GC (Power tube comparison)
22:17 Under the hood
22:46 Transformer oddities
26:51 Removal of dog house
25:50 NOS preamp tubes
28:21 The chassis
31:11 Screen resistors
31:51 Removal of cathode bypass caps
34:18 Amps first power up (testing each channel w/ signal generator;
current limiter, and bias probes in place)
38:26 Biasing the tubes (addressing a depleted cathode in a power tube)
39:56 Bias / calculations data for tubes (plate dissipation, 20% tube matching,
70% Plate dissipation vs. 50%-60% dissipation)
47:17 Pilot light (#47 6V bulb)
47:37 Tremolo stops oscillating
47:57 Testing capacitors in a circuit
47:46 Replacing capacitors in a trem circuit
51:45 Audio demonstration
Wonderful synopsis, LR. Thanks again :)
@@UncleDoug This synopsis is the icing on the cake. Your videos have a lot of critical information about these older amplifiers, and I thank you for taking the time to document this kindof stuff. Hope all is well on your end!
@Uncle Doug 1:05:49 Love your tune w/the drone video. It has that indelible 60’s American garage spirit. I’m a subscriber & enjoy learning about amps the way you go through them thoroughly & well explained.
PS: I’ve got a c.‘62 blonde Bandmaster that has a repeating “knock” sound when Vibrato is running. My knowledgeable amp-tech friend couldn’t seem to remedy it. Any ideas? Thanks! 🙏🏼 Dave/Seattle
@@surfercrow This is not an uncommon problem, SC, in fact my own brownface Concert amp had a similar thump. I would recommend a thorough checking of all the voltages in the "vibrato" circuit, as well as the status of the capacitors, particularly those used for coupling of stages.
I just love seeing and hearing the repairs and upgrades to these circuits. Thanks for bringing us along Uncle Doug!
You bet, GG. We enjoy your company :)
I approve this message... lol🙋♂️
It's always a privilege to hear Jack and Ollie play...
Thanks, Eddy. They really appreciate hearing from their fans.
It is amazing how their paw spikes and pink pads never get in the way or deaden notes ...
Watch another fantastic repair of someone's now finely restored Fender amp. Thanks for sharing your process and progress of doing so Uncle Doug.
Our pleasure, HM :)
Man those old Fenders have such a musical vibe. They even seem to balance string output. Thanks so much for all the work you do on these videos. Just the right amount of technical/historical & humorical.
Thanks, Clarence. Being balanced in today's world is getting to be a real challenge :)
Great sounding amp! Marshall's going to love that amp.
Let's hope so, Mike :)
I mean, he loved him a Bassman, so I see no reason why a Bandmaster should be any different!
Watching your vidoes for a little now. Love the way you teach. I'm an auto tech at a dealer and I can appreciate the quality and attention you give. Thank you very much for the knowledge. I've already fixed a couple problems with my dsl40c with that knowledge you passed on.
Thanks, Joe. I'm glad the videos have been helpful :)
Best amp videos on the internet hands down. Finding a new Uncle Doug videos make my day. And what a killer amp. I’m a sucker for blonde piggyback Bassman, Tremolux & Bandmasters. Classiest looking amps imo. Really love the oxblood grill cloth versions from 1962
Thanks so much, VK......glad you enjoyed the video.
There is something relaxing and enjoyable about watching Uncle Doug’s presentations even though I hardly understand half of the technicalities of the amps.
Thanks, Jeff :)
Brought back memories of my 1962 'The Twin" ...good times
What a pleasure that was checking out in depth that model. Thanks Uncle Doug!
Thanks for joining us, FF :)
That’s got to be one of the best sounding amps you’ve worked on Doug. Excellent work as usual 👍
Thanks so much, Chris :)
Oops, meant to say that tremelo sounded great, so smooth and characterfull, worth all the extra components.
Agreed, Rob. Thanks !!!
Yes it appears to be much more fluid and analog like. Never noticed the slightest tick like opto! But amazingly complicated circuit for what it does and with a potential to generate spurious RF interference too.
Thanks for taking us along on this journey, as always very enjoyable and educational.
Thanks for joining us, Kevin.
I loved the close ups to the controls, showing the actual settings on the amp. Sublime as always Uncle Doug!
Glad you liked it, Fredy.
Sounds Great!!! That tremolo is dreamy.
Thanks, William. The frequency modulation definitely gives it a special sound.
