1968 Fender Bassman head restoration

When this amp first came into the shop it was both electronically and esthetically 'challanged'.

Since I've never been crazy about the '68 Fender Bassman AB165 circuit I thought I'd change it to the more desirable AA864 circuit, along with re-Tolexing the cabinet, adding a 3 prong plug, re-capping, and re-tubing it.  In all, it took about 28 hours to completely go through and to rewire it so it was a 'complete' restoration job.  If it weren't an old Fender I would've never spent so much time on it.

The amp didn't have a back panel when it came in either but I down loaded a picture off the NET and made one to fit the amp... For power supply filter, bias board, and cathode bypass caps I used Sprague electrolytics. For tone and coupling caps I use Sprague Orange Drops and Silver Micas.  The preamp tubes are usually Sovtek 12AX7LPS, WBs, or JJ 12AX7s... if NOS aren't called for. Driver tubes are usually NOS Philips, or JJ 12AT7s.  For this amp the output tubes were RCA (relabled)  'Blackplate' 6L6GCs.  The sonic delivery of this amp is amazing; with either a bass or 6 string guitar.
      The current owner is Gary Williams, of SwingShift Blues Band, and occasional sideman for Kenny 'Blue' Ray.

Call, or e-mail for more info:
(209) 578-2990
Ron@unclespot.com

go back to the "Uncle Spot" WEB-site

Last updated 30 October, 2000
This site created and maintained by Uncle Spot