[rugger]

Hey Now!
Quick question for all of the gear heads on this site (btw, relatively new here, but I just wanted to say that I've been blown away by the collective knowledge and enthusiasm to share that knowledge on this site).

I have a '64 Fender Bandmaster that's due for a tune up. I don't know the first thing about the guts of an amp. Which tubes should I put in? I'm basically a poor mans Garcia type of player.

John in San Diego

[Tennessee Jedi]

1) Yo !
2) Welcome !
3) I dont know what tubes you need
4) http://www.ampwares.com/ < --- handy guide
5) peace

[FretfulDave]

rugger, hello. Generally need a bit more info like what Bandmaster model is it? since it is a '64 and I went to the site that TJ showed, perhaps a blackface? In any event, for a blackface the power tubes are 6L6s and the pre-amps are 7025/12AX7s and a 12AT7 inverter. As far as the sound of individual tubes, all I can say is either spend some $$ and try different ones out or read reviews on the different characteristics of tubes at places like http://www.thetubestore.com or http://www.tubedepot.com . May well have to bias the amp every time you try different power tubes but the preamp tubes are plug and play. Probably best to take it to an amp tech to do biasing unless you do electronics, i.e. using meters.

Good luck.

Dave

[tigerstrat]

What is the service history of this amp?

In general:

Power(large) tubes: they probably need replacing, if they haven't been in about a couple years of moderate usage. Probably need a bias adjustment when these are replaced.

Preamp(small) tubes: Even if they are 45 yr-old OEM, there's a good chance that they don't need replacing at all, and may even sound better than much of what is available today. They don't make 'em like they used to. If you do decide to go with a new set, you might want to hang on to the originals (if still functional) and see how the sound changes when you swap them into different sockets, particularly V1, the preamp tube socket farthest from the power tubes.

Aside from the tubes, on an amp that old, I'd be wondering about the condition of the capacitors: have they ever been replaced? How long ago? Has the amp been used semi-regularly? (long periods of disuse can be bad for caps)...

Probably want a qualified tech to check all this for you. While inside he ought to see give all the pots a cleaning and make sure none need replacing ... and he'll probably recommend you update the power cord to 3-prong if it hasn't been.

[jackevorkian]

Check what you have for tubes already...you may be pleasantly surprised to find some nice vintage glass in there. Otherwise, I'd spend some money on a NOS RCA 12AX7 for V1(or probably V2) depending on which channel you plug into. Should be mandatory for all Blackface amps. If you have a little more to spend, look for some NOS 6L6's...Sylvania 6L6GC-STR or some RCA's. The rest of the 12AX and 12AT's could be new production Tung Sol's or EHX. If you don't want to spend the money on the pricey NOS 6L6's, JJ's are a good option. I'd definitely get the NOS RCA 12AX7, however.

Check out Mike at KCA NOS tubes.

[studied_4_acid_test]

Check what you have for tubes already...you may be pleasantly surprised to find some nice vintage glass in there. Otherwise, I'd spend some money on a NOS RCA 12AX7 for V1(or probably V2) depending on which channel you plug into. Should be mandatory for all Blackface amps. If you have a little more to spend, look for some NOS 6L6's...Sylvania 6L6GC-STR or some RCA's. The rest of the 12AX and 12AT's could be new production Tung Sol's or EHX. If you don't want to spend the money on the pricey NOS 6L6's, JJ's are a good option. I'd definitely get the NOS RCA 12AX7, however.

Check out Mike at KCA NOS tubes.

I second this. I'm a huge fan of RCA's. Great tubes

[rugger]

Appreciate all the replies. You've given me a little background knowledge for when I take it to the amp tech. I believe there is a reputable guy here in San Diego that's been around forever.

John in San Diego