I thought that was what was going on. I guess in this case Leo got the vibrato part right. I guess I'll never understand how he got the terminology mixed up.
Another excellent lesson. Thanks...bonus that the amp was made/completed on my 6th birthday.
Wow....lots of people's birthdays coincided with date codes in this amp. It must be magic !!!
Thanks Uncle Doug. Always appreciate your analysis and in depth history review of these awesome amps.
My pleasure, Kim......so glad you enjoy them.
Fantastic video of this rare '63 Blonde Fender Bandmaster. Only amp ever regret selling in my life was my 1964 Blackface Fender Vibro-Lux. The tremolo and amp had that full vintage analog warmth and tonality...like this '63 Bandmaster beauty.
Thanks, Daniel.
Doug, you are truly blessed with awesome patrons and viewers.
Indeed we are, Richard, and I am truly fortunate to have them.
What a beauty of an amp! Thanks for another great video :)
Thanks, Rick.....our pleasure :)
By far the best amp videos online. Love your stuff, Uncle Doug!
Thanks, Luke :)
PS. This is really awesome, I don't want that to get lost with my ramblings- This video especially for me, but these in general are a cataloguing of history and you are truly doing the world a service by documenting these beauties and their inner workings. Especially this era- there is an ever increasing ignorance out there about the brown face era. Sir, you are a gentleman and a scholar.
Wow, thanks so much, SC. It's a partnership between us and our viewers, who send us these beauties for repair.
I love watching Uncle Doug! This amp is a real looker! Love it!
Thanks, DP.
Uncle Doug, you may remember a 5 digit phone number, but I remember as a kid back on the farm in Northeast Missouri we had a 3 digit phone number on a crank phone. Our number was two shorts and a long. And that was with the old party line phone system. This was back in the early to mid 60's. I think it was somewhere around 66 to 68 before rotary dial became available in our area. Still a party line. What a pain that was!
What a find this amp is, just makes you drool and wish it was your own amp.
Great video as per usual Sir!
Thanks so much, Duncan. I think the phone system developed a little slower in rural areas.
@@UncleDoug Yes, I agree Rural areas always seem slower implementing new technology. I was back on the farm in the late 90's to visit my dad before he died and they still had a rotary phone system in that area. At least the party line was gone by then. They had a touchtone phone on the wall but the little switch on the side was set to rotary not tone dialing. I remember having to use a handheld touch tone generator on the mic in the phones headset to be able to access the companies systems that I worked for at the time when trying to access company apps & files etc..
That presence control is astounding! When you turned it down, my screen went black.
The magic of electronics :)
Hi Uncle Doug. You do some of the prettiest work I have ever seen, and I have been around a while in HF amp and radio repair.
Thanks so much, Monty :)
Wonderful video, such a thorough and detailed, very clear explanation of this remarkable piece of vintage tech... great stuff! Thanks for making this video!
You're quite welcome, Clyde. Glad you enjoyed it.
A wonderful video to watch for learning and enjoying! All the joy of the electric guitar comes when you really understand the amp. Thanks uncle Dough! You teach to learn love thy work.
You're quite welcome, Luis. Thanks for your very nice comments.
So look forward to these new arrivals of yours Doug..! Lovely to see these old jewels as you call them. Great vid, repair and service..Learning loads, and I'm sure that customer will be so happy to have had his amp star on your channel..Thanks for sharing your knowledge once again..Ed..U.K.
That's great to hear, Ed. Thanks so much :)
I love watching your videos Uncle Doug! I find it very relaxing and helps to clear the mind. I have also learned a lot. Sending a hug from Brazil!
That's great to hear, T. Back at you on the hugs :)
I don't usually listen to the entire audio test for amps, but this was an exception. What a sweet sounding amp!!
Thanks, Jim :)
Great video. I really appreciate how you take time to explain everything carefully and your rationale behind all the actions 👍 keep up the good work!
Thanks, JC. We will :)
Always a good day when I come home and see there is a new Uncle Doug video! Great work as always sir! Amp sound fabulous, should be one happy owner!!
Thanks so much, MP. I certainly hope so :)
Man, that Humbucker pickup played through the vibrato channel sounds GLORIOUS. Time to build one of these amps and get me a Humbucker electric guitar.
Thanks, Andy......agreed.
Sir, you do great work!!! You are one of the few I truly respect!!
I appreciate that, Raul. Thanks :)
Beautiful amp Doug. You always seem to tailor your methods to the goals of the owner and the condition of the equipment; well done.
Thanks, Shaun. I've started asking for letters with the amps so I can see exactly what the owner's are looking for. Just wait until the next video, featuring a 1954 Gibson GA-77.....I really felt like I delivered on the owner's requests.
God Bless and Protect you and your wonderful family Uncle Doug. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.
Thanks so much, F1. Likewise to you and yours.
I briefly possessed a 6G12 Fender Concert that has that same tremolo circuit. Much to my horror it turned out to have been a stolen amp that I purchased on Craigslist. So of course I returned it. It was an amazing sounding amp. I completely fell in love with the sound of it. I've got almost all the parts to build one now.
I'm glad you were honest, Pete. It's the best policy.
Just wonderful stuff Doug, as usual. The harmonic tremelo really is special.
Thanks twice, TP :)
Dang! 5 triode harmonic tremolo, I think is the way to go. Such a luscious and full sound! Thanks for sharing your work.
It was our pleasure, JT.......glad you enjoyed it.
That trem circuit sounds amazing! Thx for the video, great job.
Thanks, Danny. Glad you liked it :)
Another Good one Doug thank you
Thanks again 👍👍👍. I miss mine from 20 years ago .. oh well. Keep up the great work your the BEST😊👍👍
Thanks, Woody. Will do!
Thanks Uncle Doug! Another great learning experience
That's great to hear, V :)
Those new caps really brought that tremolo circuit to life. Sounds great Doug!
Thanks, Raymond :)
Uncle Doug, I must complement you on your masterful rubato at the end of the first P90 demonstration. I almost tipped over in my chair. Bravo.
Thank heavens someone out there in TH-cam Land recognized our stunning bit of musical artistry, Larry. We thank you.
sweet sounding amp. you make em really the best they can be every time.
Thanks so much, Malcolm. That really is our goal.
And that circuit came out perfect, with P90's you had no noise which is unheard of. Another phenomenal restoration/fix up !!
Thanks so much, Bert.
The power transformer in this magnificent amplifier was made the same month I was born. Thanks for sharing all the schematic knowledge.
Our pleasure, James. Regards to that handsome pup in your icon photo.
Doug, what a great amp! I'm very glad is was so pristine! It sounds really good through the shop speaker! Thanks for the P90 and humbucker demos. Reminds me I need to get a P90 guitar close to me again! Jack and Ollie are sounding great as ever!
I really do need to get a vintage Fender amp, or at least a proper Fender circuit.
Also really enjoyed the drone flight. I live north of DC now, but grew up in Las Vegas. Like 50 years ago. I really miss the desert!
Thanks so much, Bill. I think we all need at least one vintage Fender amp ;) The desert really is a special place.
Yeah P-90s are so disregarded and under appreciated. I wonder if some folks lose sleep over routing out vintage Lesters back in the day to make way for a humbucker? I witnessed more than one orig Les Paul have its P90 discarded for p.o.s. Dimarzio back in the mid 70's!
The blasphemy, may such wrongful souls rot in Disco Hell!
Another great one. No B.S. just straight to the heart of the matter. Well Done!
Thanks, John. We try not to waste our viewer's time.
Gorgeous sounding amp!!! I love how it responds to the P90's in specific. Great rebuild Doug, and cool "reverse engineering" ideas about the odd transformers, etc. What a beauty
Thanks so much, D :)
@@UncleDoug No, good sir, thank YOU :)
Ha ha! That amp is exactly three years older than me, how cool is that! Speaking of cool, the sound of a harmonic tremolo is much more complex than the standard type. Thanks so much for another awesome and informative video!
The pleasure was ours, Wade :)
What a cool circuit! Sounds great! Thanks, Uncle Doug!
You are welcome, Mike. Our pleasure :)
I think the customer is going to be very happy with this! And that vibrato is really nice.
I hope so too, John. Thanks :)
What a sweet Fender. Sounds fantastic. Another great job Uncle Doug!
Thanks, Carl :)
Thank you for highlighting Studio Sound Electronics. I have been looking for parts for my GA-30 RVT INVADER. This site will help immensely. The education and entertainment in your videos is always appreciated.
You're quite welcome, ReF. Thanks !!!
Uncle Doug, this has been my introductory video to your channel. Wow, to say I'm blown away is such an understatement. Thank you Sir!
You are very welcome, BY. Please watch our other 230+ videos when you get the time :)
Uncle Doug I did notice that I had some catching up to do. Sorry Netflix, you’ll have to wait. 👍
Thanks again Doug, enjoyed every minute.
That's great to hear, Lex :)
Thank you for sharing knowledge, I learn a great deal every time. Such a wonderful channel.
Thanks so much, SGS. It was our pleasure :)
Another winner of an episode, dear uncle. I am however, flummoxed by the unusual designation numbers on the power transformer. Your supposition of how it possibly wound up being installed is probably correct and logical. This Band Master is as close to mint as humanly possible! I am a huge fan of the 5881 output valves. Here lately, the only U.S. manufacturer using them almost exclusively is Soldano. His high gain amps are wrought with the 5881 power section. Thanks again for a great session; in bringing this mint exterior amp to a mint tone! Although the audio test instruments were well considered, I was dying to hear a strat, or tele through it as well. Nevertheless it sounded as it was in 1963; clean, responsive, and honest. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend, and thank you for the aerial panoramic of that picturesque park. Speak soon...
Thanks for all your erudite comments and observations, Alex. I too am a big fan of vintage 5881 tubes, but they are getting rather scarce. I wish I had stocked up on them back when they were more plentiful. Have a great weekend.
A nice presentation of the evolution of these wonderful amps awaits inside thanks to Uncle Doug.
Our pleasure, JJ.
Excellent as always! Thanks for sharing this, made my day.
You're welcome, Lewis......glad you enjoyed it :)
Thanks for the great video, Uncle Doug. Thanks to your TH-cam videos I have been able to tune up several Fender tube amps.
You're welcome, Andy. Glad to hear that the videos are helpful.
You do a super job repairing all these amps.😊
Thanks, User :)
Thanks uncle Doug, very interesting about bias settings. What a beautiful amp. Great video
Thanks, RJ.
Another fantastic UD video! And i really like the way that guitar sounds with your speaker on the demo. Bravo sir!
Thanks so much, NYC, and bless you for rescuing those pups.
I bought an old 6G7-a Bandmaster about 25 years ago. It had been recovered in snakeskin-patterned tolex. I had it rebuilt by Kendrick Amplifiers. When I came to pick it up, Gerald Weber said he was gonna have to give me a Valium before we fired it up, because it sounded so good.
Was he right? How great did it sound?
Uncle Doug , I wasn’t familiar with the harmonic tremolo sound until I heard that Bandmaster after Kendrick restored it. That sound is simply gorgeous. I had driven to the Kendrick factory on my lunch break to pick up the Bandmaster, and after hearing it, I had to take the rest of the day off and be alone with it for a while.
Another wonderful video! In the next sound test, I would love to hear one of these beauties turned up to about 5 or so. That way, in addition to the wonderful clean tones, we can experience some of those delicious breakup sounds that the brownies are famous for.
Thanks, Andrew. I'll keep your suggestion in mind.
Yeah and unkies chops are getting better and better, I think he has been practicing!
Dont be so shy unkie, turn it up loud n pround!
Another masterful exposition, Uncle Doug. I love the math and that you use the data to drive your actions. Also, love the geekery inducing that Fender probably ran out of transformers, given the transition of this circuit to another. Rock and roll!
Thanks, Tim. According to several viewers the suppositions about transitional power transformers seems to be correct.
@@UncleDoug History to that level of detail should be preserved. I thank you, sir!
What a beautiful amp, sounds delicious.
Thanks, Donald.
Watching your vids has definitely inspired me to do a modification on my Vox ac15, myself. I added a new jack plate and two female 1/4” jacks to be able to use an attenuator with my Combo amp. I even used one switched female jack so that I wouldn’t need to use a short jumper cable between the two when not using the attenuator.
Thanks for sharing your great work
You're welcome, WD......glad the videos were helpful.
Great job Doug. Amp sounds amazing. I vote p-90s, but I'm a single coil guy on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays. Thank you, sir. Cats are sounding good too. Really like the drone flights and the music.
Greetings, Jim. Thanks !! I agree the P-90's have a nice clarity. Glad you enjoyed the festivities :)
I am subscribed. What a great amp he found Himself. This rebuild was another another learner for sure.
That's good to hear, Mr. CC. Thanks !!!
thanks for the effort you put in to bringing us these videos
uncle doug, its pure genius, always leaves a big smile on
everyones face i`m sure! as captain ahab said to mr
starbuck,"let me look into a human eye "
Glad you like them, William. Thanks :)
I almost bought this amp on Reverb. I ended up buying another late 63 bandmaster head. Beautiful amps. Great work going over this amp for the customer man.
Thanks, KK :)
Thank you for all the great videos. Hours of entertainment and great jokes!
You're welcome, Paul......glad you enjoyed them :)
July 10th, my birthday. Bandmasters are so killer!
You're right twice, Ryan :)
Another great video Uncle Doug!!
Glad you enjoyed it, Big Joe. Thanks so much.
Great exposition! The amp looks gorgeous.
Thanks, Michal.
What an absolutely gorgeous Bandmaster..great find! Repairs minimal..original is King to me! Great vid Doug.
Thanks, Lynn :)
That tremolo is magic.
It is indeed very special, David :)
Thanks for this videos, i enjoy a lot and learn, you are like the best profesor I never have!!! Muchas gracias
You're quite welcome, Juan. Thanks !!!
Hi Uncle Doug... Sounds like you have been practicing you're licks!!!!! Another Super Quality Job! That little Cabinet kicks you know what. I prefer the sound of the P 90's Through that amp. As usual Thank You!!!
Thanks for the nice comments, Terry :)
Great video and amp; that's the best vibrato I've ever heard!
Thanks so much, Ed :)
What a lovely amp. Nice work again Uncle Doug.
Thanks, BN :)
@@UncleDoug It's a sheer pleasure watching these vid's. As an apprentice TV engineer from the 80's Uncle Doug I remember working on Decca Bradfords and the like and I so enjoy your videos, I had to learn valves at college but they were right at the end before we became transistor and integrated circuits. Now as an older man I've moved away into more general engineering of course as the most of us have had to but I play blues guitar on my Martin acoustics and simply love the sound and older technology of the old valve amps. I fully understand and appreciate your knowledge of course. Your new videos make my day.
Great Episode Uncle Doug!!
Thanks, TM :)
5 UD Vídeos yo catch up to!!! Bring em beers! This fandom won’t let you down ever UD!!! Cheers
Wow.....thanks for your continued support, K.
That's one hot blonde! But that harmonic tremolo is just magnificent...probably the most watery and rich I've ever heard. Such a great production from start to finish on this one Doug. 👍
Wow, thank you, Dan. So glad you enjoyed it.
Hello Doug, it's been a while. What a classic beauty. Very hot and dry in the Sierras,
Thanks, John. The same here......generally around 108+
Videos like this should be permantly installed consecutively to a media unit wired to 60 inch screen tvs in every great museum and music store on earth.
Thankyou for another adventure Vid sir!!!
Back to watching.....
Wow.....high praise indeed, Scott. Thanks !!!
That harmonic trem sounds so nice!
It really is special, Lam.
57:22 that harmonic tremolo glory! that just sounds so sweet... :)
I agree, Todd. It really is a wonderful effect.
Sounds absolutely amazing! 👏👏👏👏
Thanks, John :)
I'm heading out for my morning bike ride but this is number one viewing when I get back...
Have a safe ride, ID. See you later.
Excellent. Your videos have been an excellent guide for me while I have been learning about fender circuits. I have an old bassman head in quite a state, and I will be diving in to overhaul it this weekend. I don't think I would know nearly enough to do this safely or to a decent standard if it wasn't for channels like this.
Thanks, KM. Best of luck with your project.
@@UncleDoug just to let you know, an absolute success. Amp is repaired, in safe stable working order and just needs minor tweaks from this point. A complete recap, new heater wiring, new power screen and bias resistors, new plate resistors, some other replacement parts and reversal of poor shoddy previous work. Thanks again for your excellent resources, couldn't have done this myself without you!
Running better then new. Thanks for the looks see, that’s one lucky fellow. You stay safe out there. Almost the weekend time for a gas & oil fix.
Yes, indeed, OG. You too :)
Hello Uncle Doug, Well, that was almost to easy, you have fixed harder, but, this one sure was in nice condition, beautiful. Always good to see an amp video, they are what your famous for, I'm sure you'll be famous for your fine work on Hot Rods as well. Nice to hear the Cat's play some guitar, Petty at that. Glad your doing well, me too. Nice scenery and music, I take it that's you on guitar? Thank you for all the years of great instructional content and entertainment. Enjoy the last day's of Summer, all the best, Cass.
Thanks so much for all the nice comments, Cass. If you're referring to the final (drone) tune, yes, it's something I made up years ago.
That sounds great!
Thanks, DP.